Environmental officer
Save the planet by helping organisations follow environmental laws and regulations.
Also known as: environmental compliance officer
About the job
What it's like
Could you help the nation’s businesses and governments become greener? As an environmental officer, you’ll make sure they abide by sustainability laws and regulations. You’ll work with them to promote and implement sustainable practices. Imagine helping an organisation improve its carbon footprint – and it was all due to your great suggestions!
For example, you may test a river for signs of pollution. You’ll collect water samples from various parts of the river to check for pollutants and chemicals. You’ll also study the presence of fish, algae and insects. If you find any signs of pollution, you’ll use your expertise to find out where it’s coming from. Finally, you’d liaise with those responsible for the pollution and give them tips on how they can operate more sustainably.
If you're passionate about the environment and love helping others become greener, this job could be perfect for you!
Your tasks might include:
visiting factories, farms, rivers or waste facilities to make sure they comply with environmental laws
taking water, soil and air samples to test them for signs of pollution
monitoring noise levels, radiation or other environmental hazards in industrial areas
investigating reports of pollution, fly tipping or environmental damage
reviewing environmental permits, waste disposal records and emissions reports
giving out warnings or fines if regulations are violated
developing strategies to reduce pollution and improve waste management
recommending eco-friendly practices, such as reducing plastic waste or switching to renewable energy
educating businesses, governments and the public about their environmental responsibilities
Green job
In this job you'll be doing work to help the environment. Find out more about green jobs.
Hours
You’ll usually work Monday to Friday.
If you’re doing site inspections or testing for pollution, your hours may change slightly.
Environment
You could be office-based, remote or hybrid.
You’ll likely work outdoors when collecting samples or doing environmental assessments.
Working outdoors might take you to places like rivers, forests or construction zones.
Travel
You’ll sometimes travel to remote locations. For example, you may go to a forest on the other side of the country to collect samples of its soil.
Explore more information about this job
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Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
Construction and built environment Transport
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Top specialised skills
These are the top specialised skills that have been found in job vacancies across Scotland. From March 2024 to March 2025.
- environmental compliance
- environmental management systems
- environmentalism
- environmental auditing
- service delivery models
- environmental issue
- environmental health
- wastewater treatment plant
- aquaculture
- sustainability initiatives
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- building relationships
- problem solving
- taking initiative
- attention to detail
- developing a plan
- ethical
- analysing
- verbal communication
- written communication
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Environmental Science
Geography
Maths (Mathematics)
Physics
Chemistry
English
Biology
Modern Studies
Skills for Work: Energy
Skills for Work: Laboratory Science
Most environmental officers have a degree.
Although, some roles may accept HNDs or apprenticeships. And it’s possible to start in a relevant entry-level role and work your way up to become an environmental officer. For example, a background as an environmental technician, laboratory assistant or waste management operative is a great steppingstone.
University
These undergraduate subjects can help you get straight into a career as an environmental officer:
Environmental Science
Environmental Management
Ecology and Conservation
Environmental Sustainability
Geography
Biology
College
Getting qualifications at college, such as an HNC or HND, could help you find work or progress on to more advanced study. Useful subjects include:
Environmental Management
Environmental Science
Wildlife and Conservation Management
Renewable Energy
Geography
Biology
Apprenticeships
You can start learning the skills you’ll need in this career through a Foundation Apprenticeship (FA). When you’re in S5 or S6, you’ll gain work experience while you study.
Modern Apprenticeships (MAs) mean you learn on the job. You get paid and work towards a qualification at the same time.
These MAs are a fantastic starting point to reach your goal of working as an environmental officer:
Getting work experience in a relevant role can help you build the skills and experience you’ll need to become an environmental officer. Search for environmental opportunities on Volunteer Scotland.
Find more volunteering through:
Any environment-based volunteering will look amazing on your CV. Volunteering is particularly helpful when applying for relevant courses or entry-level roles.
For some jobs, you may need a full driving licence to travel around the country.
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Browse courses in Scotland related to 'Environmental officer'
