Environmental consultants are pivotal to our modern economy, playing a key role in safeguarding natural resources for future generations. With their expert knowledge in environmental matters, these professionals guide businesses and government decision-makers. They help comprehend and mitigate the adverse impacts of growth, ensuring compliance with evolving green and environmentally friendly laws in the US as of 2024.
Are you considering a career in this dynamic field? If you’re wondering, “What exactly does an environmental consultant do?” you’re in the right place. Everglades Univeristy explores an average day in the life of an environmental consultant, delves into the educational background typical of these professionals, discusses their typical workplaces, and explains why their expertise in sustainable practices is more sought after now than ever.
What does an environmental consultant do?
An environmental consultant’s primary goal is to assist in making well-informed decisions on policies and projects that will impact the environment. Leveraging their scientific knowledge, these professionals gather and analyze data to identify environmental risks, and then provide strategic recommendations.
Businesses often engage environmental consultants to evaluate land for pollution or contamination before acquisitions, ensure compliance with stringent environmental regulations, manage complex projects like remediation, or develop sustainable green policies. Government organizations also rely on the expertise of environmental consultants to guide policy development and project implementation in the public sector.
Given the diverse definitions of the role depending on the industry or employer, let’s explore some key roles you might undertake in this versatile career field.
Environmental Policy Analyst
- Research environmental trends, policies, and laws: Stay updated with the latest in government initiatives and legislative issues that shape environmental protections.
- Consult with businesses, governments, and special interest groups: Engage various stakeholders to understand and integrate their perspectives on environmental compliance and sustainable practices.
- Coordinate public reviews and participate in public hearings on major projects: Facilitate discussions that help shape public opinion and government decisions on environmental matters.
- Make recommendations that balance environmental conservation with social and economic needs: Develop strategies that harmonize business objectives with ecological sustainability.
- Translate environmental regulations for business clients to understand: Simplify complex legal jargon into actionable guidelines to help businesses maintain compliance with environmental laws.
- Develop rules and guidelines for the implementation of environmental laws and policies: Craft detailed frameworks to ensure that environmental standards are met and upheld in various projects and government contracts.
- Address specific environmental and regulatory issues for clients: Provide tailored solutions that help clients navigate the challenges of adhering to strict environmental regulations.
A career in environmental consulting can take you in a lot of different directions. Some consultants may move into lobbying for environmental laws or focus on remediation efforts rather than assessments and planning.
Businesses look to environmental consultants to help them make well-informed decisions about how their policies or projects will affect the environment.
Why are environmental consultants so important right now?
The relevance of environmental consultants has never been more pronounced, especially as the global environmental consulting services market continues to expand. In 2023, the U.S. market was estimated at $15.9 billion, while China is forecasted to grow at a 10.2% CAGR, reaching $5.2 billion by 2030 (Global News Wire). Some key reasons highlight their critical role in today’s economy.
- Growing Awareness and Regulation: With the rising awareness of environmental issues and the intensified effects of climate change, the need for technical skills and expertise in sustainable environmental planning has escalated. Governments worldwide are ramping up investments in environmental regulations and policies aimed at businesses, industries, and households alike. In fact, many governments are actively driving the green transition by creating incentives for sustainable practices, introducing carbon pricing, and implementing green investment frameworks that encourage industries to adopt cleaner technologies. These initiatives reinforce regulations and help accelerate the shift toward a more sustainable economy.
- Expanding Market: According to Mordor Intelligence, the environmental consulting market is expected to surge to $61.62 billion by 2029, up from USD 29.7 billion in 2016. This growth signifies a robust expansion in both government and commercial sectors.
- Employment Growth: The demand for skilled professionals in this field is also accelerating. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects in need of environmental consultants should grow faster than the average. This increase is largely attributed to heightened public concern over environmental hazards and the pressures placed on the environment by population growth.
- Interdisciplinary Skills: Environmental consultants often combine business skills, technical knowledge in civil engineering, and expertise in commercial development. The Everglades University Environmental Policy & Management program graduates further enhance their value by gaining specialized skills in environmental policies and management, hazardous materials management, and environmental impact assessment. This unique combination of expertise allows them to navigate complex environmental challenges, implement sustainable practices, and foster business development while ensuring regulatory compliance.
Public awareness and concern about climate change are crucial drivers in the growing need for qualified environmental consultants.
What education do you need to be an environmental consultant?
A bachelor’s degree helps aspiring environmental consultants regardless of their specialty. If you’d like to be more hands-on, conducting field studies and analyzing scientific data, consider a degree in biology, geology, chemistry, environmental science, or environmental assessments. However, don’t overlook the importance of communication and management skills; you’ll need to navigate both technical and regulatory aspects effectively. A practical internship is also very appealing to employers.
