Environment Graduate Jobs and Graduate Programs

Environmental-related jobs have been increasing due to the growing focus of environmental issues that the earth is facing such as climate change. The importance to incorporate environmental perspectives into policy and practice is starting to be recognised by industries, business, and the government, resulting into a high demand for environmental knowledge and expertise. Environmental career opportunities range from both public and private sectors and aren’t restricted to a specific area, making them flexible as they are often multidisciplinary.

Environmental careers in the public sector are generally grouped in areas of environmental management, research, regulation and policy development while the private sector offer more opportunities for environmental specialists.

Requirements

Education requirements that you need to have to be qualified into an environmental career is an environmental science degree or a generalist degree with an environmental major. Other degree courses are also accepted that can lead to a career in environment such as1:

• Arts
• Agricultural and horticultural sciences
• Biology
• Environmental engineering
• Ecotourism
• Environmental law
• Environmental management
• Engineering geology
• Ecology/wildlife management
• Environmental and earth sciences
• Geography
• Geophysics
• Journalism etc.

Personal skills that employees also look for in potential candidates include:

• Written and verbal communication
• Problem solving skills
• Thorough knowledge of environmental and other sciences
• Ability to use logic, reasoning and critical thinking skills
• Research skills
• Analytic skills

What to Expect & Employment

There are various career choices in the environmental sector including environmental consultant, environmental scientist, environmental education officer, conservation officer, and environmental engineer. Environment and agriculture scientists, forestry and soil professionals, geologists, geophysicists and park rangers are also considered occupations of science and environment. Those working in the environmental sector are involved in a range of tasks and responsibilities which may include general tasks such as:

• Undertaking environmental research
• Developing conservation plans or programs to minimise the impact of industrial
• Agricultural and urban processes on the environment
• Investigating and reporting breaches of environmental guidelines
• Assisting in developing policies, strategies and codes of practice on environmental management
• Conducting environmental audits

Environmental consultants (graduate salary range of $43,000 – $55,000) provide advice on environmental factors such as pollution, contaminated land, and environmental policy to their clients. Environmental consultants usually work in small teams with their role involving day to day responsibilities such as2:

• Conducting fieldwork
• conducting tests and surveys
• collecting and presenting environmental data
• auditing processes for efficiencies and environmental impact
• preparing reports for companies, environmental agencies and government bodies
• dealing with legislation issues
• communicating with clients, regulators and sub-contractors

Environmental scientists (graduate salary range of $42,000 – $52,000) study the environment and develop policies and plans to protect flora, fauna, water, air and other aspects of the environment by using their technical background and knowledge. Job prospects show that main employing industries for environmental scientists are Professional, Scientific and Technical Services (46.6%), Public Administration and Safety (29.1%), Mining (7.2%) and Arts and Recreation Services (6.7%). This occupation may include day to day responsibilities of:

• studying and analysing current environmental problems such as pollution, atmospheric conditions, demographic characteristics, ecology, mineral, soil and water
• carrying out environmental impact assessments for a wide range of development projects
• evaluating habitat, wildlife and fisheries needs
• enforcing laws and regulations to conserve and protect fish and wildlife
• proposing solutions to address negative environmental impact
• working on conservation and sustainability to ensure a healthy and robust environment

Environmental engineers (graduate salary range of $50,000 – $58,000) are involved in efforts to improve recycling, waste disposal, public health, and water and air pollution control by designing, planning and performing engineering duties. Day to day responsibilities and tasks of an environmental engineer include3:

• preparing, reviewing and updating environmental investigation reports
• designing projects leading to environmental protection
• obtaining, updating and maintain plans, permits and standard operating procedures
• providing technical support for environmental remediation projects and for legal actions
• analysing scientific data and do quality control checks
• monitoring the progress of environmental improvement programs

Nature conservation officer (graduate salary range $37,000 – $51,700) work to protect, manage, and improve areas of the local environment which includes grassland, woodland, forests, coastal areas, moorland, mountains and rivers. Typical employers include charities, local authorities, utilities, wildlife trusts, government organisations and conservation groups. Day to day responsibilities may include:

• helping with volunteer activities and conservation projects
• preparing conservation reports, plans, publicity, materials and displays
• general maintenance projects
• conducting fieldwork
• increasing awareness of conservation in the community
• deal with enquiries from the public
• prepare and assess applications to get funding and grants

1 Graduate Careers Australia, Environment, 2015
2 Gradireland, Environmental consultant, 2015
3 Truity, Environmental Engineer, 2015