Environmental Scientists study, develop, implement and advise on policies and plans for managing and protecting the environment, flora, fauna and other natural resources.
Occupations in this field typically require a bachelor degree or higher qualification. In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification.
Tasks Include:
- evaluating habitat, wildlife and fisheries needs, and formulating short- and long-term management goals and objectives
- enforcing laws and regulations to conserve and protect fish and wildlife
- carrying out environmental impact assessments for a wide range of development projects
- proposing solutions to address negative environmental impact
- studying the effects of factors, such as terrain, altitude, climatic and environmental change, sources of nutrition, predators and the impacts of humans, on animal and plant life
- studying and analysing pollution, atmospheric conditions, demographic characteristics, ecology, mineral, soil and water samples
- developing conservation and management policies for biological resources, such as fish populations and forests, and establishing standards and developing approaches for the control of pollution and the rehabilitation of areas disturbed by activities such as mining, timber felling and overgrazing
- implementing policies and organising activities in designated parks and other areas to conserve and protect natural and cultural heritage
- participating in management planning by providing environmental information and making inventories of plants, animals and items of cultural and heritage significance
Occupations:
- Conservation Officer
- Environmental Consultant
- Environmental Research Scientist
- Park Ranger
- Environmental Scientists nec
Conservation Officer
Develops and implements programs and regulations for the protection of fish, wildlife and other natural resources.
Specialisation:
- Landcare Facilitator (Aus)
Environmental Consultant
Alternative Titles:
- Environmental Adviser
- Environmental Auditor
- Environmental Officer
Analyses and advises on policies guiding the design, implementation and modification of government or commercial environmental operations and programs.
Environmental Research Scientist
Alternative Title:
Studies and develops policies and plans for the control of factors which may produce pollution, imbalance in or degradation of the environment.
Specialisations:
- Air Pollution Analyst
- Ecologist
- Land Degradation Analyst
- Water Quality Analyst
Park Ranger
Assists in controlling a State or national park, scenic area, historic site, nature reserve, recreation area or conservation reserve in accordance with authorised policies and priorities.
Specialisation:
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Land and Sea Ranger (Aus)
Environmental Scientists Nec
This occupation group covers Environmental Scientists not elsewhere classified.
Occupations in this group include:
- Environmental Educator
- Soil Scientist
