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Environmental Scientist

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Environmental Scientists protect natural resources and advise on sustainable practices by conducting research, impact assessments, and community education.

  • This role has a low level of AI exposure. Core skills such as adaptability, social intelligence, and complex physical tasks remain beyond the capabilities of current AI.
      • ACT
      • VIC
      • QLD
      • TAS
      • WA
      • NT
      • SA
  • 10,000 people employed in Australia
AI exposure data adapted from Felten, Raj & Seamans (2021). Shortage data sourced from Jobs and Skills Australia (2024).

How do I become a environmental scientist

Get qualified to work as a environmental scientist with a course recognised across Australia. Speak to a training provider to learn more.

Related career opportunities

Browse occupations related to Environmental Scientist.

Common questions

The average salary for Australian Environmental Scientists is currently $2,250 per week ($117,000 annually). These are median figures that include the salaries for new graduates as well as experienced scientists.

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There are approximately 26,300 Environmental Scientists employed in Australia right now. They work for construction companies, energy and resources corporations, 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 Environmental Scientists are self-employed consultants.

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To work as an Environmental Scientist in Australia you will need a Bachelor of Science (Earth and Environmental Systems) or Bachelor of Environmental Science and Management. You will also benefit from post-graduate studies in a specialist field such as climate and weather, agriculture, plant and soil management, fisheries, oceanography, ecology, geology, and more.

Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights 2023

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Related fields of study

Environment and Sustainability

Want to make a difference in the world by creating sustainable workplaces and communities? Find out how at Courses.com.au.

All Environment and Sustainability

Sustainable Operations

Specialise in environment and sustainability studies, equipping yourself to create impactful workplace solutions. Pathways for domestic and international students.

Career opportunities

Further reading

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Environmental Scientist careers

Environmental Scientists are passionate about the natural environment and aim to protect and conserve wildlife, plants and forests, fishes, natural resources, and cultural heritage sites. They carry out field tests, modelling, and environmental research then advise governments and private enterprises on the most sustainable ways to carry out their operations.

As an Environmental Scientist you could be carrying out environmental impact assessments for a construction company, analysing the impact of pollution on local soil and water quality, writing a report on the decline in native plant species in national parks, developing an operational procedure for local government to prevent unlawful land clearing, participating in an environmental focus group that addresses illegal discharge of wastewaters, or running community programs to educate the general public about the impacts of climate change.

To succeed in this occupation you will need a thorough knowledge of environmental science and the research methodologies in your specialist field, as well as the ability to present meaningful reports and recommendations to key decision-makers and stakeholders.