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Environmental Scientist - Working conditions

Kaipūtaiao Ao Tūroa

Working Conditions

Environmental scientists usually work in offices, but may be required to work outdoors when collecting samples or visiting sites. They may also travel throughout New Zealand and overseas to work on projects.

Garth Harmsworth using a map during a presentation

John Phillips changing a filter on air monitoring equipment outside

Equipment

Equipment environmental scientists may use includes:

a computer and specialised computer design and modelling software such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
sampling equipment to carry out tests
maps and plans
surveying and measuring equipment
safety equipment including a hard hat, a high visibility jacket and steel-capped boots.

"It's often useful to have skills in GIS (Geographic Information Systems) or using computer mapping programmes in environmental work."

Garth Harmsworth - Environmental Scientist

Hours

Environmental scientists usually work regular hours, but may be required to work weekends and evenings to meet deadlines.

Contact with people

Environmental scientists interact and consult with a range of people including:

clients
members of the public and local iwi
contractors or consultants
town planners and engineers
laboratory technicians and other laboratory staff
other environmental scientists
people from Crown Research Institutes, regional and district councils, or the Department of Conservation
resource management agencies such as the Ministry for the Environment and regional Fish and Game councils.