Compiled by: Careers and Employment Service, Student Services, Griffith University
The Environmental Science program examines, in detail, the critical components of biological, physical and social environments and develops a broad understanding of the complex relationships between them. It prepares you for dealing with environmental problems and issues using an integrated professional method. The program involves core courses in environmental areas designed to enhance literacy, communication and numeracy skills.
The demand is increasing for professionals with the ability to comprehend, analyse and manage environmental issues and problems. The environmental science program is strongly employment-driven, with increasing demand for practitioners in environmental science.
As an Environmental Science student, you should be aware that in addition to discipline-related content and skills, you are acquiring other skills that are highly valued by employers. These skills, known at Griffith as “generic” or “professional” skills are sometimes referred to as “transferable”, as they can be transferred from one environment to another (learning to the workplace, part-time to professional work). To learn more about recognising your skills, go to Skills Explorer.
Environmental Science graduates are employed in a wide range of occupations and industries including:
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It is important to note that employers often do not specify a particular major or specialisation when recruiting. Some are even quite flexible about the degree applicants have studied, for example, some major employers recruit “any degree”. Such employers often indicate an interest in a broad range of graduate skills together with passion, commitment and a strong work ethic rather than specific program content. Your Environmental Science degree may be appropriate to a wide range of positions many of which may not seem obvious at first glance.
Examples of positions and employers include:
| Agriculture Scientist | Bahrung Landcare |
| Assistant Environment Analyst | Ministry of Defence |
| Botanist | Environmental Management International |
| Cadet Laboratory Technician | Caboolture Shire Council |
| Chemistry Laboratory Demonstrator | Griffith University |
| Coastcare Bushcare Project Officer | Boyne Island Environmental Education Centre |
| Community Consultation Officer | PPK Environment and Infrastructure |
| Conservationist | Australian Trust for Conservation Volunteers |
| Consultant | Power Plus Australia Pty Ltd |
| Data Collector | Pacific Organics |
| Environmental Protection Officer | Environmental Protection Agency |
| Environmental Consultant | Environmental Licensing |
| Environmental Field Officer | Department of Primary Industries |
| Environmental Agronomist | Sackville Pastoral |
| Graduate Environmental Officer | Department of Main Roads |
| Environmental Policy Officer | Queensland Farmers Federation |
| Environmental Scientist | Border Tech Geotechnical |
| Environmental Scientist | Lloyd Consulting Pty Ltd |
| Environmental Scientist | Otek Australia Pty Ltd |
| Environmental Scientist/Ecologist | FRS Environmental |
| Soil Scientist | Gilbert and Sutherland |
| Environmental Trainee | Greening Australia |
| Experimentalist | Department of Primary Industries |
| Field Assistant | Department of Primary Industries |
| Field Assistant, GIS mapping | Department of Primary Industries |
| Field Operations Manager | Madura Tea Estates |
| Hydrographer | Department of Natural Resources |
| Laboratory Assistant | INCITEC Ltd |
| Laboratory Technician | CSIRO Exploration and Mining |
| Land Research Officer | Department of Natural Resources |
| Liaison Officer | Department of Mines and Energy |
| Licensing Officer | Environmental Protection Agency |
| Policy Officer | Environmental Protection Agency |
| Program Manager | Australian Environmental International |
| Project Officer, Vegetation Management | Department of Natural Resources |
| Quarantine Officer | Australian Quarantine Services |
| Research Assistant | Ovens Res Station |
| Research Officer | Redlands Shire Council |
| Roadshow Officer | Queensland Science Centre |
| Terrestrial Ecology Consultant | Fisher Stewart |
| Waterways Program Assistant | Brisbane City Council |
Some sample job advertisements
The Australian Canopy Crane Research Facility , located at Cape Tribulation is looking for a graduate biologist, ecologist or environmental scientist.
The research station includes a 50 metres tower crane, laboratory, and accommodation units, situated within the rainforest of the Daintree National Park.
