Most commonly reported Work Activities

• 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.
• Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• 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.
• Documenting/Recording Information Entering, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
• 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.
• Processing Information Compiling, coding, categorising, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
• Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Performing for or Working Directly with the Public Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.

The Work

Landscape scientists use scientific knowledge of the environment to solve practical landscape problems, providing help with landscape design, planning and management. They are often part of a team and work closely with other members of the landscape profession.   
  
They carry out environmental assessment studies of major development proposals, conduct site surveys and help to resolve nature conservation issues. When a new motorway is planned, they examine the ecological effects of building it and give evidence as expert witnesses at public enquiries. As part of their duties they advise on long-term solutions that aim to protect or to reduce adverse effects on existing wildlife. The work is varied. For example, they may:

• conduct surveys of existing vegetation and soils
• design, create and monitor new habitats
• suggest ways of increasing wildlife on a particular site
• carry out studies to help with central and local government planning

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Determine the nature of code violations and actions to be taken, and issue written notices of violation, participating in enforcement hearings, as necessary.
• Prepare, organise, and maintain inspection records.
• Investigate complaints and suspected violations regarding illegal dumping, pollution, pesticides, product quality, or labeling laws.
• Determine which sites and violation reports to investigate, and coordinate compliance and enforcement activities with other government agencies.
• Interview individuals to determine the nature of suspected violations and to obtain evidence of violations.
• Inform individuals and groups of pollution control regulations and inspection findings, and explain how problems can be corrected.
• Verify that hasardous chemicals are handled, stored, and disposed of in accordance with regulations.
• Learn and observe proper safety precautions, rules, regulations, and practices so that unsafe conditions can be recognised and proper safety protocols implemented.
• Monitor follow-up actions in cases where violations were found, and review compliance monitoring reports.
• Examine permits, licenses, applications, and records to ensure compliance with licensing requirements.

Further Information

• Landscape Scientist - from: N.C.S. [UK]

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

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.

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.

Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

To become a qualified landscape scientist you need to complete an appropriate first degree followed by a postgraduate qualification or relevant experience, or a combination of both. The first degree should be scientific, such as ecology or natural science or a broad based course like environmental science.   

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.

Training & Development   

FET Centre Traineeship: Laboratory Assistant, Cleanroom Operations, General Management around Ireland at NFQ Level 5-6 Search FET Courses

FET PLC Courses: Applied science, Applied Laboratory Science, Applied Science/Laboratory Techniques, Environmental Science Pre-University, Science with Environmental Studies at NFQ Level 5 Search FET PLC Courses

Apprenticeship: Lab Technician & Lab Analyst Apprenticeships NFQ level 6-7 Search Apprenticeships

Higher Education CAO Entry: Environmental Science, Biological and Chemical Sciences, Science - (Chemistry & Chemical Sciences), Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Animal Bioscience, Applied Biology, Agri-Environmental Sciences - Agricultural Science, Environmental Science with Ecology, Science (Biological and Environmental Studies) NFQ Levels 6-8 Search CAO courses

Professional Development

Postgraduate Study Options Management, Analytical Chemistry - Environmental Forensic & Pharmaceutical, Chemistry - Environmental Analytical Chemistry NFQ level 9 

Science foundation Ireland Smartfutures

Last Updated: April, 2023

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €35k - €81k

Salaries vary by employer, location, duties, role, experience, and sessional shift pattern & conditions.

Data Source(s):
Payscale/ Salaryexplorer/ Glassdoor/ Indeed

Last Updated: July, 2024

* The lower figures typically reflect starting salaries. Higher salaries are awarded to those with greater experience and responsibility. Positions in Dublin sometimes command higher salaries.

View Salary information from Indeed.ie
Note: data not aways available

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

The annual average employment growth was above average for this occupation, although employment levels declined marginally between 2021 and 2022. New employment permits issued in 2022 related to quantity surveyors and issues with recruitment of quantity surveyors were also evident in both the Skills for Growth and Recruitment Agency Survey data.

The supply of quantity surveyors has increased since 2016, with 336 awards in 2021 in higher education. The demand for these skills is expected to be sustained in the coming years, although the tasks may be incorporated into other occupations e.g. structural engineer. With supply increasing, issues with recruitment may lessen in future years. Demand for architects and town planners is likely to continue, although the data does not currently point to issues in relation to sourcing suitably qualified personnel for these roles. 

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