Environmental Research Scientist
Shortage Now
States / territories with a shortage signal
Snapshot
Median salary
A$90,600
Full-time annual
People employed
5,500
Estimated workforce
Shortage signal
Shortage (national)
Categories identify where a shortage occurs; they are not a severity score.
What you actually do
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.
Alternative titles
Environmental Scientist
Specialisations
Scope note: Ecologists are excluded from this occupation. Ecologists are included in Occupation 244333 Ecologist.
Read official OSCA descriptionSkills & main tasks
Official 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
Where people work
State / territory distribution
Highest education
Share of workers
Education & work pattern
Part-time
24%
Female rate
47%
Median age
39
2030 & 2035 employment outlook
to 2030
+9%
2,804 projected jobs
to 2035
+17%
5,245 projected jobs
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OSCA skill level 1
A classification attribute describing the occupation; it is not a personal eligibility or qualification decision.
Official VET pathways
Certificate IV in Environmental Monitoring and Technology
Progression pathway
Diploma of Environmental Monitoring and Technology
Progression pathway
Related study options
Bachelor
Compare university ROIReal jobs right now
Live signal from SEEK, Indeed & moreCurrent vacancy signal
QLD · May 2026
108
ACT · May 2026
2
VIC · May 2026
62
NT · May 2026
13
SA · May 2026
19
NSW · May 2026
133
Where could this career take you?
Compare state-level shortage signals, salary context, study options and visa information for Environmental Research Scientist.
Regional demand
Largest employment base
#1 Melbourne - Inner
1,369 estimated employed
- 1
Melbourne - Inner
1,369 employed
VIC
+3.32%
year on year
- 2
Newcastle and Lake Macquarie
1,000 employed
NSW
+9.65%
year on year
- 3
Melbourne - Outer East
893 employed
VIC
+16.28%
year on year
- 4
Northern Territory - Outback
865 employed
NT
+11.18%
year on year
- 5
Perth - South West
862 employed
WA
-9.45%
year on year
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Ranked by current shortage signal and projected employment growth.
Workers in this occupation
6,845
Moved in from another occupation
610
Moved to another occupation
420
Recommendation score: shortage = 2 points, no shortage = 1 point, plus 1 point for each 10% of projected growth to 2035.
- 1
3
points
- 2
3
points
- 3
3
points
- 4
3
points
- 5
3
points
Data status
- Classification
- OSCA 244432
- Last updated
- Refresh pending
- Sources
- Jobs and Skills Australia OSL · Jobs and Skills Australia DOM · ABS OSCA · OSCA 2024 — Jobs and Skills Australia
Labour-market data coverage
- Shortage signal and drivers: JSA Occupation Shortage List (ANZSCO unit group where applicable).
- Work profile, state distribution and education: JSA Occupation Profiles (ANZSCO mapped).
- Regional employment: JSA NERO, June 2026.
- Career-move observations: JSA DOM, last available 2020–21. Observed Australian worker transitions are not personalised recommendations; many contractors and sole traders are excluded, as are transitions below 10 workers.
- Vacancy signal: JSA Internet Vacancy Index, 3-month average (ANZSCO unit group).
- Employment outlook: JSA employment projections (ANZSCO unit group).
- Training pathways: JSA Training Occupation Pathways.
Data confidence: estimate. A missing CSOL flag is not a finding of visa ineligibility; check the current Home Affairs list.