Environmental Policy Officers contribute to the development, implementation, promotion and review of environmental policies within their employing organisation.
They may be responsible for advising others on environmental policies and for influencing effective policy implementation by external partners.
They are likely to contribute to, or even lead on, the coordination and submission of responses to environmental consultations relating to new legislation or significant development proposals.
Environmental Policy Officers will be required to have up-to-date knowledge of environmental legislation and policies at international, national and local levels. This could cover climate change, commercial land management, the environmental impact of industry, conservation management of habitats for biodiversity.
You should be interested in sustainable environmental management and have an understanding of related issues or conflicts. Political awareness is desirable.
Environmental Policy Officers are employed in multi-national campaigning organisations, in government and non-government departments, by environmental consultancies, in local government, industry and by environmental charities.
Self-employment, for example in environmental consultancy, may also be an option.
Working Conditions
Environmental Policy Officers typically work a standard full-time week, although part-time opportunities are available. Occasional evening and weekend working may be required. Excellent communication, presentation and influencing skills are usually needed.
Environmental Policy Officers are employed in multi-national campaigning organisations, in government and non-government departments, by environmental consultancies, in local government, industry and by environmental charities.
Self-employment, for example within environmental consultancy, may also be an option.
Salary
Salaries vary with experience, qualifications and between companies, but here's a guide to what you can expect.
£20,000
£30,000
Getting started
Environmental Policy Officers will typically be educated to Degree level, in environmental science or policy. They are likely to have some experience of contributing to policy development and implementation, and they will be strong communicators.
What experienced workers can do
- Contribute to the development, implementation and review of environmental policies
- Manage budgets
- Liaise with communities and others on policies
- Influence policy implementation
- Co-ordinate and prepare responses to consultations
- Manage teams
- Manage workload of self and others
- Identify and plan skills development.
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 Policy Officers will continue to learn from experience, undertake training and continuous professional development and may progress into more senior positions.
There are also opportunities to specialise, for example in environmental campaigning or environmental impact assessments.
Environmental Policy Officers may supervise volunteers, including students. Communication skills and experience are likely to include media engagement and political awareness and / or experience of lobbying will be an advantage.
Useful links
Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park
Scottish Environment Protection Agency