Sector Overview
This sector is predicted to continue to increase in the future offering a diverse range of employment opportunities. The growing prominence of environmental legislation, locally and globally, as well as the raised public awareness of environmental issues has led to more investment in this sector. Employers are now putting into place measures to produce less waste and use fewer resources which makes sense in terms of sustainability and also in this current economic climate. All these changes have led to increase in demand for environmental specialists/consultants although competition for these places is still fierce and vacancies normally require experience and/or postgraduate qualifications.
An increasing number of graduate jobs are on offer in energy, water, transport and utility companies – as there is a drive to pursue clean, renewable and sustainable practices. This is reflected in the growing number of St Andrews graduates recruited in this sector with companies such as NPower, Hydraun. SSE and Scottish Power. These posts offers some of the highest starting salaries in the Environmental Sector, around £30,000 (High Fliers Research 2014).
Case Studies
Videos produced by icould will give you an insight into over 80 environmental occupations within this sector. They include:
Environmental work attributes/skills profile
| Key attributes/skills needed for the role | Where you could develop these skills or attributes while at university
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| Project management - the ability to manage a piece of work and meet the objectives set. |
Depending on your degree, this may be demonstrated through your academic studies, especially if you completed a dissertation |
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Demonstrable interest in business, and commercial awareness
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Keep up-to-date with business and sector news, and develop this through extra-curricular activity in student-run societies such as the Wildlife & Conservation and SVS (St Andrews Voluntary Service) Environmental Projects.
Join a professional body such as CIEEM which have up to date information on the profession and events which you can attend. |
| Strong communication & interpersonal skills |
CEED offers courses on these kinds of skills regularly within its Professional Skills Curriculum.
Taking on positions of responsibility in student-run societies will give you the chance to put these into practice |
| Ability to organise time and work methodically whilst paying attention to detail |
| Leadership qualities and effective team working skills |
| Specialist skills - for most outdoor work a clean driving licence is essential. Chainsaw qualification needed for many areas of countryside work, scuba diving for marine environment. Identification licence for protected species e.g. bats and newts. |
Some voluntary organisations will put volunteer through training. Refer to the website Countryside Jobs for details. |
Range of Employers
The extensive nature of this sector means that there is a vast range of employers from the obvious such as the Environment Agency to the unexpected such as the Royal and Ancient Golf Club who employed a St Andrews graduate as a sustainability consultant. The main sectors who recruit in this area include the following:
- Private sector (e.g. industry - ranging from large, multinational companies to those involved in resource management, such as the water and forestry industries, nuclear, gas, chemical, electricity, oil and and mining companies, alternative energy organisations - biofuels and bioenergy, environmental consultants)
- Voluntary and charity sector (e.g. conservation charities, pressure groups, trusts, environmental NGOs, )
- Public sector (e.g. regulatory bodies, such as local authorities, Scottish Environment Protection Agency , research institutes - NFCC, national parks and monuments, education establishments)
Nature of sector or roles
Roles
While the range of roles in this sector is tremendously varied, people working in any area will be primarily concerned with the impact of people and industry on the environment, and how this affects human and other lives. You could, for example, choose to work in an organisation concerned with protecting the environment, but in a support role, such as finance and human resources, as well as following a career that actually involves hands-on environmental work. It is also possible to work as an environmental specialist within another discipline.
