Overview of the UK's environmental sector

The UK's commitment to net-zero emissions by 2050 is driving rapid growth in the environmental sector. Explore top employers and the in-demand skills needed for a rewarding and future-proof career

What environmental areas can I work in?

The environmental sector is no longer a niche field; it's a dynamic and rapidly expanding area vital for our planet's future. From combating climate change to preserving biodiversity, the demand for skilled professionals is surging.

The industry includes an array of disciplines, catering to diverse interests and skill sets. Here's a look at some key areas.

Environmental science and engineering

This area focuses on understanding and preventing environmental problems. Professionals might:

• analyse data
• conduct research
• design pollution control systems
• develop sustainable technologies.  

Roles include:

• environmental engineer
• hydrologist
• soil scientist
• toxicologist
• water quality scientist.

Conservation and resource management

This field concentrates on protecting and managing natural resources, including forests, wildlife and water.  

Roles include:

• arboriculturist
• animal nutritionist
• fish farm manager
• forest/woodland manager
• nature conservation officer
• zoologist.

Sustainability and renewable energy

This growing area focuses on developing and implementing sustainable practices and renewable energy solutions.

Roles include:

• energy engineer
• environmental engineer
• environmental manager
• nuclear engineer.

Environmental policy and advocacy

This field involves shaping environmental laws and policies and advocating for environmental protection.  

Roles include:

• environmental education officer
• policy officer
• public affairs consultant.

Environmental consulting and compliance

This area focuses on helping businesses and organisations comply with environmental regulations and improve their environmental performance.  

Roles include:

• agricultural consultant
• compliance officer
• environmental consultant
• internal auditor
• sustainability consultant.

For details of salaries and qualifications, see graduate environmental jobs.

Who are the main graduate employers?

The size of potential employers varies, from small family-run businesses to sprawling multinational corporations. Major employers in the field include:

• AB Agri - providing services that support efficient and responsible food production.
• AGCO - a leader in the design, manufacture, and distribution of agricultural machinery.
• British Sugar - the sole processor of the UK's sugar beet crop.
• CNH Industrial - an equipment and services company for agriculture and construction.
• JCB - known for manufacturing construction, agricultural, and industrial machinery.
• John Deere - known for manufacturing construction, forestry and lawn care equipment.
• Magnox - manages the decommissioning and clean-up of nuclear sites in the UK.

There are also many consultancies, including:

• AECOM - focus on delivering sustainable solutions for water, energy and transportation.
• APEM - provide advice and guidance to support environmental regulatory guidelines.
• Arcadis - facilitate sustainable construction by protecting the environment.
• Arup - provides design, engineering and advisory services across the built environment.
• Earth & Marine Environmental Consultants (EAME) - experts in environmental science, geography, ecology, geology and environmental chemistry.
• Environmental Resources Management (ERM) - the largest global sustainability consultancy.
• Mott MacDonald - plans, designs, builds, and maintains infrastructure.
• RPS Group - services in the energy, water, resources, and urban development sector.
• RSK Group - provides solutions to help organisations achieve their goals sustainably.
• SLR Consulting - provides global environmental and advisory solutions.
• WSP - advisory services across sectors, including power, energy, water, and mining.

Can I work for an agency or charity organisation?

When exploring employment opportunities in the environmental sector, you'll discover an array of organisations, each with a unique focus and approach.

National, regional, and local government plays a crucial role in environmental protection. They employ professionals to develop and enforce environmental policies and regulations.

In the UK, the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) collaborates with 33 public bodies and agencies, including:

• Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB)
• Animal & Plant Health Agency (APHA)
• Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas)
• Environment Agency (EA)
• Forestry Commission
• Marine Management Organisation (MMO)
• Natural England
• The Water Services Regulation Authority (Ofwat).

If you're aiming for a career in the environmental field, the Environment Agency (EA), with over 12,000 employees across the UK, offers excellent graduate programmes in areas like:

• science
• geology
• hydrology
• environmental management.

For those interested in working in Scotland, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) and NatureScot are ideal options.

The environmental sector is also driven by passionate people, and numerous non-profit organisations champion environmental protection and animal welfare. These are independent, non-profit organisations dedicated to conservation and advocacy.

They can range from large, international organisations like Greenpeace and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) to smaller, local groups focused on specific issues.

Well-known groups offer volunteering opportunities, such as:

• CABI (Centre for Agriculture and Biosciences International)
• Friends of the Earth International (FoEI)
• OneKind (leading animal campaigns charity in Scotland)
• RSPB (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds)
• RSPCA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals).

There are many animal welfare projects you can get involved with - for more information, see jobs working with animals.

What's it like working in the environmental sector?

Working in the environmental sector is often characterised by a strong sense of purpose. Professionals in this field are driven by a desire to protect and preserve the natural world, which can lead to a deeply rewarding career.

The work itself is incredibly diverse, ranging from conducting fieldwork in remote locations to analysing data in a laboratory or developing policy in an office. It can involve:

• fieldwork - involves site visits and outdoor work in all weather conditions, though experience may lead to more office-based tasks.
• diverse opportunities - from hands-on, physically demanding jobs to consultancy work requiring strong analytical skills.
• competitive salaries - the average salary for environmental graduates is £26,000, varying significantly based on qualifications, industry, and specialisation.
• a route to self-employment - offering greater freedom but demanding strong business acumen and entrepreneurial spirit.

Find out how to get an environmental job.

Where can I find volunteering opportunities?

Volunteering is a fantastic way to gain experience in conservation, ecology, and animal care, often serving as a stepping stone into these fields. For example, you could help manage lock sites on the River Thames by volunteering with the Environment Agency during the summer.

No matter where you live, The Wildlife Trusts offer both indoor and outdoor volunteering opportunities to develop your skills. 

The following non-profit organisations also regularly seek volunteers:

• National Trust
• Natural England - includes volunteering opportunities in their National Nature Reserves (NNRs).
• RSPB
• RSPCA
• TCV (The Conservation Volunteers) - enter your postcode to discover activities in your area.

Read more about volunteering with animals.

What trends are shaping the environmental sector?

Rebecca Turner, senior manager in careers and education at Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA – soon to be known as The Institute of Sustainability & Environmental Professionals)) told us 'roles which include thinking about biodiversity and the impact that we are having on our natural environment are increasing as this topic becomes more widespread.

Roles in newer technologies and solutions such as hydrogen and Carbon Capture, Use and Storage (CCUS) are also likely to increase.'

This surge in opportunities is driven by several key factors.

• Climate change - the urgent need to address global warming is creating demand for professionals in fields like renewable energy and carbon capture.
• Sustainable development - growing awareness is leading to jobs in green building and waste management.
• Government regulations - stricter regulations are driving demand for compliance officers, environmental consultants, and environmental lawyers.
• Technological advancements - innovations in areas like data analytics, remote sensing, and biotechnology are creating new opportunities for environmental professionals.  
• Corporate social responsibility (CSR) - more companies are prioritising environmental sustainability, creating roles for sustainability managers and environmental specialists.

Find out more

• Search postgraduate courses in environmental science and ecology.
• See what else the environment and agriculture sector has to offer.
• Access information and opportunities at the Green Careers Hub.