How to get an environmental job

Whether you're passionate about conservation, policy, or renewable energy, breaking into the environmental field can be challenging - but completely achievable with some preparation

With LinkedIn reporting that hiring is 55% greater for job seekers with green job titles compared to the overall workforce, now is an ideal time to enter the environmental sector.

However, the diverse landscape of environmental jobs can be overwhelming. We've simplified the process to guide you towards your ideal environmental job, whether you're a recent graduate or a career changer.

What qualifications do I need?

The answer isn't always a degree. As Rebecca Turner, senior manager in careers and education at the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA) explains, 'while a Bachelors or Masters degree is typically required for specialist roles, entry is also possible through apprenticeships, vocational training, or even changing careers.'

Gaye Glading, early careers and development manager at FCC Environment, emphasises, 'many of our employees join without degree level qualifications. Formal learning can be underpinned by the valuable hands-on practical experience and knowledge gained in the workplace. Many of our current business leaders have achieved a successful, valuable and valued career in this way.'

Bachelors degrees

While a degree isn't the only path to a fulfilling environmental career, certain technical roles, such as environmental remediation specialist or compliance officer, often require specific qualifications and specialised knowledge.

If you aspire to become an environmental consultant or engineer focused on developing solutions for pollution and resource management, a degree in environmental science provides a comprehensive foundation in key areas:

ecological principles - gain a deep understanding of how organisms interact within their environment.
environmental regulations - familiarise yourself with the complex legal framework governing environmental protection and sustainability.
scientific methodologies - learn to apply rigorous scientific approaches to investigate and address environmental challenges.

For example, the BSc Environmental Science at The University of Manchester offers flexibility to tailor your studies to specific interests through pathways like:

atmospheric and climate science
ecology, evolution, and conservation biology
pollution and environmental processes.

This allows you to align your education with your chosen career path and specialise in a field you're passionate about. Entry requires AAB at A-level, including at least one science subject.

Discover what you can do with an environmental science degree.

If your interests lie in policy and you envision a career as an environmental consultant or environmental health practitioner, Harper Adams University offers the BSc Environment, Conservation and Property Management. This course provides specialisations in either environment, sustainability and wildlife or land and property management, enabling you to develop skills in managing landscapes or restoring ecosystems and habitats.

For those aiming for careers as urban planners or soil scientists, practical agricultural knowledge or proficiency in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) can be a major asset in job applications. The BSc Geography with Applied GIS at the University of Exeter, which focuses on developing the skills to analyse and present data using industry-standard software, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for the professional world.

The Environment Agency seeks candidates with degrees in specialised environmental disciplines, including:

carbon management
catchment and river basin management
climate science
coastal processes
ecology and biodiversity
geomorphology
hydraulic modelling
hydrology and hydrogeology
physical geography
sustainability and environmental management.

Degrees in related scientific fields offer valuable transferable skills, such as scientific literacy, analytical thinking and problem solving. These courses include:

biology
chemistry
ecology
geology
meteorology.

For specific details on entry requirements and qualifications, see our environment and agriculture job profiles.

Masters degrees

In this sector, practical experience and relevant qualifications often carry more weight than postgraduate degrees. However, a Masters degree with an environmental focus can be particularly beneficial for research positions or highly competitive fields like environmental management and consultancy. It can also give you an edge in a competitive job market.

For instance, the one-year, full-time MSc Environmental Science at the University of Leeds equips students with knowledge of how human activities impact environmental systems. It also provides practical skills in measuring and assessing environmental problems, making graduates well-prepared for roles management and consultancy roles in this sector.

'Masters degrees can also allow you to specialise in certain areas of environment or sustainability work, such as an MSc Sustainable Engineering, an MSc in Marine and Coastal Resource Management or an MSc Climate Change Science and Management,' adds Rebecca.

To find the right programme for you, search for environment postgraduate courses.

