Environmental Scientist

Are you interested in biology and sustainability?

Environmental scientists study the environment and how plants, animals and other organisms are affected by it. They also study external influences, such as pollutants, and advise how to avoid or reduce harmful effects on the environment.

Real people, real stories

Clare Buchanan, Farm Environmental Consultant

Mark Gasquoine, Sustainable Agricultural Advisor

Caleb Highman, Catchment Engagement Leader

Tessa Schmidt, Environmental Change Specialist

Make this role your reality

CareersNZ

Study at Lincoln University

Apply for a scholarship to fund your future

DairyNZ Undergraduate Scholarships

Woodhouse Scholarship

ETEC Crop Solutions Scholarship

NZPPS Research Scholarship

Not quite your fit? Try these on for size

Agronomist

Environmental Planner

Rural Consultant

Farm Manager

Clare Buchanan, Farm Environmental Consultant

I know I’m working in a space where I can have the most impact…spending time with farmers and supporting the environment at the same time.

I always intended to study environmental science. I didn’t specialise in agriculture but I’ve been passionate about nature, animals and biology since I was a child, and then my high school teachers furthered that passion and helped me solidify my degree choice. I can’t imagine studying anything else because I’m so interested in the environment. I was accepted by my first choice for study: the School of Environmental Science at McGill University in Montreal. Moving to New Zealand where agriculture is such a big part of the economy and because it has a big ecological footprint, only fuelled my passion. I know I’m working in a space where I can have the most impact.

Read Clare's story

Mark Gasquoine, Sustainable Agricultural Advisor

Mark grew up on a dairy farm which fuelled his enthusiasm for a career in agriculture and for farming in a way that would leave the land in a better state for the future.

In his current role at Waikato Regional Council, Mark works with farmers to ensure they are applying environmental best practice and operating within certain requirements. He regularly engages with farmers, rural professionals and other groups to ensure industry-wide collaboration – giving him plenty of opportunities to get out of the office and onto farms!

Caleb Highman, Catchment Engagement Leader

Caleb wasn’t sure what to study or exactly what he wanted to do after high school. His high school careers advisor pointed him in the direction of science, a career in which he could enjoy the outdoors and science. “I’ve always loved science. I find it fascinating; science explains the world around me and I’ve always been curious about that.”

Caleb studied at The University of Waikato. “I was initially enrolled in earth science, but qualified with a Bachelor of Science, completing a double major in Biology and Chemistry.”

Tessa Schmidt, Environmental Change Specialist

Tessa is an interpreter of government and council policies for farmers, helping them translate the rules into appropriate on-farm practices.

Part of her job is working with catchment groups in the Southland region, with the help of DairyNZ, NZ Landcare Trust, Beef + Lamb NZ, and regional council Environment Southland. Part of her role also involves helping find speakers for the catchment groups, organising events, and helping out with their projects.

Tessa went to James Hargest High School in Invercargill but didn’t know what she wanted to do afterwards except that it had to be something to do with agriculture. She had heard Lincoln was a small, friendly university so the decision was made. “I did the AgSci course, which is pretty broad, and in my second year I took a paper about farm environment plans and I loved it. I’d found my passion.”

Agronomist

Are you a people person with an interest in the environment?

Do you want to get the most of the food crops we produce?

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Environmental Planner

Are you interested in sustainability and improving/preserving the natural environment?

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Rural Consultant

Do you like the idea of working in an office some days and being on the road other days?

Would you love to share your knowledge of business and science to help farmers and growers thrive?

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Farm Manager

Do you work well in a team and want to work outdoors?

Are animals your thing? Or handling new technology?

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