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Environmental consultant

Alternative titles for this job include Eco consultant

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

Average salary (a year)

£25,000 Starter

to

£50,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

37 to 39 a week

You could work

evenings occasionally

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become Environmental consultant

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

You'll usually need:

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

More Information

Apprenticeship

You could start by applying to do an Environmental Practitioner Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship.

This can take up to 5 years to complete.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

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

More Information

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:

You can find more opportunities through the Countryside Jobs Service.

More Information

Career tips

As a graduate you could look for environmental postgraduate training positions offered through a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP).

In a KTP, you get the opportunity to run a research project together with an organisation and a university or research body. You may also work towards postgraduate qualifications.

Professional and industry bodies

You can join the Society for the Environment for your professional development and to make industry contacts.

Further information

You can discover more about environmental work and training through the:

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • 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
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

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 regulations

Green job

As an environmental consultant, you'll make sure the design, construction and operation of a building project meets environmental and sustainability standards. This can have a positive impact on the environment.

Find out more about green careers

Working environment

You could work in an office or at a client's business.

Your working environment may be outdoors some of the time and you'll travel often.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

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

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Environmental Practitioner Degree Level Apprenticeship

  • Wage: £20,700 a year Annually
  • Location: 1 Whitehall Riverside, Leeds

Environmental Practitioner Degree Level Apprenticeship

  • Wage: £20,700 a year Annually
  • Location: 8-10 Sydenham Road, Croydon, Surrey

Courses In England

Environmental Science

  • Provider: HAVANT AND SOUTH DOWNS COLLEGE
  • Start date: 04 September 2025
  • Location: Havant

Environmental Science

  • Provider: BALCARRAS SCHOOL
  • Start date: 01 September 2025
  • Location: CHELTENHAM

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