Duties and Accountabilities:
The position exists to ensure the continuation of the canopy crane operations. The appointed person will undergo supervised training with a qualified crane driver/instructor aiming for a level of confidence which will lead to a full accreditation as a tower crane driver.
The Australian Canopy Crane Research Facility is also engaged in eco-tourism activities in partnership with the Cape Tribulation Resort, this involves two hour tours Monday to Friday from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm. The appointed person will share the duties with other staff members in interpretation services and driving the crane. We endeavour to develop this operation to a higher level, possibly involving some weekend work.
Key Selection Criteria:
- Bachelor's Degree in either Biology/Ecology or Environmental Sciences
- Driver's Licence and own transport
- Ability and willingness to live in remote area
- Ability to enrol into high degree (MSc or PhD)
- Experience in field research
- Ability to learn to drive a tower crane
- Good communication and interpretative skills.
- Desirable Selection Criteria:
- Experience in the field of entomology;
- Senior First Aid Certificate.
Environmental Resources Management (ERM) is one of the world's leading providers of environmental consulting services. Our 2,500 staff in over 100 offices worldwide provide innovative and sustainable solutions to the leading Fortune 500 companies and governments in over 37 countries.
Based within our Sydney office, you become an integral member of our growing Corporate Risk Services team which is made up of specialists across a range of disciplines including environmental health and safety, risk assessment and management, environmental management systems, and environmental due diligence audits. Our work comprises of projects within Australia and overseas. Your time will be spent supporting key project outcomes across our full range of services including undertaking background research, providing audit support and assisting with hazardous materials surveys and assessments.
Ideally you will have gained tertiary qualifications in the area of environmental science, environmental engineering and or an OHS related discipline. Although not essential, your knowledge of relevant legislation and standards will be highly regarded as will your exposure to OHS terminology and practice.
Your drive to excel in your profession and become a specialist in your field will see you thrive in your role. In return for your high level of initiative, your ability to communicate effectively and your desire to play a key part in growing the business, you will be rewarded with a fantastic start to your career all within an environment that encourages both personal and professional development.
The CRC for Australian Weed Management brings together outstanding research and extension groups from universities, government agencies and industry, and is one of 72 Centres funded by the Australian Government.
The CRC has created a position to package and deliver research results from its Landscape Management Program. The appointee will work with project teams and key networks from national to local level, sourcing and delivering weed management information and skills needed by user groups.
In particular the appointee will research and prepare weed management guides based on an existing successful model. They will possess highly developed writing skills, be an excellent information researcher, and a good communicator and network builder. They will have a solid knowledge of environmental issues, including invasive plants. A science degree or equivalent is required.
Australia
International
There are many other potential employers of hospitality graduates. At least 75% of positions will never be advertised in newspapers or on the Internet. You will enhance your chances of finding a job that suits you if you take the trouble to identify employers & approach them in an appropriate way that demonstrates your passion for the industry. For information on how to approach employers, see Career Smarter modules, Career connector and How do I Get the Job I Want.
There are over 200 Australian & international industry directories covering a wide range of industries in Careerboard including:
Employment prospects & starting salaries
You can significantly enhance your chances of obtaining graduate employment quickly and of securing your preferred job after graduation by using a number of simple strategies. Start preparing for graduate employment from your first year - see Making Employment Happen in Career Smarter. Make strategic use of course placements - see Career Experience, Making the Most of Your Prac, also in Career Smarter. Take a proactive approach to your job search by “marketing” yourself to prospective employers rather than simply relying on vacancies advertised in the press or on the Internet. Learn about proactive job search with Career Smarter modules Stand Out Job Search and Career Countdown.
While approaching employers directly might seem a little daunting, it is easier to make contacts with professionals in your field by joining a professional association. Professional associations often organise events, seminars and social functions to assist their members to keep abreast of current issues and practices. For people attempting to enter a field or profession, they can be a good source of contacts and information about an industry! Membership is open to students. The following associations' websites are examples of associations relevant to Behavioural Science students linked to CareerBoard