A career that counts

What is an Environmental Officer?

We have more than 590 staff working across Queensland in a wide range of roles.

The diversity of our team may surprise you – among our ranks are scientists, experts in biodiversity, air, odour, noise, greenhouse gas and sewage, drone pilots, investigators, geographical information systems specialists, and administration, project management, policy and finance roles.

In addition to these specialist roles and at the heart of our frontline operations, are our environmental officers, who make up the majority of our workforce.

Environmental officers generally work in one of two areas – assessment or compliance.

Environmental officers in our assessment teams work in one of our specialised business centres which focus on a particular sector – minerals mining, coal mining, petroleum and gas, waste, coastal or industry and development. They carry out assessments of the environmental risks associated with applications for Environmental Authorities (EA). EAs are a licence which sets out the conditions that operators must comply with. EAs include conditions that typically cover a range of environmental management and protection factors to ensure operations minimise harm to the environment and community.

Environmental officers who work in our compliance teams respond to incidents and complaints, visit high-risk sites to check on environmental performance and they also help EA holders understand their environmental obligations and make sure they are complying with the conditions set out in their EA. Failure to comply with EA conditions, can result in enforcement actions such as orders, fines and/or prosecution.

What our newest recruits say

In early 2025, our 13 newest environmental officers completed their training and most are now working in permanent roles across Queensland. Their jobs involve managing the environmental effects of industries like mining and they tackle issues such as waste management, noise pollution and odours.

Their 12-months of training provided on-the-job learning such as field experiences, professional development, support, guidance and networking opportunities to give them a foundation on which to build their careers in environmental regulation.

They also completed logbook activities, self-paced learning, had development and mentoring conversations with supervisors and the leadership team, and attended workshops.

Digitally mapping the environment

Previous graduate Danielle completed the program in 2024 and said she was inspired to apply for a role so she could continue working in her passion area – working with Geographical Information Systems (GIS).

“I applied after completing my thesis using GIS software, which is a way to digitally map our environment and what is happening within it,” Danielle explained.

“I didn’t realise that my day-to-day role would involve using it so much and I am so grateful I can continue to develop the skills I learned at university while making a difference in environmental regulation.

Danielle now works in one of the department’s assessment teams, which evaluate applications from activities like petroleum and gas operations, sugar mills, quarries and power stations.

“Throughout the training I enjoyed learning other skills that I can use in my role in the Energy and Extractive Resources assessment team but would also be valuable in other roles such as compliance.

“The broad coverage of the types of training has been extremely beneficial. I didn’t think I would be doing things like drone training or four-wheel drive training. and I love having the opportunity to learn things like water sampling alongside our compliance colleagues.

“Getting to know the other graduates has been one of the highlights for me as it has been good knowing you have other people going through the same steep learning curve. We have a very active group chat and social connections, so it’s been helpful knowing I have others there to answer questions and chat with about my experience any time.

“The support we are given throughout the training also helps us learn as there are so many people with expertise in this area and it’s a privilege working with such smart people.

“I’m glad I get to use the skills I learned in my studies in this role and have the opportunity to continue to learn.”

Incredible career opportunities

Throughout the training, our newest graduates reported feeling well-prepared, confident and supported saying it is a valuable introduction to the world of Environmental Regulation.

Another new recruit, Reina, who completed the program in 2025, said it was a valuable introduction to the world of environmental regulation.

“As the year progressed, I had some incredible opportunities to travel with the other graduates and it’s been great to learn and grow our careers together. Having those connections have been the highlight for me,” Reina said.

“I’ve also really enjoyed learning from my colleagues through the regular workshops and training opportunities. It's really opened my eyes to the different types of work people do in Environmental Regulation which gives me something to consider for the future.”

Following a passion for the environment

In 2023, Henry was a new recruit and is now an Environmental Officer in our south-east Queensland compliance team on the Gold Coast. Henry credits the amount of training he received as the reason he has acted in higher duties in multiple teams across the department.

“The amount of training and support we received during that first year has been critical in building my technical skills,” he said.

“We were also given the opportunity to network with not only people in the program, but also industry professionals and colleagues across the state.

“The highlight for me now is going out into the field and regulating such a beautiful part of the country. My work takes me from South Stradbroke Island one day, the next day I’m at Springbrook National Park and the day after that I am four hours inland at Palen Creek.

“I also love being on the frontline meeting members of the community and different industry operators. Being an Environmental Officer means that every day is different and that has helped me get out of my comfort zone, become a more confident person and continue to learn.

“I would recommend anyone thinking about working in the environmental space to throw their hat in the ring for a role with DETSI. The people are great, you get a diverse role and you get access to invaluable training and support networks. Once you start, there are plenty of opportunities to follow your passion within the department.”

Learn more, apply

Learn more about a career with us by visiting our careers web page. Click on the links in ‘People stories’ to watch videos from more Compliance and Environmental officers working at the frontline of environmental regulation. You can also access our current vacancies from this page.

Our current vacancies and application details are on the Queensland Government Smartjobs website.

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For our latest news and where to subscribe, like and follow us, visit our News and media page, which will connect you with our social media accounts, media releases, Down to Earth blog and newsletter and other helpful resources and information, from right across our department.