Climate / Environmental Scientist
Address the defining challenge of our era - Canada needs environmental scientists urgently.
About the Career
Climate change has made environmental science one of the fastest-growing fields in Canada.
Salary in Canada
- Entry level: $60,000
- Senior level: $120,000
Government scientists (Environment Canada) earn stable incomes. Private sector consulting can pay more.
Job Outlook
Very High Growth demand. Climate change has made environmental science one of the fastest-growing fields in Canada.
How to Get There
- BSc (Environmental Science, Atmospheric Science, or Ecology) + often MSc
- Time to career: 4-6 years post-Grade 12
Key Skills
- Climate Modelling
- Data Analysis
- Field Sampling
- Environmental Policy Knowledge
- Scientific Communication
Typical Employers
- Environment & Climate Change Canada
- Provincial environment ministries
- Consulting firms
- Universities & research labs
- NGOs & advocacy groups
High School Roadmap
- Join an environmental club or start one. Volunteer for local conservation efforts. Take Biology.
- Take Chemistry. Research Environment Canada and the careers within it.
- Enter science fair with an environmental topic. Research UBC and UVic's exceptional environmental science programs.
- Apply to environmental science, earth sciences, or ecology programs.
Top Universities for This Path
- University of British Columbia – Vancouver, BC
- McGill University – Montreal, QC
- University of Victoria – Victoria, BC
- University of Alberta – Edmonton, AB
- Dalhousie University – Halifax, NS
Insider Tips
- Environment and Climate Change Canada is a major employer - federal science jobs offer strong stability.
- UBC and UVic have world-class ocean and climate science programs due to their Pacific coast location.
- Environmental consulting firms are growing rapidly as government regulations require environmental assessments.