Environmental science

PROFESSIONAL REGISTRATION: ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE

Definition
Environmental science is a multi-disciplinary science concerned with the relationship between elements of the natural environment and the interaction between man and the environment in which the emphasis is placed on the interrelationships between the elements of the ecosystem. It can also be understood as the study of how man and other species interact with one another and with the non-living environment of matter and energy. An environmental scientist is someone who works in the field of environmental sciences.
Environmental science includes both natural and social sciences that integrates a wide range of disciplines including: physics, chemistry, biology, geology, geography, resource technology, engineering, resource conservation, population dynamics, economics, politics, sociology, psychology and ethics. It is the study of how nature and humans operate and interact and the controlling mechanisms for interaction verification. SACNASP is, however, concerned with the natural sciences only.
Educational requirements
1. The great variety of qualifications in the field of environmental science, offered by universities in particular, makes it at times almost impossible to evaluate a single qualification in this multi-disciplinary science. It is therefore necessary to first establish whether a person would qualify as a scientist in one of the “generic” fields of practice.
2. This implies that a person would have to be trained as a chemist, geologist, botanist or any of the other natural science fields and meet all the qualifications requirements before being eligible for registration in the field of Environmental Science. This does not imply dual registration.
3. In order to qualify, the following requirements must be met:
3.1 Any person who wishes to be registered as a Professional Natural Scientist in the field of practice Environmental Science should have a four-year B.Sc, B.Sc. Honours or recognised B.Tech. degree in the natural sciences.
3.2 Such qualification shall include at least one subject, from the fields of practice listed in Schedule I to the Act; must be studied in increasing depth and breadth over four years; and must be based on at least two level-I natural science subjects such as Biology (Botany or Zoology) or Chemistry or Mathematics or Physics plus one other natural science subject e.g. Geology or Microbiology. Bridging courses or semester courses are not acceptable.
3.3 Degree programme content

The qualifications of applicants will be considered in totality by including postgraduate qualifications as comprising the applicant’s qualification as a package. This would apply to the following:

• 
  Directed B.Sc. Honours degrees that preferably include a research module.
  
• 
  M.Sc. degrees that have a sound course content in the Natural Sciences that are complementary to the discipline at the postgraduate level and a research component resulting in a thesis.
  
• 
  Ph.D. degree in the respective discipline of which the outcome is a thesis.
  
• 
  Original research papers in peer-reviewed science journals in the respective discipline.
  

First year of study: 70 % of the subjects/modules passed for the first year of study should be in the natural sciences – Biology 1 (Botany I and Zoology I), Chemistry I, Mathematics I, Physics I, or another natural science subject such as Geology I or Microbiology I. Bridging courses or semester courses will not qualify. A maximum of 30 % of the courses may be in proficiency skills, e.g. Computer, Language, Communication, and Business proficiencies and life skills, e.g. Philosophy of Science.
Second and third year of study: A minimum of 80 % of the subjects/ modules passed for the second and third year of study should be in the natural sciences of which at least 50 % should be in the respective discipline or directly supportive of the discipline. (Exit level for registration as a Certificated Natural Scientist.)

Fourth year of study (Honours level): Preferably, 100 % of the subjects/modules passed for the fourth year of study or Honours year should be in the natural sciences of which at least 80 % should be in the respective discipline or directly supportive of the discipline.
One subject from the generic fields of practice listed in Schedule 1 of the Act must be studied in increasing breadth and depth over four years. Furthermore, the fourth or Honours year should ideally include a research module in the natural sciences. (Candidate and Professional Natural Scientist.)

4. In addition to the above a person wishing to be registered in the field of practice Environmental Science should be able to provide proof of training in Environmental Management (e.g.: environmental impact assessment, environmental law, environmental auditing, etc.). These can either be part of the four-year degree programme or by way of accredited short courses.

Work experience requirements

1. For registration purposes, work experience should be gained after the completion of the highest qualification.

After completing a B.Sc. Honours or recognised B.Tech. degree, three years work experience is required, two years after completing an appropriate and recognised M.Sc. degree, and one year after completing a Ph.D.

If an applicant was employed full-time, work experience gained while studying part-time for a recognised M.Tech./M.Sc. degree, may be taken into consideration.

