Working in the Environment/Green Sector in London

With the government planning to increase the number of green jobs, the demand for employees with the skills and passion to protect and preserve the environment has never been higher.

You could work in the environment sector which includes sustainability, waste management, water and air quality or you could work in agriculture which involves working with animals, crops and livestock.

What can you expect?

Most roles will involve work outdoors in all weather conditions, with some time spent in the office, depending on the role. A role in this sector could be physically demanding. The average salary is £35,000, depending on qualifications, entry level and job role.

What skills do you need?

Science skills: The green economy of the future will need workers with a strong science background. Key roles will include environmental scientists, biologists, hydrologists and biochemists. People in these jobs will monitor, manage and protect natural resources including land and valuable water supplies.

Architectural and planning skills: Buildings will become more energy efficient, with fewer resources used to construct and operate them. Architects and planners will design these buildings to comply with environmental regulations and client demands for green spaces.

Green engineering and tech skills: Engineering and tech skills will be needed to design and maintain solar panels, wind turbines, low emissions vehicles and other green economy technology.

Agriculture skills: As farming and food supply becomes more sustainable, there’ll be a growing number of green jobs in areas such as organic farming, urban farming and precision agriculture. This involves using data to measure and improve farming efficiency.

Environmental justice skills: Workers in this field will operate at the intersection of human rights and environmental rights. They will gain legal, social and historical awareness to ensure humanity does not repeat the mistakes of the past which led to racial and social injustice and poor environmental and social health.

Systems skills: The green economy will need workers who can design, operate and monitor a wide range of systems. They’ll need to assess systems against performance indicators and find ways to optimise and improve system operations. They’ll need skills in macroeconomics to build sustainability into long-term infrastructure projects.

Volunteering is often a stepping stone into employment. For instance, during the summer months you could apply to help manage the various lock sites on the River Thames through the Environment Agency. Also, wherever in the country you live, you can put your time and skills to good use both indoors and outdoors by volunteering with The Wildlife Trusts.

The following not-for-profit organisations also regularly look for volunteers - 

• National Trust

• Natural England - includes volunteering opportunities in their National Nature Reserves (NNRs).

• RSPB (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds)

• RSPCA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals)

• TCV (The Conservation Volunteers) - enter your postcode to discover activities in your area.

Sources: Prospects. 2023. Jobs and Work Experience. [Online]. [Accessed 16th February 2023]. Available from: https://www.prospects.ac.uk/jobs-and-workexperience/job-sectors/environment-and-agriculture/overview-of-the-uks-environmental-sector

National Careers Service. 2023. Job Profiles. [Online]. [Accessed 17th February 2023]. https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/job-categories/environment-and-land

Ethical Jobs. 2023. Blog [Online]. [Accessed 17th February 2023]. https://www.ethicaljobs.com.au/blog/these-are-the-skills-young-people-will-need-for-the-greenjobs-of-the-future