Environmental Scientists
Overview
Snapshot
Summary
Environmental Scientists study, develop, implement and advise on policies and plans for managing and protecting the environment, flora, fauna and other natural resources.
Tasks
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evaluating habitat, wildlife and fisheries needs, and formulating shortand long-term management goals and objectives
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enforcing laws and regulations to conserve and protect fish and wildlife
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carrying out environmental impact assessments for a wide range of development projects
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proposing solutions to address negative environmental impact
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studying the effects of factors, such as terrain, altitude, climatic and environmental change, sources of nutrition, predators and the impacts of humans, on animal and plant life
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studying and analysing pollution, atmospheric conditions, demographic characteristics, ecology, mineral, soil and water samples
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developing conservation and management policies for biological resources, such as fish populations and forests, and establishing standards and developing approaches for the control of pollution and the rehabilitation of areas disturbed by activities such as mining, timber felling and overgrazing
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implementing policies and organising activities in designated parks and other areas to conserve and protect natural and cultural heritage
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participating in management planning by providing environmental information and making inventories of plants, animals and items of cultural and heritage significance
Characteristics
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University
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Vocational Education and Training (VET)
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Practical
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Analytical
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Administrative
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Sedentary
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Light
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Medium
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Heavy
Outlook
JSA produces employment projections to show where likely future job opportunities may be. The latest data are for the five years from November 2021 to November 2026. Over this period, the number of workers in this occupation is likely to remain stable.
Source: Jobs and Skills Australia Employment Projections to 2026.
Notes: The number employed includes people who work in this occupation as their main job. People who work in more than one job are counted against the occupation they work the most hours in.
Employment projections figures are rounded to the nearest 100. Calculations based on these rounded figures may result in differences to the numbers that are displayed on this page. Employment projections data (including occupations) can be downloaded from the Employment Projections page.
Number of Workers
Year | Employment |
---|---|
2011 | 23,700 |
2012 | 18,300 |
2013 | 20,900 |
2014 | 23,600 |
2015 | 19,100 |
2016 | 22,900 |
2017 | 18,000 |
2018 | 19,500 |
2019 | 37,000 |
2020 | 26,700 |
2021 | 24,100 |
2026 | 23,600 |
Source: ABS Labour Force Survey, ABS seasonally adjusted data to November 2021 and Jobs and Skills Australia Employment Projections to 2026.
Earnings and hours
Working arrangements
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Around 76% of people employed as Environmental Scientists work full-time hours, in all their jobs combined. This is 10 percentage points above the all jobs average (66%).
Full-time workers work an average of 43 hours per week in their main job. This is similar to the all jobs average (44 hours per week).
More than half of workers regularly work overtime or extra hours (either paid or unpaid).
Median full-time earnings are $2,099 per week, this is much higher than the all jobs median ($1,593):
- 3 in 4 workers earn more than $1,372
- 1 in 4 earn more than $2,515
Median hourly earnings are $56, this is more than the all jobs median ($41 per hour).
Sources: Full-time share and full-time hours: ABS, 2016 Census, customised report. Compared to the all jobs average. Overtime hours: ABS, Characteristics of Employment, 2021. Full-time median earnings and median hourly earnings: ABS, Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2021. Compared to all jobs median.
Weekly Earnings (Before Tax)
Earnings | Environmental Scientists | All Jobs Average |
---|---|---|
Full-Time Earnings | 2,099 | 1,593 |
Total Earnings | 0 | 0 |
Source: Based on ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2021, Customised Report. Median weekly total cash earnings for full-time non-managerial employees paid at the adult rate. Earnings are before tax and include amounts salary sacrificed. Earnings can vary greatly depending on the skills and experience of the worker and the demands of the role. These figures should be used as a guide only, not to determine a wage rate.
Industries
Main industries
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Environmental Scientists work in industries like:
- Professional, scientific and technical services
- Public administration and safety
- Arts and recreation services
- Electricity, gas, water and waste services.
Source: ABS Labour Force Survey, annual average 2021.