The groups of jobs outlined below give some idea of the breadth and depth of this sector, but are not exhaustive:
- Sustainable Development and Renewable Energy involves finding ways effectively to use natural resources that may be naturally replenished. Renewable energy technologies include solar power, wind power, hydroelectricity/micro-hydro, biomass and biofuels for transportation. One of the growing areas is organisations employing staff to help to manage issues that relate to Sustainable Development as shown by the University.This type of initiative aligns itself to the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) agenda, which is that many employers now have a responsibility and a commitment to adopting a social, ethical and environmentally responsible approach to their business or organisation. Examples of jobs in these areas include:
- Sustainability Officer, Energy Officer, Renewable Consultant, Natural Resource Specialist, Carbon Analyst, Energy Efficiency Officer, Energy Economist
- Environmental Conservation and Management involves providing practical advice to farmers, land managers, voluntary and private organisations on landscape and wildlife conservation to protect, manage and enhance the local environment. This can sometimes involve dealing with conflicting interests. Environmental managers also encourage people to use the countryside, and promote awareness of and understanding about the natural environment, as well as developing policy and ensuring that it is delivered. Job titles differ considerably from employer to employer, and some examples include:
- Nature Conservation Officer/Warden/Ranger, Countryside Manager, Biological Field Surveyor, Scientific Officer, Environmental Educationalist, Environmental Protection & Control, Recycling Officer , Water Quality Officer, Water Disposal Officer, Environmental Policy Officer, Environmental Consultant
- Marine Mammal Observer (MMO) and Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM) Operator - Projects requiring Marine Mammal Observers (MMOs) and Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM) Operators have arisen due to concerns regarding the levels of man-made noise in the ocean and how this may affect marine life, in particular, marine mammals and turtles. The role of the MMO and PAM operator is to be present on the ships during offshore operations and to act immediately to protect marine mammals should they enter an exclusion zone (usually 500 metres) prior to and sometimes during operations. Further information can be found on the Marine Mammal Observer Association (MMOA) website.There are a minimum of 2 courses that must be undertaken to work as an MMO offshore. You are also required to have a medical. All personnel working offshore need an offshore survival certificate which includes HUET and also a medical certificate. This is a 3 to 5 day course and costs £700 plus (depending who you undertake the course with). ENG 1 is one of the medical certificates for the UK, which is acceptable for other countries. This takes around an hour and costs £70 plus. This is one type that is accepted. The JNCC accredited MMO certificate is also required. This is a one to 3 day course and costs approximately £100 plus (depending who you undertake the course with).According to the Marine Mammal Observer Association, it is easy enough to become certified but it is very unlikely for someone to be offered contract work if they do not have the relevant experience. Experience required involves watching marine mammals in the field, voluntary work, research, or wildlife guiding. It is quite a competitive field, with many MMO’s and PAM operators that become accredited and do not have the experience, struggling to find work. The MMOA recommends if becoming an MMO or Pam Operator is a serious career choice consideration that this experience is gained.
- Environmental Protection and Control involves controlling pollution, promoting pollution prevention from certain industrial and other activities, and ensuring compliance with laws and regulations regarding the use, sale, transport, disposal, manufacture and storage of industrial and other waste. The Environment Agency and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) are the UK’s governmental agencies responsible for administrating laws to control and reduce the pollution of air, water and land systems. Job titles may include:
- Air Quality Consultant, Climate Change and Risk Officer, Energy Assessor, Environmental Auditor, Environmental Consultant, Environmental Health Officer, Environmental Policy Officer, Environmental Psychologist, Landscape Architect, Lobbyist, Recycling Officer
- Environmental Engineering is the application of science and engineering principles to improve the environment, in order to provide healthy water, air and land for human habitation and for other organisms, and to remediate polluted sites. Environmental engineers conduct hazardous-waste management studies to evaluate the significance of such hazards, advise on treatment and containment, and develop regulations to prevent mishaps. They also design municipal water supply and industrial wastewater treatment systems. as well as being concerned with local and worldwide environmental issues, such as the effects of acid rain, ozone depletion, water pollution and air pollution from automobile exhausts and industrial sources. Environmental engineering positions include:
- Environmental Energy Engineer, Environmental Scientist, Geophysicist, Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineer, Hydrogeologist, Landfill Engineer, River-Coastal Engineer, Sedimentologist, Water Engineer, Wind-Energy Engineer
- Environmental Law and Litigation are concerned with a body of law that seeks to protect the environment that may be affected, impacted or endangered by human activities. This includes careers in a variety of public and private forms.
- International Environmental Co-operation involves assessing global, regional and national environmental conditions and trends, addressing existing and emerging environmental issues at the global and regional levels, and bringing environmental experts together e.g. the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
For a more comprehensive overview of the wide range of jobs available, visit the Prospects website or CIWEM (The Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management)'s job market website
How to gain experience/internships
There are a huge variety of career possibilities in the Environmental Sector and finding relevant work experience is a key element to successfully securing a graduate position. Although many opportunities available are on a voluntary basis, there are some possibilities for relevant paid work experience.
Any type of environmental work experience or work shadowing is valuable, even if it's only for a short time. Many vacancies may not be advertised, so it’s well worth considering making speculative applications to find opportunities.
