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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)

£23,000 Starter

to

£43,000 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 an environmental consultant

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • an apprenticeship

University

You'll usually need a degree in environmental science, environmental studies or a related subject like:

  • biology
  • chemistry
  • geoscience
  • ecology
  • agricultural science

It's becoming more common for employers to ask for a postgraduate qualification as well as some experience of working in an environmental setting.

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 can start by doing an environmental practitioner degree apprenticeship.

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 postgraduate training positions offered through a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP).

In a KTP, you would 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 professional development and networking.

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 competently

What you’ll do

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

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

In this job, you could:

  • explore sites for new developments like power stations or wind farms
  • work out environmental risks from industrial or commercial projects
  • collect and analyse survey data from sites
  • write scientific reports and present findings
  • report organisations that do not meet environmental laws and regulations
  • respond to environmental accidents and manage clean-up operations
  • provide policy advice to businesses, landowners and the government

Working environment

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

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

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could:

  • move into an associate, senior or principal consultant position
  • apply for chartered environmentalist status
  • work as a lecturer
  • run your own consultancy business
  • work in research

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Apprentice Environmental Practitioner

  • Wage: £17,194.00 Annually
  • Location: Derby

Environmental Science Apprentice

  • Wage: £20,000.00 Annually
  • Location: Lower Marsh Lane, Kingston Upon Thames

Courses In England

Environmental Science

  • Provider: HILLS ROAD SIXTH FORM COLLEGE
  • Start date: 01 September 2023
  • Location: CAMBRIDGE

Environmental Science

  • Provider: CLYST VALE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
  • Start date: 06 September 2023
  • Location: Exeter

Jobs In the United Kingdom

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