Environmental consultant

Environmental consultants advise on sustainability, including waste management, recycling, flood risk and the effects of climate change.


Typical Salary

£25,000 – £50,000

per year

Working Hours

37–39

hours per week

Career Area

Environment professionals

View related courses

Day-to-day tasks

As an environmental consultant, you could:

  • assess potential impacts from industrial, commercial and environmental development projects
  •  collect and analyse survey data from sites, such as soil samples
  •  write scientific reports and present findings
  •  respond to environmental accidents and manage clean-up operations
  •  provide policy advice to businesses, landowners and the government
  •  advise organisations on environmental laws and regulations

We've identified this as a green job

As an environmental consultant, you'll make sure the design, construction and operation of a building project meets environmental and sustainability standards. This can have a positive impact on the environment.

Find out more about green careers

Skills needed

  • knowledge of geography
  • maths knowledge
  • analytical thinking skills
  • thinking and reasoning skills
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • excellent written communication skills
  • the ability to use your judgement and make decisions
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

How to get into this role

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • an apprenticeship

Career progression

With experience, you could:

  • move into a senior or principal consultant position
  •  apply for chartered environmentalist status
  •  work as a lecturer in education
  •  run your own consultancy business
  •  get involved in environmental research