Any new developmental project or industry mandates an Environmental Impact Assessment by a qualified environmental professional to ensure that the proposed developmental work will not impact the existing environment adversely. If it does, the EIA also explore ways to mitigate such adverse impacts. An Environmental Advisor's job role is to ensure that all the mandated mitigation efforts are religiously implemented and maintained to preserve the environment and make the world a better place to live in.
Job Profile/description/responsibilities
Typically, an Environmental Advisor job involves complete and strict compliance with all environmental protection requirements, direct and intensive liaison with enforcement agencies and regulators, emission monitoring, etc. He is expected to be knowledgeable on current and expected environment related legislations, and possess knowledge to give advice to plant level and corporate management on environmental issues. He should able to able to conduct ‘duty of care’ activities related to waste disposal and also hold refresher training sessions to plant level workers. When required, he should also be able to conduct environmental impact assessment studies and suggest/implement mitigation measures.
Requirements
Academic
Requirements of academic qualifications for the Environmental Advisor job may differ from industry to industry. An advanced degree (MS/MA level or above) in a relevant environmental protection and impact assessment discipline is the basic academic qualification requirement. Engineering and science graduates with a few years of relevant experience may also be considered for the Environmental Advisor job.
Skill sets
The Environmental Advisor is expected to have a thorough understanding of management system ISO 14001 and also good understanding of environmental health and safety jobs and practices. As regular communications and reporting with the relevant agencies being part of the job responsibilities, the Environmental Advisor also needs to have excellent communication and numerical skills. Needless to say, he should be comfortable with PC and office suites. Other specific requirements may also be included for specialized positions, like experience with GRI (Global Reporting Index) or qualifications in engineering, science or natural resources.
Training
Membership/associates of professional bodies like Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA) will be desirable for all different environmental jobs.
Prior experience
Prior experience is a pre-requisite for such senior level environmental manager/advisor jobs. An experience level of a minimum of 5 years will be required for the Environmental Advisor job. Candidates without experience will be suitable for entry level environmental jobs.
Employment Outlook
The importance attached to environmental protection makes the position of Environmental Advisor extremely important and interesting. Dedicated and experienced advisors will have ample career advancement opportunities as there are not too many qualified hands in this particular sphere of employment but the numbers of environmental job openings are many.
Salaries
An Environmental Advisor job offers an industry standard remuneration between $105K and $125K, along with other employee benefits including leave, health care, insurance, etc. Exceptionally qualified persons might be offered above industry standard packages too.
An Environmental Advisor job is crucial for the parent organization to ensure compliance with all statutory requirements and to avoid litigation issues. It is also crucial for the society as a whole because such strict compliance will keep the environment unaffected by the activities of the organization.
