Environmental Consultancies

Environmental consultancies are one of the many places you can work in the private sector of the environment industry. Environmental consultancies are commissioned by clients to address environmental issues associated with the course of their business. Consulting companies account for a large portion of environmental employers.

Consultancies can vary widely in size and scope. Many provide a wide range of services and specialty areas. Some consultancies offer environmental services as just one part of their full service range. Others offer only environment related services. Small boutique consultancies often offer specialised expertise in only a few key areas, such as ecology or planning.

The full range of services and expertise in consulting is, like the entire industry, very broad and constantly growing. The fields are also often multidisciplanery, potentially incorporating chemistry, biology, ecology, geology and social sciences, among other disciplines. Services can include environmental assessment and management, water management, waste management, energy management, contaminated land management, risk assessment, climate change services, and many others.

Environmental companies, likewise, work for clients from a wide variety of sectors, including construction, water, waste, mining, energy, government, agriculture, aid and development, etc. Some consultancies will specialise in working within a specific sector, while others will work with clients from across the spectrum. This often depends on the specialist skills and experience the consultancy has.

As a result of its multidisciplenary nature, the daily activities of a consultant can vary quite widely, even within a position. Activities can include going out into the field to collect data or meet with clients, analysing data, conducting background research and writing reports or recommendations for clients.

QUALIFICATIONS

To work at an environmental consultancy, it is often required that you have a relevant tertiary degree (eg, environmental science, environmental engineering, ecology, geology, etc.). As the sector is very multidisciplinary, there are a wide variety of courses that can help prepare you for a career in consulting. Double degrees and Masters degrees are increasingly becoming the norm in consulting, so it is worth considering pursuing graduate studies. For further information on environmental studies available in Australia, please see our Environmental Education page.

As always, volunteering, work experience and graduate programs are also beneficial for getting your foot in the door at a consultancy. Work experience at an environmental consultancy can give you a better idea about the type of work and day-to-day activities involved. It can also get you a foot in the door for a future position, as you are able to show off your strengths and potential.

CONSULTANCIES ON EJN

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		Eco Recruitment Pty Ltd Environmental Career Opportunities 420 Victoria St, Brunswick Vic 3056  Jason: 0423 593 692 Anita: 0401 101 256