When someone wants to develop a potentially sensitive environmental area, an environmental consultant is called in to evaluate the situation and provide an expert opinion. Much of the position holder’s work is done in conjunction with real estate developers or local government offices.
Environmental consulting involves identifying and evaluating specific environmental problems and issues with the goal of providing a solution. Specific environmental issues vary widely, from contaminated soil to wildlife preservation. As the public’s environmental consciousness continues to grow, demand for this kind of expertise is expected to remain high.
Real estate is perhaps the most common industry where consultants are needed regularly. Due to strict bylaws protecting nature, every building project needs to pass certain conservation codes. The government is often involved in these issues, so there are steady jobs working with state and local agencies.
Most consulting firms require a bachelor’s degree in environmental science or a similar field. Communication and analytical thinking skills are highly regarded, and previous experience is considered valuable. Most consultants with a degree earn between C
$47,000 and C
$70,000 per year.