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When writing a CV for an environmental role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your industry knowledge. The environmental sector spans jobs from climate scientists to countryside rangers, so make sure to highlight the skills and experience that qualify you for a particular position.
You should also focus on your relevant certifications or qualifications, whether you’re applying to a contractor or the department of health and environment. Grab your recruiter’s attention by mentioning your professional achievements in your personal summary, right at the start of your environmental CV.
Take a look at examples of CVs from this and other fields to learn the tricks behind a good CV.
Take a look at our extensive library of CV templates to find inspiration for your own job application.
Environmental CV Examples By Experience
Your environmental CV should reflect your experience and career stage. Tailor the structure and detail of your CV template to highlight your strengths and unique qualities.
Make sure you adapt your CV to fit the specific requirements of the role you’re applying for. This way, each section will show off your relevant skills and expertise. This personalised approach shows you understand what the job involves and that you’re the right person for the role.
Environmental CV with no experience
Building an environmental CV when you don’t have experience is all about showcasing your education, skills, volunteer work and any transferable experiences. Make sure you highlight your academic background, particularly degrees, courses, and projects related to environmental science, sustainability, or related fields.
It’s also a good idea to show off relevant skills like data analysis, environmental assessment, research, project management, and any technical abilities like GIS (Geographic Information Systems). If you’ve done any volunteer work, internships or extracurricular activities that show you’re committed to environmental causes, make sure you include them, as they’ll give you a great chance to show how dedicated you are. Mention any qualifications or training courses you’ve done, such as ones in environmental policy, sustainability practices, or relevant software.
Don’t forget to highlight your soft skills, like problem-solving, communication, teamwork and adaptability, which are really important in the environmental sector. By focusing on these areas, you can create a great CV that shows you’re interested in and dedicated to the environmental field, even if you don’t have any formal work experience.
Mid-career environmental CV
If you’re looking to progress in your environmental career, focus on what you’ve done in your professional life so far and how your experience, skills and achievements stand out. Start with a strong professional summary that shows off your expertise and career goals. Outline your work history, focusing on roles that show how you’ve evolved and what you’ve achieved. Use numbers to show what you’ve accomplished, like the number of successful sustainability programmes or project completions you’ve been involved in.
Mention any advanced skills you have, such as project management, environmental impact assessments, regulatory compliance, and technical proficiencies like GIS. List any relevant certifications, professional development courses, and memberships in professional organisations. Share any leadership or mentoring roles you’ve had, so employers can see your ability to guide teams and manage projects.
Senior level environmental CV
If you’re applying for a senior environmental role, make sure your CV highlights your extensive experience, leadership skills and strategic achievements. Start with a strong professional summary that demonstrates your extensive experience and leadership in the environmental sector. Outline your work history, focusing on senior roles and key projects. Highlight your strategic impact and successful management of major initiatives.
Use figures to show what you’ve achieved, such as major sustainability improvements, savings or regulatory compliance successes. Mention your advanced skills in project management, policy development, environmental impact assessment and technical expertise in tools such as GIS or environmental modelling software.
Include any high-level certifications, executive training programmes and memberships in top professional organisations. Highlight your leadership and mentoring experience, demonstrating your ability to manage teams, influence stakeholders and drive organisational change.
Highlight any high-profile volunteer work, advisory roles or speaking engagements at industry conferences, highlighting your influence and thought leadership in the field. Tailor each section to the strategic requirements of the senior role you’re targeting.
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How to write Environmental CV Sections
Every environmental specialist needs a CV that’s well-organised and structured, and that looks professional. If you follow the right standards, your document will pass through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) more easily, and recruiters will be able to scan it quickly to find the key information. Start with your contact details, putting your full name at the top, followed by your address, phone number, and email.
Next, include the following sections:
Craft an Engaging Personal Statement
Just below your contact details, add a short note about why you’re the perfect person for the job. This is your professional summary, or personal statement, and should be about three to four sentences long. It’s a chance to highlight your experience and specialisation, key achievements and skills.
We’ve included some examples below to show you how to make your personal statement really shine.
