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Environmental scientists
study, assess and record features of the environment and develop methods of
environmental conservation, and of controlling or minimising the harmful
effects of human activity on
the environment.
Environmental
research scientists study and record environmental phenomena, as well as
plan ways to reduce the damage that human activity has on the environment.
They may study the sources and effects of pollution, or other forms of
environmental decay and damage, and work out ways to remedy or prevent this.
They identify and analyse the source of pollution, develop ways to combat
it, and develop conservation and rehabilitation plans to combat the effects
of work undertaken through mining, forestry, construction and agriculture.
Environmental scientists may work for government departments or for private
companies working in the mining, construction or land development industry.
ANZSCO ID: 234313
Specialisations:
- Air pollution analyst
- Ecologist
-
Environmental Officer:
An environmental officer makes sure that businesses and organisations pursue
sound management practices which support plant and animal life.
- Land degradation analyst
- Water quality analyst
Knowledge, skills and attributes
- a logical approach to problem solving
- technical aptitude
- good communication skills
- able to work as a part of a team.
Duties and Tasks
Environmental scientists may perform the following tasks:
- plan and conduct research into the physical and biological nature of the environment
- undertake laboratory work
- monitor the environmental impacts of development activities
- develop ways of minimising the impact of industrial, agricultural and urban processes on the environment
- develop conservation plans
- investigate and report on breaches of environmental guidelines
- run community education programs
- take part in responding to emergencies, such as chemical spills and accidents
- analyse pollutants, identify their sources and assess their effects on the environment
- monitor the effects of pollution and land degradation, and recommend ways of prevention and control
- rehabilitate land, water and air affected by mining, logging, construction, degradation and pollution
- conduct research and prepare proposals to lessen the impact of agriculture, grazing, new industrial and other developments on the environment
- research matters of immediate and long-term importance to governments and communities such as the impact of land clearing on native animals and the impact of waste products on waterways
- negotiate with, and provide advice to, industry, government and the public on environmental matters such as the management, re-use or disposal of hazardous materials
- assist in developing policies, strategies and codes of practice on
environmental management
conduct environmental audits.
Working conditions
Environmental scientists work in offices and laboratories, and undertake field work in a range of outdoor locations. They may need to travel throughout the State or across the country to conduct field research. Specific weather conditions are often required in order to undertake research. They usually work regular business hours, but may be required to work longer hours at times.
Environmental scientists usually work with a range of other professional and technical staff. The amount of indoor and outdoor work they do depends on the individual job.
https://youtu.be/WKx-TrwlgG4
Tools and technologies
Environmental scientists use computers and specialty design and modelling
software, as well as sampling and testing equipment, laboratory equipment,
and surveying and measuring equipment. They refer to maps and other
environmental diagrams. When conducting field research, they are often
required to wear safety gear such as hard hats, work boots and
high-visibility clothing.
Education and training/entrance requirements
To become an environmental scientist you usually have to complete a degree in science, majoring in environmental science, or a related field.
An ecologist studies the relationship between the environment and the
organisms and actions that affect and are affected by it, including
animal and plant life, weather patterns, and human activity such as
agriculture, urban development and pollution. The aim
of their work could range from balancing the needs of the environment to
coming up with ideas for land management.
They
look at how animals and plants inhabit a particular environment, and
report on the likely impact of any proposed construction works.
Ecologists' work is essential to conserving Australia's ecosystems and
its biodiversity. Ecologists also have a vital role in areas such as
urban expansion, irrigation, climate change and invasive species.
ANZSCO ID: 234313
Specialisations: As
an ecologist, you would normally specialise in a particular type of
environment, for example marine or coastal areas, or a specific animal
or plant species.
Knowledge, skills and attributes
- Master’s degree in natural resources, ecology, forestry, environmental science, or related field.
- 3+ years of work experience in a similar role.
- Proficient computer skills.
- Proficient with GIS and GPS.
- Knowledge of absence-presence surveys.
- Outstanding communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Ability to work outdoors in unpleasant climatic conditions.
- Analytical thinking and reasoning skills
- Good grasp of maths and English
- Excellent verbal communication skills
- Ability to use your own initiative.
- Valid driver’s license.
- Availability to travel.
- Safety-minded.
(Source:
Science)
Duties and Tasks
- Collecting and analysing data to determine environmental conditions and restoration needs
- Conducting environmental site assessments.
- Identifying wetland delineations, and coordinating threatened and endangered species management.
- Developing and communicating recommendations for landowners to maintain or restore environmental conditions
- Planning environmental restoration projects, using biological databases, environmental strategies, and planning software
- Building computer models to predict effects of construction work
- Communicating findings of environmental studies or proposals for environmental remediation to other restoration professionals
- Conducting site assessments to certify a habitat or to ascertain environmental damage or restoration needs
- Conducting habitat evaluations, including presence-absence surveys.
- Developing environmental restoration project schedules and budgets
- Creating habitat management or restoration
plans, such as native tree restoration and weed control;
Supervising and provide technical guidance, training, or assistance to employees working in the field to restore habitats - Applying for permits required for the implementation of environmental remediation projects
- Collecting specimens.
- Managing stormwater run-off, and monitoring erosion control.
- Monitoring construction projects.
- Processing, capturing, and analyzing data.
- Compiling technical reports and findings.
- Planning and overseeing fieldwork, and acting as in-field leader for junior staff and technicians.
- Ensuring compliance with safety protocols and procedures.
- Creating diagrams to communicate environmental remediation planning using geographic information systems (GIS), computer-aided design (CAD) or other mapping or diagramming software.
- Providing expert advice on environmental legislation
(Source:
Ag Explorer)
Working conditions
Most Ecologists carry out both field-based and office or
laboratory-based activities. Depending on the job in
hand, they could spend time working outdoors, at a university, in an
office or in a laboratory. When working in a laboratory or
writing up research you could be based at one site and work between 37
and 40 hours a week, Monday to Friday. You may have to travel to visit
other sites or go to meetings.
Research and fieldwork could involve longer and irregular working hours,
including evenings and weekends. You could be working outdoors for long
periods of time.
Many jobs include travel, so you are likely to need a full driving
license.
Education and training/entrance requirements
To work as an ecologist you could start with a Bachelor of
Science with a major in:
Agricultural Science
Chemistry
Climate and Weather
Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
Ecosystem Science
Environmental Science
Geography
Geology
Marine Biology
Plant Science
Plant and Soil Science
Zoology.
You could also gain specialised knowledge and more practical experience
through graduate study, including:
Master of Ecosystem Management and Conservation
Master of Engineering (Environmental)
Master of Environment
Master of Environmental Engineering
Master of Environmental Science
Master of Science (Earth Sciences)
Master of Ecosystem Science
Doctor of Philosophy (Science)
Companies that employ graduates
Australian Conservation Foundation
Australian Ecological Research Services
Australian Ecosystems
Australian Wildlife Conservancy
Biosis
Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning
NRM Environmental Jobs
Employment Opportunities
Ecologists work for conservation organisations, not-for-profit and
non-governmental organisations, and in the public and private sector.
Ecologists work for environmental consultants.
Critical Thinking Spot
Read the following article from
The Conversation 1 February 2024
Come up with some Indigenous
names that we would all be able to identify with!
Related Jobs or Working with these Jobs
Materials sourced from
Jobs & Skills WA [Environmental
Research Scientist; ]
Melbourne University
[Ecologist;
]
Better Team [Ecologist;
]
Go Construct [Ecologist;
]
Work Chron [Ecologist;
]
Your Career [Environmental
Research Scientist; ]
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