How to become an Environmental Research Scientist

Also called: Environmental Scientist

Researches environmental phenomena, and studies and develops policies and plans for the control of adverse environmental factors, and the protection, effective management, restoration and recovery of the environment.

Main tasks

• Studies, records and analyses atmospheric conditions, demographic characteristics, and air, mineral, soil and water samples
• Examines the impact of human activity on the environment and creates plans to reduce these impacts
• Investigates the source of adverse environmental factors such as air and water pollution, and land degradation
• Develops conservation and environmental rehabilitation plans to prevent, reduce or remediate the impacts of activities such as agriculture, construction, forestry and mining
• Develops and leads environmental sustainability projects
• Plans, conducts and manages environmental research and monitoring projects

Ways in

• University: Science degrees, Offered by 39 universities in Australia
• TAFE and VET: Certificate IV in Environmental Monitoring and Technology (MSS40222); Diploma of Environmental Monitoring and Technology (MSS50222)

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

• Typical full-time pay: $101,556 a year
• About 31,500 people work in this job group now, and about 36,800 are projected by 2035. (+16.6%)
• AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.

Related jobs

• Environmental Consultant
• Botanist
• Entomologist
• Marine Biologist
• Agricultural Consultant
• Conservation Officer

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Questions people ask

How do I become an Environmental Research Scientist?

Ways in include: Science degrees; Certificate IV in Environmental Monitoring and Technology; Diploma of Environmental Monitoring and Technology.

How much does an Environmental Research Scientist earn in Australia?

Median full-time pay is $101,556 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Is an Environmental Research Scientist a growing career in Australia?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 17% by 2035, from about 31,500 to about 36,800 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Do you need a degree to become an Environmental Research Scientist?

Usually. 93% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Will AI change the work of an Environmental Research Scientist?

AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.

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