Environmental consultants work to ensure that businesses comply with state and federal regulations, assess any potential environmental risks, and develop sustainable business practices. They use their knowledge of science, research and regulatory processes to provide expert advice and solutions for a range of clients.
The job of an environmental consultant can be rewarding and challenging, depending on the industry in which they work. It is important that they understand their area of expertise and stay updated with the latest industry developments and research. This is especially true for those working in compliance consulting, where they are responsible for ensuring that their clients maintain an adequate level of compliance with environmental regulations.
An environmental consultant typically works within a large consultancy firm that is specialized in the field in which they are employed. They may specialize in a specific practice area such as compliance, sustainability, waste management, recycling or flood risk. It is also possible to specialize within a particular industry, such as construction or energy.
The career requires a number of qualifications and experience, including an appropriate degree, which is usually in a science subject. In some cases it is necessary to have a postgraduate degree to secure a position in this field. Work-based placements linked to a Masters programme can be useful for building relevant experience. Volunteering is another way of gaining experience, and your local environment agency may be able to provide project placements.
Many of the work duties of an environmental consultant involve assessing and reporting on the environmental impact of new projects. This includes examining plans, developing site-specific monitoring programmes and analyzing existing data, such as air quality measurements or soil contamination levels. This is important to determine the impact of a project on the surrounding environment and identify any issues that need to be addressed before proceeding.
Environmental consulting is also concerned with the remediation of contaminated land. This involves sampling and testing water, air and soil, identifying and quantifying the contaminants present and then suggesting a strategy for remediation. It is important that this process is carried out correctly to avoid further harm to the environment and to protect human health.
The other significant responsibility of an environmental consultant is to advocate good systems and policies for protecting the environment. This could include advising on environmental management systems, auditing environmental policies and procedures or acting as a mediator between businesses and government regulators.
The role of an environmental consultant is important in a variety of industries, from construction to commercial real estate. For example, when a property is purchased, an environmental consultant can help to ensure that it will comply with regulations regarding groundwater and indoor air quality. This can save a business money in the long run, by avoiding any expensive environmental problems down the line. In addition, environmental consulting firms are often brought in to assess the safety of nuclear sites, to make sure that there are no leaks or spillages that could potentially contaminate the surrounding area.