Written by Nathaniel Baurley
Interested in a career in Environmental Science but have no idea where to begin? This page will give you all the information you need to get started.
What is Environmental Science?
Environmental Science is an “interdisciplinary” field of study that aims to increase our understanding of our natural environment and the impact of humans upon it. As such, it is not just the study of the environment, but also of possible solutions to the most pressing environmental issues, such as deforestation, resource scarcity, pollution and climate change. To achieve this, it encompasses aspects from several different subjects, including biology, geography, chemistry, earth sciences and ecology, and how these different components interact with one another. It is this “interdisciplinary” nature that makes environmental science such an attractive degree for employers.
Environmental Science Careers – Example Roles
Choosing to study environmental science at university can open up a wide range of opportunities and career paths, several of which can be found below…
- Conservation Officer – manage and protect the natural environment for current and future generations by promoting sustainability, educating the public, and helping shape policy.
- Environmental Consultant – provide expert advice and assessment services to a range of clients with the aim of minimising or eliminating environmental impact.
- Environmental Education Officer – enhance responsible public enjoyment of the environment through education, which may include leading guided walks, organising events, and producing marketing material.
- Environmental Engineer – combine science and engineering to help protect, restore and preserve the planet, for example by managing and reducing waste, minimising pollution, and controlling environmental hazards.
- Geospatial Analyst – use a range of techniques, including GIS and remote sensing, to help detect, map, and model environmental change.
- Landscape Architect – work on a range of projects in both urban and rural settings to help create innovative, sustainable, and environmentally sensitive outdoor spaces (e.g., parks, gardens, and housing estates).
- Recycling Officer – develop, run and promote recycling schemes, work on sustainable initiatives and help shape key policies around waste reduction.
- Horticulturist – play a key role in the growth, distribution and selling of food, crops, and plants to a range of clients.
- Sustainability Consultant – combine a passion for the environment with business and leadership to help companies become more socially and environmentally responsible.
- Town Planning – play a key role in the management and development of cities, towns, and villages by helping plan and design buildings, parks and roads to help make places attractive, sustainable, and convenient for people to use.
- Waste Management Officer – organise and manage waste disposal, collection, and recycling facilities, as well as waste treatment and street cleaning operations.
- Water Quality Scientist – help safeguard all aspects of water quality, including drinking water, groundwater, and surface water (i.e., rivers, lakes), through rigorous scientific testing and analysis.
- Environmental Science Careers – Typical Employers
Opportunities for environmental science graduates can be found across a range of sectors, including environmental science, biology, and ecology. Typical employers include:
- Environmental consultancies, such as AECOM, Jacobs, and Stantec.
- Environmental monitoring organisations, such as the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (CEH) and the UK Environmental Observation Framework (UKEOF).
- Environmental protection agencies such as the Environment Agency (EA), Natural Resources Wales (NRW) and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA).
- Local authorities, such as local councils.
- Nature conservation organisations, such as the Marine Conservation Society, The Wildlife Trusts, and the Woodland Trust.
- Non-departmental public bodies, such as Natural England and NatureScot.
- UK government departments, such as the Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).
- In addition, there are also careers available within the utilities sector, for example working with water companies (e.g., Welsh Water), as well as in planning, surveying, and in environmental education and research, which includes studying for a postgraduate degree (e.g., undertaking a Masters’ and/or a PhD).
Environmental Science Careers – Key Skills
Regardless of the specific career you choose to enter, studying environmental science at university will also help you develop a broad range of transferable skills that are highly valued by employers. These include:
- Problem solving and creative thinking
- Research skills, including the ability to collect, analyse, and report on a range of complex environmental data
- The ability to consider and develop arguments from both a scientific and ethical perspective.
- Field skills (to collect environmental data).
- Laboratory skills (to analyse environmental data).
- Ability (and willingness) to undertake fieldwork in a wide range of different environments.
- Written and verbal communication skills, including report writing and presentation skills
- Numerical and IT skills, developed through the use of different techniques (e.g., statistics) and software packages to help analyse data.
- Planning, organisation, and time management skills
- Ability to work effectively, both independently and as part of a team
In summary, studying for an environmental science degree will provide you with both specialist knowledge and a broad range of transferable skills, opening up a whole world of opportunities and career paths depending on your individual interest and expertise.
So, the only thing left to ask is…where could a career in environmental science take you?