Web developer, Week 23, April

Web developer is a growth career as almost every organisation requires an online presence and so needs someone to create high-quality websites and applications.

Your primary task as a web developer will be to use programming languages to create reliable and high-performing websites and web-based applications and services. It’s likely that you’ll work in one of two areas:

  • back end: which focuses solely on the underlying software and databases, where you’ll deal with functional aspects
  • front end: working on the interface and visual design, focusing on aspects that users interact with.

It’s also possible to combine the two which is known as full-stack development.

You could work in an agency or as a freelancer where your job will be to create products that meet clients’ needs. Alternatively, you may be based in-house working on the website and applications of your employer’s business.

The work can be varied, and you may have several projects running simultaneously. You’ll have regular meetings to update your employer/clients on project progress and to discuss any changes to the requirements.

Job titles can vary according to the focus of the role.

Responsibilities

As a web developer, you’ll need to:

  • write code in one or more programming or scripting languages, such as PHP or JavaScript
  • plan and prototype new applications
  • design the architecture of the components of an application
  • decide on the best technologies and languages for the project
  • test sites and applications in different browsers and environments
  • problem-solve and fix bugs in existing projects
  • test new features thoroughly to ensure they perform the correct task in all cases
  • run performance benchmarking tests
  • review colleagues’ code
  • build and test Application Program Interfaces (APIs) for applications to exchange data
  • research, incorporate and contribute to open-source projects
  • meet designers, developers and project staff for progress updates
  • gather requirements from clients and users
  • learn and test new technologies, frameworks and languages
  • build and maintain databases
  • carry out code refactoring and optimisation of existing code
  • document code, so other developers can understand and contribute to it
  • design information architecture within an application or website.

Salary

  • Salaries for junior or entry-level web developers can range from £20,000 to £25,000.
  • Mid-level and senior web developers usually earn between £25,000 and £40,000.
  • Lead developers typically earn between £40,000 and £65,000, potentially rising to £75,000 or more in London.

Salary also depends on the type of company and its location. For example, salaries are usually higher if you’re working in London and are employed by a large company. However, progression to a senior or lead developer may be faster within a smaller company.

Specialising in newer or more sought-after technologies can lead to higher salaries.

Rates as a contractor will vary depending on your level of experience and location.

Income figures are intended as a guide only.

Working hours

You’ll typically work normal office hours, around 37 to 40 hours a week from Monday to Friday.

However, if you work for an agency, you may be expected to work longer or irregular hours to meet deadlines, or to work on projects for clients in different time zones.

What to expect

  • You may work within an office but it’s also common to work remotely from home as the only equipment needed is a good quality computer and internet connection. Companies may advertise for web developers on a completely remote basis.
  • The job involves spending hours at a keyboard and demands high levels of concentration. To prevent eye strain, a bad back or other related health problems, regular breaks from the screen are recommended.
  • Depending upon your employer, your dress code can be informal, or more business-like for meeting clients.
  • Women are currently under-represented in the IT industry but the issue is being addressed by the sector. Organisations such as Code First: Girls, Women in Tech, Rails Girls and GeekGirlMeetup provide communities, vacancies and educational tools for women wanting to work in web development and IT.
  • There is a global digital skills shortage which means opportunities are good for developers with the right combination of skills. Keeping your skills up to date is essential for this role.
  • Jobs are available across the UK as every business and organisation requires an online presence. Major cities may be able to offer more opportunities.
  • A small amount of travel is common in client-focused roles, for meeting clients during a project. There will also usually be opportunities to travel to conferences and workshops.

Qualifications

There is no formal qualification needed to become a web developer in the UK, though some employers prefer applicants to have a technical degree. Relevant subjects include:

  • computer science
  • digital media development
  • software engineering
  • web design and development.

Knowledge and experience are usually the most important requirements. A relevant degree can provide you with demonstrable knowledge, particularly the fundamental principles of programming and application design.

It’s sometimes possible to find entry-level positions that don’t require any experience. If you take this route, you’ll be trained on the job in the specific languages and technologies used by the organisation. Starting salaries for these roles are generally lower than other web development positions.

Although employers occasionally look for a postgraduate qualification, this is rare and generally only applies to senior positions.

