Careers in Environmental Science

The majority of graduates in the environmental sciences pursue careers in large government funded organisations and other conservation and environmental planning groups. Employment opportunities also exist in land management and soil conservation. There are increasing career opportunities in consultancy work, not only for large government and industrial organisations, but also for smaller community-based organisations and private consultancy firms involved in preparing environmental impact statements. Don't be put off by people saying there is no jobs in Environmental Science. The jobs are there and always have been; it is just that until now these positions have been filled by employees without formal environmental qualifications.

There are a number of good websites for those seeking employment in any science field, including environmental science. Below is a list of just of few. Check them out.

Enviroskill International

SEEK is a network that is not specific to Environmental Science but you can narrow down the searching as much as you desire.

The Envrionmental Job Network (EJN) is a new agency which provides information about available employment Australia-wide that is specific to the environment. They are Melbourne-based but national in scope, and thir partners include many of the prominent universities.

EKAS provides a webpage listing of sites useful to those seeking overseas employment.

Don't forget Conservation Volunteers Australia as, while waiting on replies from potential employers, you could be out there in the field gaining valuable experience in hands-on situations. And there is EarthWatch too.

Most importantly, you need to make a nuisance of yourself. Put together a portfolio saying "this is me and this is what I can do" and go around leaving that package with prospective employers, saying to them "have you anything suited to me". Don't be shy.

And if you have not already done so, check out the Generic Skills webpages to make sure your portfolio includes everything that you have learnt, be it related content-wise to your studies or through acquiring "generic" skills during those studies. And keep a watch on USyd's Careers Centre too.

Below is a list of organisations that you may wish to contact about work experience or employment opportunities, as well as links to currently available jobs.

ANSTO
Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation.
       Job Vacancies

CSIRO
Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Researh Organisation.
       Careers in CSIRO

NSW NPWS
The National Parks and Wildlife Service, part of the NSW Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC).

DEC
The NSW Department of Environment and Conservation.
       Careers in DEC

DIPNR
The NSW Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources. This now operates as two separate Departments of Planning and Natural Resources.

MDBC
The Murray-Darling Basin Commission.
       Jobs in MDBC

NSW EPA
The NSW Environmental Protection Authority is now part of the NSW Department of Environment and Conservation.
       Employment Opportunities

Forests NSW
State Forests is a public trading enterprise within the NSW Department of Primary Industries.