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

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=AkOj...

Answer 2

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 3

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 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

Write reports and prepare presentations.