Regions
Employment across Australia
NSW
VIC
QLD
SA
WA
TAS
NT
ACT
Employment by State and Territory (% Share)
State | Environmental Scientists | All Jobs Average |
---|---|---|
NSW | 27.5 | 31.6 |
VIC | 17.9 | 25.6 |
QLD | 22.9 | 20.0 |
SA | 6.0 | 7.0 |
WA | 16.9 | 10.8 |
TAS | 2.7 | 2.0 |
NT | 3.9 | 1.0 |
ACT | 2.1 | 1.9 |
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Around 49% of Environmental Scientists live outside of capital cities, compared with the all jobs average of 38%.
Western Australia has a large share of employment relative to its population size.
Source: Based on ABS Census 2016, Customised Report. Share of workers across Australian states, territories and regions, in this job compared to the all jobs average.
Worker profile
Age and gender
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The median age of Environmental Scientists is 39 years. This is similar to the all jobs average of 40 years.
A large share of workers are aged 35 to 44 years.
Females make up 41% of the workforce. This is 7 percentage points below the all jobs average of 48%.
Source: Based on ABS Census 2016, Customised Report. Age profile and gender share compared to the all jobs average.
Age Profile (% Share)
Age Bracket | Environmental Scientists | All Jobs Average |
---|---|---|
15-19 | 0.8 | 5.0 |
20-24 | 4.9 | 9.3 |
25-34 | 28.5 | 22.9 |
35-44 | 32.3 | 22.0 |
45-54 | 19.6 | 21.6 |
55-59 | 7.2 | 9.0 |
60-64 | 4.3 | 6.0 |
65 and Over | 2.6 | 4.2 |
Median Age | 39 | 40 |
Source: Based on ABS Census 2016, Customised Report. Age profile of workers in this job compared to the all jobs average.
Employment Pathways
Education, training and experience
A bachelor degree in a relevant field is usually needed to work as an Environmental Scientist. Many workers have a postgraduate qualification.
Visit
- Course Seeker to search and compare higher education courses.
- ComparED to compare undergraduate and postgraduate student experiences and outcomes.
- My Skills to compare Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses, providers and student outcomes.
- AAPathways website to explore Agriculture, Horticulture and Conservation & Land Management and Sustainability VET training pathways.
Highest Level of Education (% Share)
Type of Qualification | Environmental Scientists | All Jobs Average |
---|---|---|
Post Graduate/Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate | 27.7 | 10.1 |
Bachelor degree | 48.4 | 21.8 |
Advanced Diploma/Diploma | 7.6 | 11.6 |
Certificate III/IV | 7.3 | 21.1 |
Year 12 | 4.6 | 18.1 |
Year 11 | 1.2 | 4.8 |
Year 10 and below | 3.2 | 12.5 |
Source: ABS Census 2016, Customised Report. Highest qualification completed by workers in this job (in any field of study). Qualifications needed by new workers might be different from the qualifications of workers already in the job.
Skills and Knowledge
Employers look for Environmental Scientists who can communicate clearly, work well in a team and have strong interpersonal skills.
Skills
Skills can be improved through training or experience.
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71%
Reading comprehensionReading work related information.
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66%
ScienceUsing scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
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64%
WritingWriting things for co-workers or customers.
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63%
SpeakingTalking to others.
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59%
Active listeningListening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions.
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59%
Critical thinkingThinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem.
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59%
MathematicsUsing maths to solve problems.
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59%
MonitoringKeeping track of how well work is progressing so you can make changes or improvements.
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57%
Active learningBeing able to use what you have learnt to solve problems now and again in the future.
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57%
Complex problem solvingNoticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it.
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57%
InstructingTeaching people how to do something.
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55%
Judgment and decision makingFiguring out the pros and cons of different options and choosing the best one.
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55%
Learning strategiesFiguring out the best way to teach or learn something new.
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55%
Systems analysisFiguring out how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect it.
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54%
Coordination with othersBeing adaptable and coordinating work with other people.
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50%
Social perceptivenessUnderstanding why people react the way they do.
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50%
Time managementManaging your own and other peoples' time to get work done.
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48%
Management of personnel resourcesMotivating, developing, and directing people as they work, and choosing the best people for the job.
