Environmental Scientist

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.

Future demand High
Average yearly income $117,000
Skill level Advanced

How do I become a environmental scientist?

All skill levels Beginner Experienced
Recommended

Bachelor of Environmental Science
Blended, On Campus
3 - 4 years
$0 - $88,800
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Environmental Scientist Forester Sustainability Officer
Environmental Manager Environmental Specialist Ecotoxicologist Environmental Chemist Environmental Officer Field Assistant Environmental Assessor Spatial Analyst Land Management Officer Earth Scientist Conservationist Sustainability Advisor Plant Scientist Marine Environmental Consultant Physical Scientist Plant Pathologist
+ 16 more

Bachelor of Science (Environmental Science)
On Campus
3 years
$0 - $123,300
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Conservation Biologist Ecologist Environmental Manager
Environmental Scientist Natural Resource Manager Sustainability Specialist Climatologist Environmental Assessor Geomorphologist Earth Scientist Ecology Consultant Fisheries Scientist
+ 9 more

Bachelor of Science (Honours) (Environment)
On Campus
12 months
Unavailable
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Conservation Officer Environmental Consultant Environmental Manager
Environmental Scientist Sustainability Consultant
+ 2 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Conservation Officer Environmental Consultant Environmental Manager Environmental Scientist Sustainability Consultant + 2 more

Bachelor of Science (Honours) (Environmental Science)
Blended, On Campus
12 months
$0 - $16,323
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Ecologist Environmental Advisor Environmental Chemist
Environmental Scientist Sustainability Consultant Sustainability Manager Environmental Policy Analyst Environmental Educator
+ 5 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Ecologist Environmental Advisor Environmental Chemist Environmental Scientist Sustainability Consultant Sustainability Manager Environmental Policy Analyst Environmental Educator + 5 more

Master of Environmental Science
Blended, On Campus
12 - 24 months
$0 - $74,062
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Environmental Consultant Environmental Manager Environmental Scientist
Natural Resource Manager Sustainability Manager Geomorphologist Ecotoxicologist
+ 4 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Environmental Consultant Environmental Manager Environmental Scientist Natural Resource Manager Sustainability Manager Geomorphologist Ecotoxicologist + 4 more

Master of Environmental Management
Blended, Online
18 - 24 months
$0 - $50,544
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Environmental Consultant Environmental Manager Environmental Planner
Sustainability Advisor Environmental Scientist Natural Resource Manager Fisheries Scientist Marine Environmental Consultant
+ 5 more

Master of Environment
Blended, On Campus
24 months
$0 - $85,788
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Climate Change Consultant Environmental Scientist Natural Resource Manager
Sustainability Specialist Environmental Manager
+ 2 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Climate Change Consultant Environmental Scientist Natural Resource Manager Sustainability Specialist Environmental Manager + 2 more

Graduate Diploma in Environmental Science
Blended, On Campus
12 months
$0 - $34,700
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Environmental Consultant Environmental Scientist Ecologist
Natural Resource Manager Environmental Advisor Sustainability Officer Environmental Officer Environmental Specialist Marine Environmental Consultant
+ 6 more

Graduate Certificate in Environmental Science
Blended, On Campus
6 - 12 months
$0 - $34,232
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Environmental Advisor Environmental Consultant Environmental Educator
Environmental Technician Environmental Scientist
+ 2 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Environmental Advisor Environmental Consultant Environmental Educator Environmental Technician Environmental Scientist + 2 more

Bachelor of Environmental Science and Management
Blended, On Campus
3 years
$0 - $29,355
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Environmental Consultant Environmental Manager Environmental Planner
Environmental Policy Analyst Environmental Scientist Sustainability Consultant Environmental Specialist Environmental Assessor Geomorphologist Environmental Lawyer Zoologist Fisheries Scientist
+ 9 more
*Showing course fees for all providers. Some providers may not be available in your area.

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Common questions

How much do Environmental Scientists earn?

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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What are the job opportunities for Environmental Scientists?

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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How do I become an Environmental Scientist?

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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Courses.com.au Team Industry expert

Further reading

Most popular environment and sustainability courses

12th June 2022)

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 2021)

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