Example of personal statement for an Environmental Officer
Diligent Environmental Officer offering 10 years of experience in assessing sites and developing technical reports to develop and implement conservation projects. Proficient in performing surveys, documenting information and compiling findings to plan conservation initiatives. Organised in maintaining communication with decision-makers and coordinating with landowners to consult on preparations, deliver proposed plans and oversee the execution of key initiatives.
Example of personal statement for a GIS Analyst
Dedicated GIS Analyst with proven expertise in administrative and programme management tasks. Skilled at managing complex data with exceptional organisational abilities. Highly motivated to achieve success through prompt communication and a proactive, helpful approach.
Showcase Your Experience Overview
It’s really important to include an experience section in your CV if you want to show how your background is a good fit for the environmental job you’re applying for. To make a strong impression, focus on positions in the environmental industry that are directly relevant to the role.
Arrange this section in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent roles to show that you’re up to date and relevant. For each position, list your responsibilities and key achievements. Focus on tangible achievements that show you’re the right person for the job.
Experience on a Health and Safety Officer’s CV
Health and Safety Officer, Eco Balance, London
June 2019 – Present
- Developed and implemented health and safety policies, reducing workplace incidents by 25%.
- Conducted regular risk assessments and site inspections to ensure compliance with environmental regulations.
- Trained over 150 employees on health and safety practices and emergency procedures.
- Collaborated with project managers to integrate safety measures into project plans, resulting in safer work environments.
- Investigated accidents and incidents, identifying root causes and recommending corrective actions.
Environmental Safety Coordinator, Go Green Ltd, Bristol
May 2016 – May 2019
- Assisted in the development of safety protocols for hazardous waste management, leading to a 30% reduction in incidents.
- Conducted safety audits and inspections across multiple project sites, ensuring adherence to safety standards.
- Prepared detailed reports on safety performance and presented findings to senior management.
- Coordinated emergency response drills and safety training sessions for all site personnel.
- Acted as the primary point of contact for all health and safety-related inquiries and issues.
Experience on an Environmental Officer CV
Environmental Officer, Sustainable Housing Ltd, Bristol
April 2021 – Present
- Conducted comprehensive environmental assessments and audits, identifying areas for improvement and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations.
- Developed and implemented environmental management plans, resulting in a 30% reduction in waste and emissions.
- Coordinated with government agencies, local communities, and businesses to address environmental concerns and promote sustainable practices.
- Managed environmental impact assessments (EIAs) for various projects, ensuring minimal environmental disruption.
- Delivered training sessions on environmental best practices to over 200 employees and contractors.
Assistant Environmental Officer, Gaia Ltd, London
June 2014 – March 2021
- Supported senior environmental officers in conducting site inspections and environmental audits.
- Assisted in the preparation and review of environmental reports and documentation.
- Monitored compliance with environmental regulations and company policies, reporting any violations and recommending corrective actions.
- Participated in environmental impact studies and data collection efforts.
- Engaged with stakeholders to promote environmental awareness and sustainability initiatives.
Highlight Your Key Skills
If you’re looking to work in the environmental industry, listing your skills on your CV is essential. It’s an excellent way to showcase both your technical expertise and interpersonal abilities. Highlighting technical skills, such as GIS proficiency and environmental impact assessments, demonstrates your qualifications to employers. Specialising in areas like sustainable development makes you an attractive candidate for niche roles.
Including relevant skills will help your CV pass through applicant tracking systems (ATS) and confirm you’re suitable for the job. A CV that highlights a range of skills will demonstrate your readiness to make a positive impact on the environment.