Search postgraduate courses in web development.

Short university courses on specific topics like developing web applications in PHP and MySQL, and HNDs in more general subjects like computer science can also be helpful for gaining employment, especially if you have relevant experience to go with them.

Private training providers who specialise in programming and web development offer courses online, in a classroom setting, or in one-day or weekend boot camps. All of these can provide the opportunity for you to develop your programming skills.

Skills

You’ll need to have:

  • technical knowledge in areas such as client-side components, server-side languages, web application frameworks and database management systems
  • experience with version control systems, and a thorough understanding of the architecture of web applications and web security and encryption
  • ability to teach yourself new technical skills
  • attention to detail and analytical thinking
  • a logical approach to problem solving
  • the ability to work independently and in mixed teams
  • experience of development methodologies (such as Agile and Waterfall)
  • the ability to manage a complex range of tasks and meet deadlines
  • good communication skills.

Work experience

Having some demonstrable experience of using programming languages to build websites or applications is extremely useful when applying for jobs. Employers will want to see the skills you have and the coding you can do.

There are many ways to get relevant experience. Some degrees include a year in industry or placement, which is a great way to develop web development skills. You can also gain experience through volunteering and building your own sites and applications.

Other ways to build experience include joining a web development or coding society at university, completing an internship, attending ‘hackathons’, conferences and workshops, attending meetups for different programming languages and interest groups, and contributing to open-source software.

You can also become a student member of BCS: The Chartered Institute for IT. This provides access to various resources and helps you to stay up to date with developments in the IT industry. BCS also runs webinars and events to develop your skills and can help to build your professional networks.

If you want to work as a freelancer, it’s important to have a portfolio, and include in it, if you can, some testimonies. Use code repositories such as GitHub and Bitbucket to demonstrate what you can do.

Find out more about the different kinds of work experience and internships that are available.

Employers

Almost all organisations require web development work at some point meaning you can find work with a variety of employers. Options include:

  • Web development agencies employ web developers to work across projects for multiple clients that can be from any industry. Projects tend to be varied although some agencies specialise in a particular sector, or have long-standing relationships with a single large client.
  • Organisations hiring in-house developers if a company or organisation requires development work on a regular basis, it’s likely they’ll hire their own web developer. While the work may not be as varied it will allow you to specialise in the programme language and applications of that business.
  • Working as a freelancer if you want control over the projects you work on, then becoming self-employed or freelance is an option. While your work can be more varied and interesting than being employed by an agency or in-house, it’s also typically more unpredictable and can result in an unsteady income. You’ll be solely responsible for sourcing and completing your work.

Look for job vacancies at:

Web developer jobs

Software Developer C# Graduate ProgrammePeregrineVarious locations£24,501-£27,000Android Software DeveloperTPPLeedsOver £37,001Graduate Software DeveloperTPPLeedsOver £37,001View all information technology jobs

Professional development

In an agency, or technical organisation, you’ll receive most of your training from more experienced developers. This is especially the case in the early stages of your career.

In small organisations, or as part of non-technical teams, you’ll usually need to dedicate time to independent research and self-led learning. Short university courses are available as well as a variety of courses from private training providers who specialise in programming and web development.

Your continuing professional development (CPD) is important throughout your career as you need to keep up to date with developments in the sector. You can fulfil CPD requirements by attending conferences, workshops, training camps and meet ups. There are events for almost every web development language, framework and technology, and most employers encourage you to attend these.

More formal professional qualifications can be obtained from the BCS: The Chartered Institute for IT, including certifications in:

  • agile development
  • artificial intelligence (AI)
  • information security
  • software testing
  • solution development
  • IT architecture.

Employers may expect you to become professionally certified in any relevant technologies they use. Depending on your career path, you may be offered the opportunity to undertake management, business/systems analysis, and project management training.

You need to stay up to date with the world of web development. Try to test out new advancements and integrate them, if appropriate, into the organisation. Activities that may help to advance your career include:

  • learning new programming languages
  • helping with other projects and leading on new ones
  • training and supervising new staff
  • attending client meetings.

Career prospects

You’ll typically have started your career as a junior or entry-level developer and will generally progress to a mid-level or senior developer role after around five years.

