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Environmental Employment is Sky High: Here's Why!

This blog will investigate the huge surge in environmental jobs across the employment board and answer why it is taking place to understand it's incredible importance.

February 2023


Society is finally taking notice. The world is dying. But we can still save it. 

When we think of the world today, we must all take a step back and review our thinking. If someone were to ask you, "what's the most pressing issue right now?" what would your answer be?

Take a moment to think that over. But be honest with yourself. 

If you already have your answer, fantastic! This blog will showcase why the answer might be heavily related to the environment and the health of our planet, in general. 

It will investigate the surge in corporate interest in environmental and sustainability experts, what is driving it and what it means for the organisations and the employees involved. 

We will also look at understanding how these new exciting roles can influence any working sector and positively contribute to the fight against climate change. 

So, let's get into it!




Society, especially in Britain, is seemingly at boiling point. A cost of living crisis forces families to choose between food or heated home. Sectors continue to strike about higher pay, meaning vital public services are in significant flux. 

Beyond this, societal issues continue to present themselves. Each seemingly more pressing and attention-warranting than the last. But each case and each concern relates to Planet Earth. 

Whatever the concern or issue may be, it happens on our planet. 

We can become so embroiled in the more personal issues that have more weight in our day-to-day lives the problems relating to our planet can become background fodder.

However, more and more people are making it their job to confront the concerns around our planet's health. The phenomenon of 'conscious quitting' (stepping down from your post if the organisation doesn't share your values) is rising. 

That's quite a statement of intent during a cost-of-living crisis. It shows people are beginning to cite societal issues as more critical than their pay packet. 

Employees are moving in droves towards sectors and roles that actively fight for the issues that matter to them. The sector most cited in this is the environmental sector. This is cited as a different phenomenon -'climate quitting'. 

Investment Week has claimed a third of young people have rejected job offers because of the employer's environmental and social governance (ESG).  

Employers are also ramping up the attention they give to the environment. 

But why? What do they gain?

Well, organisations around the world will be under intensive scrutiny soon enough if they do not act to curb climate change. The reputational damage brought on by an environmental scandal can cause consumer trust and confidence to fade like quicksand. 

Why are Businesses on a Green Recruitment Surge?

1. Regulatory Compliance: 

Businesses must comply with environmental regulations, such as emissions standards and waste disposal requirements. Employing staff focused on environmental performance helps ensure that companies comply with these regulations and avoid potential penalties.

2. Cost Savings: 

Improving environmental performance can also lead to cost savings for businesses. For example, reducing energy usage can result in lower utility bills, while reducing waste can reduce disposal costs.

3. Brand Image:

Many consumers are becoming more environmentally conscious and are looking for products and services from companies that prioritise sustainability. Employing staff focused on environmental performance can help businesses improve their brand image and attract more customers.

4. Investor Pressure:

 Investors are increasingly considering environmental performance when making investment decisions. Employing staff focused on environmental performance can help businesses demonstrate their commitment to sustainability and attract more investment.

5. Competitive Advantage: 

By improving their environmental performance, businesses can gain a competitive advantage over their competitors. This can include attracting customers looking for environmentally-friendly products and services and differentiating the company from competitors who have not prioritised sustainability.

6. The Threat is Real: 

Arguably, the weakest, yet the most obvious point in this list. Global warming is real, organisations know it. But for some companies, embracing greener practices can have a negative sway on their bottom line, which in turn is their prime directive. However, more and more countries are being instructed to evolve, to put the world first, by governance. Legislation now prioritises the environment like never before, with strong emphasis on achieving net zero.

Therefore, a massive surge in job creation has seen organisations invent roles intended to oversee and improve their environmental impact. These roles are not short-term and will only expand and multiply as the environmental agenda heightens. 

Publications, including the Financial Times, imply a war for climate talent and a fight for green expertise is ongoing, all for the right to call their organisation the greenest in their industry. 




So let's return to that opening question: "What's the most pressing issue right now?".

Your answer is your own. But the last ten years have revealed that attitudes are shifting. 

More and more people are coming to their own conclusions that the health of our planet is the most important issue that we currently face. Organisations are responding in tandem, with greener practice revitalising the corporate agenda, as the desire for ecological expertise intensifies across the employment industry. 

That should be quite telling. Organisations, which for years have had their eyes set only on increasing their share price, are now convinced that the health of our planet is our most pressing concern

So now the time has come for you to come to your own conclusion. 

Does your organisation share the values of the companies already taking proactive steps to lessen their environmental impact? 

Environmental and sustainability expertise and consultancy demand is expanding exponentially as pressures and corporate goals are becoming intertwined with the preservation of our environment. 

This can only be a good thing, Businesses are dedicated to greener practices and opportunities for those dedicated to careers in the environmental and sustainability fields are shining bright

Careers in these fields are on the steady rise, too, especially as demand increases over time. 

Average salaries for  environmental consultants in Britain can vary depending on several factors, such as the specific industry or sector they work in, their level of education and experience. According to recruitment site Indeed, as of February 2023, the average salary for an environmental consultant in Britain is £31,720 per year. Salaries can range from £20,000-£60,000, allowing for a rich career trajectory and learning experience.

Other roles are also rising in popularity. These roles include:

  • Sustainability Manager: Sustainability managers are responsible for developing and implementing strategies to reduce the environmental impact of organisations, including reducing carbon emissions, minimising waste, and conserving natural resources.
  • Environmental Scientist: Environmental scientists study the natural world and how human activities impact it. They may work on issues such as climate change, conservation, and pollution, and they may work in a variety of settings including government agencies, consulting firms, and research institutions.
  • Renewable Energy Specialist: With the growing demand for renewable energy sources, renewable energy specialists are in high demand. They work on projects related to wind, solar, geothermal, and other alternative energy sources.
  • Conservation Biologist: Conservation biologists work to preserve and protect wildlife and natural ecosystems. They may work for government agencies, non-profits, or research institutions.
  • Environmental Lawyer: Environmental lawyers work on legal issues related to environmental protection, such as helping companies comply with environmental regulations or representing individuals or organisations in legal cases related to environmental issues.

The increasing demand for these roles symbolises the shifts in corporate attitudes towards the environmental situation of our planet. Thankfully, this surge is mirrored by the aforementioned phenomenon that is 'green' or 'conscious' quitting. We are at the stage, thanks to the internet, that society is more passionate regarding the environment than at any other point in human history. This passion is now beginning to translate into real action that can have a progressive impact on sustaining the health and longevity of Planet Earth. 

If your company is intrigued by the idea of enriching their staff with industry-leading health, safety and environmental training, Astutis offer a comprehensive library of specialist courses that are heavily concerned with the protection of the environment. These consist of;

If you want more information on the wide reaching impacts of our other health, safety and environmental training courses that can enhance organisational safety, productivity and reputation, click the button below. 

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