Apprenticeships

Land-based and environmental awarding body Lantra provides apprenticeships at Levels 2 (equivalent to GCSEs) and Level 3 (equivalent to A-levels) in fields like:

arboriculture
forest operations
land-based engineering technician roles.

For more details on Level 2 and 3 qualifications, see our guide to opportunities in agriculture.

The Environment Agency apprenticeship programmes include the water environment worker apprenticeship (Level 3) and the environment practitioner degree apprenticeship (Level 7), both of which offer paid on-the-job training.

For more advanced options, consultancy firm Mott MacDonald offer degree apprenticeships in a variety of areas, such as:

civil engineering
project management
transport planning.

To explore the full range of apprenticeships available in agriculture, environment, and animal care, visit GOV.UK - Find an apprenticeship.

Professional qualifications

To keep up to date with environmental challenges, you should actively pursue continuing professional development (CPD). This ensures you stay informed about industry best practices and rapidly emerging technologies.

Online platforms offer opportunities to gain targeted skills in areas such as:

environmental management systems
sustainability practices
regulatory compliance.

For instance, Positive Planet provides Carbon Literacy Training for business leaders seeking to update their sustainability policies, while institutions like Cranfield University offer courses in:

advanced GIS
ecosystem services in practice
pollution prevention.

Explore microcredentials for information on how to find courses.

Professional organisations, including the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA – soon to be known as The Institute of Sustainability & Environmental Professionals - ISEP) and the National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health (NEBOSH), also offer specialised certifications and training.

Specifically, the IEMA Foundation Certificate in Environmental Management is ideal for anyone wanting a grounding in environment and sustainability. It provides a comprehensive understanding of the sustainability agenda and essential management tools and skills for the field.

When selecting a course, it's crucial to verify the provider's credibility and ensure the curriculum aligns with your career goals.

For more information on choosing a course, see professional qualifications.

Can I do an environmental graduate scheme?

Consider exploring graduate schemes offered by major environmental companies.

Opportunities exist at organisations like:

AB Agri - commercial, commercial nutrition and supply chain.
Atkins - cybersecurity, data analysis, engineering, project management, and surveying.
British Sugar - engineering and science.
JCB - engineering, manufacturing, mechanical and electronics, business and future technologies.
John Deere - data science, engineering, marketing and supply management

While many people associate environmental careers with science and engineering, these graduate programmes also provide pathways into:

Although a 2:1 degree is often preferred, most commercially focused schemes are open to graduates from any discipline.

For those with backgrounds in environment, sustainability, forestry, land management, or business, Forestry England offers a two-year graduate leadership programme. Participants gain experience across various departments, from forest planning to recreation, and benefit from development opportunities including a Level 5 Operational and Departmental Manager apprenticeship and membership in the Institute of Chartered Foresters (ICF).

The Environment Agency (EA) also has a specialised four-to-five-year graduate training scheme focused on flood and coastal risk management. However, this programme typically requires a Masters degree in civil engineering.

Finally, FCC Environment's graduate scheme lasts for 18 months, offering specialisations in:

engineering
environmental
waste management
geography.

You'll earn £24,000 per year, and the programme is designed to develop your career within FCC.

If you're ready to apply for the next intake, search for environmental graduate schemes.

How can I gain environmental work experience?

Volunteering

Offering your time for free in the environmental sector is a fantastic opportunity to gain practical experience and enhance your CV. Whether you're assisting with ecological surveys, participating in habitat restoration, or contributing to conservation outreach, you'll develop valuable skills such as:

data collection and analysis
project management
teamwork.

To find opportunities, start by exploring online platforms like VolunteerMatch and the websites of organisations such as the Woodland Trust or The Conservation Volunteers.

Locally, connect with park districts, nature centres, and community environmental groups. Additionally, check for vacancies on:

community bulletin boards
library notice boards
local council websites.

Don't forget to check social media groups focused on environmental issues in your area, as these can be a helpful source for finding volunteer positions.

Read more about how volunteering can boost your CV.