As a senior developer, you’ll usually work on more significant projects, be given a greater number of clients and lead client meetings. You may also manage one or two junior developers.

The next step is to lead developer, technical lead or head of development. At this level you’ll usually do less coding work and will manage a team of web developers and contribute to the organisation’s technical strategy and goals.

In non-technical or very small organisations, there may not be distinct grade bands to progress through. However, your knowledge and skill will increase over time and should be rewarded with more responsibility and pay increases.

You could also choose to progress by specialising in a certain sector for your web development work, such as retail or banking. You can also move across into other IT-based roles as many of your skills will be transferable. Find out more about Information Technology careers. Alternatively you could become a trainer or further education lecturer.

Written by AGCAS editors

September 2023

© Copyright AGCAS & Graduate Prospects Ltd · Disclaimer

Alternative careers

Forest/woodland manager, Week 22, April

Forest or woodland managers are responsible for the sustainable management of timber production and the preservation and protection of trees and the forest environment.

Working as a forest or woodland manager, you’ll manage a designated forest or woodland area, overseeing activities such as timber production, conservation and recreation.

You’ll also manage other associated matters, such as commercial interests, biodiversity and public access. Establishing a balance between competing economic and social demands (for forest and land use) can present a challenge. This may mean you become involved in the creation of multipurpose forests, sustainable forest management and the regeneration of native woodlands.

You could also be known as a forest officer or forester.

Responsibilities

As a forest/woodland manager, you’ll need to:

  • advise clients on good forestry practice and provide a contract service to woodland owners, including those interested in acquiring land for the establishment of new forests
  • advise woodland owners on the most appropriate tree species (for planting or natural regeneration), and on budgeting, public access, ecological surveys and forest certification
  • organise the growing, harvesting, marketing and sale of timber
  • plan and implement annual work programmes and ensure the effective use of resources to meet objectives for the forest area
  • supervise forest workers and contractors in the field, which may involve negotiating with subcontracting companies
  • ensure forest operations are carried out to professional health and safety standards, to protect workers and members of the public
  • liaise with customers, landowners, timber merchants, the public and local authorities
  • liaise with other professionals, such as landscape architects, archaeologists, biologists, geologists, chartered surveyors and engineers
  • liaise with charitable bodies
  • attend meetings
  • keep up to date with changes in legislation and industry developments
  • work to, and maintain, globally recognised forest certification
  • plan and control budgets and prepare costing and financial forecasts
  • promote the expansion of new woodland coverage and, where possible, the restoration of ancient woodland in the UK.

You may also carry out the following tasks, in relation to forest protection:

  • conduct research in areas such as silviculture, pathology, tree improvement and entomology
  • monitor existing forestry practices
  • protect forests from illegal felling, pests and diseases
  • ensure that forests are not detrimentally affecting the environment and wildlife around them, by damaging wildlife habitats, water supplies or soil.

Salary

  • The two-year Forestry England Graduate Leadership Programme offers a permanent appointment and a salary of £27,235.
  • Qualified forest/woodland manager or officer salaries are usually in the region of £25,000 to £45,000.
  • At the top end with considerable management responsibility salaries can reach £60,000.

Salaries and other benefits in the private sector vary much more widely than in the public sector. The lowest pay is generally for roles on private estates, but these posts may come with other benefits such as accommodation and a car.

Income data from Forestry England and Natural Resources Wales. Figures are intended as a guide only.

What to expect

  • The role involves a mixture of office-based and outdoor work and at times you will need to work in adverse weather and possibly in remote places.
  • With enough experience and specialist knowledge you could work in a self-employed or freelance capacity, by establishing a contract business. There are especially good opportunities for consultancy work in urban areas.
  • According to the Forestry Commission, women now make up almost a half of the organisation’s employees. The government forestry organisations promote equal opportunities and there are no bars to progression within the industry. The impression that the job is physically tough may deter some people, but the role is more managerial and technical than industrial labour.
  • Working hours may include unsocial hours and weekend work.
  • Travel within a working day is common and occasional overnight absence from home may be required. Depending on the role, overseas travel may be a feature of the job.

