ANZSCO 1.3 occupation

Environmental Research Scientist: ANZSCO code 234313

Environmental Research Scientist is occupation 234313 in ANZSCO 1.3, the classification Immigration New Zealand uses for most work visas and every Skilled Migrant Category application. It sits at ANZSCO skill level 1, in unit group 2343 Environmental Scientists.

ANZSCO code
234313
Skill level
1
Unit group
2343 Environmental Scientists
Green List
Yes, Tier 1 (named roles)

Environmental Research Scientist: qualifications and experience required in New Zealand

ANZSCO places this occupation at skill level 1. For New Zealand, ANZSCO describes the qualifications and experience as:

Most occupations in this unit group have a level of skill commensurate with a bachelor degree or higher qualification. In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification.

Under the National Occupation List, code 234313 is "Environmental Research Scientist" at NOL skill level 1: Bachelor degree or higher qualification, or at least five years of relevant experience may substitute for the formal qualification (NZQCF Level 7-10/NOL Skill Level 1).

A skill level describes the occupation, not you. Immigration New Zealand matches a job to the single closest occupation, and the skill level comes from that occupation; more experience does not move an occupation to a higher level.

What does an environmental research scientist do?

Studies and develops policies and plans for the control of factors which may produce pollution, imbalance in or degradation of the environment.

Tasks for unit group 2343 Environmental Scientists include:

  • Evaluating habitat, wildlife and fisheries needs, and formulating short- and long-term management goals and objectives
  • Enforcing laws and regulations to conserve and protect fish and wildlife
  • Carrying out environmental impact assessments for a wide range of development projects
  • Proposing solutions to address negative environmental impact
  • Studying the effects of factors, such as terrain, altitude, climatic and environmental change, sources of nutrition, predators and the impacts of humans, on animal and plant life
  • Studying and analysing pollution, atmospheric conditions, demographic characteristics, ecology, mineral, soil and water samples
  • Developing conservation and management policies for biological resources, such as fish populations and forests, and establishing standards and developing approaches for the control of pollution and the rehabilitation of areas disturbed by activities such as mining, timber felling and overgrazing
  • Implementing policies and organising activities in designated parks and other areas to conserve and protect natural and cultural heritage
  • Participating in management planning by providing environmental information and making inventories of plants, animals and items of cultural and heritage significance

Other job titles under ANZSCO 234313

Alternative titles and specialisations from ANZSCO, and job titles Stats NZ lists under the same code:

  • Environmental Scientist
  • Air Pollution Analyst
  • Ecologist
  • Land Degradation Analyst
  • Water Quality Analyst
  • Environmental Analyst
  • Environmentalist
  • Senior Environment Analyst
  • Environmental Auditor
  • Environmental Educator
  • Senior Adviser Environmental Health

What skill level 1 means for New Zealand visas

Visa rule For this occupation More
Accredited Employer Work Visa: longest visa Up to 5 years for skill level 1 to 3 roles. AEWV guide
AEWV: evidence of English Not required for skill level 1 and 2 roles. AEWV guide
Supporting a partner's visa The skill level 1 to 3 wage threshold applies. Partner of a Worker
Skilled Migrant Category: Skilled Work Experience pathway Open to skill level 1 to 3 occupations, with work experience and pay requirements. Skilled Work Experience pathway
SMC red and amber lists Not on either list. INZ's lists
SMC Trades and Technician pathway Not on INZ's list of eligible occupations. INZ's list
Green List Environmental Research Scientist: Tier 1 (Straight to Residence). Only the named role qualifies, with INZ's qualification, registration or experience requirements for it. Green List guide

Rules as published by Immigration New Zealand. Lists synced 31 October 2026. Each visa has further requirements beyond skill level, including pay and work experience.

National Occupation List occupations for ANZSCO 234313

Stats NZ's National Occupation List is gradually replacing ANZSCO. These NOL occupations map to ANZSCO 234313. Immigration New Zealand accepts a NOL code only for an AEWV or job check, and only for occupations on its published list; for any other visa, use the ANZSCO code.

NOL code NOL occupation NOL skill level INZ accepts for an AEWV
234313 Environmental Research Scientist 1 Not yet
234316 Ecologist 1 Not yet

More about this job in New Zealand

Stats NZ links this occupation to Tahatū, the government careers website, which has more about the work in New Zealand, including pay: Conservation scientist , Environmental scientist , Water resource specialist .

Not sure this is your occupation?

Picking the right occupation decides the skill level, and with it the visa rules above. Talk it through with us: we will listen to your situation and match you with the right IAA-licensed adviser. You can also check your pay and work experience against the residence wage rules with our calculator.

Frequently asked questions

What is the ANZSCO code for Environmental Research Scientist?

Environmental Research Scientist is ANZSCO 1.3 occupation 234313, in unit group 2343 Environmental Scientists. Immigration New Zealand uses ANZSCO 1.3 for most work visa applications and all Skilled Migrant Category applications.

What skill level is Environmental Research Scientist?

ANZSCO skill level 1, where 1 is the most skilled and 5 the least. Most occupations in this unit group have a level of skill commensurate with a bachelor degree or higher qualification. In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification.

Is Environmental Research Scientist on the Green List?

Yes. Immigration New Zealand lists Environmental Research Scientist (Tier 1) under ANZSCO 234313. Only the named role qualifies, and INZ sets qualification, registration or experience requirements for it.

Sources: ANZSCO version 1.3, Australian Bureau of Statistics, CC BY 4.0, synced 31 October 2026; National Occupation List V3.0.0, Stats NZ, CC BY 4.0, synced 1 November 2026; Immigration New Zealand occupation lists, synced 31 October 2026. This page reproduces published classifications and Immigration New Zealand's lists. It is general information, not immigration advice. ProVisas is a licensed New Zealand immigration advisory firm (IAA Licence 201301110).