environmental research jobs new zealand

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Environmental Scientist

Kaipūtaiao ao tūroa.

Alternative titles for Environmental Scientist - Job opportunities:

• Air Pollution Analyst
• Land Degradation Analyst
• Water Quality Analyst
• Environmental Research Scientist

Environmental scientists study human effects on the environment such as climate change, pollution and loss of biodiversity. They also advise on how to avoid or reduce these harmful effects.

Environmental scientists usually earn

$58K-$165K per year

Source: Scitex, 2023.

Job opportunities

Length of training

3-9 years of training required.

Vocational Pathways More

• Primary industries
• Social and community services

About the job

Pay for environmental scientists depends on their experience, qualifications and the type of work they do.

• Graduate environmental scientists with up to five years' experience usually earn $58,000 to $91,000 a year. 
• Senior environmental scientists with a Master's degree and five years' experience can earn up to $126,000 a year. 
• Environmental scientists with a doctoral degree who work at research institutes can earn from $85,000 to $165,000 a year. 

Source: Scitex Recruitment, March 2023.

• PAYE.net.nz website - use this calculator to convert pay and salary information

(This information is a guide only.  Find out more about the sources of our pay information )

What you will do

Environmental scientists may do some or all of the following:

• study plants and animals in their environment
• assess sources of soil, water and air pollution, and develop ways to control these
• use computer modelling techniques to predict future events in the ecosystem
• study how to alter soils using fertilisers to suit different plants
• develop efficient irrigation, drainage and waste disposal methods
• plan and run field studies and experiments
• prepare reports on the environmental impacts of activities such as mining, forestry and agriculture
• provide the science for planners to make decisions on how to adapt to climate change and rising sea levels
• report results of studies in science journals and at conferences
• liaise with the community to build relationships and increase participation in decision making 
• study and develop environmental policies
• provide technical advice to clients or local government authorities
• prepare applications for resource consent on behalf of clients, in compliance with the Resource Management Act.

Skills and knowledge

Environmental scientists need to have knowledge of:

• the environment, including excellent knowledge of at least one area of environmental science such as water, soil or air quality
• ecosystems and the interaction between species
• natural history
• the Resource Management Act, and understanding of the effects of commercial development on the environment
• the Environmental Effects Act 2012
• practical skills for performing experiments and operating scientific equipment
• research skills, and ability to analyse research results
• maths and computer programming skills.

Working conditions

Environmental scientists:

• usually work regular business hours, but may be required to work weekends and evenings to meet deadlines
• usually work in offices, but may work outdoors when collecting samples or visiting sites
• may travel nationally and overseas to work on projects.

What's the job really like?

Environmental scientist video.

Mahina-a-rangi Baker talks about her role as an environmental consultant – 5.38 mins.

How to enter the job

Entry requirements.

To become an environmental scientist you usually need to have a Master's degree in one of the following areas, depending on your specialisation:

• environmental science or a related area such as chemistry or engineering
• ecology or a related area such as botany or zoology
• soil science or a related discipline such as earth science.

A PhD is usually required for research-based positions.

Secondary education

A tertiary entrance qualification is required to enter further training. Useful subjects include biology, chemistry, maths, geography, physics, economics, and agricultural and horticultural science. 

Personal requirements

Environmental scientists need to be:

• able to make good judgements
• good at problem solving
• good at planning and organising
• good at communicating
• creative, so they can develop new ideas.

Useful experience

Useful experience for environmental scientists includes:

• surveying work
• environmental engineering work
• environmental monitoring or measurement
• working as a volunteer in ecology or conservation work
• laboratory work.

Physical requirements

Environmental scientists need to be reasonably fit and healthy to make field trips or site visits.

Find out more about training

What are the chances of getting a job, strong demand for environmental scientists.

Chances of getting work as an environmental scientist are good because the Government has made climate change a priority but there is a shortage of environmental scientists. 

Demand for environmental research is growing because of increased pressure on the environment from population growth, urban expansion and the effects of industry.  

Environmental research scientist appears on Immigration New Zealand's long-term skill shortage list. This means the Government is actively encouraging skilled environmental scientists from overseas to work in New Zealand.

According to the Census, 1,767 environmental scientists worked in New Zealand in 2018.

Good opportunities for environmental scientists in a range of industries 

There are good opportunities for environmental scientists with a policy or evaluation focus to work for primary sector industries on land or at sea, regional and local councils, and government environmental ministries and agencies.

There is high demand for environmental scientists who can monitor the impacts of industrial activities on the environment, manage resource consents, provide advice on minimising environmental footprints, and consult and engage with stakeholders.  

Types of employers varied

Environmental scientists who do academic research mainly work for:

• Crown Research Institutes
• government departments such Department of Conservation
• universities.

