Aquatic Scientist Career Profile

What the role involves

Aquatic Scientists may plan surveys, collect samples, identify aquatic organisms, assess habitat condition, analyse water quality or prepare ecological reports.

They can work on environmental impact assessments, monitoring programs, conservation projects, fisheries, wetland management, restoration, water planning or research.

Typical employers

Aquatic Scientist roles in Australia may be found with:

• environmental consultancies
• government environment and water agencies
• universities and research institutes
• catchment and natural resource management organisations
• water utilities and councils
• marine parks and conservation organisations
• fisheries, aquaculture or coastal management programs
• mining, infrastructure and development projects requiring aquatic ecology assessments

Key tasks

• conducting aquatic ecology surveys and monitoring programs
• collecting water, sediment, plant, invertebrate or fish samples
• analysing water quality, habitat condition or ecological data
• preparing reports for assessments, management plans or compliance programs
• identifying aquatic plants, animals or indicators of ecosystem health
• working with ecologists, hydrologists, water managers and community stakeholders
• supporting conservation, restoration or impact assessment projects

Skills and qualities

Aquatic Scientist work suits people with practical, technical and communication skills. Useful skills and qualities include:

• strong interest in freshwater, estuarine or marine ecosystems
• field survey and sampling skills
• aquatic species identification and ecological knowledge
• data analysis and technical report writing
• boat, snorkelling, field safety or remote-area awareness where relevant
• attention to quality assurance and sampling protocols
• clear communication with clients, agencies and project teams

Qualifications and pathways

Aquatic Scientist roles usually require a bachelor degree in aquatic science, environmental science, marine science, ecology, biology or a related field. Specialist research roles may require postgraduate study.

• Bachelor degree in aquatic science, environmental science, marine science, ecology or biology
• Postgraduate study may be useful for specialist research or senior scientific roles
• Training in water quality monitoring, aquatic ecology, GIS, statistics, field safety or laboratory methods
• Experience with aquatic surveys, species identification, data analysis and technical reporting is valuable

Aquatic Scientists may progress into Senior Aquatic Ecologist, Marine Scientist, Freshwater Scientist, Water Quality Scientist, Environmental Consultant, Research Scientist or Conservation Manager roles.

Salary and job outlook

Aquatic Scientist salaries can vary depending on qualifications, field experience, employer, location, project type and whether the role is in consulting, government, research, water management or conservation. Senior roles requiring specialist taxonomy, impact assessment or project leadership may attract higher pay.

Where jobs are usually found in Australia

Jobs are found near waterways, coasts, estuaries, wetlands, catchments, ports, environmental consultancies, research centres and government water or biodiversity programs.

Tips for getting started

• build field survey and water quality sampling experience
• develop species identification, GIS and data analysis skills
• gain experience through aquatic ecology, marine, freshwater or wetland projects
• learn report writing for impact assessment, monitoring and management plans
• be prepared for fieldwork, travel, boats, wading or remote sites depending on the role

Related environmental careers

• Freshwater Technician
• Freshwater Scientist
• Marine Scientist
• Water Quality Officer
• Environmental Scientist
• Ecologist
• Hydrologist
• Fisheries Manager