Environment

With the world’s population expected to reach 10 billion people by 2050, experts in sustainably managing the environment will be in high demand.

Increasing human populations and greater demands for resources are exerting dangerous pressures on the environment in Australia and throughout the world.

Environmental scientists tackle global challenges such as understanding the environmental impacts of climate change, sustainably managing natural resources, and providing food and water security.

More conservationists are vital to maintaining our environment in situations of increasing community expectations of animal welfare, biosecurity concerns, and competition for limited resources.

As growth in demand for green skills is outpacing the increase in supply, you'll be highly employable:

  • 92% of environmental specialists are employed on graduation1
  • Since 2020, workers with green skills have been hired for new jobs at a higher rate than those without green skills2
  • UQ is ranked #1 in Australia and #15 in the world for environmental sciences3

Where can environmental studies take you?

If you already have a study area that interests you select the category below. Or just keep scrolling for the full list of careers that started by studying the environment at UQ.

 

Conservation

  • Mining Officer (Compliance), Northern Territory Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade
  • Business Operations Specialist, Boeing Research and Technology
  • Conservation Communications Strategist, The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo, Canada
  • Ecologist, Attexo
  • PhD Candidate, Cambridge University
  • Scientific Aide, California Department of Fish and Wildlife

Geography

  • Currently undertaking a work-and-travel gap year in Germany
  • Scientist (Water Planning Ecology), Department of Environment, Science and Innovation
  • Geospatial Analyst (Consultant), Queensland Urban Utilities

Environmental management

  • Principal Environmental Officer, Queensland Department of Environment, Science and Innovation
  • Project Engineer, BHP, Central Queensland
  • Development Officer, International Ranger Federation
  • Environmental Compliance Specialist at Shive-Hattery Iowa City, USA
  • Principal Environmental Consultant, Applied Eco Solutions
  • Senior Fellow, World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Environment and Disaster Management Program
  • Environmental Officer, Queensland Department of Environment and Heritage Protection
  • Spatial Consultant, Jacobs Australia
  • Owner, Distant Relatives Ecolodge & Backpackers, Kenya
  • Regional Coordinator, National Commission for the Knowledge and Use of Biodiversity, Mexico

Environmental science

  • Data Manager, South East Asian Rainforest Research Partnership (SEARRP), Malaysia
  • Scientist (Water Quality Monitoring), Queensland Department of Environment, Science and Innovation

 Ready to start your career?

Explore the range of UQ environment programs.

Study at UQ