Environmental Science

In yesteryears it was largely believed that only members of Greenpeace or other environmental bodies cared about protecting the environment…as global warming has become a very real and near danger this has changed.

Environmental problems are now debated and discussed in everyday life; a trend that has grown aided by the role of celebrity; Cameron Diaz driving a Hydrogen car did more to raise awareness than a thousand recycling advertisements could have. This increased concern has led to a rise in the number of people employed in environmental roles and is clearly a rewarding choice.

The effect of our everyday lives on the environment is something that the EU and national governments seek to monitor through the development of various schemes and initiatives such as the European Union Greenhouse Gas Emission Trading Scheme (EU ETS). If you have a desire to assist in spreading environmental awareness, a career assessing environmental problems and finding solutions could be a worthwhile and rewarding choice for you.

Education

There are a number of environmental science and management-related courses available at Irish higher-level institutions. These include degrees and certificates in subjects such as Environmental Science & Health, Environmental Sciences, Planning & Environmental Management and Environmental & Earth Science. You can also study Environmental Science as a course option on other more general science courses. The CAO points required for Environmental Science are in the 270 – 370 range.
Environmental Science students attend general science classes such as Chemistry and Biology in their first year and often share classes with students from other science programmes. As the course progresses, students choose more specialised subjects such as Environmental Management, Clean Technology, Waste Management, Ecosystems, Conservation, Climatology, Population Ecology and Environmental Technology & Monitoring.

Increasingly, courses are offering students social and political perspectives on the environment, and include subjects such as Economics and Law. Fieldwork forms a major part of all environmental science courses – students might undertake local fieldwork classes or take longer trips around Ireland and overseas.

Options After Qualification

Environmental Science graduates can move into a number of different career areas. Some might work for the government or another regulatory authority, ensuring that environmental laws aren’t broken, and assisting when events or emergencies occur. Others work for businesses that wish to avoid fines or penalties by adhering to environmental rules. Examples of these businesses can include pharmaceutical companies, mining concerns and farmers.
Specialisations can include areas such as conservation, the fisheries, the developing world or environmental biology. Postgraduate qualifications are available in areas such as Environmental Law, Coastal Zone Management, Environmental Economics and Ecosystem Conservation. The environment is an increasingly publicised area so there are also opportunities for work in business, education, research and the media.

The Work

Environmental scientists use their expertise and knowledge to investigate the kind of regulations that should be introduced to protect the environment. They might also be involved in assessing, predicting and controlling environmental change, or developing new methods of manufacturing, packaging or recycling to help protect the environment.

Environmental managers look at the bigger picture and consider environmental problems from a wide perspective. They may have to take into account political, social, legal and economic aspects, and communicate at high levels within businesses and the government to develop practical environmental policies.

Environmental officers might work with public relations agencies, education officials or media outlets to raise awareness of the environment, either within their own organisation or among the public. Environmental experts may also train staff within a business to improve their work practices. Others involved in enforcing regulations might test conditions near a possible source of pollution, or gather evidence for a prosecution case.

Environmental conservation officers work to improve the energy efficiency of domestic properties, commercial premises and public buildings. This is done by using practical solutions to energy saving while raising the profile of energy conservation.  The main employers in this area would be local government authorities; although some large private companies may also employ energy conservation officers.

Environmental health officers can be employed either in the public or private sector. Responsibilities of the job would include pollution and noise control, inspection of food premises, health and safety in workplaces and the control of housing standards. It is by and large an out of office job; which calls for an ability to deal with the public.

Environmental researchers may examine trends and developments in our ecosystem and environment and study natural disasters, population trends, deforestation or the greenhouse effect. Environmentalists put pressure on governments, businesses and the public to change their work practices and ways of life to better protect the environment.

Personal Qualities & Work Environment

An inherent interest in environmental and ‘green’ issues leads many people to this career choice; however this enthusiasm should be coupled with at least a basic amount of scientific abilities.

Observant and good communication skills are also very useful.

Depending on their current project, environmental scientists and other environmental professionals can work in a wide variety of locations, including laboratories, factory floors, computer labs, offices and outdoors. The work can be demanding and involve regular travel and unsociable hours. This strain is levelled however by the reward of having a job that focuses on the good of the planet.

The Money

Earnings for graduate entrants range from approximately €20,000 to €28,000. Good jobs with businesses or governments should lead to steady career progression, where experienced consultants are able to earn as much as €115,000 a year.

The Jargon

Global Warming: An increase in the average temperature of the globe; has occurred very rapidly in the last 50 years.

Global Climate Change: Considers the effects of global warming; suggesting that different areas across the globe may experience variations in climate if warming and pollution continues.

Recycling: The treatment of used or waste materials to make suitable for reuse

Greenhouse effect: The warming of the earth’s atmosphere due to gases and radiation being trapped by pollution

Job Titles

Environmental Scientist
Environmental Officer
Environmental Manager
Environmental Health Officer
Environmental Conservation Officer
Environmentalist
Eco-Warrior

Further Resources

Environmental Health Officers’ Association
39A Main Street
Bray
Co Wicklow
Phone: 01 276 1211
Web: www.ehoa.ie
Email: secretary@ehoa.ie 

Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government
Custom House
Dublin 1
Phone: 01 888 2000
Web: www.environ.ie
Email: press-office@environ.ie 

Enfo
Phone: 01 676 1167
Web: www.enfo.ie
Email: info@enfo.ie 

Environmental Protection Agency
PO Box 3000
Johnstown Castle Estate
Co. Wexford
Phone: 1890 335 599
Web: www.epa.ie
Email: info@epa.ie 

Repak Limited
Red Cow Interchange Estate
1 Ballymount Road
Clondalkin
Dublin 22
Phone: 01 467 0190
Web: www.repak.ie
Email: info@repak.ie

EEA Information Centre
European Environment Agency
Kongens Nytorv
DK-1050 Copenhagen K
Denmark
Phone: 0045 33 36 71 00
Web: www.eea.europa.eu