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.

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

Cairngorms National Park

Countryside Jobs Service

National Trust for Scotland

Historic Environment Scotland

Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park

My world of work

Scottish Environment Protection Agency

Scottish Countryside Rangers' Association

Scottish Natural Heritage

Scottish Wildlife Trust

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.

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

Cairngorms National Park

Countryside Jobs Service

National Trust for Scotland

Historic Environment Scotland

Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park

My world of work

Scottish Environment Protection Agency

Scottish Countryside Rangers' Association

Scottish Natural Heritage

Scottish Wildlife Trust

The role of an Education and Interpretation Officer requires a good knowledge of environmental processes and involves raising awareness and promoting understanding of the environment to different audiences. These can be with schools, colleges, businesses, community groups and the general public.

The Education and Interpretation Officer will try to inspire new and positive understanding and involvement in the environment, raise awareness of its importance and promote responsible enjoyment of the countryside.

The work takes place in a range of different situations and venues and can vary depending on the age, knowledge and interests of the people involved.

Tasks may include:

• Giving presentations and running workshops which will promote environmental projects which promote and address conservation issues
• Giving guided walks and tours in all kinds of weathers
• Working on local environmental conservation projects and volunteer activities
• Liaising with schools, businesses, local education authorities and other organisations
• Coordination and delivery of activities linked to the school/college curriculum
• Research, design, production and distribution of a range of interpretive media, ranging from live art to leaflets to static display panels.

Working Conditions 

Education and Interpretation Officers generally work full-time. However, as this type of work involves working with different groups of people, evening and weekend work may sometimes be required.

A large part of the time may be spent outside of the office in all kind of weathers working with schools or community groups.

Part time and consultancy work may also be available.

Next steps

Education and Interpretation Officers will continue to learn from experience, undertake training and continuous professional development and may progress into more senior positions.

Career development often depends on the size and structure of the employing organisation, and progression may require moving to a different employer. There are also opportunities to specialise, for example in environmental campaigning or environmental impact assessments.

Education and Interpretation Officers may supervise volunteers, including students. Communication skills and experience are likely to include media engagement and political awareness so experience of lobbying will be an advantage.

Useful links

Cairngorms National Park

Countryside Jobs Service

National Trust for Scotland

Historic Environment Scotland

Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park

My world of work

Scottish Environment Protection Agency

Scottish Countryside Rangers' Association

Scottish Natural Heritage

Scottish Wildlife Trust

Ecologists study the complex and delicate relationships between animals, plants, people and their physical surroundings, commonly referred to as an ecosystem or the environment.

They carry out a wide range of tasks relating to their knowledge. Many will specialise in an area that interests them, for example freshwater ecology, marine mammals, terrestrial ecology, birds, river and wetland ecology, microbial systems, fauna or flora. The organisms that ecologists study vary in size from microscopic bacteria through to blue whales.

This type of work is diverse and can include:

• Field survey and assessment work - routine survey of plants, animals or micro-organisms, monitoring protected areas and assessing the impact of air, land and water pollution on ecology
• Practical countryside and site management - this may involve managing nature reserves, or country parks
• Advising government, land managers or the general public on nature conservation strategies or urban and rural development
• Providing advice on civil engineering projects on the likely impact of a new road scheme on ecosystems 
• Advising on land restoration and water use
• Developing computer models of ecosystems, to formulate predictions and research questions
• Teaching in universities, colleges, schools and field study centres.

Ecologists may also be involved with science communication, which includes writing about the environment for newspapers, magazines and journals, and making films, radio and television programmes.

Working Conditions 

As there are many different opportunities available to an Ecologist, working hours vary considerably, depending on the exact nature of the role.

Some work indoors, assessing data on computers or working on specimens in a laboratory. For many, office-based work such as data analysis, map production and report-writing is a significant part of the job. Others spend most of their time working outdoors, in all weather conditions.

The work is often seasonal and sometimes undertaken on a contract basis, so the spring and summer months may be busier, particularly when field survey work is required.