Read a number of case studies written by St Andrews students on how to gain relevant environmental work experience.
It’s impossible for us to list every opportunity available, but here are a few ideas to get you started.
| Opportunity | Details |
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| Opportunities in St Andrews |
- Transition (Twitter, Facebook) - are a group of St Andrews students and staff at the University who work together on environmental projects. To find out more about projects and how you can become involved email transition@st-andrews.ac.uk.
- SVS within the Student Union Building and Fife Voluntary Action have details of voluntary projects in the local area.
- There are many opportunities available at the university to get involved in relevant societies, e.g. Oxfam and Greenpeace. STAAG (St Andrews Adventure Group) organise a lot of expedition-like activities. You can contact them on staag@st-andrews.ac.uk.
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| Paid work experience / Internships
Some examples of organisations that offer paid work experience/project placements.
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- BGS Internship Programme BGS offers an internship programme in the form of paid work of between 3 and 6 months duration, aimed at recent graduates wanting to enhance their skills and employability and help them to get started in a science. Further details of opportunities as they arise can be found on the BGS website. Applicants should send their CV along with a covering letter (quoting specific post identification number they are interested in) to bgspers@bgs.ac.uk. Please do not send speculative CVs.
- Bright Green Placements Environmental Placement Programme - places students within Scottish Businesses to undertake projects with an environmental focus
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| Competitions |
- The npower Future Leaders competition sees university students from across the country take the lead in the push for sustainability. In the last 3 years the team from St Andrews has won twice being awarded the prize of a trip to the Arctic.
- Shell Ideas360 is a global ideas competition for students to develop ideas that tackle the pressures on the world’s Food, Water and Energy resources.
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| Work shadowing |
Work-shadowing can also be a useful way of finding out more about a particular area, as well as providing a source of contacts. Be prepared to be proactive in your search and make speculative applications,including to large companies, since many will now also have a special department concerned with environmental issues. |
| Voluntary work / charitable organisations
Many of these organisations offer part-time, short-term and volunteering opportunities.
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| Expeditions
Opportunities (some at a cost), to get involved with environmental and sustainable development projects, often in countries that would be difficult to visit independently, offer participants the scope to acquire skills which can be useful.
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| Professional bodies/institutions
Becoming a student member of an environmentally-related professional body can help you make contacts, expand opportunities and gain a wider knowledge of the sector.
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| Worldwide
Opportunities to get involved with environmental and sustainable development projects. Many will expect participants to pay towards their costs.
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| Online searchable databases |
- The Careers Centre subscribes to Countryside Jobs: select "CJS weekly sign in" (right-hand side of the page) and use the subscriber's username and password (access via Subscriptions).
The following websites often advertise relevant environmental internship opportunities and/or have a list of recruiters to which you may wish to write speculatively:
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How to get a (graduate) job
In some cases a postgraduate qualification is required for many careers in the environmental sector - see the 'Relevant Postgraduate Study' section for more details.
Graduate Recruitment Schemes
A number of major corporations offer environmental graduate recruitment schemes. Here are a few examples:
Newspapers / Journals
Jobs online
- The Careers Centre subscribes to Countryside Jobs: select "CJS weekly sign in" (right-hand side of the page) and use the subscriber's username and password (access via Subscriptions).
- Adopt an Intern - provides graduates with the hands-on experience required to enter the graduate job market through facilitating paid internships. Opportunities in Scotland. Occasionally advertises relevant environmental opportunities.
- Environment Jobs and Environment Post: Offers a good range of work experience and graduate entry jobs; particularly useful for public sector roles
- ElevatorCafesearch for ethical and green job opportunities.
- Green Jobs network of websites
- Renewable Energy Jobs Offers a platform for the latest vacancies in the Renewable Energy sector in the UK.
- Green Business Jobs International - this is a search service for worldwide jobs and internships in the environmental, science, engineering and management sector
- National Parks Links to job profiles and vacancies in National Parks
- Environment Jobs an excellent website for jobs in the UK and abroad
- Jobs for Good - a specialist jobs board for roles that create social and environmental value
- MARMAM – mailing list worldwide for marine mammals – job postings, volunteer postings, advertising new publications etc.
- Coastsms (Bob earll) – mailing list for UK sustainability and environmental management in the marine, coastal and waters sectors – job vacancies, conferences etc.
