Environmental consultant
Assess the impact of industry on the environment and tell businesses how to be greener.
Also known as: impact assessment manager, green consultant, eco consultant
About the job
Salary
Source: National Careers Service
Weekly
£481
Entry level
£962
Experienced
Monthly
£2,083
Entry level
£4,167
Experienced
Yearly
£25,000
Entry level
£50,000
Experienced
6,700
people are currently employed
High growth
500 more jobs in 5 years
These figures refer to this job and similar ones with comparable skills and qualifications. They only apply to Scotland. Source: Oxford Economics
A day in the life – Environmental consultant
What it's like
You’d evaluate the environmental impact of new developments or industries, providing technical advice and assessments for your clients.
You might advise on any issue including:
renewable energy
flood risk
waste and recycling
carbon emissions
climate change and emission management
You’d need to keep up to date with environmental legislation.
Depending on the project, you could:
see if sites are suitable for new developments like power stations or wind farms
work out the environmental risk from industries like energy or chemical production
assess business practices to make sure organisations are meeting environmental laws and regulations
collect data in field studies on sites or in buildings
investigate contamination and report organisations who break environmental rules
respond to environmental accidents and manage cleanup operations
advise industry, organisations or the government on issues such as the disposal of waste
You would:
analyse and interpret the data gathered in field surveys
write scientific reports
present your findings and ideas
You might explain to businesses how to meet rules and regulations. You could help them reduce their impact on the environment by changing to ‘greener’ processes and practices. For example, you may work with a chemical company to limit the levels of pollutants it releases into the air.
You’d need to have a good understanding of business practices so you can work with organisations in a competitive commercial world.
Green job
In this job you'll be doing work to help the environment. Find out more about green jobs.
Hours
Environment
Travel
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Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
Life sciences Energy Agriculture, forestry and fishing
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Here are some of the skills you'll need to do this job:
- developing a plan
- attention to detail
- social conscience
- researching
- problem solving
- written communication
- working with technology
- verbal communication
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Biology
Chemistry
English and Communication
Environmental Science
Science in the Environment
Skills for Work: Energy
You'd typically require a relevant honours degree (SCQF Level 10), in areas such as:
environmental health
geology
geography
ecology
chemistry
Some employers expect the applicant to have a postgraduate qualification (SCQF Level 11) in a specialist environmental subject.
To get into a degree usually requires National 5s and three to five Highers.
Entry to a postgraduate qualification requires a degree, with some courses requiring an honours degree.
Previous work experience
A driving licence
Find the right course for you
Browse courses in Scotland related to 'Environmental consultant'