Agriculture & Environment
Environmental Scientist
You study and protect ecosystems, water, air and biodiversity.
- Starting salary
- R18 000 – R30 000
- Job demand
- Growing fast
- Key subjects
- Life Sciences, Physical Sciences
What do they do?
You study and protect ecosystems, water, air and biodiversity.
A day in the life
You do fieldwork, collect samples, analyse data and advise on environmental impact.
Skills you need
- Science
- Fieldwork
- Report writing
- Systems thinking
School subjects that help
- Life Sciences
- Physical Sciences
- Geography
- Mathematics
How long does it take?
3 main steps after school, usually 3–6 years of study, plus practical experience.
Study path
- 1High school
- 2BSc Environmental Science
- 3Honours
- 4Environmental scientist
Ways in: University degree · University of Technology. University is not the only route.
Where can I study?
- University of Cape Town
- Stellenbosch University
- Rhodes University
- North-West University
- University of Venda
- University of KwaZulu-Natal
- Nelson Mandela University
Admission requirements differ by institution, always check the official website.
What can I earn?
Entry level
R18 000 – R30 000
per month (estimate)
Mid career
R35 000 – R60 000
per month (estimate)
Experienced / senior
R65 000 – R110 000+
per month (estimate)
Estimated salary ranges only. Salaries vary based on experience, qualification, industry, location and employer.
How to start preparing now
- • Start a recycling project
- • Do a river or litter clean-up
- • Learn local plants and birds
Try this career
Audit your school's waste for a week and propose one change.
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This tool is designed to help you explore career possibilities. It does not replace professional career counselling, school guidance or official university admission requirements.