ENVIRONMENTAL AND AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE PROFESSIONALS study and develop plans and policies for the
environment, management of forest areas, flora and fauna, develop techniques for increased productivity, and advise farmers on various aspects of farming.
Skill Level:
The entry requirement for this unit group is a bachelor degree or higher qualification. In some instances relevant experience is required in addition to the formal qualification.
Tasks Include:
§studying the effects on animal and plant life of such factors as terrain, altitude, climatic conditions, sources of nutrition, and predators
§investigating the structure of communities of organisms and predicting the effects of disturbances by human or environmental changes
§managing forest resources to maximise their long-term commercial, recreational and environmental benefits for the community
§studying the propagation and culture of forest trees, improvement of growing stock and the effects of thinning on forest yields
§implementing policies and organising activities in a designated park or area to conserve and protect natural or cultural heritage
§investigating soil fertility taking into account microbial populations, soil fauna, content of organic matter and presence of nitrogen, oxygen and other elements required for plant growth
§studying the factors affecting commercial crops, pasture and animal breeding
§advising farmers on improving the production of crops and livestock, and alternative agricultural enterprises Occupations: 2114-11 Environmental Research Scientist
2114-13 Forester 2114-15 Park Ranger 2114-17 Soil Scientist 2114-19 Agricultural Scientist 2114-21 Agricultural Adviser
2114-79 Environmental and Agricultural Science Professionals nec
2114-11 Environmental Research Scientist Studies and develops policies and plans for the control of factors which may produce pollution, imbalance or degradation of the environment.
Skill Level:
The entry requirement for this occupation is a bachelor degree or higher qualification. In some instances relevant experience is required in addition to the formal qualification.
Tasks Include:
§studies the effects on animal and plant life of such factors as terrain, altitude, climatic conditions, sources of nutrition, and predators
§investigates the structure of communities of organisms and predicts the effects of disturbances by human or
environmental changes
§plans and conducts field trips to study animals and plants in their natural environments and to collect specimens for laboratory study
§studies and analyses pollution, atmospheric conditions, demographic characteristics, ecology, mineral, soil and water samples
§prepares graphs, charts and statistics from data, analyses data and correlates them with the work of other scientists, evaluates data and prepares reports of conclusions
§develops and tests models of the environment using knowledge of ecology, mathematics, statistics and physical sciences
§develops conservation or harvesting policies for management of biological resources such as fish populations and forests
§assesses pollution problems, establishes standards and develops approaches for the control of pollution and the rehabilitation of areas disturbed by activities such as mining, timber felling or overgrazing
§may prepare environmental impact studies of activities such as mining, building and housing
Specialisations:
Air Pollution Analyst Ecologist
Land Degradation Analyst Water Quality Analyst
2114-13 Forester Forest Ranger
Studies, develops and manages forest areas to maintain commercial and recreational uses, conserve flora and fauna, and protect against fire, pests and diseases.
Skill Level:
The entry requirement for this occupation is a bachelor degree or higher qualification. In some instances relevant experience is required in addition to the formal qualification.
Tasks Include:
§manages forest resources to maximise their long-term commercial, recreational and environmental benefits for the community
§participates in land use planning for designated areas
§observes the effects of environmental factors on the growth and health of forest plants
§studies the propagation and culture of forest trees,
improvement of growing stock and the effects of thinning on forest yields
§prepares plans for re-afforestation and devises efficient harvesting systems
§investigates, plans and implements management procedures to cope with the effects of fires, floods, soil erosion, insect pests and diseases
§estimates the volume, size and quality of timber resulting from management alternatives
§advises government, industry and the public on forestry problems and planning
§may conduct educational programs on the care and value of forests
§may supervise and coordinate the work of technical officers and other forestry workers
Specialisations:
Forestry Adviser Silviculturist
2114-15 Park Ranger
Controls state or national parks, scenic areas, historic sites, nature reserves, recreation areas or conservation reserves in accordance with authorised policies and priorities.
