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CAREERMASH (EN)FROM ENVIRONMENT & LAND →

Environmental Scientist

As an Environmental Scientist, you play a crucial role in safeguarding our planet's health and resources, making a tangible impact on global sustainability efforts. Your expertise not only informs policy decisions but also fosters innovative solutions to combat climate change and preserve biodiversity in the UK and beyond.

Environmental Scientist

40

Environment & Land

AI IMPACT
AI EXPOSURE TODAY40
20-YEAR SCENARIO
NOT A FORECAST78%
THE DOOR · ENTRY DIFFICULTY TODAYC
STARTING PAY£28,000 - £35,000
REGULATORY MOATThe law requires human oversight. That human could be you.

THE DOOR: ENTRY DIFFICULTY TODAY, graded A (easy) to E (extremely hard). A Careermash rule-of-thumb index built from our AI exposure index and the job's moat class. It is not a forecast and not a count of job openings.

AI EXPOSURE TODAY is a Careermash index from 0 to 100 of how exposed this job's everyday tasks are to AI today. We estimate it by matching published research on how people use AI to this job, usually by keyword or subject area, and we lower it where the work is protected (for example by physical, personal or legal requirements). It is not a direct measurement of how much people in this job use AI.

AI exposure is high, the core still needs you
AI exposure today is high on our index (40), and the law requires human oversight. That human could be you. That part is what keeps the job yours, so get fluent with the tools and lean into it.

Career progression path

1FIRST STEPJunior Environmental ScientistIn this entry-level role, you will assist in data collection and analysis, gaining hands-on experience in environmental assessments and fieldwork.£28,000 - £35,000
2GAINING EXPERIENCEMid-level Environmental ScientistAt this stage, you will lead projects, manage field teams, and liaise with clients, applying your expertise to solve complex environmental problems.£40,000 - £50,000
3PEAK CAREERSenior Environmental Scientist/Head of Environmental ServicesIn a senior role, you will oversee major projects, mentor junior staff, and influence environmental policy at a strategic level, making significant contributions to sustainability initiatives.£60,000+

Apprenticeship listings for this career → (June 2026 snapshot; check closing dates on the official service)

There is more than one way in

You do not have to go the university route to get here. There is also a vocational route that skips a degree entirely.