Environmental and Life Sciences Careers
People working in environmental and life sciences study living things to help protect the environment, and improve health and nutrition. They undertake research and development in a range of areas, including; biotechnology, cell and molecular bioscience and biomedicine, ecology and biodiversity, environmental studies and marine biology.
- Agricultural/Horticultural Scientist
- Agricultural/horticultural scientists study farm animals, soils, pastures and crops to improve their yield, health and quality, and to prevent pests and disease.
- Animal Physiologist
- Animal physiologists carry out research on how human or animal bodies work. They study the blood, breathing, circulation, digestion, excretion, hormone and skeletal muscle systems, body organs, and brain.
- Atmospheric Scientist
- Atmospheric scientists study the Earth's atmosphere and the way it affects the environment.
- Biochemist
- Biochemists study the chemical structure and function of animals, plants and micro-organisms such as bacteria and viruses. They use research to develop medical, industrial and agricultural products.
- Biotechnologist
- Biotechnologists create or improve products and processes involving biologically based materials. Examples of typical products include pharmaceuticals and more nutritious foods. Typical processes biotechnologists are involved in include fermentation, biomanufacturing, solving environmental problems, food manufacture and even biosecurity.
- Botanist
- Botanists research and examine plants. They study the genetics and molecular biology of plants, and what effect the environment has on them.
- Environmental Scientist
- Environmental scientists study the environment, and provide advice to avoid or reduce harmful effects on the environment.
- Food Engineer
- Food engineers design, develop and test processes and processing equipment for food processing factories.
- Food Scientist/Technologist
- Food scientists/technologists research new food and beverage products, and develop ways to produce and improve the quality of these products. They may also develop or improve the processing, packaging, storage and safety of food in accordance with government and industry standards.
- Forensic Scientist
- Forensic scientists apply scientific knowledge and skills to investigating crimes. The information they provide may help the police to find or eliminate a suspect in a crime.
- Forestry Scientist
- Forestry scientists research forest growth, wood processing, conservation, different types of trees and how these can be used.
- Geographer
- Geographers study patterns resulting from the relationship between human activities and the Earth's surface.
- Hydrographic Surveyor
- Hydrographic surveyors map and monitor the bottom contours of bodies of water such as seas, streams, rivers and lakes. This is done for navigational purposes, to assess the viability of development, or to monitor patterns of sedimentation and erosion.
- Industrial Chemist
- Industrial chemists study the make-up and behaviour of chemicals, the way they react with each other and how they can be used in industrial processes such as producing plastics, pharmaceuticals or silicon chips.
- Marine Biologist
- Marine biologists study plants and animals that live in sea water, and their relationships with each other and their environment.
- Medical Laboratory Scientist
- Medical laboratory scientists work in a team with pathologists and carry out laboratory tests on blood, tissues and other samples taken from patients.
- Meteorologist
- Meteorologists study and interpret global, regional and local patterns in atmospheric and weather information to help them make short and long-range weather forecasts.
- Microbiologist
- Microbiologists study microscopic organisms (living things too small to be seen without a microscope), such as bacteria, viruses, algae or fungi, and the effects they have on plants, animals and humans. Microbiologists use this knowledge to develop products and procedures to benefit humans or the environment.
- Molecular Biologist
- Molecular biologists study genes in living organisms and try to determine why they behave the way they do. Molecular biologists mainly work in the fields of agriculture, horticulture, forestry, fisheries, biotechnology and human health. Their work often leads to new or improved vaccines, pharmaceuticals, food products, and agricultural processes.
- Oceanographer
- Oceanographers study the ocean and marine environment.
- Physicist
- Physicists explore the relationship between matter and energy, and pursue its theoretical and commercial applications.
- Ranger
- Rangers supervise, maintain, enhance and protect conservation areas such as forests, coasts, wetlands, national parks, maritime parks, regional parks, reserves, and sites of historical or cultural importance.
- Science Technician
- Science technicians help scientists to carry out research, testing and experiments in science areas such as chemistry, life sciences, geology and physics.
- Secondary School Teacher
- Secondary school teachers teach one or more curriculum subject areas to students of approximately 13 to 18 years of age at a secondary school.
- Soil Scientist
- Soil scientists study soils, including soil types and processes, and the implications of soil use.
- Tertiary Lecturer
- Tertiary lecturers teach at universities, colleges of education, polytechnics, wānanga and other post-secondary education providers. They may carry out research to be published.
- Zoologist
- Zoologists study animals and all aspects of their lives, including their habitats, habits and anatomy.
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