Environmental Research Scientist

Highly relevant tasks include, but are not limited to:

• Studying the effects on animal and plant life of factors such as terrain, altitude, climatic and environmental change, sources of nutrition, predators and the impacts of humans.
• Studying and analysing pollution, atmospheric conditions, demographic characteristics, ecology, mineral, soil and water samples.

Additional tasks may include: 

• Developing and testing models of the environment using knowledge of ecology, mathematics, statistics and physical sciences.
• Conducting environmental impact assessments/ audits.
• Investigating the structure of communities of organisms and predicting the effects of disturbances by human or environmental changes.
• Developing conservation and management policies for biological resources, such as fish populations and forests, and establishing standards and developing approaches for the control of pollution and the rehabilitation of areas disturbed by activities such as mining, timber felling and overgrazing.
• Proposing solutions to address negative environmental impact.
• Preparing graphs, charts and statistics from data, analysing data and correlating them with the work of other scientists, evaluating data and preparing reports of conclusions.
• Planning and conducting field trips to study animals and plants in their natural environments and to collect specimens for laboratory study.
• Assisting in developing policies, strategies and codes of practice on environmental management..

Scientists engaged in environmental research usually work for government agencies, universities, or private companies in energy, water, waste services, gas, mining, construction, and land development. Depending on the area of research, tasks can be performed either in an office, a laboratory or outdoor locations.

An ecologist is a scientist who studies how animals and plants interact with their environment.

This occupation is not to be confused with the occupation of Environmental Consultant (ANZSCO 234312). An Environmental Consultant analyses and advises on policies guiding the design, implementation and modification of government or commercial environmental operations and programs. Therefore, employment as an Environmental Consultant will not be considered as highly relevant under this occupation.

Furthermore, employment roles that require routine testing of samples such as water, air, soil, or other environmental samples to identify contaminants and which do not involve independent research would not fit the scope of this occupation.

When applying for a Skills Assessment, please ensure you submit sufficient evidence supporting your proof of identity, qualification and employment claims. A full list of the documents required can be found on the VETASSESS website under Eligibility Criteria. You may provide additional evidence supporting your role, such as a summary brief for grant applications or similar projects, research articles or conference proceedings, laboratory reports, patents and a list  of research projects outlining your responsibilities.