Note: Completion of a TAFE SA course does not guarantee an employment outcome. Formal requirements other than educational qualifications (eg licensing, professional registration), may apply to some occupations.
| Job Prospects | Average; employment in this occupation is expected to grow slightly to 2010. |
|---|---|
| Salary Range | $40,000 to $55,000 |
| Brief | Salinity is the biggest environmental problem that we are facing today. Undertaking research that might help to solve this problem is both challenging and exciting. There are approximately 1,340 Environmental Scientists working in South Australia. Employment is largely full-time and most work in the Property and Business industry. Most persons in this occupation are males with the majority of workers aged between 25 – 34 years. |
Quick Profile Navigation
TAFE SA courses that may be relevant for: Environmental Scientist / Environmental Project Officer
Introduction
An environmental scientist is interested in finding the answers to important scientific questions so that we may better understand and protect the environment. To manage our environment, we need to understand the ways in which we are changing it and the effect these changes have on our health and well being.
Similar Interests?
Not quite the career you are looking for? Please try the related course profiles below:
Outdoor
Farm hand, Horse Trainer, Aircraft Pilot, Police Officer, Travel Consultant (Domestic and International), Child Care Worker, Miner, Mineral Processing Operator, Viticulturist and Vineyard Hand, Horticultural Tradesperson (Gardener), Animal Attendant, Nursery Worker, Farmer and Farm Manager, Livestock Buyer/Livestock Farmers, Sports Coach, Aquaculture Farmer and Technician, Caravan Park/Camping grounds Manager, Private Investigator, Landcare Officer, Telecommunications Technician, Automotive Electrician, Ecotourism Guide, Park Ranger, Shearer, Jockey, Cartographer - Surveyor, Boilermakers/Welder, Painters and Decorator, Environmental Scientist / Environmental Project Officer, Bricklayer
Scientific
Laboratory and Science Technician (Laboratory Workers), Geologist and Geophysicist, Trichologist, Electronic Engineering Associate, Viticulturist and Vineyard Hand, Aquaculture Farmer and Technician, Veterinary Nurse, Beauty Therapist, Food Processing Technician, Computer Systems Engineering Associate, Market Research Analyst, Environmental Scientist / Environmental Project Officer
Education Requirements
To become an environmental research scientist you will need to complete a relevant degree. Of those already employed in the occupation there are 41% who have Bachelor Degrees, 23% who have Postgraduate Degrees, 12% who have Advanced Diplomas or Diplomas, 9% have either Certificate III or Certificate IV and 8% have no post school qualification.
Tafe SA offers the Certificate IV in Environmental Technology and the Diploma in Environmental Management to help you find employment in this area.
Flinders University offers the following degrees: Bachelor of Environmental Management, Bachelor of Science (Biodiversity and Conservation), Bachelor of Science (Environmental Science).
The University of Adelaide offers the following courses: Bachelor of Science (EcoChemistry), Bachelor of Science (Ecology and Environmental Biology), Bachelor of Science (Sustainable Environments).
The University of South Australia offers the following courses: Bachelor of Science (Environmental Studies) and Bachelor of Biodiversity, Environmental and Park Management.
Career Path
Currently, prospects for environmental research scientists are best described as very good. A relatively high number of graduates, employment opportunities are therefore limited. Many environmental science graduates undertake their studies out of interest and to gain critical scientific research skills which can be applied to a broader range of careers. The level of government and industry funding that is available for research largely determines prospects for employment in this area. It is strongly recommended to take education to an honours or masters level.
For further information, contact:
Department for Environment and Heritage
GPO Box 1047 Adelaide SA 5001
Ph: (08) 8204 9000
Email: webadmin@saugov.sa.gov.au
Internet Address: http://www.environment.sa.gov.au
Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Australia
GPO Box 858 Canberra ACT 2601
Ph: (02) 6272 3933
Fax: (02) 6272 5161
Internet Address: http://www.daff.gov.au
Environment Institute of Australia and New Zealand
GPO Box 211 Melbourne VIC 3001
Ph: (03) 9654 7473
Fax: (03) 9650 1242
Email: info@eianz.org
Internet Address: http://www.eianz.org
Industry
Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing
Interview
To be updated.
Nature of the Job
As an environmental scientist, you might study global warming, endangered species or the effects of pollution on a particular ecosystem or species. What are the causes of salinity in the Wheatbelt? How do ecosystems work? and how do they react to human activities?' are all questions of keen interest at the moment.
Having posed an important question, an environmental scientist will develop a project or experiment that hopefully answers the question, or at least sheds some new light on the subject. They will then usually undertake a review of all available literature on their subject, before deciding how they will set up their experiment. The next step often involves going into the field to collect data so that the analysis and hopefully greater learning can occur.
A former Senior Research Scientist for the CSIRO Environmental Projects Office describes fieldwork as often involving collecting samples on a cold and rainy night or painstakingly picking small animals out of a mass of mud. So what keeps him at it? Its the thrill of discovering new things, like new species or new insights into how the world works and the chance to improve the way we interact with the environment. And it is challenging work!
Typical Physical Working Environment
Developing a research project requires specialist knowledge in the relevant area of scientific study. It also involves having a good understanding of experimental design. Added to that, you will need excellent research skills and lots of patience. You also need a logical approach to problem solving as well as technical aptitude in running instruments, calculating results and setting up equipment.
Typical Occupational Example
There are a number of fields within environmental research that you may explore. An environmental research scientist in the area of hydrology might look into the effects of pumping groundwater from the Coastal Plain, the main source of water for people in the metropolitan area. Plant physiology studies might focus on dieback, a problem in our native forests. Plant nutrition studies might look into the effect of nutrients in our waterways to prevent disasters such as the recent blue-green algal blooms in the Torrens River. Forest ecology investigates the impact of harvesting and logging and the impact of prescription burning. Environmental research scientists are most likely to be employed by organisations such as CALM, CSIRO or Agriculture SA.
Earning Potential
Salaries for new graduates in this area usually start at around $40,000 to $45,000. With more experience, an environmental research scientist can earn up to around $55,000. There are opportunities for career advancement to managerial positions, with salaries of around $60,000 and higher.
Further Information
For further information about all TAFE SA Courses, phone 1800 882 661 or email tafeinfo@saugov.sa.gov.au
Add this page to your favorite Social Bookmarking websites.
This Career Profile information was last modified: 29/01/2009 3:54:01 PM
The information was accurate at the time of publication. TAFE SA and their agents reserve the right to make any changes necessary
