Environmental Specialist Jobs in the United Kingdom

Nature Jobs Overview

If you love spending time outdoors and caring for the environment, nature jobs are a great fit for you. And there are plenty to choose from. Research shows that working outdoors has multiple benefits for your body, mind, and soul, so this is a great career choice for a happy and healthy work-life balance.

A job in nature usually offers a less stressful working environment, can improve your mood and creativity, and boost your immune system. Also, did you know that breathing 20 minutes of fresh air gives you as much energy as a cup of coffee?

Now that some of the benefits of a job in nature are out in the open, let’s talk about shift hours and settings. Some roles require you to work flexible hours during weekdays, weekends, and evenings, while others have a fixed schedule.

When working outdoors you expose yourself to variable outdoor temperatures and conditions. So most, if not all, jobs require the ability to be comfortable working in the rain, snow, wind, and heat.

How to Find the Nature Job That Fits You

When seeking a job in nature, you’ll need to navigate a great number of opportunities to find the right one for you. To ensure you don’t get lost in the plentiful options, ask yourself the following questions:

• What are my interests and passions related to nature?
• What type of work environment suits me best?
• What are my long-term career goals in the nature sector?
• What organisations align with my values?
• Should I further my education or seek additional certifications?

Carefully Read the Job Descriptions

This field is a goldmine of opportunities for people who are passionate about the environment, wildlife, and conservation. To narrow it down, researching specific occupations and understanding the required qualifications is essential.

No matter how excited you are to apply for a job in nature, read the job descriptions carefully first to gain valuable insights into the position’s requirements, responsibilities, and qualifications. After all, applying for a position that closely aligns with your capabilities increases the likelihood of being considered a strong candidate.

Assess Your Qualifications and Career Goals

Take a moment to assess your qualifications and career goals by doing the following:

• Consider the aspects of nature that genuinely excite you, such as wildlife conservation, environmental education, sustainable agriculture, outdoor recreation, or ecological research.
• Determine whether you prefer working in the field, in a laboratory, in an office, or a combination of these.
• Determine if pursuing additional education or certifications would enhance your qualifications and increase your chances of finding the right nature job. This could involve pursuing a relevant degree, attending workshops, or training programmes, or acquiring specialisations in specific areas. These may include enrolling in a zookeeper or veterinarian assistant programme, aquarium maintenance course, or a pet groomer or trainer certificate.
• Finally, don’t forget to identify the career trajectory you envision for yourself and target nature jobs that align with this and provide the right growth opportunities. You should also research the employers of each nature job you’re interested in to see if their mission, values, projects match what you’re looking for.

How to Apply to Nature Jobs

Are you eager to get started pursuing a career that allows you to make a positive impact on the environment? To help you navigate the application process, here are some essential tips to keep in mind. From tailoring your CV to showcasing your relevant experience, crafting a convincing cover letter, and submitting your candidacy, following these tips will get you closer to your dream job.

Update Your CV for Jobs in Nature

Many companies use software to select the best CVs, so make sure yours can be read easily by humans and AI alike. Use a clear and organised layout while maintaining a length of one to two pages. Increase your application success rate by sending a CV tailored for each job by following these CV tips:

Include a summary highlighting your passion for nature, skills, and goals.

• For example:“Enthusiastic and dedicated conservationist with a deep love for nature and a commitment to preserving our ecosystems. With a bachelor’s degree in environmental science, I possess a solid foundation in the principles of conservation and sustainability. Through internships and volunteer work, I’ve gained hands-on experience in ecological surveys, data analysis, and wildlife monitoring. My goal is to contribute to the field of environmental education by engaging communities and fostering a sense of stewardship towards our planet.”

Include keywords from the job description to catch the recruiter’s attention, such as:

• conservation planning
• sustainability practices
• wildlife management
• ecological restoration
• data analysis

Incorporate strong active verbs when talking about your accomplishments and experiences related to nature jobs, internships, voluntary work, and education. For example:

• conducted
• managed
• implemented
• developed
• collaborated
• analysed
• advocated
• facilitated

Write a Powerful Cover Letter

Another important step in applying to any job is to write a cover letter. While your CV provides an overview of your experience, the cover letter allows you to better express your enthusiasm for the role and demonstrate how your skills align with the organisation’s mission.

