Environmental scientists study the natural world, particularly how it is affected by human activities. Environmental science is a vast field, addressing issues such as climate change, population growth and dwindling energy supplies. Scientists often apply their expertise to help ensure ‘sustainable development’ by choosing practices that minimise environmental damage.
They work across a range of different sectors, including conservation, energy, engineering and waste management. The work may also involve protecting communities, for example by ensuring that water supplies are safe to drink, or by taking steps to prevent the risk of floods caused by climate change.
The potential roles are varied, and may lead a scientist to study in almost any environment, at home or abroad. Scientists are also likely to spend a lot of time in analysis work in offices or laboratories. They usually work as part of a team.
Salaries in this field range from around £18,000 to £50,000 a year.
An environmental scientist needs:
- a sound background in science and maths
- a precise and methodical approach
- to have planning and problem-solving skills
- to be able to analyse and interpret data
- to have strong communication skills
- to enjoy working outdoors and be willing to work abroad
- to be interested in maths, science, geography and environmental issues.
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Environmental science is a growing field. Environmental scientists are employed by local authorities and government agencies, as well as developers, water companies and pressure groups. An increasing number of scientists work in consultancy, as part of a firm or on a consultancy basis.
Most scientists take a degree in environmental science or a similar subject. Some then undertake specialist postgraduate training. It is also possible to start work as a technician with GCSEs/S grades (A-C/1-3). Work experience, paid or voluntary, may increase the chances of employment.
Degree courses cover research techniques, data analysis and field survey work. Most courses offer fieldwork opportunities - sometimes abroad.
Environmental scientists may take on project and team management responsibilities. They may also choose to move into consultancy work. There are many opportunities to work abroad.
What is the work like?
Environmental science seeks to understand the natural world, and particularly how it is affected by human activities. It is a vast field, addressing issues such as climate change, population growth and dwindling energy supplies.
Increasing concern about these issues has resulted in a growth in environmental science. Scientists are professionals with chemical, ecological and managerial expertise. Their work helps to ensure ‘sustainable development’ by choosing practices that minimise the damage caused to the world and its resources.
An environmental scientist may work in a range of different sectors. These include:
- conservation - studying plants and animals, working to protect their natural habitats and promote biodiversity
- energy - for example, advising oil and gas companies on the likely effects of a new pipeline, or monitoring wildlife near a refinery
- engineering - assessing planned developments, from housing to airport runways, to minimise the impact they will have on the local environment
- waste management - advising on the environmental effects of waste disposal and developing new methods
- water quality - analysing water supply samples to ensure they meet safety standards
- flood defence - working to protect communities from rising water levels.
Environmental scientists usually work as part of a team. They often advise colleagues or managers - some of whom may not have a scientific background - by writing reports or making presentations.
An increasing number of scientists work in consultancy, as part of a firm or on a freelance basis. In many cases they are brought in to assist with environmental impact assessments, which are required for many developments before permission is granted.
Salaries for environmental scientists start at around £18,000 a year.
Hours and environment
Working hours and environment depend on the role. Some scientists work from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. However, project work may require intensive research or analysis involving extra hours.
Some work is likely to be carried out in an office or laboratory. Fieldwork may involve working in locations in the UK or abroad. These could range from British construction sites to tropical rainforests - again depending on the role.
Salary and other benefits
These figures are only a guide, as actual rates of pay may vary, depending on the employer and where people live.
- A new entrant may expect to earn around £18,000 a year.
- With experience, earnings may rise to around £27,000.
- Senior environmental scientists with management responsibilities may earn up to £50,000 or more.
Skills and personal qualities
An environmental scientist needs:
- a sound background in science and maths
- an inquisitive nature
- a precise and methodical approach
- planning and problem-solving skills
- the ability to analyse and interpret data
- to be able to communicate effectively with all kinds of people
- the ability to explain technical subjects to non-scientific people
- to work well as part of a team
- to have a practical outlook and to enjoy working outdoors
- the ability to speak a foreign language, if carrying out research work abroad.