Ecologists need to undertake fieldwork activities.

Depending on their job, Ecologists may spend some of their time travelling to sites or meetings, so a driving licence is useful. Some overseas travel may be required.

Next steps

In most large organisations, Ecologists can progress to senior and principal level. Movement between employers, and into self-employed consultancy work, is also common.

Promotion may involve working in a more specialist area, and usually leads to greater management responsibilities and more involvement with planning, budgets, data analysis, evaluations and report writing. This can lead to less time spent in the field.

There are often opportunities for Ecologists to work abroad.

Useful links

Cairngorms National Park

Countryside Jobs Service

National Trust for Scotland

Historic Environment Scotland

Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park

My world of work

Scottish Environment Protection Agency

Scottish Countryside Rangers' Association

Scottish Natural Heritage

Scottish Wildlife Trust

Conservation officers work to protect, manage and enhance landscapes, habitats and species, including woodland, grassland, wetland, moorland and possibly marine habitats. The work is often varied, combining practical, planning and promotional tasks, including:

• Practical management of the environment, nature reserves and other greenspaces
• Monitoring and surveying habitats and wildlife
• Informing about and promoting conservation issues to the public, colleagues and other stakeholders
• Organising, supervising, training and supporting paid staff and/or volunteers
• Maintaining effective records using IT database systems
• Preparing and applying for funding/grants
• Conducting environmental education sessions to people of all ages
• Providing advice to clients, community groups, landowners, planners and developers.

Working Conditions

Conservation Officers normally work full-time. Early starts, weekend work, late evenings and working public holidays may be required.

Jobs are available in both rural and urban areas and are likely to involve working both inside and outside, especially when first entering this type of post. The work therefore may be carried out in all weathers and can be physically demanding, involving bending, lifting and carrying as well as (for the more practical roles) using a variety of hand tools and other equipment such as chainsaws, strimmers and tractors.

The balance between field work and office-based work will vary considerably, with administrative, statistical analysis and report writing being an integral part of the job. This is likely to increase with senior positions.

The work also requires considerable contact with land owners/managers, nature conservation organisations, the public and, increasingly, with the media.

It is likely that the job will involve working at a number of different sites therefore a full driving licence would be useful.

Next steps

With experience and relevant qualifications, you could progress to supervisory or other conservation positions. The career structure will vary depending on the size of the organisation. You may have to change employers to get promotion.

Progression usually involves taking an increasingly office-based role, often moving from a 'hands-on' job to advisory or managerial. Senior posts are likely to mean greater involvement with planning, budgets, people management, and the administrative aspects of environmental management, while less time is spent in the field.

It may be useful to get experience of different areas, like joining a local biodiversity steering group, or specialise in a particular area of conservation.

Useful links

Cairngorms National Park

Countryside Jobs Service

National Trust for Scotland

Historic Environment Scotland

Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park

My world of work

Scottish Environment Protection Agency

Scottish Countryside Rangers' Association

Scottish Natural Heritage

Scottish Wildlife Trust

Biologists play an important role as experts in environmental conservation, fisheries management and aquaculture. This ranges from understanding and managing the growth of species on land and in hatcheries, farms and river systems, to communicating the impact those operations will have on local surroundings.

They are responsible for the health and welfare of stock on sea and in fresh water.

Biologists must apply their scientific knowledge to monitoring the health of the aquatic species being grown and be able to recommend ways to improve efficiency.

Working Conditions 

Biologists often use different methods of analysis, including sampling surveys, water quality determinations, environmental impact studies and fishery operation inspections.

Next steps

A biologist may look to progress into a specialist area or choose to become a consultant offering advice.

Useful links

Cairngorms National Park

Countryside Jobs Service

National Trust for Scotland

Historic Environment Scotland

Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park

My world of work

Scottish Environment Protection Agency

Scottish Countryside Rangers' Association

Scottish Natural Heritage

Scottish Wildlife Trust

Event organisers are responsible for the planning and production of activities and events to promote conservation and environmental issues locally and nationally. These may include exhibitions and fairs, walks and events programmes, festivals, conferences, promotions and product launches or fundraising and social events.

