How to become a natural and applied science policy researcher, consultant or program officer
Official title: Natural and applied science policy researchers, consultants and program officers
Also called: Energy policy analyst, Ergonomics consultant, Scientific consultant, Energy program officer, Sustainability officer, Fisheries program officer, Natural resources planner, Sustainability consultant, Waste diversion consultant, Solid waste program manager, Technology transfer officer, Occupational hygiene officer
Natural and applied science policy researchers, consultants and program officers conduct research, prepare reports, provide consultation and advice and administer programs in a variety of areas related to the natural and applied sciences. They are employed by federal, provincial and municipal governments, computer and office furniture manufacturers, educational institutions, research organizations, consulting firms, environmental and conservation organizations, or they may be self-employed.
Main tasks
- Ergonomists or human factors specialists
- Conduct research and advise on, and intervene in the physical, social and psychological interrelationships between persons, their equipment and working or living environments to ensure that the design, configuration and use of equipment, procedures and environmental conditions maximize safety, productivity and comfort
- Occupational or industrial hygienists
- Study, evaluate and control physical, chemical and biological hazards and stresses in the workplace
- Report and document investigations and conclusions
- Suggest changes to work environments and processes
- Provide information to workers and managers or employers on methods to reduce the risk of injury or illness from specific occupational hazards
- May teach safe work procedures, participate in emergency response planning, testify at hearings and report findings at scientific conferences or in scientific journals
How to become one
A bachelor's degree or college diploma in a related scientific or technical discipline is usually required for occupations in this unit group. A master's degree in a related scientific discipline may be required. Certification through the Canadian College of Certified Professional Ergonomists is required to use the title "Canadian Certified Professional Ergonomist (CCPE)". Membership with the Association of Canadian Ergonomists may be required. Occupational hygienists may require certification by the Canadian Registration Board of Occupational Hygienists. Patent agents require 12 months of work experience in the patent field and successful completion of examinations set by the Commissioner of Patents. They may also be required to be listed in the register of patent agents. Occupations in this group that are involved in green building design and technologies development may require the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification offered by the Canadian Green Building Council.
Ways in
- University: Science degrees, Offered by 16 universities in Canada
- University: Agriculture & Environment degrees, Offered by 11 universities in Canada
Pay · Outlook
- Median pay: $84,377 a year The middle half earn $67,587 to $103,116.
- About 37,800 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 45,200 are projected by 2033. (+19.6%)
- Projected labour market to 2033: balance.
Related jobs
- Economists and economic policy researchers and analysts
- Business development officers and market researchers and analysts
- Social policy researchers, consultants and program officers
- Health policy researchers, consultants and program officers
- Education policy researchers, consultants and program officers
- Recreation, sports and fitness policy researchers, consultants and program officers
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Questions people ask
How do I become a natural and applied science policy researcher, consultant or program officer?
A bachelor's degree or college diploma in a related scientific or technical discipline is usually required for occupations in this unit group. A master's degree in a related scientific discipline may be required. Certification through the Canadian College of Certified Professional Ergonomists is required to use the title "Canadian Certified Professional Ergonomist (CCPE)". Membership with the Association of Canadian Ergonomists may be required. Occupational hygienists may require certification by the Canadian Registration Board of Occupational Hygienists. Patent agents require 12 months of work experience in the patent field and successful completion of examinations set by the Commissioner of Patents. They may also be required to be listed in the register of patent agents. Occupations in this group that are involved in green building design and technologies development may require the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification offered by the Canadian Green Building Council.
How much does a natural and applied science policy researcher, consultant or program officer earn in Canada?
Median full-time pay is $84,377 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $67,587 to $103,116.
Is a natural and applied science policy researcher, consultant or program officer a growing career in Canada?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 20% by 2033, from about 37,800 to about 45,200 people (Employment and Social Development Canada).
Do you need a degree to become a natural and applied science policy researcher, consultant or program officer?
Usually. 81% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Sources
- Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada: Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) (2024 to 2033), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03