Recruitment Agencies
Consider registering with an environmental recruitment specialist, e.g.
Applications, interviews and assessment centres
The Careers Centre also has lots of general advice about making applications, attending interviews and assessment centres.
Relevant Postgraduate Study
In some cases a postgraduate qualification is required for many careers in the environmental sector. Further study may be at either Master’s or PhD level, depending on the particular career you wish to pursue. For example, while a PhD is important for a career in research, taught Master’s courses are popular when entering the field of environmental consultancy, or as conversion courses. Not all environmental lawyers or consultants studied law, or specifically environmental law, at undergraduate level, so it is worth exploring the different degrees, courses and options available.
At Master’s level there is an increasing number of specialist courses, it pays to spend time researching that the course will provide you with the correct experience to achieve your future career aim. A good indicator is the employment destinations of previous graduates, most admissions departments should be able to provide these.
Often, vocational courses that have a strong practical element and/or project placements in environmental organisations (through which you can make valuable contacts with potential employers) will provide you with enhanced job prospects. Talk to employers and find out which courses they particularly recommend.
Key UK links and resources
Careers Centre resources
Use CareerConnect, your central careers hub, to:
- Book an appointment with a careers adviser
- Search for vacancies (Job Shop, internships/work experience, graduate jobs)
- Register for events
GoinGlobal
- The Careers Centre subscribes to GoinGlobal, a specialist website with information and job vacancies worldwide.
Countryside Jobs Online
- The Careers Centre subscribes to Countryside Jobs: select "CJS weekly sign in" (right-hand side of the page) and use the subscriber's username and password (access via Subscriptions).
Books/Journals:
- Green Volunteers
- Green Careers - WetFeet
- Working with the Environment
- Environmental Careers - The Inside Guide
- Saving the Earth as a career
General Environmental careers information
Professional Bodies, Trade Organisations & Journals/Magazines
USA resources
Vault
The USA job market and recruitment timetables, for both internships and graduate jobs, for sectors of employment often differ from the UK.
The Careers Centre subscribes to the reputable independent USA careers information and vacancy provider Vault. The link below will take you directly to Vault subscription resources which cover this sector. You may find further useful and relevant resources linked from there as well.
Internships USA
- The Big Green Internship book - published by Internships, USA, this online resource lists over 300 organizations in 39 states offering internships working to protect the environment. Positions include environmental education, conservation research, environmental policy, grass roots organizing, government agencies, and international organizations. Also internships with the United Nations Environmental Program. Access via Subscriptions (password required).
Internships in the US - environmental work
This list is by no means exhaustive. It is simply designed to serve as a starting point.
- Backdoor Jobs: National and international short-term job opportunities.
- Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies: The Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program provides 8-12 students each summer an opportunity to conduct quality research in ecology; runs from the end of May to mid August; Students receive a stipend of $6,000, housing in an Institute dormitory, and a food allowance of $600.
- Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI): CSPI focuses primarily on health and nutrition issues, disclosing deceptive marketing practices, dangerous food additives or contaminants, and flawed science propagated by profits; offers 10-week paid internships for a small number of qualified students in undergraduate, graduate, post graduates, law, and medical schools each summer and during the school year; Interns will work in a variety of areas, including nutrition policy, health promotion policy, food safety and litigation.
- Earthjustice: A non-profit public interest law firm dedicated to protecting the magnificent places, natural resources, and wildlife of this earth, and to defending the right of all people to a healthy environment; Internships available in their offices throughout the country and advertised when available through this link.
- Eco.org: A site that helps quality job candidates looking for green jobs connect with eco-employers who care about the environment and have green jobs to fill.
- Environmental Protection Agency: Provides paid and unpaid internships, fellowships and other opportunities are available in Washington, D.C., laboratories, and at regional EPA locations nationwide; opportunities for undergraduate and postgraduate students who are U.S. citizens.
- Environmental Working Group (EWG): Internships available for undergraduates in various areas, including Consumer Database Research, Public Affairs/Media Support, Government Affairs and General Research.
- Friends of the Earth: Friends of the Earth's Communications internship program provides current students or recent college graduates an opportunity to join staff for four to six months, work on our issues and campaigns, and gain valuable experience in the environmental community. Advertised when available via the above link.
