An Environmental Consultant works with organisations on environmental issues, offering advice and assessment services in order to minimise and prevent environmental damage. An Environmental Consultant may choose to specialise in one area such as; environmental management systems, renewable energy options, environmental impact assessment and flood risk, emissions and climate change, waste management and recycling, air, land and water contamination.

In day to day work you may; conduct field surveys, collect data regarding pollution or contaminant levels, office-based research and data interpretation, write reports, advise on action based on research, manage legislative issues, look at suitability and environmental impact of new developments.

Key Skills Required:

• Ability to work effectively as part of a team
• Business skills
• Excellent communication skills
• IT skills
• Organisational skills
• Project-management skills

Key Points to Know:

• A driving license is usually necessary for this role due to the need to visit various sites
• A lot of this work will be office based, with the occasional site visit or field work
• Weekend work may be required when working to deadlines or carrying out surveys

To be an Environmental Consultant you will need to:

Have a degree in a relevant subject such as; ecology, wildlife management, environmental science, environmental management, environmental engineering, geology, sustainability and environmental management etc.

If you’re currently studying, choosing a dissertation related to your field of interest may be particularly beneficial.   

Some consultancies have graduate training schemes and there may also be work experience opportunities which can be useful for your future career.

Estimated average salary: £22,000 – £33,000 annually. This salary increases with experience and Senior Environmental Consultants can earn up to £60,000 annually.

As an Environmental Consultant, you can anticipate employment in a variety of roles including:

• Consultancy firms
• Local authorities
• Government departments such as the Environmental Agency
• Wildlife organisations
• Conservation groups

Being an Environmental Consultant allows you to provide expert advice to clients regarding environmental issues. You can progress to senior roles once you have around five years of experience and there is then the opportunity to progress to the role of principal consultant where you’ll be responsible for the management of a team.

Coexistwithmeg ♥
Megan Richards