United Kingdom · Environmental Science
Environmental science jobs in the UK
Air quality, noise, contaminated land, geochemistry, monitoring and technical environmental science roles — mostly with consultancies and public bodies.
About environmental science jobs in the UK
Environmental science covers the technical disciplines that support UK development, permitting and public health. Air quality modellers run AERMOD and ADMS for planning and permit applications. Acoustics consultants deliver noise assessments for infrastructure and residential schemes. Contaminated-land scientists scope investigations, interpret soil and groundwater data and design remediation strategies.
Most roles sit within multidisciplinary consultancies (RSK, WSP, Arup, Ramboll, Wood, AECOM), specialist boutiques, the Environment Agency, UKHSA and local authorities. A BSc/MSc in environmental science, geology, chemistry, physics or a closely related discipline is standard.
Chartership routes vary by discipline — CSci (Science Council), CGeol (Geological Society), MIOA (Institute of Acoustics), IAQM membership for air quality. Junior scientists typically start £25–30k; senior specialists and technical leads reach £55–75k+.
Indicative salary guide
£25,000–£75,000; technical directors £80k+
Indicative ranges compiled from UK job listings on Environment.jobs and public salary reports (IEMA, CIEEM, CIWEM, Reed) in 2025. Actual pay varies by location, employer and experience. (2025).
Common job titles
- · Air Quality Consultant
- · Acoustics Consultant
- · Contaminated Land Scientist
- · Environmental Monitoring Officer
- · Geochemist
Skills employers ask for
- · AERMOD / ADMS
- · CadnaA / SoundPLAN
- · Site investigation & sampling
- · Data analysis
- · Report writing
Typical UK employers
- · RSK
- · WSP
- · Arup
- · Wood
- · AECOM
- · Environment Agency
- · UKHSA
- · Local authorities
Qualifications & entry routes
- · BSc / MSc in Environmental Science, Geology, Chemistry, Physics or related
- · IAQM / IOA / Science Council membership as appropriate
FAQs about environmental science jobs
Which environmental science discipline pays best?
Contaminated land, air quality and acoustics all pay similarly at senior levels (£55–75k). Contaminated land tends to have the steepest early-career progression.
Is fieldwork involved?
Yes — site investigation, monitoring surveys and audits are a core part of the work, especially in the first 3–5 years.