Qualifications

Traditionally, completing a forestry HND, degree or postgraduate course would have been the norm and there are a few such specific courses offered at UK universities and colleges.

However, with greater diversification in the industry, you can these days usually enter the profession from a broader range of relevant degrees, provided you have at least a 2:1 degree. These include:

  • business studies
  • civil engineering
  • ecology
  • environmental science
  • forestry
  • geography
  • horticulture
  • land, estate or property management
  • rural studies.

Entry without a degree or HND is possible at lower levels, but further progression will depend on gaining relevant experience and study towards a qualification on a part-time basis.

A pre-entry postgraduate qualification, either a postgraduate diploma or an MSc in Forestry, is necessary for holders of a non-relevant degree or HND.

The Forestry Skills Forum (FSF), supported by The Forestry Commission, promotes education and skills across the forestry sector in England and Wales.

Successful completion of an accredited Institute of Chartered Foresters (ICF) course will be the quickest route to associate membership. With further experience and study, this can lead to chartered membership, from which you’ll earn professional recognition. The ICF also provides details about Level 2 apprenticeships.

The Forestry Commission in England is a non-ministerial department, which serves to increase the value of woodlands to society and the environment. Its website details the type of protective and sustainable management work it carries out. Wales and Northern Ireland each have their own state forestry departments. Responsibility for forest policy was devolved to Scottish Forestry in 2019 and Scotland’s state forests are now managed by Forestry and Land Scotland.

Skills

You’ll need to show:

  • a passion for the outdoors and a desire to create a beautiful landscape for future generations
  • good physical fitness
  • good teamworking skills
  • organisational ability
  • good communication
  • leadership ability
  • numeracy
  • the aptitude to achieve commercial outcomes
  • an understanding of the need to deliver a cost-effective, quality service
  • that you meet the specifications of the competency framework – if applying for a job within the Civil Service
  • you hold a full driving licence or have the means to get to locations as required.

Work experience

Relevant experience is extremely valuable and will help strengthen your application when searching for jobs. You may find it possible to arrange some summer work experience, either paid or unpaid, and speculative applications to forestry companies and forestry management groups are worthwhile.

In addition to relevant qualifications and skills, practical experience is important for entry to the profession, some forestry degrees are sandwich courses, allowing you to complete a year in industry as part of your study.

There are several voluntary organisations working in woodland management:

Overseas volunteering opportunities are available through specialist agencies such as:

Find out more about the different kinds of work experience and internships that are available.

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Employers

Thousands of people are employed in the forestry sector in the UK. A significant proportion of those work for Forestry England, Forestry and Land Scotland, Natural Resources Wales, Forest Service Northern Ireland and DEFRA. The rest work for private estates, other forest management companies, timber harvesting companies and the wood processing industry.

The types of employers involved in forest management can be roughly divided into the following categories:

  • government agencies
  • other public sector employers, such as town and county councils
  • charities such as The Woodland Trust and the National Trust
  • private companies such as Tilhill Forestry and Scottish Woodlands
  • private estates, which employ either their own staff or have contracting companies doing the work
  • timber companies
  • contracting companies employed by landowners to provide a range of services and expertise
  • cooperatives formed from groups of landowners to provide management and marketing services
  • self-employed subcontractors who may work for any of the above employers at a pre-agreed rate.

You could also work on the conservation side of forest management, for an organisation such as The Woodland Trust. Although volunteers perform crucial roles for such organisations, there are paid jobs open to graduates with suitable experience.

The sector offers jobs with timber merchants, contractors and importers, and in sawmills, pulp mills, and paper and panel-board mills.

Recreation and amenities also form a significant part of forestry and woodland management, as do biofuels and collaboration with energy firms. From time to time, government agencies (such as Forestry England) run initiatives covering specific aspects of forest management and offer special training opportunities. Check individual websites for details.

Specialist recruitment sites such as Horticulture Jobs, arbjobs.com and GreenJobs advertise relevant jobs.

Members of the Institute of Chartered Foresters (ICF) receive a quarterly Trees magazine, access to jobs through its vacancy service, online CPD activities and support with the route to chartership.

