Overview
Natural and applied science policy researchers, consultants and program officers conduct research, prepare reports, provide consultation and advice and administer programs in a variety of areas related to the natural and applied sciences. They are employed by federal, provincial and municipal governments, computer and office furniture manufacturers, educational institutions, research organizations, consulting firms, environmental and conservation organizations, or they may be self-employed.
This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Science policy and program officers
Conduct research and advise on policies or develop or administer programs related to transportation, emergency preparedness, communications, natural resources, agriculture, the environment, traditional and alternative energy technologies, land use, recycling and other scientific fields
Promote public awareness and education on issues such as utilization of natural resources, the environment, and reprocessing and reduction of waste.
Ergonomists or human factors specialists
Conduct research and advise on, and intervene in the physical, social and psychological interrelationships between persons, their equipment and working or living environments to ensure that the design, configuration and use of equipment, procedures and environmental conditions maximize safety, productivity and comfort.
Occupational or industrial hygienists
Study, evaluate and control physical, chemical and biological hazards and stresses in the workplace.
Report and document investigations and conclusions
Suggest changes to work environments and processes
Provide information to workers and managers or employers on methods to reduce the risk of injury or illness from specific occupational hazards
May teach safe work procedures, participate in emergency response planning, testify at hearings and report findings at scientific conferences or in scientific journals.
Patent agents
Advise clients on elements of patent law and on the patentability of inventions
Conduct patent searches
Prepare patent applications
Represent clients before the patent office.
Technology transfer officers
Transfer and integrate new technologies, usually from university or government research and development environments, to commercial and industrial applications and ensure the protection of intellectual property of researchers and developers.
Employment prospects
Annual salary
$55,735
$73,366
$102,182
Usual Hours Worked Weekly: 35.63
Job openings
Use this interactive map to explore job openings in different regions across B.C.
British Columbia
867expected job openings (5-year forecast)
Education and training
Employment requirements
A bachelor's degree or college diploma in a related scientific or technical discipline is usually required for occupations in this unit group.
A master's degree in a related scientific discipline may be required.
Certification through the Canadian College of Certified Professional Ergonomists is required to use the title 'Canadian Certified Professional Ergonomist (CCPE)'. Membership with the Association of Canadian Ergonomists may be required.
Additional information
Progression to supervisory or managerial positions in these fields is possible with experience.
Certification requirements
Optional: The following certifications are optional to practice as Natural and applied science policy researchers, consultants and program officers in B.C.
- Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Certification - Urban and Land Use Planners
- Canadian College of Certified Professional Ergonomists Certification
- Membership with the Association of Canadian Ergonomists
- Canadian Registration Board of Occupational Hygienists Certification
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Certification - Urban and Land Use Planners
To work as an Urban And Land Use Planner in B.C., you may choose to earn the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Certification. Eligibility is achieved through signing up with the Canada Green Building Council.
Canadian College of Certified Professional Ergonomists Certification
Confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification.
To use the title "Canadian Certified Professional Ergonomist" (CCPE) in B.C., you need to be registered with the Canadian College of Certified Professional Ergonomists. Eligibility is achieved by submitting transcripts, employment histories and work products indicating that specific educational requirements and professional competencies have been met.
Membership with the Association of Canadian Ergonomists
To work as a Natural and applied science policy researcher, consultant or program officer in B.C., you may need to be registered with the Association of Canadian Ergonomists. Eligibility is achieved by submitting a resume and a copy of post-secondary educational transcripts.
Canadian Registration Board of Occupational Hygienists Certification
To work as an Occupational Hygienist in B.C., you may need to be registered with the Canadian Registration Board of Occupational Hygienists. Eligibility is achieved by successful examination completion.
Post-secondary programs in B.C.
Explore programs related to this career offered at post-secondary institutions in B.C.