How to Get Started Working for an Environmental Charity

Are you inspired to take on one of the biggest emergencies of our time? If your dream is to help tackle today’s climate issues and work at an environment-focused charity, we have good news.

Increased opportunities

To help those considering a career in the environmental field, Bower Collective conducted a study and created a career tool that evaluates the prospects of UK eco-careers, including roles within the charity and public sectors.

The study found that listings for environmental jobs in the UK have increased by 91% compared to 2016. And those entering the environmental field can expect to be earning at least 12% above the national average wage.

The best green roles

So, which roles have the best prospects? Taking into account market growth rate, current number of vacancies, average salary and ease of entry, here are some of the top green jobs in the charity and public sector:

• Climate Change Officer
• Engagement Officer
• Environmental Health Manager
• Conservation Officer
• Environmental Campaigns Manager
• Fundraising Officer
• Education and Community Officer

Best role for salary

The role of Environmental Campaigns Manager is a great option for those wanting a well-paid career in the public service and charity sector. This had the best average salary in the sector.

Best role for future opportunities

Along with the role of Climate Change Officer, Environmental Health Managers have seen a huge increase in demand. So it’s worth considering this role if you are want a career with good future opportunities. The average salary is also just above national average.

Best easy-entry role

If you’re looking for a career change and want an easy-entry role that helps the planet, consider becoming an Education and Community Officer. There’s a good level of demand for this role and it’s seen a big increase in advertised vacancies. The minimum requirement for this job is work experience, which you can get by volunteering for environmental causes in your spare time.

So you want to work at a green charity. Where do you start?

Get the right education and experience

More universities are offering bespoke courses for the environmental sector than ever before. For example, if you’d like a marketing role at an environment-focused charity, consider the University of Chichester, which offers a degree in marketing for non-profit organisations. Use the career finder tool to find the top universities offering the most relevant courses.

If university isn’t for you, or you’re looking for a career change, there are still plenty of ways to enter this market. Volunteering is a great way to show passion and commitment, and is less time-consuming than an internship. For example, see if you can participate in a local beach clean-up.

Don’t forget to keep up with environmental news of course. And another great way to learn about climate change issues and impress interviewers is to attend online webinars and talks. Sites like Eventbrite and Facebook often advertise discussions on a wide variety of relevant issues led by industry experts.

Transferable skills and indirect career paths

If your long-term goal is to work in an environmental charity but you’re struggling to find work, cast your net wider. The sector encompasses a wide range of options including social enterprises, community interest companies and voluntary groups. These can all provide indirect routes in.

You can still do good, and gain transferable skills, while working in other sectors too. For example, you have might have an admin role in your day job and spend your spare time participating in local activism. Then when it comes to an interview for your dream job, you can show you have both the technical skills and passion needed.

Don’t be fooled by greenwashing

‘Greenwashing’ means giving the impression that your organisation is more environmentally-friendly than it actually is. Recruiters and companies are now very savvy about amplifying their green credentials. A study by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC) found that 36% of HR departments are ‘amending their recruitment strategies to focus on the social and environmental stance of their business.’ Don’t be fooled by big claims and empty promises. Check whether the organisation you’re applying to has a Sustainability Report with transparent and realistic targets.

This is just a glimpse of the vast number of opportunities in this growing sector. Hopefully it’s given you the confidence to go out and work towards your dream career. The planet needs you and your talent!

Ready to look for your dream job? Start searching now.