Environmental Management Careers Guide

Introduction

In this guide we are going to look at advice for those interested in a career in environmental management. Environmental management is a key part of modern business management to assist organisations in reducing their environmental impacts, meeting the needs of stakeholders (such as customers, society and local communities), adding value to an organisation and contributing to the successful general management of an organisation.

I have been an environmental professional for over a quarter of a century now and the job has brought a significant sense of satisfaction in that I am helping other to reduce there environmental problems leading to a cleaner, greener and more prosperous world and helping student’s achieve their career goals through my work as an lead tutor for RRC for our range of environmental courses. 

Environmental Management Job Opportunities

The job roles that are available to those with an environmental management qualification are broad and include the following:

• Environmental Manager – managing issues associated with an organisations environmental impact such as legal compliance, environmental management systems and environmental auditing.
• Sustainability Manager – covers the requirements of an environmental manager but also social issues.
• Environmental Consultant – providing technical environmental services to organisations it can vary but may include those surrounding environmental management systems, legal compliance, auditing and training and more specific assistance surrounding issues such as climate change, waste and water.

Having a recognised qualification is key to gaining a job role in environmental management. There is a significant skills gap and therefore organisations are investing in ensuring that employees have the necessary skills to advise them on important issues such as environmental law, sustainability and environmental management systems etc.

Environmental Management Career Roles and Responsibilities

The key role that an environmental management professionals would undertake in their roles can vary, as environmental management is a huge discipline,  but common tasks (with examples) would include:

• Policy development and regulatory compliance – for example applying for and managing environmental permits, undertaking legal compliance reviews and providing training.
• Environmental impact assessment and reporting – managing the process for undertaking  environmental impact assessment for development projects such as coordinating specialists and preparing environmental statements. 
• Resource conservation and sustainable use – minimising energy and water consumption and reducing waste.
• Pollution prevention and waste management – considering pollutants and wastes that are emitted by an organisation and making sure they are managed appropriately (for example in line with legal requirements)
• Environmental risk assessment and mitigation – understanding how an organisation affects the environment and implementing measures to manage or reduce such impacts.
• Stakeholder engagement and community outreach – formally assessing the needs of key stakeholders such as customers, staff, regulators and the local community and advising on measures to meet identified needs.

Education and Qualifications

The route to a job in environmental management can vary, but to increase the chances of success, it’s essential that candidates have a good level of education and qualifications, as being an environmental management is a fairly technical job. Most roles in environmental management will require formal qualifications. This can be a degree and/or a recognised work based qualification. 

Common work based qualifications include those certified by the ISEP and NEBOSH. A good starting point is a foundational level course such as the ISEP Foundation Certificate in Sustainability and Environmental Management or the NEBOSH Certificate in Environmental Management. Progression from this or for those who already have foundational level knowledge would be a higher level course, such as the ISEP Certificate in Sustainability and Environmental Management or the NEBOSH Diploma in Environmental Management. In my experience, a more advanced qualification would usually be required for a full-time role in environmental management in addition to relevant work experience.

I have provided further information on the various levels of the courses discussed in the table below:

Course	UK Regulated qualification framework level/equivalent level	Qualification Equivalent	General Level
ISEP Foundation Certificate In Sustainability and Environmental Management	Level 3	A-level	Foundation
NEBOSH Certificate in Environmental Management	Level 3	A-level	Foundation
ISEP Certificate in Sustainability and Environmental Management	Level 5	Higher National Diploma (HND) / foundation degree	Advanced
NEBOSH Diploma in Environmental Management	Level 6	Bachelor’s with Honors Degree	Advanced

Career Entry 

Generally, having a recognised qualification as we have covered above, is going to give you a good chance of gaining a first role in environmental management. However, it is not all about qualifications – work experience is also important. This can be gained by assisting in your current job if you have one with environmental management tasks, such as attending environmental committee meetings or becoming a part time environmental auditor. You could also consider carrying out environmental work voluntarily for non profit organisations. It is important to get some environmental management experience on your CV.

If you wondering about how much you will be paid for an entry level role, the ISEP State of the Profession Survey 2025 identified that ISEP Graduate level respondents have an average salary of £37,069 – up from £30,547 in 2022, this is about the same as the average salary for the whole UK workforce. 

Career Progression

To progress in your career in environmental management, further qualifications are important. It could be the case that once you know your strengths and weaknesses and have some idea of what you enjoy doing, that you start to get an extra qualification in that area. For example, if you find that environmental management systems and auditing are your thing, you could consider further training in that area for example by completing ISEP Certified internal auditor course or lead auditor course. Additionally, you could consider completing a Master’s degree which can be undertaken part time or by e learning or distance learning. But as well as technical knowledge and experience, it would also be a good idea to gain some managerial experience as it is likely that those with higher level roles with an organisation will also have to supervise or manage others.  

From a professional qualification point of view, it is a good idea to become a member of a professional institute. For example, ISEP has professional membership levels such as Graduate and Full member that you can apply for based on your qualifications and experience. It gives a formalised system of progression and includes the need for continuing professional development. 

For senior level roles within environmental management, the ISEP State of the Profession Survey 2025 stated that survey respondents who are ISEP Fellow members averaged £90,000 per annum.

Key Sectors

Key sectors that require environmental management roles include consultancy, where skilled environmental professionals will provide technical services to client organisations such as environmental impact assessments, environmental auditing  and environmental permit applications to name a few. In addition to other softer skills such as business development and sales.

Additionally, organisations themselves will employ environmental management professionals to manage environmental issues in the workplace. This often entails tasks such as maintaining environmental management systems, internal auditing and data management and reporting. 

Is a Career in Environmental Management Right for You?

A valid question! To generalise, from my experience being successful in environmental management requires both soft skills, such as being an effective communicator, observant, versatile, and collaborative etc as well as technical skills that the specific job demands, such as those associated with environmental auditing, environmental impact assessment and data collection and analysis. Employment in environmental management will suit a wide range of personality types, particularly ‘Specialists’, ‘Resource Investigators’, ‘Plant’ and ‘Implementer’ when considering Belbin’s Team Roles categorisation.

If you are deciding to take up a career in environmental management then you should consider your interest and values, skills and personality and the qualifications and career roadmap you will need to follow. 

Gaining Experience in Environmental Management

To gain experience in environmental management is important to consider the following as they will give you a better chance at either gaining your first role or progressing up the career ladder:

• Staying updated with industry trends such as changes in law, best practice and technology. 
• Joining professional organisations – ISEP is the most relevant for environmental management professionals.
• Exploring networking opportunities – attending conferences, meetings and social gatherings with other environmental professionals. 
• Signing up to job boards for internship and volunteer opportunities.

Conclusion

A career in environmental management is both fulfilling and achievable. At its core, it is assisting organisations to manage or reduce their environmental impacts, which is ethically very desirable. To gain a role in environmental management or to progress up the career ladder, having appropriate qualifications is important, as is relevant work experience. 

John Binns BSc (Hons), MSc, MISEP (formerly IEMA)

With over 19 years’ experience working in environment management, John Binns BSc (Hons) MSc MISEP (formerly IEMA) is an experienced environmental tutor and consultant with knowledge of health and safety management.