It may be worth applying speculatively to local woodland management companies and contractors. The ICF register of consultants is a useful directory, in which you can find chartered members offering forestry and arboricultural services.

Professional development

Government forestry agencies and all large private companies within the industry provide structured technical and management training and you’ll be given a large amount of practical training on the job.

If you take a degree course accredited by the ICF and become an associate member, you can follow the ICF’s Professional Membership Entry (PME) route. This leads to professional chartered status and the use of the initials MICFor after your name.

Continuing professional development (CPD) is essential and the ICF recommends undertaking 100 hours of CPD every three years. Suitable CPD activities include participating in conferences, meetings, discussion groups and short courses, as well as publishing technical work and delivering lectures.

For a range of skills-based forestry courses, see Lantra – Our Courses. As a professional member of The Arboricultural Association you’ll gain access to a wealth of training and support.

Career prospects

Achieving chartered status, which you can do through ICF, is the best way to make sure you have the right skills and experience for promotion.

Being geographically mobile can be helpful, as changing jobs and location is often necessary to gain a range of industry experience. The promotion opportunities open to you will also depend on the size and structure of the organisation you join.

If you work for a charitable organisation or public body, you may have the opportunity to be involved with influencing government policy on the nation’s woodlands.

Progression to senior roles inevitably means less time spent in forests and more time spent in the office and in meetings. This can be difficult if your love for the outdoors is the main reason for choosing a career in forest or woodland management.

Written by AGCAS editors

October 2023

© Copyright AGCAS & Graduate Prospects Ltd · Disclaimer

Alternative careers

Animator, Week 21, March

There are many types of animation, including 2D, stop-motion, 3D hand-drawn and computer-generated, but all roles call for high levels of creativity and passion.

An animator produces multiple images called frames, which when sequenced together create an illusion of movement – this is known as animation. The images can be made up of digital or hand-drawn pictures, models or puppets.

Animators tend to work in 2D, 3D model-making, stop-frame or computer-generated animation.

Computer-generated animation features strongly in motion pictures (to create special effects or an animated film in its own right), as well as in aspects of television, the internet and the computer games industry.

The basic skill of animation still relies heavily on artistic ability, but there is an increasing need for animators to be familiar with technical computer packages.

Responsibilities

Producing animation involves several stages including generating ideas, building models and rigging lighting.

Computer animation uses software known as CGI (computer-generated imagery).

Tasks typically involve:

  • liaising with clients and developing animation from their concepts
  • creating storyboards that depict the script and narrative
  • drawing in 2D to create sketches, artwork or illustrations
  • designing models, backgrounds, sets, characters, objects and the animation environment
  • using a range of materials, including modelling clay, plaster, oil paints, watercolours and acrylics
  • developing the timing and pace of the movements of a character or object during the sequence of images and ensuring they follow the soundtrack and audio requirements
  • using technical software packages, such as Flash, 3ds Max, Maya, LightWave, Softimage and Cinema 4D
  • building up accurate, detailed, frame-by-frame visuals
  • recording dialogue and working with editors to composite the various layers of animation (backgrounds, special effects, characters and graphics) in order to produce the finished piece
  • working to production deadlines and meeting clients’ commercial requirements
  • working as part of a broader production team, which might include liaising with printers, copywriters, photographers, designers, account executives, website designers or marketing specialists
  • dealing with diverse business cultures, delivering presentations and finding funding.

You will need to be proactive at selling your ideas and work to prospective customers and clients. This applies whether you’re self-employed, working freelance or employed within a company.

Salary

  • Entry salaries are in the region of £12,000 to £15,000. Salaries in computer game animation start higher at £18,000, rising quickly with experience.
  • Experienced animators can earn around £23,000 to £26,000.
  • Salaries for animators with at least ten years’ experience are around £36,000+.

For information on animation freelance rates, see the Broadcasting Entertainment Cinematograph and Theatre Union (BECTU). Starting salaries are low, but it’s important to build up experience and contacts to secure future work.

Income figures are intended as a guide only.

Working hours

Working hours are regular office hours (approximately 40 hours per week), but as deadlines approach you may need to work overtime, including at the weekend. Flexitime is quite common.

