You'll usually need a degree or postgraduate qualification in environmental science, environmental studies or environmental sustainability.

You might also be able to take a related subject like:

• biology
• chemistry
• geoscience
• ecology
• agricultural science

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
• a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

You could apply to do an Environmental Practitioner Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship.

You might also specialise by completing a Soil Scientist Level 7 Apprenticeship. This is equivalent to study at postgraduate level.

Entry requirements

Employers will set their own entry requirements.

Volunteering is a great way of getting experience and a taste of environmental work. It will also give you the opportunity to develop your skills and make contacts.

Organisations who offer volunteering opportunities include:

• The Conservation Volunteers
• National Trust
• The Wildlife Trusts

You can find more opportunities through the Countryside Jobs Service.

You'll need:

• 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

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

You could work in an office or at a client's business.

Your working environment may be outdoors some of the time and you'll travel often.