30 Technical Skills for Jobs in Environmental Industry
- Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
- Remote Sensing
- Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
- Environmental Auditing
- Sustainable Development Practices
- Hazardous Waste Management
- Water Quality Monitoring
- Air Quality Monitoring
- Soil Sampling and Analysis
- Environmental Compliance
- Environmental Policy and Regulation (UK-specific)
- Renewable Energy Systems
- Environmental Data Analysis
- Environmental Modelling
- Environmental Management Systems (EMS)
- ISO 14001 Implementation
- Risk Assessment and Management
- Health and Safety Regulations (UK-specific)
- Waste Management Strategies
- Environmental Permitting (UK-specific)
- Contaminated Land Assessment
- Biodiversity Conservation
- Environmental Reporting
- Environmental Site Assessment (ESA)
- Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation
- Energy Efficiency Audits
- Environmental Education and Outreach
- Carbon Footprint Analysis
- Ecological Restoration
- Project Management Software (e.g., MS Project, Primavera)
Detail Your Educational Background
Education is essential for an environmental CV to show that you know your subject inside out and can be trusted to get the job done. Specialist degrees give you the technical know-how you need to deal with complex environmental issues.
While education is important, it’s not the only way to work in the environmental industry. You can gain certification, work experience and specialised training without a specific degree. To showcase your education, list all your relevant degrees, specialised courses, certifications, academic achievements and industry-related internships. This shows that you know what you’re talking about and are ready for the job.
Start with your highest degree, including the name of the institution, the degree awarded and the year of graduation. You can also include relevant courses, dissertation titles, grades and awards to strengthen your application. Organising your education in this way will show potential employers what you’ve got.
Example of Education for an Environmental Officer
MSc Environmental Management
University of Leeds, Leeds
Graduated: June 2014
BSc (Hons) Environmental Science
University of Manchester, Manchester
Graduated: June 2011
Example of Education for a GIS Analyst
MSc Geographic Information Science
University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
Graduated: July 2020
Relevant Courses: Advanced GIS Techniques, Spatial Data Analysis, Remote Sensing, Cartography
Dissertation: “Assessing the Impact of Urban Development on Flood Risk Using GIS and Remote Sensing”
BSc (Hons) Geography
University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
Graduated: June 2018
Relevant Courses: GIS Applications, Environmental Modelling, Spatial Statistics, Land Use Planning
Project: “Mapping Urban Heat Islands in Leeds Using GIS Technology”
Achievements: Graduated with First Class Honours, Dean’s List for Academic Excellence (2017, 2018)
Include Additional Relevant Information
The “Additional Information” section on your CV is a great place to include details that don’t fit into other sections but that make your profile stand out. This section shows off your full range of experience, diverse interests and specialised skills, giving potential employers a complete picture of what you can do. It lets you focus on the things that set you apart, like your unique qualifications, certifications, or specialised experiences.
Showing that you’ve been to recent conferences and workshops, and that you’re a member of relevant professional bodies, shows that you’re committed to learning and growing professionally in the environmental sector. Mentioning volunteer work, publications, and memberships in relevant professional organisations shows you’re serious about environmental issues. This section is also great for adding extra credentials like references or specialised certifications.
It’s especially useful for early-career professionals, career changers, experienced professionals, academics, and those actively involved in community and professional organisations. Including this section shows you’re engaged, knowledgeable, and ready to contribute to the environmental field.
Valuable Certifications for British Environmental industry
- Chartered Environmentalist (CEnv)
- National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health (NEBOSH) Environmental Management Certificate
- ISO 14001 Lead Auditor
- Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management (CIWEM)
- Certified Environmental Practitioner (CEnvP)
- Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) Certification
- Projects IN Controlled Environments (Prince2) Certification
- Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional (LEED AP)
- City & Guilds Environmental Conservation Diploma
Additional information section for a GIS Analyst
Conferences and workshops: Presented findings on ‘Urban Sustainability Practices’ at the 2022 UK Environmental Innovation Forum; attended the 2021 National Workshop on Renewable Energy Solutions.
Volunteering: Regular volunteer with the Green Initiative Fund, leading community projects focused on urban reforestation and sustainability education since 2019.
Professional Memberships: Active member of the Institute of Environmental Management & Assessment (IEMA) and the Renewable Energy Association (REA).
Publications: Co-author of ‘Innovative Waste Management Strategies’, published in Environmental Progress & Sustainable Energy, 2023.
Other qualifications: Chartered Environmentalist (CEnv) accredited by the Society for the Environment.
All Environmental CV Examples
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