Skill Level:
The entry requirement for this occupation is a bachelor degree or higher qualification. In some instances relevant experience is required in addition to the formal qualification.
Tasks Include:
§implements policies and organises activities in a designated park or area to conserve and protect natural or cultural heritage
§participates in management planning by providing
environmental information and making inventories of plants, animals, and items of cultural or heritage significance
§informs visitors of park facilities and features, supervises public visits and may collect fees from visitors
§ensures parks, park facilities and equipment are maintained and cleaned
§plans, recommends and implements facility improvements
§patrols waterways, tracks and roads to observe and report on the condition of animals and plants
§coordinates search and rescue operations, draws up fire prevention plans and undertakes hazard reduction work and fire fighting
§enforces park regulations to protect parks, reserves and
2114-17 Soil Scientist
Studies the location, composition and characteristics of soils to improve soil management, ensure soil conservation, classify soil types and increase soil productivity.
Skill Level:
The entry requirement for this occupation is a bachelor degree or higher qualification. In some instances relevant experience is required in addition to the formal qualification.
Tasks Include:
§investigates soil fertility taking into account microbial populations, soil fauna, content of organic matter and presence of nitrogen, oxygen and other elements required for plant growth and productivity
§studies the physical and chemical properties of soils to determine the potential for plant growth, water absorption capacity, drainage characteristics, acidity, texture and degree of salinity
§develops soil management practices, and studies their effects on the long-term productivity of soil
§determines the mineralogy and structure of soil constituents to explain absorption processes
§investigates the mechanical properties of soils to improve tillage practices
§studies the influence of soil properties on the amount and chemical content of recharge to ground water tables
§investigates and advises on soil conservation problems and farming practices to reduce soil erosion and water quality deterioration
§advises on water quality and salinity problems, particularly those associated with irrigation
§may examine layering and drainage of soils used in foundations for roads, dams, buildings and other structures
§may supervise and coordinate the work of technical officers and other workers
Specialisations:
Soil Conservationist
2114-19 Agricultural Scientist
Studies commercial plants, animals and cultivation techniques to enhance the productivity of farms and agricultural industries.
Skill Level:
The entry requirement for this occupation is a bachelor degree or higher qualification. In some instances relevant experience is required in addition to the formal qualification.
Tasks Include:
§studies the environmental factors affecting commercial crops, pasture and animal breeding
§studies the effects of cultivation techniques, soils, insects and plant diseases on animal and crop production
§prepares technical papers and reports describing the outcome of research
§develops procedures and techniques for solving agricultural problems or improving the efficiency of production
§may advise farmers on improving the production of crops and livestock
§may supervise and coordinate the work of technical officers and other workers
Specialisations:
Agronomist
2114-21 Agricultural Adviser Agricultural Consultant
Advises farmers, agricultural businesses, rural industries and government on the production, processing and distribution of farm products.
Skill Level:
The entry requirement for this occupation is a bachelor degree or higher qualification. In some instances relevant experience is required in addition to the formal qualification.
Tasks Include:
§visits farms to inspect livestock and crops
§collects, analyses and evaluates data and samples of produce, feed, soil or other factors affecting production
§advises farmers on improving the production of crops and livestock, and alternative agricultural enterprises
§advises farmers on issues such as livestock and crop disease, control of pests and weeds, soil improvement, animal husbandry and feeding programs
§may demonstrate practical procedures used in solving agricultural problems or improving the efficiency of production
§may advise on production planning, financing and risk management
Specialisations:
Land Care Officer
2114-79 Environmental and Agricultural Science Professionals nec
This occupation group covers Environmental and Agricultural Science Professionals not elsewhere classified.
Skill Level:
The entry requirement for this occupation is a bachelor degree or higher qualification. In some instances relevant experience is required in addition to the formal qualification.
Occupations in this group include:
Environmental Consultant