Environmental Economist Career Profile

What the role involves

Environmental Economists apply economic analysis to environmental issues such as climate policy, biodiversity, water, waste, pollution, natural capital, resource use, energy transition and land management.

They may prepare cost-benefit analyses, policy advice, market assessments, valuation studies, impact assessments, business cases or modelling to support better environmental decision-making.

Typical employers

Environmental Economist roles in Australia may be found with:

• government treasury, environment and planning agencies
• economic and environmental consultancies
• universities and research organisations
• think tanks and policy organisations
• water, energy and infrastructure organisations
• natural capital, climate and biodiversity advisory teams
• international development or conservation organisations

Key tasks

• analyse environmental policy options and economic trade-offs
• prepare cost-benefit analysis, business cases or economic impact assessments
• value ecosystem services, environmental benefits or avoided costs
• model market, regulatory or behavioural responses
• advise on carbon, biodiversity, water, waste or resource management policy
• prepare reports, briefings and presentations for decision-makers
• work with economists, scientists, planners, engineers and policy teams

Skills and qualities

Environmental Economist work suits people with a mix of environmental knowledge, communication and practical judgement. Useful skills and qualities include:

• strong economics, statistics and analytical skills
• ability to work with data, models and uncertainty
• understanding of environmental policy, markets and regulation
• clear report writing and communication for non-economists
• systems thinking and careful assumptions
• ability to connect financial, environmental and social outcomes
• attention to evidence and transparency in methods

Qualifications and pathways

Useful study options and pathways may include:

• Bachelor degree in economics, environmental economics, natural resource economics, public policy, environmental policy or a related field
• Postgraduate study may be useful for specialist policy, research or advisory roles
• training in cost-benefit analysis, statistics, modelling, natural capital, carbon markets or policy evaluation
• experience in economic consulting, government policy, environmental assessment or sustainability strategy is valuable

Environmental Economists may progress into Senior Economist, Policy Advisor, Natural Capital Consultant, Climate Economist, Environmental Strategy Manager, Program Evaluator or Research Leader roles.

Salary and job outlook

Environmental Economist salaries can vary depending on seniority, sector, modelling skills, policy experience, consulting experience and whether the role sits in government, consulting, academia, natural capital, climate or infrastructure. Roles requiring advanced modelling, policy leadership or specialist environmental valuation may attract higher pay.

Where jobs are usually found in Australia

Roles are concentrated in capital cities, government policy centres, consulting firms, research organisations and major project or infrastructure teams. Some roles focus on regional natural resource, water, biodiversity or land-use issues.

Tips for getting started

• develop strong economics, statistics and policy analysis foundations
• build experience with cost-benefit analysis, modelling and evaluation
• learn about environmental markets, natural capital and climate policy
• keep examples of reports, models, briefs or research projects
• show employers that you can explain complex economic analysis clearly

Related environmental careers

• Environmental Policy Officer
• Natural Capital / Nature Positive Officer
• Climate Risk Analyst
• Sustainability Consultant
• Environmental Consultant
• ESG Analyst
• Natural Resource Manager