What to expect

  • Animation is an office or studio-based profession. Some experienced freelancers have studio equipment set up at home.
  • It’s a global industry and many projects are for international clients. Most production companies have a list of animators they use, so maintaining regular contact will prevent you from slipping off their list.
  • The animation industry is global, but there are regional UK centres based in London, Bristol, Manchester, Dundee and Edinburgh.
  • Overseas and UK travel may be necessary to showcase your work at festivals or to negotiate commissions with clients.

Develop a understanding of contemporary illustration

Through an open, inquisitive and explorative programme of studyVisit

Qualifications

Although this area of work is open to all graduates, the following degree or foundation degree subjects are particularly relevant:

  • animation
  • art and design
  • computer-aided engineering
  • design for moving image
  • electrical engineering
  • film and video
  • graphic design or illustration
  • model making or sculpture
  • multimedia
  • spatial design
  • 3D design.

Entry without a higher education qualification is unusual, but not impossible. Exceptions may be made for very talented candidates. Many animators consider having an artistic background just as important as having skills in IT.

Although not essential, a relevant postgraduate qualification in animation may enhance your employability. Search for postgraduate courses.

Skills

You’ll need to show:

  • artistic talent and technical skills
  • a good eye for detail
  • communication and storytelling skills
  • ability to work with others and to take direction
  • networking skills and commitment to projects through previous work experience
  • an engagement with the industry from submitting work to festivals and competitions
  • the flexibility to switch between several projects at once.

In character animation, specialist talents may be required – such as in comedy, dialogue, action or singing and music.

Work experience

Animation is a competitive industry. To find work you must have a showreel. This is your portfolio to show to production companies or animation commissioners in advertising agencies, music companies or television companies.

It’s acceptable practice to send showreels out speculatively, although it’s better to target particular projects. Take time to ensure your showreel is short and punchy, as companies are likely to be drawn in during the first five seconds and will probably have made a decision after one minute of film.

You may consider applying for a residency in order to raise your profile, make new contacts and build a portfolio. Residencies provide the opportunity to work as an artist-in-residence and have access to facilities and a working environment that are conducive to creative work. You can either pursue your own work or work with industry professionals on specific projects.

Residencies can last from two weeks to several months.

Look for opportunities at universities, regional film offices and at the British Council. The British Council arts department may promote your films at festivals overseas.

When establishing contacts you may find it useful to visit:

It’s also worthwhile contacting your local media development agency to find out about workshops, support and networking opportunities. ScreenSkills acts as an umbrella information and advice service for the audiovisual industry.

Employers

Generally, animation companies work in several areas of animation (television, advertising, feature film, etc.) but computer games studios tend to specialise in the one area.

The UK also leads the world in the production of pre-school storytelling and design, and this area continues to attract investors, ensuring the availability of work.

Other areas of work include:

  • feature films
  • children’s programmes
  • games
  • music promos
  • titles and idents
  • adult comedy and drama.

Many animators work as independent filmmakers, producing their own short films and trying to win commissions from animation commissioners at broadcasting companies such as Channel 4, the BBC (in particular BBC2), or from the internet.

Getting a short film broadcast could lead to a commission for a short series, a longer film or interest from music company advertising agencies (for music videos) or commercial and business ventures.

Look for job vacancies at:

Other useful directories and sources of agents include:

Professional development

Most animators learn on the job but attending classes and courses can be helpful, either to refresh or hone your skills in drawing, modelling or software.

A list of media and multimedia courses can be found at the British Film Institute (BFI).

Larger companies may offer a more formal training package. This might include taking a Masters qualification in animation or working towards a professional qualification in a more specialist area.

There are numerous short courses and master classes, lasting from a few days to several weeks, covering specific areas of animation. For details, visit ScreenSkills – Training courses.

Local audiovisual sector skills councils can be very useful when it comes to researching short courses or opportunities to develop further specialist areas. Contact ScreenSkills to see which organisation covers your area of the UK.

Career prospects

Most animators begin as studio runners and then progress to junior animation roles.

In 2D animation, you may begin work as an ‘inbetweener’, then progress to key framer.

3D animation has a more hierarchical structure. Starting as a junior animator, you’ll progress to senior animator after a few years’ experience and finally reach design manager or art director level.

