Insights How do you become an environmental consultant?

In a nutshell, environmental consultants are responsible for advising on waste management, the effects of climate change and sustainability. These professionals provide deep analysis and insight into all environmental matters and help make informed decisions about projects that will impact the environment. Becoming an environmental consultant means you’ll be evaluating environmental policy, and processes and implementing systems to assess and mitigate any environmental damage. EY reported that 69% of Canadian consumers expect businesses to solve sustainability, making the environmental consultant role a key position.

To make yourself known as a successful environmental consultant, you need to be a strategic thinker and have a strong understanding of the environment as a whole. At AtkinsRéalis , along with our brands Atkins and Faithful+Gould, we understand the importance of advancing in your chosen career path, all the while having a work-life balance. Environmental consultant careers allow you to learn about sustainability and become an expert on environmental-related issues. Our teams in Canada are dedicated to making a difference in local and global communities, and AtkinsRéalis always provides the best support and training to help our people grow.

So, what are the steps to becoming an environmental consultant?

Earn a qualification

The first step to becoming an environmental consultant is earning an industry-recognised qualification. This means achieving a degree in either Environmental Engineering, Environmental Studies, or Environmental Science. As the role of an environmental consultant requires significant foundational knowledge, it’s essential that professionals earn a qualification to showcase they’re ready for the demands of the role.

When you’ve studied environmental science at a high level, you’ll be able to establish yourself as an expert and transfer knowledge to your team. Having a qualification is also essential for career growth as an environmental consultant. According to research, the environmental consultant market has grown in recent years, which means it’s all the more important that you have the right skills to stand out from the competition.

Gain the required experience

One of the most common routes would be an assistant environmental consultant role. Although, that’s not to say there aren’t other options. Other options would be to find positions that are related to environmental consulting, such as a role in urban planning or town planning, which can give you some great experience and networking opportunities. Having relevant professional experience and qualifications gives you the skills and insights.

Additionally, undertaking work experience or volunteering opportunities within environmental consulting are also excellent ways to gain knowledge and develop a stronger understanding of the role. Above all, becoming an environmental consultant requires geographical knowledge, analytical skills and the ability to identify opportunities to improve and safeguard the environment. 

Develop your organisational and research skills