Environmental

The increased focus on green business and the development of sustainable energy has led to a significant increase in demand for graduates. Having an environmental, engineering or scientific degree is a distinct advantage.

Some of the types of careers available to graduates in the environmental industry are:

• Environmental Health Officer (EHO): EHO's are responsible for the evaluation of health and safety standards in both public and private businesses. Based largely in the field, EHO's visit premises and evaluate whether they are fit to be inhabited by the public and make recommendations accordingly.
• Ecologist: Ecologists study living things, and how organisms interact with each other and the environment. As an ecologist, graduates can expect a largely research based role, mostly in the field, and can have other responsibilities such as:
  • Taxonomy - classifying organisms
  • Sampling
  • Carrying out environmental impact assessments
  • Advising site managers, engineers and planners in the completion of surveys
  • Writing reports and issuing recommendations
• Environmental Manager - Is responsible for overseeing the environmental performance of an organisation, evaluating corporate practices to see where environmentally friendly changes can be made to business practice.
• Nature Conservation Officer - Is responsible for the management, maintenance and protection of an area of land.
• Recycling Officer - Can work for businesses or government offices and is responsible for the promotion and development of recycling services in managing local schemes and educating the population regarding the benefits or recycling.

Some of the skills required to work in this industry are:

• Attention to detail - Imperative where people's health and safety is concerned.
• Dedication/Determination - Working in an environmental role carries a lot of responsibility.
• Good literal/analytical/numeracy skills - Report writing would likely be an integral part of any environmental role.