Event organisers can work in the public, private and not-for-profit sectors as well as for event management companies. They may be in-house for an organisation or be freelance.

The role will vary depending on the organisation and type of event involved. Typical activities may include:

• Identifying opportunities for events
• Producing detailed proposals for events (e.g. timelines, venues, suppliers, legal obligations, staffing and budgets)
• Securing and booking suitable venues or locations
• Co-ordinating venue management, caterers, stand designers, contractors and equipment hire
• Organising facilities for car parking, traffic control, security, first aid, hospitality and the media
• Identifying and securing speakers or special guests
• Planning room layouts and the entertainment programme, scheduling workshops and demonstrations
• Co-ordinating staffing requirements and staff briefings
• Liaising with marketing and PR colleagues to promote the event
• Co-ordinating suppliers, handling client queries and troubleshooting on the day of the event to ensure that all runs smoothly 

Working Conditions 

Event organisers are responsible for the planning and production of activities and events to promote conservation and environmental issues both locally and nationally. These may include exhibitions and fairs, walks and events programmes, festivals, conferences, promotions and product launches or fundraising and social events.

They can work in the public, private and not-for-profit sectors as well as for event management companies. They may be in-house for an organisation or be freelance.

The role of event organiser will vary depending on the organisation and type of event involved.

Next steps

With experience and relevant qualifications it is possible to progress to management or more senior positions. The career structure will vary depending on the size of the organisation. You may have to move to another employer to progress. Self-employed contract work may also be available.

Useful links

Cairngorms National Park

Countryside Jobs Service

National Trust for Scotland

Historic Environment Scotland

Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park

My world of work

Scottish Environment Protection Agency

Scottish Countryside Rangers' Association

Scottish Natural Heritage

Scottish Wildlife Trust

A Vaccinator’s role is to ensure that vaccinations can be administered to birds to prevent diseases occurring.  This can be by injecting using a syringe and needle or administered by the water supply and through particle spraying.

A Vaccinator needs to be able to handle birds without causing stress, and know where and how to administer vaccines.

They may work with various ages of birds, and various types of farms and systems. This can be with breeding poultry birds, with layers producing eggs for the food chain as well as with birds bred for meat.

Working Conditions 

Vaccinators will generally work at least 39 hours per week, which may be in the form of shifts. Early mornings, evenings and weekend work are all common. There are also opportunities for part-time and casual work. Most Vaccinators work inside with birds.

Next steps

Most vaccinators work as specialists for independent companies which are contracted to the poultry producers.

Due to the size and structure of the poultry industry there are many opportunities to progress and move between companies.

The British Poultry Training Initiative keeps a record of all the training completed, similar to a CV, called the Poultry Passport.

Industry links

British Institute of Agricultural Consultants

My world of work

National Farmers Union Scotland

Scotland’s Farm Advisory Service

Scottish Crofting Federation

Scottish Machinery Rings

Scottish Tenant Farmers Association

Scottish Association of Young Farmers Clubs

A Unit Manager on a farm is responsible for managing of all the sections within the unit, from breeding livestock to finishing. They may also be responsible for all of the Section Head staff members.

The type of farm will determine the kind of jobs the Unit Manager will undertake but it could include responsibility for daily tasks such as maintaining the health and welfare of livestock to preparing animals for sale or breeding.

Some farms buy in young livestock and rear them to replace their own animals, while other farms breed their own.  However, the Unit Manager will be responsible for:  

• Planning and setting production targets, and budgets
• Monitoring the quality of their produce and performance of the unit including health and welfare
• Managing people, recruiting for the unit, managing and mentoring staff
• Purchasing materials needed for the unit, such as animal feed
• Ensuring the unit is operating within legal guidelines
• Working with their vet to prepare and monitor health and welfare plans
• Ensuring the waste from the unit is managed correctly.

