How do I become a ecotoxicologist
Get qualified to work as a ecotoxicologist with a course recognised across Australia. Speak to a training provider to learn more.
Related career opportunities
Browse occupations related to Ecotoxicologist.
Common questions
The average salary for Ecotoxicologists is currently $1,500 per week ($78,000 annually). These are median figures that include the salaries for new graduates as well as experienced scientists.
Courses.com.au Team
There are no clear employment figures for Ecotoxicologists working in Australia right now. They are employed by conservation organisations, academic institutions, government departments and agencies such as the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), the CSIRO, and the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning. Some Ecotoxicologists are self-employed consultants.
Courses.com.au Team
To work as an Ecotoxicologist in Australia you will need a Bachelor of Science (Earth and Environmental Systems), Bachelor of Biodiversity and Conservation (Environmental Science), Bachelor of Marine Science (Chemistry), or Bachelor of Environmental Science and Management. Once you have your undergraduate qualification you should consider a research degree in Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology or a Master of Environmental Engineering and Pollution Control.
Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights 2023
Courses.com.au Team
Further reading
What can you do with a Certificate IV in Environmental Management and Sustainability?
27th October 2020
Careers for people who love the outdoors
14th September 2021All ecotoxicologist courses
Ecotoxicologist careers
Ecotoxicologists are environmental scientists who study how toxic substances and pollutants enter the natural environment and impact the health of humans, animals, plants, and the natural resources of our planet. They carry out field tests, modelling, and toxicology research then advise governments and stakeholders on the best ways to prevent and remediate the impacts of pollution.
As an Ecotoxicologist you could be studying the impact of pesticides on the health of agricultural soil, tracing the source of toxic wastewater, screening human tissue samples for toxic substances, researching the presence of heavy metals (eg, mercury, lead, arsenic) in fish and marine life, measuring the levels of phthalates and other toxins in household plastics, writing a report on the decline in native plant species in national parks due to toxic waste, participating in an environmental focus group that addresses illegal discharge of wastewater, or running community programs to educate the general public about the impacts of microplastics on marine mammals.
To succeed in this occupation you will need a thorough knowledge of environmental science and the accepted ecotoxicology research methodologies, as well as the ability to present meaningful reports and recommendations to key decision-makers and stakeholders.
