Environmental Education Officer Career Profile

What the role involves

Environmental Education Officers create and deliver learning programs, workshops, campaigns, interpretive materials, school sessions, events and community projects.

The work may cover waste, biodiversity, water, energy, climate, sustainability, conservation, parks, catchments or local environmental issues.

Typical employers

Environmental Education Officer roles in Australia may be found with:

• local councils
• environment centres and sustainability teams
• schools, universities and education providers
• national parks and visitor centres
• zoos, aquariums and botanic gardens
• waste and resource recovery organisations
• conservation and community organisations
• environmental consultancies delivering engagement programs

Key tasks

• develop education programs, workshops and learning materials
• deliver talks, tours, school sessions or community events
• create fact sheets, newsletters, web content or social media material
• support behaviour-change campaigns and sustainability projects
• liaise with teachers, residents, community groups and partner organisations
• evaluate program participation, feedback and outcomes
• translate technical environmental information into accessible language

Skills and qualities

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

• excellent communication and presentation skills
• ability to engage children, adults and diverse community groups
• strong environmental knowledge and curiosity
• creative program design and storytelling
• confidence facilitating workshops and events
• clear writing for public audiences
• organisation, patience and adaptability
• understanding of behaviour change and community engagement

Qualifications and pathways

Useful study options and pathways may include:

• Bachelor degree in environmental science, education, sustainability, biology, ecology, communications or a related field
• Teaching, interpretation, community engagement or environmental education experience is useful
• training in facilitation, behaviour change, curriculum design, interpretation or community engagement
• working with children checks, first aid or site-specific training may be required

Environmental Education Officers may progress into Education Coordinator, Sustainability Engagement Officer, Waste Education Officer, Community Engagement Officer, Visitor Experience Manager or Environmental Programs Manager roles.

Salary and job outlook

Environmental Education Officer salaries can vary depending on employer, program size, seniority, education requirements, location and whether the role is based in councils, schools, parks, waste education, visitor centres or not-for-profit programs. Roles with program management, curriculum development, team supervision or stakeholder partnerships may attract higher pay.

Where jobs are usually found in Australia

Jobs are found in councils, schools, universities, parks, zoos, aquariums, environmental education centres, waste education programs, sustainability teams and community organisations across Australia.

Tips for getting started

• build experience presenting to schools, communities or visitors
• prepare examples of workshops, lesson plans, campaigns or engagement materials
• learn how to explain environmental topics in plain language
• gain experience in sustainability, parks, waste, biodiversity or water education
• highlight facilitation, public speaking and community engagement skills

Related environmental careers

• Waste Education Officer
• Community Engagement Officer
• Sustainability Officer
• Park Ranger
• Eco-Tour Guide
• Environmental Journalist
• Conservation Officer