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46%
PersuasionTalking people into changing their minds or their behaviour.
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43%
Serving othersLooking for ways to help people.
Knowledge
These are important topics, subjects or knowledge areas.
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69%
English languageEnglish language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
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67%
MathematicsArithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics.
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66%
ClericalWord processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office work.
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62%
Customer and personal serviceUnderstanding customer needs, providing good quality service, and measuring customer satisfaction.
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59%
BiologyPlant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, how they rely on and work with each other and the environment.
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58%
Law and governmentHow our laws and courts work. Government rules and regulations, and the political system.
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58%
ChemistryChemical composition, structure, and properties. How chemicals are made, used, mixed, and can change.
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55%
GeographyDescribing land, sea, and air, including their physical characteristics, locations, how they work together, and the location of plant, animal, and human life.
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55%
Computers and electronicsCircuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
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51%
Administration and managementBusiness principles involved in strategic planning, leadership, and coordinating people and resources.
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49%
Engineering and technologyUse engineering, science and technology to design and produce goods and services.
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48%
PhysicsThe physical laws of matter, motion and energy, and how they interact through space and time.
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47%
Public safety and securityUse of equipment, rules and ideas to protect people, data, property, and institutions.
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46%
Education and trainingCurriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
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41%
MechanicalMachines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
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40%
Technical designDesign techniques, tools, and principles used to make detailed technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
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39%
Communications and mediaMedia production, communication, and dissemination. Includes written, spoken, and visual media.
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37%
TransportationMoving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road.
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37%
Building and constructionMaterials, and methods used to construct or repair houses, buildings, or other structures like highways and roads.
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28%
Economics and accountingEconomics and accounting, the financial markets, banking and checking and reporting of financial data.
Abilities
Workers use these physical and mental abilities..
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71%
Oral comprehensionListen to and understand what people say.
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71%
Oral expressionCommunicate by speaking.
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71%
Written comprehensionRead and understand written information.
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66%
Inductive reasoningUse lots of detailed information to come up with answers or make general rules.
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66%
Problem spottingNotice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong, even if you can't solve the problem.
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64%
Written expressionWrite in a way that people can understand.
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59%
Deductive reasoningUse general rules to find answers or solve problems logically.
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55%
Near visionSee details that are up-close (within a few feet).
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55%
Speech claritySpeak clearly so others can understand you.
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55%
BrainstormingCome up with a number of ideas about a topic, even if the ideas aren't very good.
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54%
Sorting or orderingOrder or arrange things in a pattern or sequence (e.g., numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
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54%
CategorisingCome up with different ways of grouping things.
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54%
MathematicsChoose the right maths method or formula to solve a problem.
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54%
Speech recognitionIdentify and understand the speech of another person.
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52%
Working with numbersAdd, subtract, multiply, or divide.
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52%
Flexibility of closureSee a pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) hidden in other distracting material.
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52%
OriginalityCome up with unusual or clever ideas, or creative ways to solve a problem.
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48%
Far visionSee details that are far away.
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46%
Selective attentionPay attention to something without being distracted.
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41%
MultitaskingDo two or more things at the same time.
Activities
These are kinds of activities workers regularly do in this job.
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78%
Planning and prioritising workDeciding on goals and putting together a detailed plan to get the work done.
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78%
Keeping your knowledge up-to-dateKeeping up-to-date with technology and new ideas.
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77%
Researching and investigatingLooking for, getting and understanding different kinds of information.
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77%
Collecting and organising informationCompiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or checking information or data.
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74%
Communicating with the publicGiving information to the public, business or government by telephone, in writing, or in person.
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73%
Making decisions and solving problemsUsing information to work out the best solution and solve problems.
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72%
Building good relationshipsBuilding good working relationships and keeping them over time.
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71%
Looking for changes over timeComparing objects, actions, or events. Looking for differences between them or changes over time.
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70%
Making sense of information and ideasLooking at, working with, and understanding data or information.
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69%
Communicating within a teamGiving information to co-workers by telephone, in writing, or in person.
