Environmental scientist

Typical tasks

• Provide advice about environmental management and conservation
• Develop and improve sustainability plans and projects
• Research pollution and environmental hazards
• Provide people with technical information
• Collect scientific environmental data
• Make sure environmental laws are followed
• Write reports on environmental issues
• Develop sustainable industrial or developmental methods

Outlook

Environmental science is likely to remain important as New Zealand manages freshwater, biodiversity, pollution, land use and climate risks. Better environmental data, remote sensing and digital mapping are helping organisations understand changes and target action. International climate and nature commitments also influence local policy and reporting. Demand may vary with public funding and project activity, but environmental evidence will continue to guide major decisions.

What employers and industry want in graduates

• Strong scientific thinking and curiosity about environmental systems
• Ability to collect, analyse and interpret environmental data
• Careful field and laboratory methods, with attention to safety
• Clear report writing and communication of scientific findings
• Ability to use mapping, data analysis and monitoring tools
• Respectful collaboration with communities, mana whenua and other specialists