Interests
It helps to be interested in:
- maths and science
- geography
- environmental issues.
Getting in
Environmental scientists are employed by a wide range of organisations. The main employers include local authorities, environmental agencies, water companies, consultancies, engineering and construction firms, and environmental lobbying organisations. An increasing number of scientists work on a consultancy basis.
The number of environmental science posts is rising. However, competition is also increasing as more people undertake study in this field.
Voluntary work or experience of hands-on placements may aid employment prospects. It may be possible to volunteer for environmental charities or for a local council. StudentForce for Sustainability offers a national advice service on careers in sustainable development, and arranges paid and voluntary placements in central and eastern England for young people over 16 years old.
Entry for young people
Most entrants have a degree. A degree in environmental science offers a range of career possibilities. It is also possible to take a first degree in any science subject, followed by postgraduate study in a specialist area of environmental science.
There are hundreds of UK degree courses in environmental science and related subjects, such as sustainable development or environmental management. Taking a combined course with another subject can widen career prospects.
Entry to a degree is usually with a minimum of two A levels/three H grades and five GCSEs/S grades (A-C/1-3), or the equivalent. Physics, biology, chemistry, geography, geology or maths are useful subjects. English and a foreign language are also useful.
Another possible route into environmental science is to start as a technician. This usually requires at least four GCSEs/S grades (A-C/1-3), including two sciences, English and maths or technology. Equivalent qualifications, such as a BTEC First Diploma/Certificate in Science, may also be accepted. Many applicants for technician jobs also have higher qualifications such as A levels/H grades, diplomas or degrees.
Entry for adults
There is no upper age limit for entry to this work. Adults may be accepted onto degree courses without the usual entry qualifications, particularly if they have relevant experience. They can prepare for application to a degree by taking an Access course.
Training
Degrees in environmental science cover techniques in research, field survey work and data analysis. Most courses offer fieldwork opportunities, which can sometimes be abroad. Some courses include work placement experience.
Getting on
Environmental scientists may progress to take on project and team management responsibilities. They might also choose to move into consultancy work.
There may be opportunities for environmental scientists to work abroad.
Further information
Cogent Sector Skills Council Limited, Minerva House, Bruntland Road, Portlethen, Aberdeen AB12 4QL. 01224 787800. Website: www.cogent-ssc.com
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), Information Resource Centre, Lower Ground floor, Nobel House, 17 Smith Square, London SW1P 3JR. 08459 33 55 77. Website: www.defra.gov.uk
The Environment Agency, Rio House, Waterside Drive, Aztec West, Almondsbury, Bristol BS32 4UD. 08708 506506. Website: www.environment-agency.gov.uk
The Institution of Environmental Sciences, Suite 1-38 Ebury Street, London SW1W 0LU. 020 7730 5516. Website: www.ies-uk.org.uk and www.environmentcareers.org.uk
Lantra, Lantra House, Stoneleigh Park, Near Coventry, Warwickshire CV8 2LG. 024 7669 6996. Website: www.lantra.co.uk
Planet Science, Nesta, Fishmongers Chambers, 110 Upper Thames Street, London EC4R 3TW. Website: www.planet-science.com
Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), Erskine Court, Castle Business Park, Stirling FK9 4TR. 01786 457700. Website: www.sepa.org.uk
SEMTA (Science, Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies Alliance), 14 Upton Road, Watford WD18 0JT. 01923 238441. Website: www.semta.org.uk
StudentForce for Sustainability, Brewery House, High Street, Ketton, Stamford PE9 3TA. 01780 722072. Website: www.studentforce.org.uk
Further reading
Environmental careers – the inside guide - Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management
Working outdoors - Connexions
Working in science - Connexions
Working with the environment - Vacation Work Publications
Magazines/journals:
Earthwise
Geology Today
Geoscientist
Nature
New Scientist
(Some may be priced)
For further details please see:
http://www.connexions-direct.com
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