Nature of work
Environmental consultant works on commercial or government contracts to address a variety of environmental issues for their clients. He/she covers a wide range of disciplines such as assessment of air, land and water contamination, environmental impact assessment, environmental audit, waste management and the development of environmental policy and environmental management systems.A career as an environmental consultant offers the opportunity for a structured professional path with the potential to specialize in an area of interest.
Day-to-day activities vary considerably due to the range of work covered by environmental consultants. However, a key task is to identify whether land, air or water is contaminated, by means of desk-based research and field work, and then to undertake an assessment to identify if that contaminant source can have an adverse impact on a receptor (such as humans or groundwater, for example).
Environment of work
Working hours typically include regular extra hours, but not shifts. Some consultancies may operate a flexi-time or overtime system. Weekend working may be necessary in order to meet client deadlines and when carrying out survey work that is dependent on good weather.Work is office-based with time spent out of doors on site visits. This varies depending on the project.
Environmental consultant usually works as part of a small multidisciplinary team, although some contracts may involve conducting solo field work (away from home).
Self-employment/freelance work is sometimes possible.
Increasing environmental regulation means that there is growing demand for consultancy services.
Jobs are available in most areas, but more work is available in large towns and cities than in rural areas.
Site-based work may require travel and absence from home overnight.
Professional life
The first two years of consultancy are typically spent gaining site-based experience, e.g. intrusive ground investigation, ecological surveys, ground and surface water sampling. He/she will also be involved in data assessment, desk-based research, liaison with sub-contractors, clients and regulators, report preparation and writing. With experience, consultants may be asked to manage small projects in order to take on more responsibility.Consultant moves to senior consultant grade when he/she has around five years' experience. Senior consultants are usually responsible for the management of staff, site investigations, contracts and the allocation of resources. He/she is involved in business development, with responsibility for marketing the business to new clients and developing relationships with existing clients, as well as identifying and submitting tenders for new work.
After a number of years at senior grade, consultants can move on to principal consultant grade, where responsibilities are mainly team management, commercial development and technical specialist.
Range of typical starting salaries: 35000 SYP
Getting the job
Relevant degree subjects include biological sciences, environmental and earth sciences, chemical and physical sciences, urban and land studies, engineering, agricultural and horticultural sciences, and social/economic/business studies is required . In particular, the following degree subjects may increase his/her chances of employment in this sector:- chemistry;
- ecology/wildlife management;
- engineering geology;
- environmental engineering;
- environmental management;
- geography;
- geology;
- geophysics;
- hydrogeology.
In addition to a first degree, applicants often have a relevant postgraduate qualification or work experience in the field he/she is interested in.
Skills
Candidates will need to show evidence of the following:- business skills and commercial awareness, as consultants operate in a very commercial environment;
- communication and presentation skills;
- IT skills, such as word processing and use of spreadsheets and presentation packages;
- project management skills, as time and resources are allocated to projects and need to be monitored and adhered to;
- organization and time management skills, to manage several projects at one time.
Sources and references
If you need any further information on what is included in this file, you can visit the following websites:- www.iema.net, IEMA is the largest environmental professional body, providing environmental practitioners with the knowledge, skills and tools.
- www.environmental.org.uk, A professional Society which exists to promote awareness of the discipline of environmental engineering
- Arab Standard Classification of Occupations, 2008, Ed. Arab Labor Organization.