Environmental scientists who do policy or evaluation work may be employed by:

• regional, city and district councils
• government departments and Crown entities
• private consultancies and companies.
• Bryan, K, director, environmental research institute, University of Waikato, careers.govt.nz interview, April 2021. 
• Henderson, E, senior human resources advisor, Environment Canterbury Regional Council, careers.govt.nz interview, April 2021.
• Immigration New Zealand, 'Long Term Skill Shortage List', 27 May 2019, (www.immigration.govt.nz).
• Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, 'Scientists' Occupation Outlook', accessed April 2021, (www.mbie.govt.nz).
• Stats NZ, '2018 Census Data', 2019.

(This information is a guide only. Find out more about the sources of our job opportunities information )

Progression and specialisations

Environmental scientists in research roles can progress into senior research scientist, team leader or manager roles. 

Environmental scientists may also specialise in an area such as:

Environmental scientists look at the impact of pollution on lakes and rivers (Photo: University of Waikato)

Related jobs:

Agricultural/horticultural scientist kaipūtaiao ahuwhenua.

Agricultural/horticultural scientists study farm animals, soils, pastures and crops to improve growth, health and quality, and to prevent pests and disease.

Zoologist Kaipūtaiao Kararehe

Zoologists study animals and their behaviour in the wild or in captivity, and how they interact with other species and their environments.

Marine Biologist Kaimātai Koiora Moana

Marine biologists study animals and plants that live in the sea and freshwater, and how they interact with their surroundings.

Environmental Engineer Mataaro Taiao

Environmental engineers assess and reduce the impact of engineering projects on water, soil and air. They also plan and design systems to treat and remove waste.

Forestry Scientist Kaipūtaiao Ngahere

Forestry scientists research forest growth, wood processing, conservation and different types of trees, and how these can be used.

Related courses:

Other natural and physical sciences, environmental studies, job vacancy websites:, view a list of job vacancy and recruitment websites.

Last updated 27 March 2023

Back to top

At Manaaki Whenua we conduct science and research focused on environmental issues, opportunities, and solutions. We aim to create value for Aotearoa New Zealand (AoNZ) through our research, people, and partnerships.

We have seven science portfolios that focus on four areas of impact:

• restoring biodiversity and beating invasive species.
• enhancing land, water, and ecosystems.
• acting against climate change; and
• achieving a positive relationship between people and their environment.

You can read about the value we seek to add through our research and innovation in our most recent strategy document, Te Āpōpōtanga – Our land, our people, our future

We have approximately 400 staff at seven locations across New Zealand and collaborate extensively with other research organisations in New Zealand and around the world. Our researchers are supported by sophisticated technology, analytical laboratories, and specialised support such as legal and graphics services, communications and business development, and an extensive specialised library.

The largest of our research sites is at Lincoln, which is also home to our corporate office. We also have offices in Auckland, Hamilton, Palmerston North, Wellington, Dunedin and Alexandra.

Manaaki Whenua is a leading proponent of triple bottom line reporting (economic, social and environmental performance) by companies and businesses. We have an ISO 14001 certified environmental management system, and we are a founding member of the New Zealand Business Council for Sustainable Development.

For more information visit us at www.landcareresearch.co.nz

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Stephen Schoenholtz honored with emeritus status

• Mark Owczarski

19 Apr 2024

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Stephen H. Schoenholtz , professor of forest hydrology and soil science and director of the Virginia Water Resources Research Center in the College of Natural Resources and Environment at Virginia Tech, has been conferred the title of professor emeritus by the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors.

The emeritus title may be conferred on retired faculty members who are specially recommended to the board by Virginia Tech President Tim Sands in recognition of exemplary service to the university. Nominated individuals who are approved by the board receive a copy of the resolution and a certificate of appreciation.

A member of the Virginia Tech community since 2006, Schoenholtz made significant contributions to the sustainable management of water and soil resources through his research in the U.S. and New Zealand focusing on effects of land use on water and soil quality.

At a faculty member in the Department of Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation , Schoenholtz developed the water: resources, policy, and management undergraduate degree program and the blue planet Pathways minor program. He taught the capstone course, Watershed Assessment, Management, and Policy for the water: resources, policy, and management undergraduate degree, the blue planet minor, the Watershed Management Graduate Certificate, and the watershed management minor.

In addition, Schoenholtz advised numerous master’s degree and Ph.D. students and postdoctoral research associates and helped them develop successful careers in academic, government agency, and private sector settings.

Schoenholtz supported the National Institutes for Water Resources and the Soil Science Society of America as an elected officer.

He received his bachelor's degree from Penn State and a master’s degree and Ph.D. from Virginia Tech.