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66%
Checking compliance with standardsDeciding whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
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64%
Scheduling work and activitiesWorking out the timing of events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
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63%
Assessing and evaluating thingsWorking out the value, importance, or quality of things, services or people.
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62%
Monitoring people, processes and thingsChecking objects, actions, or events, and keeping an eye out for problems.
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62%
Explaining things to peopleHelping people to understand and use information.
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62%
Giving expert adviceProviding guidance and expert advice to management or other groups.
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61%
Documenting or recording informationEntering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
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56%
Estimating amounts, costs and resourcesWorking out sizes, distances, amounts, time, costs, resources, or materials needed for a task.
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53%
Coming up with systems and processesDeciding on goals and figuring out what you need to do to achieve them.
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47%
Working with computersUsing computers to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Interests and demands
Learn about the daily activities, and physical and social demands faced by workers. Explore the values and work styles that workers rate as most important.
Interests
Interests are the style or type of work we prefer to do. All interest areas are shown below.
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100%
AnalyticalIdeas and thinking. Searching for facts and figuring out problems in your head.
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76%
PracticalPractical, hands-on work. Often with plants and animals, or materials like wood, tools, and machinery.
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57%
AdministrativeFollowing set procedures and routines. Working with numbers and details more than with ideas, usually following rules.
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48%
CreativeWorking with forms, designs and patterns. Often need self-expression and can be done without following rules.
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24%
EnterprisingStarting up and carrying out projects. Leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes require risk taking and often deal with business.
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24%
HelpingWorking with people. Helping or providing service to others.
Values
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71%
AchievementResults oriented. Workers are able to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment.
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71%
IndependenceWork alone and make decisions. Workers are able to try out their own ideas, make decisions on their own, and work with little or no supervision.
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71%
RecognitionAdvancement and the potential to lead. Workers are recognised for the work that they do, they may give directions and instructions to others, and they are looked up to in their company and their community.
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67%
Working conditionsJob security and good working conditions. There is usually a steady flow of interesting work, and the pay and conditions are generally good.
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57%
RelationshipsServe and work with others. Workers usually get along well with each other, do things to help other people, and are rarely pressured to do things that go against their sense of right and wrong.
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52%
SupportSupportive management that stands behind employees. Workers are treated fairly by their company, they are supported by management, and have supervisors who train them well.
Demands
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100%
Electronic mailUse electronic mail.
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98%
TelephoneTalk on the telephone.
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96%
Face-to-face discussionsTalk with people face-to-face.
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90%
Unstructured workHave freedom to decide on tasks, priorities, and goals.
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89%
Freedom to make decisionsHave freedom to make decision on your own.
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88%
TeamworkWork with people in a group or team.
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85%
Indoors, heat controlledWork indoors with access to heating or cooling.
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84%
Contact with peopleHave contact with people by telephone, face-to-face, or any other way.
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81%
Being exact or accurateBe very exact or highly accurate.
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80%
Spend time sittingSpend time sitting at work.
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78%
Impact of decisionsMake decisions that have a large impact on other people.
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78%
Lead or coordinate a teamLead others to do work activities.
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78%
Letters and memosWrite letters and memos.
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75%
Frequent decision makingFrequently make decisions that impact other people.
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72%
Contact with the publicWork with customers or the public.
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70%
Time pressureWork to strict deadlines.
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66%
Repeating same tasksRepeat the same tasks or activities (e.g., key entry) over and over, without stopping.
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62%
CompetitionCompete with others, or be aware of competitive pressures.
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59%
Responsible for outcomesTake responsibility for the results of other people's work.
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58%
In an enclosed vehicle or equipmentWork in a closed vehicle (e.g., car).
O*NET is a trademark of the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration.
The skills and importance ratings on this page are derived from the US Department of Labor O*NET Database Version 21.2, 19-2041.00 - Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health.
Links and downloads
Research and reports
The Skills Priority List provides a current labour market rating and a future demand rating for nearly 800 occupations nationally. Current labour market ratings are available for occupations at a state and territory level.
Downloads
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Occupation profiles data are available for download.
The Employment Projections are available for download.