Environmental consultant

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• an apprenticeship

University

You'll usually need a degree or postgraduate qualification in environmental science, environmental studies or environmental sustainability.

You might also be able to take a related subject like:

• biology
• chemistry
• geoscience
• ecology
• agricultural science

Entry requirements:

• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
• a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

Entry requirements:

Apprenticeship

You could start by doing an Environmental Practitioner Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship.

This can take up to 5 years to complete.

Entry requirements:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship

Volunteering

Volunteering is a great way of getting experience and a taste of environmental work. It will also give you the opportunity to develop your skills and make contacts.

Organisations who offer volunteering opportunities include:

• The Conservation Volunteers
• National Trust
• The Wildlife Trusts

You can find more opportunities through the Countryside Jobs Service .

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

Skills:

• knowledge of geography
• maths knowledge
• analytical thinking skills
• thinking and reasoning skills
• excellent verbal communication skills
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• excellent written communication skills
• the ability to use your judgement and make decisions
• ambition and a desire to succeed
• knowledge of English language
• the ability to use your initiative
• the ability to read English
• knowledge of engineering science and technology
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
• persistence and determination
• active listening skills
• knowledge of chemistry including the safe use and disposal of chemicals
• concentration skills
• a good memory

What you'll do:

Environmental consultants advise on sustainability, including waste management, recycling, flood risk and the effects of climate change.

As an environmental consultant, you could:

• assess potential impacts from industrial, commercial and environmental development projects
• collect and analyse survey data from sites
• write scientific reports and present findings
• respond to environmental accidents and manage clean-up operations
• provide policy advice to businesses, landowners and the government
• advise organisations on environmental laws and sustainability

Location : You could work in an office or at a client's business.
Environment : Your working environment may be outdoors some of the time and you'll travel often.

Salary:

Starter : £25,000
Experienced : £50,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

37 - 39 hours a week

Working Pattern is evenings occasionally

Career Path:

With experience, you could:

• move into a senior or principal consultant position
• apply for chartered environmentalist status
• work as a lecturer in education
• run your own consultancy business
• get involved in environmental research