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Krista Timney

540-231-6157

• Blacksburg, Va.
• College of Natural Resources and Environment
• Emeritus and Emerita Faculty
• Faculty Excellence
• Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation
• Fralin Life Sciences Institute
• Global Change Center
• Honors and Awards
• Virginia Water Resources Research Center

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Non-Rating Action Commentary

Major New Zealand Banks’ Ratings Resilient in Challenging Operating Environment

Thu 18 Apr, 2024 - 8:10 PM ET

Related Content: Major New Zealand Banks – Peer Review 2024 Fitch Ratings-Sydney-18 April 2024: The standalone credit profiles of New Zealand's four largest banks - ANZ Bank New Zealand Limited, ASB Bank Limited, Bank of New Zealand and Westpac New Zealand Limited (all rated A+/Stable/a) – continue to be resilient amid a challenging economic backdrop, says Fitch Rating in a new report. This reflects the banks’ stable financial profiles, underpinned by their entrenched market positions, which allows them to operate simple business models. We expect New Zealand’s GDP growth to remain subdued during 2024 and joblessness to rise as a result, although the unemployment rate should remain resilient. The full effect of rapidly rising interest rates is likely to be felt by the economy and lead to a deterioration in bank asset quality. However, this should be manageable for all four banks given their disciplined underwriting standards and risk management. Earnings headwinds are likely to continue in 2024 as we expect net interest margins to fall as the cash rate peaks and funding costs rise, while cost management will be challenged by inflation, ongoing investment spending and higher impairment charges. The Issuer Default Ratings (IDRs) reflect the integral part these banks, New Zealand subsidiaries of Australian banks, have in their respective overall groups, and we expect an extremely high likelihood of support from the Australian parents if required. The report, "New Zealand Major Banks –Peer Review 2024", is available at www.fitchratings.com or by clicking the link above. Contact: Nikkita Lok Associate Director +61 2 8256 0345 [email protected] Fitch Australia Pty Ltd Suite 15.01, Level 15, 135 King St, Sydney NSW 2000 James Neale Associate Director +61 2 8256 0343 [email protected] Tim Roche Senior Director +61 2 8256 0310 [email protected] Media Relations: Peter Hoflich, Singapore, Tel: +65 6796 7229, Email: [email protected] Vivian Kam, Hong Kong, Tel: +852 2263 9612, Email: [email protected] Additional information is available on www.fitchratings.com All Fitch Ratings (Fitch) credit ratings are subject to certain limitations and disclaimers. Please read these limitations and disclaimers by following this link: https://www.fitchratings.com/understandingcreditratings . In addition, the following https://www.fitchratings.com/rating-definitions-document details Fitch's rating definitions for each rating scale and rating categories, including definitions relating to default. 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Zambia visit shows SSW’s global impact

A UNC School of Social Work delegation saw how their research helped a nonprofit create jobs in rural areas.

A small delegation from the UNC School of Social Work visited the growing rural town of Solwezi (population 90,000) in the North-Western Province of Zambia in March. They came to learn about the impact of local women’s savings and credit groups and their financial literacy training.

The trip was coordinated by Gina Chowa and Rain Masa from the school’s center for  Global Social Development Innovations in partnership with longtime collaborator Mathias Zimba, executive director of  Rising Fountains Development Program in Zambia.

“As partners, we work together to identify ideas and practices that will change lives for the better,” Masa said. “Researchers and graduate students at the school can help build the evidence needed to demonstrate to policymakers, officials and the business community what is needed to  improve the lives of rural Zambians .”

Improving lives in six countries

Masa is an associate professor who also serves as GSDI’s research director. He has worked collaboratively on both economic security and HIV treatment projects with Rising Fountains, a Zambian nonprofit dedicated to improving the livelihoods of women and children in rural areas.

Masa emphasized how community involvement localizes these economic programs and increases their chance of success and relevance.

“Economic security is the focal point of our work,” said Masa. “We provide funding and, maybe more importantly, we are available to Mathias and his team for ongoing capacity support as well.”

Paving career paths

During the visit to her native Zambia, Chowa was visibly moved at the end of a day spent at a teen center and a church. The delegation heard from over a dozen enthusiastic groups of about 20 women each and the men who had joined in support of them.

“These people. This is why I do the work I do,” Chowa said.

Following the presentations, the delegation went to see the small business owners in action. These included a man who bought spare parts for just one bicycle and now runs a repair shop with several assistants, craftswomen who purchased a sewing machine and yarn to create and sell clothing, and a woman who uses a mobile phone and SIM cards to help townspeople make financial transactions.

“This is not about politics,” said one Solwezi community leader. “I stand in the middle in support of our people helping better their lives and those of their families.”

At the end of the visit, local residents piled baskets full of sweet melons, gourds and pineapples at the front of a small church as parting gifts.

“The bounty and generosity of spirit of the nearly 150 people of Solwezi whom we visited with earlier this month made a lasting impression,” said Alice Washington, a longtime member of the school’s advisory board.

Read more about the Zambia trip and support the UNC School of Social Work’s global partnerships by making a gift to the  Global Social Development Innovations Fund .

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