2. A minimum of three years appropriate work experience in the natural sciences is required to register as a Professional Natural Scientist of which one year must be in a position of responsibility.
3. Applicants that are operating on a decision-making level should have been responsible for the drafting of guidelines in the decision-making process and responsible for the affects of their decisions.
4. Applicants employed in an advisory capacity should indicate to what extent peers or clients depend on their professional advice and expertise for which they could be kept responsible, or if they have been involved in research which has lead to publication(s) in established science journals.
5. Research projects, which have lead to publication(s) in established science publications or papers, should be listed.
Guidelines for work experience report (not a CV):
1. The work experience report should be clear about the nature, extent and variety of the natural scientific work, as well as the level of participation in projects. A list of projects completed is not sufficient.
(a) All work experience relevant to the field of practice for which is applied.

(b) Information such as name of company, position occupied, period of employment, and responsibilities of each position in chronological order.

(c) Evidence of the application of the basic scientific principles, methods and techniques, scientific observation, discussion and interpretation of data where a scientific opinion is delivered and findings explained in scientific terms.

(d) A description of any major research, project or design, and their appropriate values.

(e) List of articles published in recognised scientific journals.

(f) Papers presented at congresses/symposia, attendance of conferences and symposia

(g) Membership of scientific societies or other involvement in the profession.

(h) Copy of job profile of current position.

2 In order to qualify for the field of practice Environmental Science an applicant must have a clear record of environmental science related work experience.
NOTE: Applicants will have to provide proof of or describe their personal involvement in at least two or more projects. Projects completed (reports –digital format) will be considered, provided that a clear substantiated indication is provided of personal contribution. Registration with the Environmental Assessment Practitioner Association of South African (EAPASA) will be deemed as sufficient proof of the above. In addition, information must be provided of conferences attended, scientific papers and publications.
Scope of work involved
3. In considering the vocational experience of applicants, the following would be taken into consideration:
(a) Ability to think holistically about the structure, functioning and performance of the environmental system, not simply focusing on maximising the efficiency of one of its elements.
(b) Analysis of environments potentially subject to change in such a way as to identify significant issues, problems and/or characteristics, and distinguish between underlying causes and superficial symptoms.
(c) Proficiency in integrating and co-ordinating significant components of both the socio-economic and biophysical environments in such a way as to evaluate options and trade-offs, and facilitate sound decision making.
(d) Ability to make balanced judgements and objectively evaluate alternatives.
(e) Application of tools contained in the Integrated Environmental Management 'toolbox', including:

• 
  Scoping and public participation.
  
• 
  Systematic and explicit assessment and evaluation of environmental impacts.
  
• 
  Mitigation and optimisation of impacts.
  
• 
  Monitoring and evaluation of impacts.
  
• 
  Preparation of environmental management plans or programmes.
  

4. A thorough understanding of the concept of sustainable development, embracing:

(a) Ecological sustainability, recognised as the enabling factor for sustainable development.

[That is, the maintenance of life-support systems and biodiversity on which development depends should be seen as a priority, and a risk-averse and cautious approach should be followed where there is uncertainty about impacts on the natural environment].

(b) Social sustainability equity and environmental justice.

(c) Economic efficiency.

5. A sound working knowledge of environmental legislation and policy.
6. Ability to manage competently an interdisciplinary team.
7. Ability to recognise when to involve specialists, to select and appoint appropriate specialists, and to

draw up sound Terms of Reference for these specialists that address the particular needs of that

project or piece of work.
8. Proficiency in interpersonal and communication skills, both in oral and written form.
Lecturing
Lecturing, in a full-time or part-time capacity presented as occupational experience, should include research

which is recorded and can lead to the publication in a acknowledged science publication, or is of a standard

acceptable to the Council. In addition, the applicant should also have been responsible for lecturing on a

postgraduate or equivalent level in one or more of the natural science fields and/or have given guidance with

respect to Masters or Doctorate dissertations or research dissertations, which are acceptable to the Council.

Identification of work for the field of practice Environmental Science

in terms of Section 27 of Act 27 of 2003
Certificated Natural Scientist

• 
  Assist researchers: Their duties encompass the collection and writing up of research data and lending general aid to the many research projects run by the experts. Many of this is field-work such as servicing register machines, collating of samples, catch and mark birds, mark antelope with collars the distribution and count of plants in experimental plots and many more tasks related to experimental projects
  
• 
  Plan roads, fences and dams and oversee the building thereof.
  