On smaller farms, Unit Managers may be involved with general tasks such as feeding livestock, driving tractors and operating and repairing machinery

Working Conditions

Unit Managers generally work at least 39 hours a week but may need to do paid overtime during busy periods. Unit Managers may be required to cover for their Section Heads if necessary and help with particular tasks on the unit.

The working conditions will depend on the farm. Some farms keep livestock like pigs indoors all year, whereas other farms with cattle will keep their animals in for the wetter part of the year but put them out to grass in the summer months. 

Some farms grow crops which will need to be managed. Some farmers may do a mixture of production systems depending on their soil conditions, farm location, and the breed and ages of livestock they keep.

Next steps

With the right qualifications and further experience in other farm businesses and enterprises, a Unit Manager could gain promotion to a Farm Manager, with ultimate responsibility for the unit as well as other farm enterprises.

All agricultural workers need to keep up-to-date with the latest developments in their sector. For those wishing to progress into farm management, a degree course in subjects such as agriculture or farm management may also be an option.

There may also be opportunities to work abroad.

Industry links

British Institute of Agricultural Consultants

My world of work

National Farmers Union Scotland

Scotland’s Farm Advisory Service

Scottish Crofting Federation

Scottish Machinery Rings

Scottish Tenant Farmers Association

Scottish Association of Young Farmers Clubs

Technical Advisors, or Farm Business Advisors, offer specialist advice and support to farmers, helping the farm enterprise, for example crop production or rearing livestock, is performing at their best.

This may involve identifying and providing solutions to overcome technical problems, such as diseases in crops or livestock, feeding livestock, farm building construction as well as monitoring the financial impact of changes.

Technical Advisors may have a specialism in one area, such as dairy livestock, poultry, farm mechanisation or farm management or agronomy. They may advise farmers on one particular area as well as assist with business planning and cash flow budgeting.

Tasks may include:

• Giving presentations and organising demonstrations
• Facilitating farmer discussion groups and knowledge transfer
• Collecting and analysing information
• Planning  the use of pest control measures and implementing plans for pest control
• Working out better ways of keeping and feeding livestock
• Advising growers and farmers on how to get the best out of their business
• Planning and agreeing the management of livestock systems
• Liaising with businesses which produce seeds or chemicals for agriculture and horticulture to find out about their product

Technical Advisors can work closely with farmers and growers, manufacturers of products such as animal feeds and seeds, Veterinary Surgeons and with Agricultural Scientists that carry out research. They use computers for report writing and specialist equipment for carrying out tests when necessary.

Some Technical Advisors also work in research and development, and extension work where scientific research results are put into practice on a farm. Technical Advisors will often be part of a company that sells its services to the agricultural industry such as a farm consultancy firm or a livestock feed manufacturer, so will ideally need sales and marketing skills as well as technical skills.

Working Conditions 

Technical Advisors normally work 39 hours per week. However, they may have to work outside of these hours depending on their role as they may need to visit farms at convenient times for the farmer and certain times of the year that are busier than others.

A lot of the work is carried out in an office or on the farm. If research or analysis is part of the role, sometimes they will work partly in a laboratory. There may be opportunities for part-time work and job share.

Technical Advisors may have to wear protective clothing on farms, in greenhouses or in laboratories and adhere to biosecurity requirements to ensure infections are not spread from farm to farm.

Next steps

With experience, Technical Advisors can move into more senior positions, become industry leaders in their technical specialism and move into management roles leading a team of consultants within their firms. This may involve more office-based work and less time travelling to farms and other outlets.

With the appropriate qualifications there may also be opportunities to teach at university or college. Since land-based industries are worldwide, there are opportunities for working abroad.

Industry links

British Institute of Agricultural Consultants

My world of work

National Farmers Union Scotland

Scotland’s Farm Advisory Service

Scottish Crofting Federation

Scottish Machinery Rings

Scottish Tenant Farmers Association

Scottish Association of Young Farmers Clubs