Most commonly reported Work Activities

•   Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
•   Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
•   Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
•   Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
•   Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
•   Documenting/Recording Information Entering, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
•   Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
•   Organising, Planning, and Prioritising Work Developing specific goals and plans to prioritise, organise, and accomplish your work.
•   Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
•   Communicating with Persons Outside Organisation Communicating with people outside the organisation, representing the organisation to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.

Working Life

While the environment is a term that covers a wide range of activities, there are two main areas, environmental science and environmental engineering. Environmental science is concerned with scientific aspects relating to the environment and deals with subjects such as chemistry and biology. Environmental engineering, on the other hand, deals with technological aspects and in particular the design and use of equipment to control and monitor the quality of our environment.  
 
Environmental scientists may have long-term responsibility for a conservation area. Conservation bodies employ Environmental Scientists to manage nature reserves, ranging from ancient woodlands to gravel pits. Environmental Scientists also identify new areas in need of protection.  
 
In the laboratory, scientists may analyse water pollution caused by industry and agriculture. They test water samples to find the type, concentration and source of the pollution.  
 
Fieldwork makes up a large part of an environmental scientists job, so they have to work outdoors in any weather.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Provide scientific or technical guidance, support, coordination, or oversight to governmental agencies, environmental programmes, industry, or the public.
• Review and implement environmental technical standards, guidelines, policies, and formal regulations that meet all appropriate requirements.
• Collect, synthesise, analyse, manage, and report environmental data, such as pollution emission measurements, atmospheric monitoring measurements, meteorological or mineralogical information, or soil or water samples.
• Communicate scientific or technical information to the public, organisations, or internal audiences through oral briefings, written documents, workshops, conferences, training sessions, or public hearings.
• Provide advice on proper standards and regulations or the development of policies, strategies, or codes of practice for environmental management.
• Prepare charts or graphs from data samples, providing summary information on the environmental relevance of the data.
• Conduct environmental audits or inspections or investigations of violations.
• Monitor effects of pollution or land degradation and recommend means of prevention or control.
• Design or direct studies to obtain technical environmental information about planned projects.
• Analyse data to determine validity, quality, and scientific significance and to interpret correlations between human activities and environmental effects.

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

 Naturalist

Not surprisingly, some aspect of the natural sciences will run through the Naturalist's interests - from ecological awareness to nutrition and health. People with an interest in horticulture, land usage and farming (including fish) are Naturalists.

Some Naturalists focus on animals rather than plants, and may enjoy working with, training, caring for, or simply herding them. Other Naturalists will prefer working with the end result of nature's produce - the food produced from plants and animals. Naturalists like solving problems with solutions that show some sensitivity to the environmental impact of what they do. They like to see practical results and prefer action to talking and discussing.

 Investigative

The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.

 Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

A Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemistry (B.Sc.), or a field relevant to the earth sciences is typical for most entry-level environmental jobs. A B.Sc. in environmental science is typically multidisciplinary, incorporating biology, chemistry, physics and philosophy, with ecology, hydrology and atmospheric science.

Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research. 

Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.

Example search terms include: laboratory assistant, cleanroom operations, general management.

Search for FET Courses

PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.

Example search terms include: applied science, applied laboratory science, laboratory techniques, environmental science, pre-university, science with environmental studies.

Search for PLC Courses

Apprenticeships: 
Apprenticeships are structured work-based training programs that combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. They run from 2 – 4 years and are open to individuals of all ages, including school leavers, those seeking a career change, and existing employees who wish to upskill.

Examples: Lab Technician, Lab Analyst.

Search for Apprenticeships

Higher Education CAO (Undergraduate) 
Higher Education courses at Levels 6 to 8 on the NFQ, delivered in Universities and Technological Universities & Institutes. Courses run from 2 – 5 years and places are allocated on a points-based system, processed by the Central Application Office.

Example search terms include: environmental science, biological, chemical sciences, science, chemistry, earth, animal bioscience, applied biology, agri-environmental sciences, agricultural science, ecology, science, biological.

Search for CAO Courses

Higher Education (Postgraduate)
Postgraduate courses are courses at Levels 9 and 10 on the NFQ and usually last 1 – 2 years full time, or longer if a PhD or part time. Entrants typically require an undergraduate award (Level 8).

Example search terms include: management, analytical chemistry, environmental forensic, pharmaceutical, chemistry, environmental.

Search for Postgraduate Courses

Professional Development 

Professional development (CPD) courses are specialised training, formal education, or advanced professional learning that improves skills, professional knowledge, competency, and overall effectiveness in the professional world.

Science foundation Ireland Smartfutures

Check the Useful Contacts tab on this page to see if there are any professional bodies listed who may provide training related to this career.

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €44k - €75k

Salaries vary based on employer, location, experience, duties, and role.

Data Source(s):
CPL / Morgan McKinley / Talent/ Indeed/ HSE

Last Updated: July, 2024

Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Administrative assistants and officers (national and local government); officers of non-governmental organisations (e.g. administrators (charitable organisation); organisers (trade union); trade union officials.

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

The changes in classification as a result of the introduction of the new Labour Force Survey in 2017 are partly responsible for the strong employment growth rate for this occupation, although employment also grew strongly between 2019 and 2020, and continued to grow in 2022. Those employed are primarily female (69%), working full-time (90%), and over half (55%) held third-level qualifications. With a higher than average share of persons employed aged 55 years and older (31% compared to 19% for all occupations), replacement demand is likely to result in opportunities opening up for these roles even if employment growth slows.

There was a significant number of vacancies advertised online for clerical officer roles across the civil service and Government administration roles. However, recent job hires for 2022 far exceeded employment growth indicating that job churn is a feature of this occupation. While job openings are set to continue, upskilling and reskilling may also be required for those already employed in these occupations in order to reach targets set out in the Civil Service Renewal Plan 2024 in areas such as in digital skills.

• Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI)

  • Wilton Park House, Wilton Place, Dublin, 2
  • (01) 808 2002
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Smart Futures

  • Discover Science & Engineering, Wilton Park House, Wilton Place, Dublin, 2
  • Click Here

• Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine

  • Agriculture House, Kildare Street, Dublin 2
  • (01) 607 2000 Lo Call 1890 200 510
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

  • PO Box 3000 Johnstown Castle Estate Wexford
  • 053-916 0600
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here