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Did you know that 2002 was the International Year of Ecotourism?
Do you like
being outdoors?
Are you concerned about environmental issues?
Do you want to help other people enjoy the natural environment?
Do you enjoy learning about plants and wildlife?
Are you a nature freak?
Do you want to earn a living from what you love doing?
Yes?
Have you considered a career in Environmental Science?
Info
Environmental
Science is a growth area with lots of opportunities for girls and women.
An example of the growth in this industry is the surge in awareness of the importance of re-using and recycling domestic and industrial waste. A big part of this new process is community education that encourages people to become more aware of their responsibilities to the environment. People might think that environmental issues are too big for them to tackle, or they might not realise how we can all change little habits, and together we can make a big difference.
Have you ever heard of the saying 'Think globally, act locally'? It means you can do the smallest thing, and it can have a huge impact on the entire environment. An example of this logic is putting your glass bottles in a recycling bin instead of the garbage bin, or taking your old plastic bags to the supermarket with you.
But before people realise what they can do to help the environment, they have to know about the issues. Governments, councils, community groups (like Clean Up Australia) and schools all employ community educators to get the message out there about environmental issues.
There is also the opportunity to combine your passion for the environment with another discipline, such as engineering or economics. The area of Environmental Science is so broad, you can choose to focus on a subject that you are really passionate about. For example, if you love the Australian bush, you can specialise in learning about the native plants and animals and their habitats.
You'll be surprised
at the variety of Environmental Science jobs out there - here are just a few
examples:
- Aboriculture
Worker
- Bushland
Regenerator
- Fisheries
Officer
- Forest
Technical Officer
- Natural
Resource Manager
- Park
Ranger
- Water
Technician.
Money
Salaries and
wages in Environmental Science vary as much as the types of jobs. Of course,
how much you get paid also depends on your qualifications and experience.
Starting salaries and graduate salaries are going to be less than salaries
for supervisors and managers.
For example, a Park Ranger can earn between $30 000 and $60 000 per year. They can earn more if they are in a management position.
Study
If you
want to begin a career in Environmental Science while you are doing your HSC,
think about enrolling in a part time school-based Vocational Education and Training
(VET) traineeship:
Horticulture:
Certificate
II in Horticulture
Certificate
II in Horticulture (Arboriculture)
Certificate
II in Horticulture (Floriculture)
Certificate
II in Horticulture (Landscape)
Certificate
II in Horticulture (Nursery)
Certificate
II in Horticulture (Parks & Gardens)
Certificate
II in Horticulture (Production)
Certificate
II in Horticulture (Turf Management).
TAFE NSW has a range of courses in the Environmental Science field. Check out the TAFE NSW online handbook for course details.
Other public and private education and training providers such as universities and community colleges offer courses in Environmental Science as well.
Check out the IYE website for more information about the International Year of Ecotourism.
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