By sending a well-written cover letter you can rise above the other candidates by making your application more personal. Research the organisation offering the job and mention specific projects, initiatives, or values that resonate with you. This will show the reader that you took the time to understand the organisation and its mission, and that you are eager to be part of it.

Send Your Candidacy to Jobs in Nature

Here is how you can use Monster to enhance your job search and chances of finding the right opportunity for you:

• Create a free Monster account, upload your CV, and make it visible to recruiters so that they can send you job proposals directly.
• Sign up for job alerts to receive updated listings for nature jobs no matter where you are in the country.
• Browse jobs and click on the “Submit Application” button to send your candidacy to prospective employers.

How to Follow Up with an Employer

By following up with the employer after applying for a job you can demonstrate your continued interest and dedication to securing the job.

• Time your follow-up: To show your interest without being too pushy, allow sufficient time for the recruiter to review applications and conduct an appropriate initial screening. As a general rule, check the job posting for any specific timeframe for the hiring process and wait at least one to two weeks before reaching out.
• Choose how to follow up: The most appropriate and convenient way to follow up is by sending an email. Showing up at the office or calling multiple times until you find someone available with an update about your application is not recommended!
• Identify who to follow up with: Communicating with the right person increases your chances of receiving an answer sooner rather than later. Preferably, send your email to the organisation’shiring manager or a designated contact person listed in the job description. Another option is to address your email to the HR department.

Interviewing Tips for Nature Jobs

Fear interviews no more. Check out the following job interview dos and don’ts to ace your performances and impress your interviewers.

Preparing for Your Job Interview

Review the job description again and make a list of the key skills and qualifications and become familiar with the organisation’s mission, projects, and initiatives. Think about which of your experiences demonstrate how you meet their requirements.

Then, prepare examples of how your skills and experiences align with their goals. Practice answering both common and uncommon mock job interview questions so you’re prepared for the big day.

During Your Interview

Be ready to discuss your passion for nature, your experience, accomplishments, failures, and long-term career aspirations. Here are some typical interview questions you’ll be asked for jobs in nature:

• What inspired you to pursue a career in environmental conservation?
• Describe a project or accomplishment in the field that you are particularly proud of.
• How do you stay up to date with current trends and developments in the field?
• Describe your latest experience with data collection, analysis, and reporting in nature research.
• What strategies do you employ to promote sustainability and conservation in your work or personal life?

After Your Interview

Express your appreciation for the opportunity to interview by sending a personalised thank you email to each interviewer within 24 hours of your job interview. Include a flattering, but honest, comment about the conversation, such as:

• “It was truly inspiring to learn more about the organisation’s commitment to wildlife conservation and sustainability. In particular, I appreciated your insights on (project name). It reinforced my belief that, with its positive and collaborative culture, your organisation is the perfect fit for me.”
• “Our discussion about (initiative name) particularly resonated with me, as it reflects my dedication to ecosystem rehabilitation and invasive species management. I look forward to the opportunity to contribute my skills and passion to your organisation name.”

What to Do When You Get an Offer for a Nature Job

Once you receive a job offer, whether you are ready to accept it or still have a questions or the need for negotiation, it’s important to respond in a timely manner. If you take too long, organisations may think you’re ghosting them and move on to the next candidate.

• First, thank the employer for the opportunity.
• Let them know if you need some time to carefully read and consider the offer.
• If you intend to negotiate salary or benefits, use industry standards and salary ranges for similar positions to support your demands.
• If you still have questions lingering in the back of your mind, ask them before signing the contract. To make an informed choice you must have a clear understanding of the job responsibilities, reporting structure, potential probationary period, compensation package, and other key information.

Jobs in Nature Career Paths

Nature jobs cover a wide range of tasks and are available in multiple sectors. Examples include park ranger, wildlife biologist, farmer, environmental engineer, and landscape architect. The education, training, and skills that you require for a job in nature depend on the career that appeals to you the most.

The good news is that many different job types allow you to work in nature. You can apply to entry-level roles where little or no experience and specific education is typically required, and training is often offered on the job. On the other hand, mid-level, senior, and executive roles demand relevant job experience and an appropriate level of education.

Nature Jobs: Similar Career Paths

• agriculture jobs
• forestry jobs
• farming jobs