SOARING temperatures and devastating floods across Europe have put climate change firmly on the agenda ahead of World Nature Conservation Day on Wednesday.
And as companies become more aware of their impact on our environment, the number of conservation jobs is increasing too.
Eco-training expert Lantra estimates that there are around 3,250 specialist conservation organisations nationally, with 23,000 full-time employees and a further 200,000 people volunteering.
The roles include work in biology, energy, habitat, marine, soil, water, wetland and wildlife conservation.
A spokesman from Conservation Jobsuk.com says: “Jobseekers are encouraged to start out on volunteer programmes and intern-ships, alongside subscribing to key industry publications.
“Once you have found the specific area you want to work in, get certified with up-to-date qualifications.”
Salaries range from £18,000 for entry roles up to £50,000-plus — and there is a bright future.
Employment minister Mims Davies explains: “We’re powering ahead with our Green Industrial Revolution, propelling forward net-zero plans and working to create two million green jobs by 2030.”
‘Your work can save the world’
INSPIRED by watching nature documentaries as a child, Phil Taylor is now head of policy and operations for sustainability charity the Open Seas Trust.
The 34-year-old, from Fife, said: “I remember watching repeats of Sir David Attenborough shows when I was small and my brother explaining to me that the Amazon rainforest may have been lost by the time I would be 50. This kicked off a sense of urgency that sticks with me today.
“When I was 15, I started volunteering on a local RSPB reserve, which was a great insight into conservation action.
“After university I worked with conservation teams in Sumatra, in Indonesia, protecting rainforests, solving human/elephant conflicts and studying tiger habitat before moving back to work in Scotland.
“Our natural world is under huge pressure – from climate change and deforestation, to industrial agriculture, over-fishing and extractive industries. To respond to these challenges we need people with a wide array of skills who are capable of being flexible and responsive to the demands.
“Working in conservation can be extremely rewarding – and seeing the changes you have led is a real buzz.”
See openseas.org.uk.
Beaky blinders
ARE you looking to join the RSPB flock?
As the UK’s largest nature conservation charity, it has almost 70 jobs on offer.
There are full and part-time roles, ranging from PAs, stock controllers, catering assistants and membership fundraisers, to senior species-recovery officers, who help to rebuild habitats for endangered birds and animals.
There are opportunities in hundreds of different locations across the UK and beyond.
A spokesman said: “We believe our work makes a real difference to the world we live in.
“It takes a great team to save nature and we need a wide range of skills to make it happen.”
See rspb.org.uk/jobs.
Flare for solar
LIGHT up your career with a job in solar power.
It is set to double in size by 2030 – and as more people turn to green energy, the industry body is pushing the Government to expand capacity further.
It’s claimed trebling the solar industry would deliver 13,000 new jobs, £17billion in additional economic activity and a 4.7 per cent cut in UK carbon emissions.
Chris Hewett, chief executive of Solar Energy UK, said: “Solar is affordable, reliable, and immensely popular with the public. Every unit of solar energy generated cuts the amount of coal and gas we burn today.
“Jobs, economic growth and a massive reduction in carbon emissions are all up for grabs.”
Find jobs at greenjobs.co.uk/browse-jobs/solar-jobs.
Why eco is the way to go
COMPANIES that care about conservation can attract the best staff as workers become more environmentally aware, says Daphna Nissenbaum, founder of sustainable packaging firm Tipa.
She reveals how going green can help your firm . . .
- Employees of the future will seek out eco-employers. Those growing up surrounded by the environmental crisis now are tomorrow’s employees. They care deeply about the issue and will continue to do so.
- It is profitable: Making your business eco-friendly is often seen as an expense, but it can save money long-term. Factors such as reducing waste, cutting energy use and localising supply chains all bring cheaper running costs.
- It boosts brand identity: Firms with green credentials and a clear environmental focus are increasingly attractive to customers, employees and investors. Building a brand around sustainability shows you care about more than just your bottom line.
- Get ahead of the curve: Rules holding businesses accountable for their environmental impact are increasingly common. There is a huge commercial advantage in anticipating regulations so they don’t adversely affect your business in the future.
- It’s the right move: Everyone has a role to play in protecting the environment. If every business made a few small changes, we would be on a much better path in no time.
Jobspot
THE Carbon Trust is seeking finance team associates and energy analysts. See carbontrust.com/who-we-are/careers.
THOMSON Environmental Consultants need ecologists, landscape site operatives and habitat project managers. See thomsonec.com/careers.
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