How to become an Environmental Manager

Plans, organises, directs, controls and coordinates the development and implementation of an environmental management system within an organisation. Ensures corporate sustainable development or environmental sustainability by identifying, solving and alleviating environmental issues, such as invasive species, pollution and waste treatment, or ecosystem restoration, in compliance with environmental legislation.

Main tasks

• Implements environmental strategies, policies and practices within an organisation
• Ensures an organisation complies with relevant environmental legislation
• Assesses, evaluates and monitors the sustainability and environmental impact of an organisation
• Analyses environmental performance data and reports back to an organisation with recommendations on best environmental and sustainability practices
• Plans the budgets, timelines and resources required to improve the sustainability performance of an organisation
• Plans and implements programs or regulations for the management, protection, restoration or recovery of marine life, wildlife, vegetation and other natural resources

Ways in

• TAFE and VET: Certificate IV in Conservation and Ecosystem Management (AHC40924); Diploma of Conservation and Ecosystem Management (AHC51120); Diploma of Sustainable Operations (MSS50122); Advanced Diploma of Conservation and Ecosystem Management (AHC60422); Diploma of Leadership and Management (BSB50420); Advanced Diploma of Leadership and Management (BSB60420); Certificate III in Conservation and Ecosystem Management (AHC31424); Certificate II in Conservation and Ecosystem Management (AHC21024)

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

• Typical full-time pay: $147,940 a year
• About 68,800 people work in this job group now, and about 82,900 are projected by 2035. (+20.4%)
• AI is likely to change parts of this job. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as medium.

Related jobs

• Exploration Manager
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• Arts Administrator or Manager
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Questions people ask

How do I become an Environmental Manager?

Ways in include: Certificate IV in Conservation and Ecosystem Management; Diploma of Conservation and Ecosystem Management.

How much does an Environmental Manager earn in Australia?

Median full-time pay is $147,940 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Is an Environmental Manager a growing career in Australia?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 20% by 2035, from about 68,800 to about 82,900 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Do you need a degree to become an Environmental Manager?

Usually. 83% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Will AI change the work of an Environmental Manager?

AI is likely to change parts of this job. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as medium.

Sources

• Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04

Updated 2026-10-04