What does an enviromental consultant do on a day to day work situation?

Question

I'm considering going into this field so I was just wondering if any of you could give me an outline of what a enviromental consultants day is like.Thanks

Answer 1

There are many aspects to environmental consulting as the term can be applied to include careers in the biological sciences to environmental health within the human built environment, eg. buildings and food preparation. I am an environmental consultant in Australia with areas of expertise in terrestrial ecology, GIS and natural resources management. I have a Bachelor's degree in this field however there are many ways to get into environmental consulting with different qualifications and experience.

My day to day activities could include:

- Flora and fauna surveys either for targeted threatened species or for a general description of the environment;
- Research of current scientific literature and environmental legislation at each level of government;
- Preparation of a wide variety of reports that might include; Environmental Impact Statements; Environmental Management Plans and a variety of other similar types of report. Reports are usually prepared in direct response to the requirements of the jurisdiction and various related legislation and vary depending on the nature of the matter being assessed;
- Prepare maps and manage field data;
- Liaise with clients, public authorities, other consultants and government departments.

As an example, I am presently working on a number of large infrastructure projects for major road works, port developments, major residential subdivision, asset inventory (stormwater) and data management in GIS. In my role I can expect that for every day spent in the field doing filed surveys will result in at least an equivalent period of time in the office writing about it.

Environmental consultants in my experience are an integral component of the development industry and must have a good appreciation of the legislation, ecological interactions between the organisms they study and the likely efficacy of any proposed mitigation measure. Since in Australia as in many other countries the decision to undertake a project must consider the principles of Ecologically Sustainable Development, the value of the environment both before and after the action must be weighed equally with the value of social and economic pros and cons. Here is what I believe is the core of what an environmental consultant must understand and be practical about.

Answer 2

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
What does an enviromental consultant do on a day to day work situation?
I'm considering going into this field so I was just wondering if any of you could give me an outline of what a enviromental consultants day is like.Thanks

Answer 3

California law requires a 30 day notice because without a contract it is presumed that the rental period is 30 days OR the same period that the rent is required to be paid: i.e. if you pay rent every week then all you need is a 7 day notice. Almost all rentals are 30 days. The fact that the landlord 'forgot' their conversation is exactly why everything should be in writing. The deposit is not designed to cover the 30 day notification period and, yes, she could get reamed for it but from a practical standpoint that may not happen because the landlord would have to go through some hassle and spend money to get a judgment and probably not have a prayer of collecting anything on the judgment so it would be a waste of time and money on her part. The deposit can be applied to any unpaid rent and damages but that can't be known until after the tenant moves out and the landlord makes a declaration of monies owed within 21 days of the moveout.

Answer 4

I'm considering going into this a little too. A good idea which has really been helpful is to get in contact with some people who do this for a profession. Exchange emails, or even get an internship if possible (haven't found any yet for this... hmm..)
Recently, for example, our grocery stores around here have been building LEED certified markets and keeping track of emissions and managing recycling programs is the environmental consultant's job there. However, there was also an incident where a customer slipped on the wet floor and sued. So you're in charge of a lot of complex calculations and simple upkeep/maintanence consultations.
Really, get in touch with someone locally! It'll be the best way to get your foot in the door and a good mentor!

Answer 5

I have some information on what an environmental scientist does all day. There were no hits on "environmental consultant" but I believe that is just a title. feel free to peruse this wonderful site, mainly for Australia but gives you the heads up on what botnists do all day, and other scientists!

Environmental scientists may perform the following tasks:

plan and conduct research into the physical and biological nature of the environment
develop ways of minimising the impact of industrial, agricultural and urban processes on the environment
develop conservation plans
undertake laboratory work
run community education programs
investigate and report on breaches of environmental guidelines
take part in response to emergencies, such as chemical spills and accidents
analyse pollutants, identify their sources and assess their effects on the environment
monitor the effects of pollution and land degradation, and recommend ways of prevention and control
monitor the environmental impacts of development activities
rehabilitate land, water and air affected by mining, logging, construction, degradation and pollution
conduct research and prepare proposals to lessen the impact of agriculture, grazing, new industrial and other developments on the environment
research matters of immediate and long-term importance to governments and communities such as the impact of land clearing on native animals and the impact of waste products on waterways
negotiate with, and provide advice to, industry, government departments and the public on environmental matters such as the management, re-use or disposal of hazardous materials
assist in developing policies, strategies and codes of practice on environmental management
conduct environmental audits.

Answer 6

personally

,tell a municipality for example how to fix sewage outlets and give alternative methods .

try to stop contaminating factors.such as the dumping of organic contaminants like coffee husk and try to persuede the farmers to make compost instead.

find out how agriculture or industry is contaminating and give alternative methods

protect wild life and suggest to the local government ,how to go about it,
bring in rules for conservation and stop the taking of gravel from fish breeding grounds for construction

try to get areas under protection that are habitats of species in danger of exstinction.

try to improve waste disposal generally
look for problems in that area and bring it to the attention of the authorities,try to set up recycling operations ,and give instructions on how to make compost heaps

persuede people to plant trees or do more work that inproves the environment around the city or town

consult and direct ways about keeping domestic animals near towns healthy and under control with out affecting the neighbours in a negative way


check out Markets and abatoirs so that they do not contaminate their surroundings

give talks on Environmental awareness,at citizan or school meetings

consult with devellopment ,of industry ,parks,and agriculture

suggest ,promote and consult on ecological projects such various types of eco-tourism
i myself have been involved in develloping a few parks and many gardens as well.

check out Permaculture it has a wealth of information that is very relevant to environmental design in a sustainable and auto suficient way

http://answers.yahoo.com/my/my;_ylt=AkOjEtfO.68j0BoyBxlfvckazKIX

Answer 7

Write reports and prepare presentations.