School of Environmental Sciences
Careers in Environmental Sciences
Jobs web sites specifically for graduates of Environmental degrees
- Environmental Jobs Network (EJN) (Environmental jobs and current environmental events)
- COOEEads by Project Nature-ed (Jobs, consultancies, conferences and training opportunities in outdoor / environmental education, interpretive communication and park management)
- NRM Jobs (Jobs and opportunities in the environment, water and natural resource management field)
- EnviroJobs (Jobs in environmental management, natural resources, environmental engineering, environmental health and environmental science)
- Student Services Careers page
Environmental Scientist
Environmental scientists measure and record features of the environment and study, assess and develop methods of controlling or minimising the harmful effects of human activity. An Environmental Scientist ensures that sound management practices, which support plant and animal life, are in place. 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. Environmental Scientists may:
- develop ways of minimising human impacts on the environment
- assist in developing policies, strategies and codes of practice on environmental management
- plan and conduct research into the physical and biological nature of the environment
- monitor the effects of land degradation, and recommend ways of prevention and control
- monitor the environmental impacts of development activities
- negotiate with, and provide advice to, industry, government departments and the public on environmental matters.
Landcare Officers and Catchment Managers
Landcare Workers and Catchment Managers perform a range of tasks associated with the sustainable management of rural Australia. This includes maintaining and restoring native bushland, combating land degradation and maintaining healthy rivers and wetlands. A Landcare Worker or Catchment Manager may:
- prepare plans and strategies for native vegetation or wetland conservation
- identify and assist the application of measures to combat salinity, water quality decline and land degradation
- plan and undertake weed and feral animal control programs
- replant native vegetation
- map vegetation and collect environmental data
- develop and implement public education programs.
Natural Resource Manager
Natural Resource Managers develop and implement conservation plans for land and water resources, so that people can use these resources in an ecologically sustainable way. Natural Resource Managers specialising in land and biological resources work in agencies where they can apply ecological and planning principles to the management of forests, wetlands and other environments. Natural Resource Managers specialising in water and soil resources may apply their skills to water supply, water catchment management and land rehabilitation. Natural Resource Managers may:
- develop resource management policies and plans
- undertake works for flora and fauna conservation
- monitor components of the environment (soil, water and air)
- develop practical solutions in environmental management and rehabilitation
- develop techniques to ensure ecologically sustainable development and use of vital land and water resources
- undertake plant and animal pest management
- organise surveys of plants, animals and other aspects of natural resources
- run community education programs.
Park Ranger
Park Rangers control, supervise and manage national parks, scenic areas, historic sites, nature reserves and other recreational areas. Park Rangers work in many environments, such as snow fields, rain forests, coastal and semi–arid areas. They may be required to work in remote areas, and move from park to park. All rangers have contact with the public. A Park Ranger may:
- ensure endangered animals and plants are protected, and assist in research projects
- assist in wildlife management projects, including surveys and monitoring of wildlife
assist in the development of visitor facilities - supervise and coordinate fire management, weed eradication and pest–control programs
- assist with guided tours and promote awareness, understanding and appreciation of the natural and cultural features of the park
- patrol waterways, roads and tracks to observe and report on the park environment, including the condition of animals and plants
- ensure that parks, park facilities and equipment are clean and properly maintained
- participate in search and rescue operations
- provide daily supervision and training of park staff and volunteers
- oversee crews of general maintenance workers and contractors
- prepare, review and implement reports, submissions, plans of management, development proposals and environmental impact assessments.
Biological Scientist and Ecologist
Biological Scientists study the structure, function, behaviour and interactions of living organisms to increase scientific knowledge and develop practical applications in fields such as agriculture, the environment, and fisheries. Botanists study the biology of all types of plants to increase scientific knowledge and find ways to apply this knowledge in areas such as conservation and management of natural resources, agriculture and forestry. Zoologists study the structures, characteristics, functions, ecology and environments of animals to increase scientific knowledge and develop practical applications in wildlife management, conservation and agriculture. Ecologists study the interactions between plants, animals and their environment. A Biological Scientist or Ecologist may:
- determine the influence of internal and external environments on processes in animals (including humans), plants and other organisms
- study organisms in controlled environments to gain an understanding of their survival and growth in real environments
- examine the way mixed communities and ecosystems function in relation to their environment and the different organisms found in them
- predict the way humans and other influences will affect the structure and interactions in natural ecosystems
- apply their knowledge and findings from research to maximise the long–term economic, social, environmental and recreational return from living resources
- write scientific reports on research, investigations and more general information for scientific, managerial, political and general audiences
- provide advice to managers, politicians, primary producers and the general public.