For those interested in a career path focused on the industry’s policy side, the Bachelor of Science Degree in Environmental Policy and Management from Everglades University is an excellent choice. Our curriculum includes a solid foundation in business practices paired with in-depth coursework on environmental policy issues, from renewable energy to environmental justice. Students gain broad-based knowledge of several emerging fields of study, including global environmental change, planning, and sustainability.
Other benefits of our program include:
- Access to faculty with expertise in related areas such as Renewable Energy, Land & Energy, Surveying, Crisis & Disaster, and Construction.
- Students can transfer up to 21 credits of approved prior learning.
- An online format is available for busy professionals.
Where do environmental consultants work?
The environmental consulting industry in the U.S. is thriving, with a market size valued at $22.9 billion in 2023 and projected to continue growing as businesses and governments face increasing regulatory pressures. Private consulting firms and government agencies play key roles in this expansion, driving demand for environmental consultants who can navigate complex environmental challenges. As these sectors evolve, consultants find diverse career opportunities with substantial growth potential. Let’s explore the roles and responsibilities of environmental consultants within these two sectors.
Private Employers
Most environmental consultants find their careers in environmental consulting firms, which play a pivotal role in bridging expertise with the needs of government and commercial organizations. These firms are particularly vital to the manufacturing and production sectors, where environmental management is not just a regulatory necessity but a critical component of sustainable operational strategies. For those aspiring to enter the field, exploring job boards of major players in the industry can provide insight into the variety of roles available and the specific skills in demand.
Consultancy firms vary in size and focus. Larger environmental consulting firms often offer a broad range of services and might work across multiple industries, providing ample opportunities for consultants to engage in diverse projects and develop a wide-ranging skill set. On the other hand, smaller firms tend to carve out niches for themselves, focusing on particular industries or specialized services such as environmental impact assessments or environmental auditing. This specialization allows them to offer tailored expertise that can be crucial for clients needing specific, focused guidance on managing their environmental responsibilities effectively.
Government Employers
While the title “environmental consultant” may not always be used within government agencies, the scope of work performed is quite similar. Government employees in this field engage in a variety of crucial activities, including environmental monitoring, sampling, and overseeing remediation projects. They also play a significant role in the development and enforcement of environmental regulations and standards. Notably, there are often overlapping opportunities where government roles intersect with those in environmental consulting firms and client companies, creating a dynamic and collaborative work environment.
By exploring the diverse roles that embody environmental consultancy, whether in private firms or government settings, we hope to have clarified what an environmental consultant does and the vast opportunities available in this expanding field. For those intrigued by the prospect of contributing to environmental policy and management, or those seeking to advance their education with a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Policy and Management, we encourage you to reach out.
Getting Started at Everglades University
If you think you are ready to get started toward your dream job as an environmental consultant, here are five easy steps to get you going. Starting a new degree program can feel very overwhelming at first, but it doesn’t have to be. We have trained professionals ready to walk you through and answer any questions you may have for each of these steps. Our programming is designed for busy professionals too!
Step 1 – Request More Information
If you aren’t sure you are ready for this big next step, then requesting more information is the perfect place to start. Simply fill out this online form, and we will call you and send you more details via email or regular mail.
Step 2 – Set Up a Call with an Admissions Counselor
Most likely, you’ve thought about this new career for a while, and you’re ready to take the next step. Our admissions counselors are prepared to talk with you about anything related to enrolling in college. We have trained staff prepared to walk you through the process or simply answer your questions about transferring credits. Call us directly at (888) 854-8308
Step 3 – Apply to Everglades University
We have made the process as easy as possible. The step-by-step online application is easy, and you can fill it in from the comfort of your own home at any hour of day or night. After setting up an account, you can go through the application all at once or work on it bit by bit until it is complete. If you need assistance, we are only a phone call away and will walk you through the process.
Step 4 – Financial Aid
Financial aid is available to both online and on-campus students who qualify. This includes; grants, loans, and scholarships available. We encourage all applicants to visit our scholarships, grants, and financial aid area to see if we can help.
Step 5 – Enroll in Classes
Everglades University offers a hassle-free approach to scheduling, where students don’t have to worry about standing in lines to register for classes. We automatically register students for their classes to ensure they get the right courses and always have a course available to them. This automatic scheduling ensures that our students graduate in the shortest amount of time.
Ready to start your journey toward a successful career in environmental policy and management? Contact us today to get started!