Internships

Start your search for an internship by exploring the career pages of organisations like The Wildlife Trusts or the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), as they frequently post internship opportunities.

The Environment Agency offers a range of nationwide internships, lasting six to 15 weeks. Their Summer Development Internship Programme (SDIP) provides interns with a support network, focused learning, and development sessions - all designed to encourage future employment within the agency. Interns are paid £24,096 pro rata.

Climate Action provides paid internships within its administrative teams, focusing on:

audience and stakeholder engagement
event management and operations
marketing and communications
programme research and development.

Discover more about applying for internships.

What skills do employers want?

Landing a job in the environmental sector requires more than just passion for the cause - you also need the right mix of technical and soft skills.

LinkedIn's 2024 Climate Talent Stocktake reported that, there will be twice as many jobs requiring green skills as people qualified to fill them by 2050. This report also highlights the fastest growing green skills in the UK.

building performance
decarbonisation
low carbon
responsible sourcing
environmental studies.

Recruiters typically look for candidates with:

an understanding of policy and legislation involving pollution control regulations, waste management guidelines, or endangered species protection acts
a passion for environmental or sustainability issues
strong project management skills for monitoring time and resources
teamwork skills to achieve shared goals
physical fitness for outdoor positions
analytical skills as many jobs involve collecting and analysing data on air quality, water quality, or wildlife populations
business acumen and commercial awareness for navigating a commercially driven environment.

Discover what skills employers are looking for.

How do I find environmental graduate jobs?

You could try applying to public sector employers, including:

The environment sector has a mix of both large consultancies and small companies. To increase your chances of finding a job that aligns with your values, consider sending speculative applications directly to organisations you want to work for.

'Networking and attending free events are a good way to speak to others in the industry, and understand what organisations are doing to drive the agenda forward. LinkedIn can also be a useful tool to reach out and ask individuals for advice or to hear more about their experiences,' says Rebecca.

Agriculture graduates have various career paths to choose from, including commercial or technical roles on innovative farms, or positions with global and regional companies involved in:

crops
food production
livestock
machinery.

The latest agriculture roles are typically advertised on Jobs In Agriculture and Farmers Weekly Jobs.

Gaye reiterates the availability of roles in the sector 'from drivers to directors - we need all skills and a passion to succeed to ensure our business and our environment continues to thrive long into the future.'

While roles such as environmental consultancy, offer the opportunity for self-employment, it typically requires significant experience and expertise to establish yourself successfully. If you're interested in exploring available opportunities, you can search for graduate jobs in environment and agriculture.

To see what's on offer, search graduate jobs in environment and agriculture.

How do I apply for a role?

Securing a job in the competitive environmental sector starts with identifying your area of interest. Consider fields like:

conservation
education
environmental consulting
policy
renewable energy
sustainable agriculture
wildlife management.

Specialising allows you to focus your efforts, develop expertise, and target specific employers effectively. Once you've found your niche, tailor your CV and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences. Emphasise any experience demonstrating your commitment to environmental issues, such as:

research papers
campaign work
internships
volunteering.

To tailor your CV, incorporate keywords from job descriptions and create a skills section highlighting both technical and soft skills relevant to the role. Whenever possible, quantify your achievements with statistics and numbers. For example, instead of saying, 'I assisted with a community recycling programme,' say, 'I increased community recycling participation by 25% over six months through educational workshops.'

When tailoring your cover letter, focus on demonstrating how your skills align with the organisation's mission and needs. Share a story that connects your experiences to the specific role, showcasing your passion for the environment.

Finally, be prepared to showcase your passion and knowledge during interviews. Demonstrate a clear understanding of environmental challenges and solutions relevant to the role.

To further impress in an interview:

speak confidently about environmental issues
share specific examples of your experiences
let your genuine enthusiasm shine through.

Find out more

Learn about horticulture courses.
See what else the environment and agriculture sector has to offer.
Access information and opportunities at the Green Careers Hub.