An Environmental Management Officer will:
- Supervise staff carring out environmental monitoring
- Provide comments on the environmental impact of new developments
- Investigate and enforce environmental laws for areas such as air and water quality, flood management, land management and pollution control.
They will have up-to-date knowledge and understanding of environmental laws at local, national and international levels and may supervise the staff who examine an organisation’s activities to establish where improvements can be made and to make sure they meet environmental laws.
Typical work activities may include:
- Providing advice and support for the delivery of environmental monitoring
- Planning and organising staff to undertake environmental audits and impact assessments
- Making sure environmental laws are met
- Promoting and raising awareness of the impact of environmental issues, whether legislative or best practice, on corporate, ethical and social grounds
- Co-ordinating public hearings and consultations on environmental matters
- Participating in environmental education and research.
It is important to be interested in sustainable environmental management and to have a good understanding of related issues and conflicts.
Working Conditions
Environmental Management Officers are generally full-time. However, you may also have to work some evenings and weekends when you are dealing with different groups of people. Travelling is a key part of this role so you will need a full driving licence.
Salary
Salaries vary with experience, qualifications and between companies, but here's a guide to what you can expect.
£30,000
£50,000
Getting started
Opportunities to become a Environmental Management Officer are available at local, regional, national and international levels.
Roles can be found in:
- Private environmental consultancies
- Government and non-government departments, such as the Environment Agency and Scottish Environmental Protection Agency
- Environmental campaigning organisations
- Local authorities
- Large commercial businesses.
A Degree is usually essential for this role but having an additional Postgraduate qualification is generally required and membership of an appropriate professional body can also be a distinct advantage.
What experienced workers can do
- Plan, co-ordinate and evaluate the assessment of land-based and environmental sites
- Evaluate options for the development of land-based and environmental sites
- Improve energy performance
- Improve environmental performance
- Review environmental performance
- Consult and work with the local community
- Provide environmental advice on proposed developments
- Protect the environment through legal enforcement
- Consult to improve or protect the conservation or recreational value of land or marine sites
- Allocate and check work in your team
- Plan, run and evaluate projects
- Communicate information and knowledge.
Personal qualities you should have
- Good communication skills
- Able to write for different types of audience
- Planning or organising skills
- Work in a team
- Customer care
- Instruction skills
- Flexible working.
Next steps
Environmental Management Officers will continue to learn from experience, undertake training and continuous professional development, and may progress into management positions, a senior role or private consultancy.
Career development often depends on the size and structure of an organisation, and progression may require moving to a different employer.
There are also opportunities to specialise, for example in environmental campaigning or environmental enforcement.
Environmental Management Officers may manage staff and volunteers and management skills are likely to include people and budget management. Communication skills and experience will help when dealing with the media and for political lobbying.
Useful links
Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park
Scottish Environment Protection Agency