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Useful experience for environmental scientists includes:

• surveying work
• environmental engineering work
• environmental monitoring or measurement
• working as a volunteer in ecology or conservation work
• laboratory work.

Environmental scientists may do some or all of the following:

• study plants and animals in their environment
• assess sources of soil, water and air pollution, and develop ways to control these
• use computer modelling techniques to predict future events in the ecosystem
• study how to alter soils using fertilisers to suit different plants
• develop efficient irrigation, drainage and waste disposal methods
• plan and run field studies and experiments
• prepare reports on the environmental impacts of activities such as mining, forestry and agriculture
• provide the science for planners to make decisions on how to adapt to climate change and rising sea levels
• report results of studies in science journals and at conferences
• liaise with the community to build relationships and increase participation in decision making 
• study and develop environmental policies
• provide technical advice to clients or local government authorities
• prepare applications for resource consent on behalf of clients, in compliance with the Resource Management Act.

Strong demand for environmental scientists

Chances of getting work as an environmental scientist are good because the Government has made climate change a priority but there is a shortage of environmental scientists. 

Demand for environmental research is growing because of increased pressure on the environment from population growth, urban expansion and the effects of industry.  

Environmental research scientist appears on Immigration New Zealand's long-term skill shortage list. This means the Government is actively encouraging skilled environmental scientists from overseas to work in New Zealand.

According to the Census, 1,767 environmental scientists worked in New Zealand in 2018.

Good opportunities for environmental scientists in a range of industries 

There are good opportunities for environmental scientists with a policy or evaluation focus to work for primary sector industries on land or at sea, regional and local councils, and government environmental ministries and agencies.

There is high demand for environmental scientists who can monitor the impacts of industrial activities on the environment, manage resource consents, provide advice on minimising environmental footprints, and consult and engage with stakeholders.  

Types of employers varied

Environmental scientists who do academic research mainly work for:

• Crown Research Institutes
• government departments such Department of Conservation
• universities.

Environmental scientists who do policy or evaluation work may be employed by:

• regional, city and district councils
• government departments and Crown entities
• private consultancies and companies.

Department of Conservation

(04) 471 0726 - enquiries@doc.govt.nz - www.doc.govt.nz

Science New Zealand

(04) 4 913 9979 - pa@sciencenewzealand.org - www.sciencenewzealand.org

National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA)

enquiries@niwa.co.nz - www.niwa.co.nz/education-and-training

Environmental scientists in research roles can progress into senior research scientist, team leader or manager roles. 

Environmental scientists may also specialise in an area such as:

Air Pollution Analyst

Air pollution analysts study factors producing air pollution and recommend ways to prevent and control these.

Ecologist

Ecologists study animals and plants in their natural habitats, and how they interact with those environments.

Land Degradation Analyst

Land degradation analysts study factors degrading the quality of soils and recommend ways to prevent and control these.

Water Quality Analyst

Water quality analysts study factors affecting water quality and recommend ways to prevent and control these.

Environmental scientists need to be:

• accurate
• able to make good judgements
• good at problem solving
• good at planning and organising
• good at communicating
• creative, so they can develop new ideas.