Senior roles involve more paperwork, managing staff and generating new ideas. Career progression is usually through freelance work, which develops the animator’s reputation, and this is likely to ensure a regular supply of work as well as more senior responsibilities.

The UK is particularly renowned for stop-motion or stop-frame animation and children’s animation and has a thriving computer games industry. However, animation is global and you may have to move abroad if you wish to specialise in a particular type.

The USA is home to some of the largest animation, CGI special effects and games studios. A lot of 2D animation is also done in East Asia. Animators are increasingly looking for work overseas, as well as in the UK, in order to maximise their client base.

In terms of development, versatility is the key and if you can work with puppets, models and drawn and computer-generated animation, you may find more options open to you.

Another progression route for animators is to go into teaching or lecturing.

Written by AGCAS editors

April 2023

© Copyright AGCAS & Graduate Prospects Ltd · Disclaimer

Alternative careers

Environmental engineer, Week 20, March

Environmental engineers are involved in managing and reducing waste and minimising pollution in order to protect, restore and preserve the planet.

You’ll use your background in science and engineering to provide a healthy environment for the world’s population by disposing of waste, providing safe drinking water, controlling environmental hazards, improving recycling and decreasing soil, water and air pollution.

Depending on the employer, you may be known under the alternative title of:

  • geo-environmental engineer
  • safety and environmental engineer
  • sustainability engineer
  • civil environmental engineer
  • public health engineer.

Types of environmental engineering

You’ll be concerned with issues such as climate change, drought, population growth, urbanisation, pollution, deforestation and the energy crisis. Your work may cover specific areas, such as:

  • disposal of waste products such as water and plastics, particularly high-volume industrial waste
  • environmental compliance – ensuring minimal environmental impact from spills or emissions
  • flood risk and drainage
  • infrastructure and development
  • management of pollutants that can harm the natural environment
  • recovery and cleansing of land which has been damaged, for example by mining, landfill or farming (site remediation)
  • water supply and sanitation.

Responsibilities

As an environmental engineer, you’ll need to:

  • gather data from a range of sources through site assessments, environmental monitoring and third party reports
  • evaluate the environmental impact of the project, hazard or commercial operation
  • write up and present findings, costings, health and safety plans and recommendations on the containment, clean-up process, remediation, recycling and waste disposal, in order to fix environmental issues
  • create plans to protect and restore the environment by removing contaminants from water, air and land
  • develop site-specific health and safety protocols such as spill contingency plans or methods for loading and transporting raw materials
  • provide advice about preventing future difficulties
  • implement, manage and supervise the day-to-day tasks of construction and remediation schemes
  • communicate with sensitive stakeholders such as local residents in order to minimise the impacts of projects on the community
  • regularly liaise with clients and local authorities relating to planning aspects of projects
  • provide advice to and work alongside other professionals, such as environmental scientists, planners, construction workers, lawyers and landowners to address environmental problems and promote environmental sustainability
  • be familiar with current environmental regulations and guidance.

Salary

  • Starting salaries for environmental engineers are typically between £18,000 and £28,000.
  • Experienced engineers can earn between £28,000 and £45,000.
  • Salaries for project engineering managers or chartered engineers typically range from £40,000 to £60,000 or more.

Salaries vary depending on a range of factors including the size and type of organisation you work for, your location, skills and experience, and whether you have chartership.

Income figures are intended as a guide only.

Working hours

As environmental engineering often requires a lot of site work and travel, hours can be irregular. You may be expected to stay away from home overnight, or sometimes for longer, perhaps weeks or even months, depending on the project.

Most environmental engineers work full time and you’ll usually be expected to work around 40 hours per week. There may be times where your working hours are longer, in the case of environmental emergencies. Project deadlines could also require you to work extra hours, but these will usually be repaid in lieu or you may receive additional payment.

Related case studies

What to expect

  • You’ll be expected to travel to site regularly, which may require early starts or overnight stays.
  • Site work will be carried out regardless of the time of year, or the weather.
  • You may have to overcome difficulties because of legislation, health and safety or other unexpected issues. This will add variety to the role but may make it challenging at times.
  • Bringing your expertise from the field to the office is a key part of the role, and you’ll be expected to present your ideas, recommendations and costings to clients and other stakeholders.
  • An increasing focus on environmental management globally means that jobs are available throughout the UK and abroad.

