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Build a career in the environmental sector
This career guide is designed to help University of Portsmouth students and recent graduates explore job options, key employers, and entry routes into the environmental sector.
In this guide
Working in the environmental sector covers the natural, built, and human environment. The job opportunities within it are incredibly varied - with roles related to conservation, agriculture, sustainability or climate change to name but a few. Competition in this sector can be fierce – so perseverance and passion are important qualities to have during your job search. However, government policy and investment means job growth in this sector should continue in the coming years.
Potential Job Roles
The Environmental sector offers a wide range of opportunities. Explore different areas by reading through the job profiles included in each section below. For additional information on potential careers visit the Prospects site.
Working within conservation could lead you to work with the natural world in a wide range of global settings, be it urban, rural, marine or terrestrial. Roles might include managing and monitoring ecosystems, contributing to policy development, campaigning and fundraising, or conducting specific research and analysis. There might also be scope for non-science roles such as within HR, marketing, fundraising or education.
Job profiles might include:
Working in this area helps to ensure that the products, services and activities of organisations have as little negative impact on the environment as possible. Roles in this field are diverse, and could cover areas such as air and water quality, waste management, sustainable development, environmental assessment, corporate social responsibility (CSR), research, lobbying and policy. You could also consider a wide range of public, private or third sector organisations in your job search. Job roles might include:
- Environmental consultant
- Geographical information systems officer
- Government Research Scientist
- Recycling officer
- Sustainability consultant
- Waste management officer
Roles in the sphere of climate change might include job titles such as Travel Plan Officer - (Sustainability & Climate Change Team), Graduate Carbon Reduction Advisor or Climate Change Research Assistant. Look for roles such as these within local councils, environmental consultancies, climate change charities or educational institutions.
Agriculture and countryside management encompasses a wide range of activities related to farming and rural development. This sector plays a critical role in sustaining food production and also preserving the integrity of the countryside. Employers to consider might be agricultural consultancies, farming co-operatives, charitable organisations, conservation bodies or within the public sector.
Roles in this field might include:
Gaining Experience
Getting relevant experience is essential. Many employers recruit through internships, placement programmes, or work experience programmes. Overall, additional experience will boost your employment prospects by helping to build a network of contacts. Most of your graduate competition will have degree-related work experience.
Types of Opportunities
Volunteering is a very popular way to gain experience in this sector. You could find opportunities in carrying out practical conservation, research, recording and monitoring activities, or fundraising and campaigning. Competition for salaried employment is intense so many roles are carried out by volunteers and work can be seasonal.
Look for voluntary roles on:
Participating in environmental and conservation projects overseas is also a popular way to gain experience in this field. It is however recommended to conduct thorough research into the projects, and understand any potential costs that may be involved, before committing yourself to participate. Below you will find details of organisations that offer voluntary opportunities relating to various projects worldwide:
Another way to gain valuable work experience in this field is through an internship or an industrial placement. Sometimes the terms "internship" and "placement" can be used by employers interchangeably, so it's important to read job adverts in detail so you are aware of an employer's expectations about the length of time you'd be working with them.
An internship is a work experience opportunity that usually lasts between 6 - 12 weeks. Internships are frequently completed over vacation periods, particularly during the summer months.
Find out more about internships
An industrial placement can be taken as part of your degree course and usually lasts an entire academic year. If you're interested in doing a year-long placement, contact the Placements Team within the University's Careers & Employability Service. They can support you in finding a suitable opportunity which meets the University's requirements.
Find out more about Placements
Search for internship or industrial placement opportunities using the resources below:
Where to find opportunities
Some key platforms for finding work experience in all sectors include MyCareer, HigherIn, Bright Network and Targetjobs.
You could also think about approaching employers directly to enquire of any suitable work experience opportunities. This is called a speculative approach, and can work well with smaller businesses who might not advertise as many opportunities.
Getting the most out of work experience
Whether you already have a career path in mind or are still exploring your options, our work experience pages guide you to finding opportunities that match your interests and goals. You'll find advice on choosing an industry, broadening your search, and standing out while building valuable skills and experience.
Finding a Job
We recommend starting your search using our online jobs board, MyCareer. You can also find general online job boards and advice through our Graduate Jobs page.
Jobs Boards for the Environmental Sector
Additional job sites by type
- ADAS
- Arcadis
- Environmental Data Services (ENDSreport) provide intelligence on environmental affairs. Includes a consultancy directory and job search
- Wood PLC
- ERM
- Mott MacDonald
- Arup
- Ricardo
- Royal Haskoning DHV
- RPS
- RSK
- Stantec
- WRc International
- WSP
- Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA)
- Environment Agency (EA)
- The Forestry Commission
- The Guardian - advertises Civil Service and local government jobs
- Jobs.ac.uk - for jobs in academia
- Jobsgopublic - contains vacancies in the public and not-for-profit sectors
- Joint Nature Conservation Committee - advises the UK Government on nature conservation
- Local Government Association
- Local Government Jobs
- Marine Management Organisation
- National Graduate Development Programme for Local Government
- National Parks
- Natural Environment Research Council
- Hampshire and IOW Wildlife Trust
- Blue Marine Foundation
- The Conservation Volunteers
- Field Studies Council
- Friends of the Earth
- Forestry Stewardship Council -
- Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust -
- Greenpeace
- Groundwork
- Marine Conservation Society
- The National Trust -
- Natural England
- Naturenet
- Plantlife
- RSPB
- The Soil Association
- The Woodland Trust
- World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF)
- The Wildlife Trusts
- Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust
- Wildlife and Countryside Link
- World Land Trust
Graduate Schemes
Check the following links for graduate scheme opportunities:
Speculative applications
Speculative applications involve sending a CV and cover letter to an employer to ask if they have any vacancies, even if the company is not currently advertising for a role. They're a great way to access "hidden jobs" that go unadvertised.
Submitting a speculative application shows your interest in a specific company and your willingness to go above and beyond to develop your skills and understanding of the industry.
Are you looking for a role in Hampshire? Our Graduate Recruitment Consultancy can help!
If you're in the final year of your degree, you can register for support from our Graduate Recruitment Consultancy. They work with over 3,000 employers in the local area to place our students into fantastic graduate careers.
Working for yourself
Got an idea you'd like to turn into something bigger?
Whether you're planning a business, side hustle or freelance career, our Student StartUp team can help you build your confidence and develop your plans. Access expert guidance, funding opportunities, workshops and workspace designed to help you move your idea forward.
Keep up-to-date with the industry
It's good to keep up-to-date on sector developments and track any vacancies coming up. Below are some great resources to help you research opportunities available. The knowledge gained through your research may help you to target your applications and will help when preparing for interviews.
- Wildlife Trusts - the website that represents the 46 Wildlife Trusts in the UK, who strive to make a positive difference to the environment
- Environment Agency - public body which supports sustainable development and better places for people and wildlife
- Natural England - advisory body that helps to protect and restore natural environments
- DEFRA - governmental body, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
- Natural Environment Research Council - drives investment and research into environmental science
- Institute of Environmental Management & Assessment - professional body for those working in environment and sustainability
- Marine Biological Association - organisation working for the protection of marine life
- British Ecological Society - group that fosters the science of ecology
- Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management (CIWEM)
- Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM)
Explore more from the Careers Service
CVs, portfolios and cover letters
Find out how to increase your chances of getting an interview by writing a strong CV and completing a successful application.
Building work experience
Get hands-on industry experience and showcase your knowledge before you graduate!
Graduate job search guide
Learn about the types of roles you will encounter, and how to search for roles.
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