Environmental Scientist - Tasks and specialisations
Kaipūtaiao Ao Tūroa
Tasks & duties
Environmental scientists may do some or all of the following:
- study and assess sources of pollution and develop ways to control pollution
- study and develop environmental policies and plans using ecological, mathematical or physical science data
- develop ways to repair damaged areas of the environment
- prepare reports on the environmental impacts of activities such as mining, forestry and agriculture
- provide technical advice to clients, members of the public, interest groups, local iwi, regulatory bodies or local government authorities
- prepare applications for resource consent on behalf of clients, in compliance with the Resource Management Act.
At the technician level, the main tasks are to help scientists prepare and carry out a range of experiments and tests.
Science technician job information
Ajit Sarmah using a rotary evaporator to dry organic solvents
Daniel Kellenberger discussing research findings with a colleague
Specialisations
Environmental scientists might work as researchers (investigating environmental issues), policy analysts (developing environmental policies), or engineers (developing tools to solve or prevent environmental problems).
Updated
September 2009