Qualifications

Engineering degrees are highly relevant for this area of work. However, you don’t always need to have studied an engineering subject to become an environmental engineer. You may have studied another subject that has relevance, such as a science or an environmental discipline. Subjects may include:

  • chemistry
  • environmental science
  • geology
  • geoscience
  • geotechnical engineering
  • maths
  • physics.

It may also be possible to move into environmental engineering from other related occupations, such as environmental consultancy or sustainability.

Graduate schemes are offered by some large employers in areas such as engineering and construction.

Although you don’t usually need a postgraduate qualification, a Masters in areas such as environmental monitoring, contaminated land or environmental engineering may make you more attractive to an employer.

Search for postgraduate courses in environmental engineering.

Skills

You’ll need to be:

  • good at collecting, analysing and manipulating scientific data
  • strong at report writing and interpreting reports written by other people
  • a good communicator, for discussing problems with other professionals
  • able to meet strict project deadlines and work under pressure
  • a great organiser, to manage all the different phases of a project
  • able to work with people from a range of disciplines and to collaborate towards a common goal
  • technically inquisitive, with imaginative problem-solving skills
  • confident to ask questions and challenge the norm.

Work experience

Work experience with an environmental engineering organisation is valuable but any experience in the environmental sector will be welcomed by employers. You could focus on finding environmental volunteering opportunities with charities, wildlife trusts or national parks, which is relatively widespread and easy to find.

Alternatively, you could approach organisations with an interest in environmental impact management, such as engineering consultancies, construction firms, environmental consultancies, waste companies, land remediation organisations, defence companies and airlines.

You could also target organisations that specialise in the particular types of environmental issue you are interested in and approach them for work experience opportunities, vacation placements or a year in industry. Joining an environmental society at university may also be helpful.

Find out more about the different kinds of work experience and internships that are available.

Employers

Environmental engineers are employed within the private and public sector and work in companies and organisations of all sizes across a range of sectors, including:

  • central government departments and executive agencies like the Environment Agency and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency
  • construction
  • defence
  • energy and utilities
  • engineering
  • environmental consultancy
  • industrial processing
  • land and property development
  • local authorities
  • manufacturing
  • mining.

Many large engineering and construction organisations offer graduate entry schemes. Opportunities also exist in some small and medium-size enterprises (SMEs).

Look for job vacancies at:

Jobs are also advertised in the national press, on company websites and on LinkedIn.

Professional development

Many organisations offer training once you begin working, which will be linked to the specific area of environmental engineering you have chosen.

You may receive training in areas such as:

  • climatic environmental testing
  • Phase 1 and Phase 2 Site Investigation reports
  • Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM), Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) and other environmental assessment methodologies
  • creating Construction Environmental Management Plans (CEMP) and Construction Environmental Control Plans (CECP).

Once working as an environmental engineer, you could consider starting on the path to chartership, but your options will depend on your degree discipline. For example, if you’re an engineering graduate you could investigate gaining chartered engineer status (CEng) with a professional society such as the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), or if you have a geological degree you could pursue chartered geologist (CGeol) or chartered scientist (CSci) status with The Geological Society.

Alternatively, you could become a chartered environmentalist (CEnv) through the Society for the Environment. This internationally-recognised qualification is awarded to a range of environmental professionals, whose work has a strong focus on sustainability or conservation.

Career prospects

As you gain experience on a range of projects, you can take on more responsibility and move onto more complex projects. You may have more freedom to implement your own solutions and create your own designs. Experiencing a range of projects and devising successful solutions can open opportunities for you to progress.

You may choose to specialise in a particular field of environmental engineering such as land reclamation or pollution control.

Or you could choose to go down a management route and supervise other engineers or technicians, or manage entire projects. If leadership appeals to you, you could aim for an executive position within an organisation.

With considerable experience you may be able to work in a freelance capacity, offering your technical skills and knowledge to a range of clients, or start up your own environmental engineering consultancy.

Written by AGCAS editors

June 2022

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