Environmental Geographer
Environmental Geographers study and analyse the relationships between human activities and the natural and built environment. Environmental Geographers deal with land and water management, urban and regional planning and natural hazards such as floods, drought and bush fires. Environmental Geographers may:
- measure and collect data and compile maps on climate, vegetation and animals, soils, land surface features and distributions, populations and social, economic, political and land use activities
- analyse and interpret a range of statistical data, maps, charts and other geographic information
- interpret satellite imagery for assessing and mapping natural resources, land uses and human activities
- advise on such issues as environmental management, and placement of public facilities and services
- advise or act as consultants to governments and organisations on urban and rural land use, regional economic development, resource planning and management, tourism, land degradation and erosion, environmental quality and boundary demarcations
- develop appropriate geographic information systems including information acquisition, coding, geographic database development management and applications
- apply remote sensing, computer cartography and geographic information technologies.
Cultural Heritage Officer
Cultural heritage officers are involved in the identification and conservation of places and objects having cultural heritage value. As a cultural heritage officer, you will have a knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander views of the world; Australian history and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history; and the cultural and natural landscapes of Australia. A Cultural Heritage Officer may:
- contribute to the conservation and management of cultural heritage
- identify and assess the significance of cultural heritage places and objects
- provide advice on projects or activities that may affect cultural heritage places
- develop cultural heritage conservation policy and guidelines
- seek and arrange funding to support heritage conservation
- prepare thematic histories
- contribute to the interpretation of cultural heritage.
Recreation Officer
Recreation Officers develop, support and coordinate recreation programs and services for the benefit of the community. Recreation Officers may work at one of three levels: professional, technical or operative. Professional officers work as planners, researchers, consultants, educators and administrators. Technical officers' work may involve managing a leisure centre, community centre or sports complex. Recreation Officers work at the operative level as youth leaders and outdoor activity leaders. Recreation Officers may:
- develop and/or administer recreation policy
- plan and promote recreation activities
- organise local sporting and recreational events
- prepare and/or administer financial estimates and resource allocations
- deliver recreational services by initiating, organising and coordinating activities such as holiday programs, public displays and cultural activities
- recruit, train and/or supervise recreation leaders
- liaise with the public and special interest groups about programs and facilities.
Tour Guide
Tour Guides accompany visitors on local tours and services and guide within a specific country, region, area, city or site. They provide special information on matters relating to such things as history, the environment, culture, natural and built attractions. An Adventure Guide requires guiding skills plus specialist recreational skills such as white water rafting, bushwalking or mountaineering. Guide Coordinators are usually those who have worked as a guide and now supervises, coordinates and trains guides. An Indigenous Guide should have an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander background with a deep understanding of their culture. Nature–based and Ecotourism Guide conducts day or extended tours and requires guiding skills and specialist environmental knowledge. A Tour Guide may:
- lead tour groups and advise members of local interest points and prepare and present tour commentaries
- coordinate pre–arranged accommodation and transport, and ensure comfort of tour members
- coordinate pre–arranged touring activities
- attend to operational matters and problems such as booking, luggage, liaise with transportation companies
- maintain written reports of daily activities and carry out other administrative work.
Tourism Manager
Tourism managers promote tourism in their region through advertising campaigns and strategies, and provides assistance to tourists. A tourism manager may:
- manage a tourism information centre – this includes business management, staff supervision and development, office systems and the provision of services
- act as the executive officer for the local tourism committee
- ensure services are in place to respond to the day–to–day tourism inquiries
- monitor and regularly report to management on the status of the tourism marketing budget
give presentations on tourism awareness or new initiatives, n behalf of the employer, to industry, community or interest groups - contribute to the planning, development and implementation of the tourism marketing strategy
- liaise and build close relationships with the media to promote tourism issues, and encourage community involvement and awareness.