- Great Basin Institute:The Great Basin Institute is an interdisciplinary field studies organization that promotes environmental research, education, and conservation throughout the West; Voluntary and paid associate positions available to undergraduates, postgraduates, and recent graduates.
- Green Dream Jobs: renewable and clean energy jobs (solar, wind jobs), green building jobs, organic jobs, and all environmental and sustainable jobs; Search under internships.
- Green for All: A national organization dedicated to building an inclusive green economy strong enough to lift people out of poverty; Most internships are unpaid.
- Green Jobs: Search for internships in various companies.
- LANDS Programme LANDS is a field-based service-learning program based in the University of Vermont's Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources. The program offers two options for students: the Summer Field Course (7+ credits) and the Fall Field Semester (15+ credits). Students learn while conducting real-world projects for conservation organizations.
- League of Conservation Voters (LCV): LCV's mission is to advocate for sound environmental policies, to elect pro-environmental candidates who will adopt and implement such policies and to provide the state LCVs with the resources and tools to accomplish and sustain their mission; Internships posted on this site as and when available; Current college students or recent graduates preferred.
- Middlebury Fellowships in Environmental Journalism: Helps 10 journalists near the start of their careers work through an ambitious reporting project in print, web-based, or radio journalism. Projects should deal with the environment - can be economics, culture, global issues, and the like, as long as they centre in some way on the human relationship with the physical world; Fellows meet together with professional journalists twice during the year, once in the fall at Bread Loaf, in Ripton VT, where they brainstorm their stories, and once in the spring at the Monterey Institute for International Studies, in Monterey CA, where they edit the completed pieces; Fellows receive $10,000 to help with reporting and living expenses during the fellowship year.
- Mote Marine Laboratories: Mote internships allow undergraduates and recent graduates to gain hands-on experience in ocean science research, conservation, education and support services; Internships are available in most departments in the laboratory; Provides 10-14 week internships during four sessions; Unpaid positions but a limited number of scholarships are available.
- National Park Service: the Cultural Resources Diversity Internship Program provides a career exploration opportunity for diverse undergraduate and graduate students ages 18-25 in historic preservation/cultural resources work; interns are placed with National Park Service park units and administrative offices, other federal agencies, state historic preservation offices, local governments, and private organizations; Ten-week paid internships during May/June through August.
- OBFS - Organization of Biological Field Stations: Lists field stations in US and overseas that are members of OBFS, many have summer programs (internships, courses, or volunteer work) in ecology and environmental studies.
- Piedmont Environmental Council: Seven-week summer Environmental Fellowship Program in the Virginia Piedmont for undergraduate, graduate student and recent graduate who are interested in land conservation, energy conservation, agriculture, and more; Fellows receive local housing, a small stipend to cover living expenses, and expenses for all program-related activities.
- Point Blue: offers internships in Conservation Science at the Palomarin Field Station, Marine Ecology on Southeast Farallon Island, the Adélie Penguin Population Internship in Antarctica and other areas; Stipends vary between $500-$1200 per month on a project by project basis.
- Smithsonian Environmental Research Center: Offers undergraduate and beginning postgraduate students a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the fields of environmental research and education.
- The Student Conservation Association: Internships are 3-12 month opportunities to anyone 18 or older to preserve environmental and cultural resources.
- Sustainable Long Island: Promotes economic development, environmental health and equity for all Long Islanders; Opportunities for undergraduate and postgraduate students to assist staff and conduct research in the fields of land use, policy and planning.
- Union of Concerned Scientists: Paid internships available in various areas, including media, climate and energy; Applicants who are not U.S. citizens must be able to provide an employment authorization document from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
- The Wilderness Society: accepts applications for policy, communication, marketing and digital internships year-round; These positions are unpaid, but are available for school credit.
- Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution: for undergraduate students who will have completed their junior year at colleges or universities by the start of the fellowship period; Preference is given to students studying in the fields of science or engineering; Students must have at least a tentative interest in the ocean sciences, oceanographic engineering, mathematics, or marine policy; The program aims to provide fellows with a meaningful first-hand introduction to research in oceanography, oceanographic engineering, or marine policy; Stipend of $540 per week for a ten- to twelve-week program; Additional support is offered to help offset the cost of round-trip travel to Woods Hole.
- World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms USA: Search for opportunities by region.