An environmental consultant oversees and provides advice to both public and private sector clients on a variety of environmental issues. They typically provide advice on the development, implementation, and monitoring of environmental strategies and solutions to environmental problems impacting the client. Job responsibilities of an environmental consultant include conducting field surveys to identify any possible site contamination, identifying sources of contamination and realizing the effects on the environment, preparation of reports that can be read by the public and clients, maintaining knowledge of current policies in place regarding the environment, and developing possible solutions to the environmental issues found.
Typically, a bachelor's degree in science with a focus on environmental science, natural sciences, environmental studies or related fields is required to be an environmental consultant. Helpful job skills include strong research skills, ability to turn complex data into something easily readable by clients and the public, ability to create spreadsheets, graphs and presenting data in readable ways, knowledge of current environmental regulations, strong communication skills, and ability to work within a budget. The future job market outlook for an environmental consultant is very strong and increasing.
