Environmental consultants assist businesses in complying with environmental laws and regulations, as well as assisting industries in adopting more environmentally friendly practices. Science and technology are the foundations of the profession. Environmental consultants come in a variety of shapes and sizes, with varying levels of experience. Obtaining a bachelor’s degree in a related field such as environmental science, environmental engineering, chemistry, biological sciences, hydrogeology, or wildlife management is usually the first step toward becoming an environmental consultant. Before you can work as an environmental consultant, you should try to maintain an interdisciplinary science background to ensure that you have a broad base of knowledge.
If you want to get ahead in the job market, don’t stop at a bachelor’s degree. To work as an environment consultant, you’ll need a master’s degree or an engineering degree, especially as the field becomes more competitive. Now is a good time to think about specializing. You’ll get specialized training and quickly become an expert in your chosen field if you carve out a niche for yourself. Wastewater management, civil engineering, hydrogeology, organic chemistry, conservation, and ecology are all popular specialties.
After you’ve earned your degree(s), see if your state requires any additional licenses or certificates to work as an environmental consultant. On a project-by-project basis, certification may be required. After that, decide for whom you want to work. An environmental consultant can work as a sole proprietor, with an environmental consulting firm, or as an employee or contractor for a corporation or government agency. If you work for a company or government agency, you may be provided with on-the-job training. If you’re self-employed, you’ll need to find clients and publicize your services.
Businesses look for an environmental consultant who has excellent communication skills, can complete projects on time, has knowledge and experience completing the project they’re applying for, and has established quality control and quality assurance procedures when hiring an environmental consultant. To work as an environmental consultant, you’ll need business skills, spreadsheet skills, and the ability to present graphs and charts to clients. A driver’s license may also be required. Also required are computer skills, data analysis skills, and the ability to use a global positioning system (GPS). To work as an environmental consultant, you’ll need to stay current on the latest environmental rules, regulations, and laws so that your clients are fully compliant.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the United States Department of Labor, as more businesses incorporate environmental concerns into their development and as more industries employ preventative management practices, there will be an increase in demand for environmental consultants.