• 
  The propagation of plants and animals
  
• 
  The creation of recreation facilities.
  
• 
  Law enforcement.
  
• 
  Inspect nurseries and game fences and lectures to the youth or grown-ups.
  
• 
  Public extension and publicity -.extension material to enlighten the public on activities in conservation.
  
• 
  Reserve Management; managing field stations and nature reserves and it includes maintenance of fences, buildings and equipment, dam and road building, field management and patrolling and other tasks associated with managing a station.
  
• 
  Recording details of work performed as well as making sure that subordinates keep up-to-date daily records on test results.
  
• 
  Supervising the activities of subordinates.
  
• 
  Management of the relatively low level risks associated with chemical science processes, systems, equipment and infrastructure.
  

Professional Natural Scientist

• 
  Use environmental science knowledge of the physical makeup and history of the earth to protect the environment.
  
• 
  Study the properties of underground and surface waters, locate water and energy resources, and predict water-related geologic hazards.
  
• 
  Offer environmental site assessments.
  
• 
  Advice on indoor air quality and hazardous-waste-site remediation.
  

• 
  Research to identify and abate or eliminate sources of pollutants or hazards that affect people, wildlife, and their environments.
  
• 
  Analyze and report measurements or observations of air, food, water, soil, and other sources and makes recommendations on how best to clean and preserve the environment.
  
• 
  Understanding the issues involved in protecting the environment-degradation, conservation, recycling, and replenishment.
  
• 
  Use their skills and knowledge to design and monitor waste disposal sites, preserve water supplies, and reclaim contaminated land and water to comply with environmental regulations.
  

• 
  Environmental ecology and conservation, environmental chemistry, environmental biology, or fisheries science.
  
• 
  Study the relationships between organisms and their environments and the effects of influences such as population size, pollutants, rainfall, temperature, and altitude.
  
• 
  Utilizing Environmental science knowledge of various scientific disciplines, they may collect, study, and report data on air, food, soil, and water.
  
• 
  Conduct ecological modelling studies of ecosystems, the control of environmental pollution, and the management of resources.
  
• 
  Study the toxicity of various chemicals how those chemicals affect plants, animals, and people.
  

• 
  Consultation on aspects such as soil and water conservation, waste water management, wildlife ecology, and remote sensing.
  

• 
  Environmental consulting on environmental impact assessments, resource planning, the biology of captive animals at the city zoo, environmental law, lobbying, acquisition of land, etc.
  

• 
  Educate the public about environmental issues.
  
• 
  Management of both species and habitats.
  

• 
  Studies species of animals (genetics), which are in danger of becoming extinct, and finds out why they only live in certain areas and how they are genetically related to one another.
  

• 
  Create and develop procedures and data management techniques which highlight norms, trends and abnormal patterns.
  
• 
  Determine validity and accuracy of data collected and interpret conditions.
  
• 
  Maintain records of all data produced to reflect a complete history of all activities.
  
• 
  Managing all aspects of field and laboratory functions as well as monitoring project work performed by technicians and ensuring that policies and procedures are adhered to.
  

• 
  Supervise and direct the activities of subordinate personnel.
  
• 
  Preparing and implementing work schedules in accordance with priorities.
  
• 
  Organize and direct the routine care and maintenance of all facilities and equipment.
  
• 
  Management of field stations and reserves, drawing up budgets and the application of controls to ensure moneys are spend wisely.
  

• 
  Personal relations with the public, societies, local government and government by means of interviews, meetings and conferences.
  
• 
  Liaise directly with the public with main function to give advice on nature conservation aspects – game farming, fish in farm dams, cultivation of indigenous flowers, etc.
  

• 
  The conservation and reproduction of plants, fish and animals.
  
• 
  Control of problem animals. Live catching of problem animals and culling of excess populations. The personnel used are trained trackers with good knowledge of the customs of the wild animal.
  
• 
  Planning and execution of displays and temporary displays at shows; edit research and management reports and write information brochures.
  
• 
  Specialist personnel in managerial positions are responsible for the development and efficiency of field stations and nature reserves.
  

• 
  Specialist personnel in managerial positions plan and oversee technical personnel.
  

-oOo-