The Amazing Environmental Careers That Really Make a Difference
Want to help save the planet? Then environmental jobs will suit you down to the ground. Whether you become an ecologist, an environmental consultant or an agricultural engineer, you’ll be making a huge difference to the world we live in. Read on, as we explore the incredible range of planet protecting roles on offer.
The Environmental Sector in the UK
Business in the sector
New jobs expected by 2020
Employees currently working in environmental careers
The environmental sector focuses on sustainability, ecology and environmental protection. Driven by growing awareness of climate change, there has been a significant increase in jobs related to flood risk, pollution control, recycling and renewable energy.
Ecologists who monitor biodiversity are also in demand, while companies across all sectors are employing environmental experts to reduce their carbon footprint.
Which employers offer environmental jobs?
If you’re working in the environmental sector you could be employed by a public body, an environmental agency, a charity, a local authority or a private company.
Public bodies and agencies
Charities and not-for-profits
Private companies
Finding Environmental Vacancies
Environmental jobs are often advertised via careers services, newspapers and scientific publications such as New Scientist. You’ll also find job postings being promoted via professional bodies. These include The Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management and The Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment.
Because some job openings aren’t externally advertised, it’s worth getting your foot in the door by undertaking a period of voluntary work. Doing this will give your CV a boost and increase your chances of employment.
Internships and Graduate Schemes
Some not-for-profit organisations also offer more structured schemes for volunteers, and these usually cover food and travel expenses. For example, The National Trust and the RSPB run a number of internships which focus on environmental management, wildlife conservation and horticulture.
There are also some excellent graduate schemes on offer, including the Forestry Commission’s graduate management programme. To apply you’ll need at least a 2:1 degree in a subject related to the environment, civil engineering, land management, forestry or business studies.
If you’ve got a masters degree in civil engineering, land management, forestry or business studies, you could even bag yourself a place on the Environment Agency’s 3-4 year training scheme in flood and coastal risk management.
Environmental Apprenticeships
If you’re not a graduate, don’t despair, as there are plenty of apprenticeships available. These include the Love Environmental Conservation Apprenticeship run by environmental awarding body Lantra. Apprentices taking part in this scheme can choose from four routes which focus on dry stone walling, rivers, coasts and waterways/flood risk management, access and recreation and environmental conservation.
Alternatively, if you’re keen to find work with the Environment Agency, you could apply for their Assistant Scientist or Facilities Management Apprenticeship. As well as paying you a salary, these level three apprenticeships cover all of your tuition and equipment expenses.
What do environmental jobs involve?
Jobs in this sector tend to focus on one of three main areas; the environment, conservation or agriculture.
1. Environment
These jobs focus on improving the safety and quality of the water we drink, the air we breathe and the land we live on. There are openings for water engineers, hydrologists, environmental consultants, civil engineers, flood risk managers, recycling officers and waste managers. Alternatively, you could become an environmental manager.
What is an environmental manager?
Also known as a sustainability manager, environmental managers oversee the environmental performance of private, public and voluntary sector organisations.
What skills are required?
Environmental managers need to be creative problem solvers who are able to inspire, motivate and lead others. They also need to be well organised, methodical and capable of taking the initiative. A solid understanding of the business world and the ability to give confident presentations are important too.
What responsibilities do they have?
What are the hours and pay like?
If you work in the public sector hours are fairly regular, although you may be able to work flexibly at times. Hours vary in the private sector, so expect some evening and weekend work. The starting salary for an environmental manager is between £18,000 and £22,000. This rises with experience and the average salary is £38,000.
Who employs environmental managers?
As well as working for local authorities and government organisations, environmental managers work with charities such as Greenpeace. Private companies employ them to support their social responsibility commitments and they can also be found teaching in higher and further education.
What qualifications are required?
This career is open to all graduates but it helps if you have a degree in a relevant subject like bioscience, environmental science, ecology or environmental engineering. A business qualification is also useful.
2. Conservation
From forests to fisheries, these jobs focus on protecting the earth’s wildlife and natural resources. Keen to kick-start your career in conservation? Then why not consider becoming a countryside officer, an ecologist, a fisheries officer, a forest and woodland manager or a water conservation officer?
What is a conservation officer?
Water conservation officers manage and protect areas where groundwater is important, such as wetlands and fens.
What skills are required?
Because this role involves carrying out fieldwork in remote areas, a driving licence is essential. Water conservation officers also need patience, problem solving skills and the ability to communicate well, as they spend quite a bit of time offering advice and giving promotional talks.
What responsibilities do they have?
What are the hours and pay like?
Don’t expect regular hours if you opt for this career, as early mornings and evening meetings are common. You may also be expected to work some weekends and bank holidays. Starting salaries range from £18,000 to £24,000. Senior officers can earn up to £30,000 and experienced managers may earn more
Who employs conservation officers?
Local authorities and regulatory bodies such as the Environment Agency often have openings for water conservation officers. Conservation groups including The Wildlife Trusts and English Nature also advertise new jobs. Alternatively, you could work for a private sector organisation or a water utility company.
What qualifications are required?
To become a water conservation officer you’ll need a Higher National Diploma or a degree in a relevant subject like geography, chemistry, microbiology or environmental sciences. If your degree is in an unrelated subject, you’ll probably require a directly relevant postgraduate qualification
3. Agriculture
When it comes to combating the effects of climate change, agriculture will play a crucial role. According to the RSPB:
“The most important action UK farmers can take towards meeting future food needs is to maintain our land’s capacity to provide. That means looking after our soils, water and wildlife so they are resilient to the changes which are happening.”
There are plenty of interesting careers on offer in the agricultural industry, so If you don’t fancy becoming a farmer, why not consider training as an agricultural engineer, a rural surveyor, a plant geneticist, a countryside manager or an agricultural scientist?
What is an agricultural scientist?
Opt for this green job and you’ll be conducting crop and animal research aimed at improving farming techniques and enhancing efficiency. The results will help seed suppliers and farmers to deal with challenges such as changing weather patterns and an increase in pests.
What skills are required?
A strong interest in science and the environment is crucial for this role. While you’ll need to be a methodical, patient and accurate researcher, the job also requires creativity and good communication skills. An understanding of business is essential.
What responsibilities do they have?
What are the hours and pay like?
Agricultural scientist jobs involve a combination of laboratory work and fieldwork. Employees work a 39 hour week which sometimes includes evenings and weekends. Starting salaries range from £17,000-£22,000, rising to £28,000-£35,000 with experience. Senior roles often command much higher salaries.
Who employs agricultural scientists?
Agricultural scientists are often employed by government bodies like Defra and The Scottish Agricultural Science Agency. It’s also worth watching out for job alerts from animal and plant feed developers, chemical companies, agricultural equipment suppliers and educational institutions.
What qualifications are required?
This is a graduate career, so applicants need a degree in a relevant subject such as biology, chemistry, animal nutrition or agriculture. Some specialist roles also require a postgraduate qualification.
Environmental jobs vary widely, but they all make a contribution towards saving the planet for future generations to enjoy. So if we’ve inspired you to consider a green career in the United Kingdom, why not start by gaining some of the skills you’ll need?
Related Articles
The IT Courses for Beginners Guide: Which IT Course Should You Do?
No matter what level IT skills you currently have, there’s a...
Hair and Beauty Career Guide: More Than Just a Pretty Face
(UPDATED MAY 2022) Hair and beauty jobs can lead to a broad...
Five Things You Need To Be An Awesome Childcare Worker
Includes supporting nursery staff with child day care, prepa...
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
Get expert advice, insights, and explainers on tricky topics — designed to help you navigate your learning journey with confidence.
