Are you interested in a career in the green sector? Did you know that there is a variety of career paths into green jobs? Annie Robinson, CIEEM Scotland Coordinator and Green Jobs for Nature Partnership Officer, shares her advice on how to get started with a Green Job for Nature. Read the blog post below with contributions from people who have made it into the green sector and get inspired!
Is there a typical career journey for Green Jobs for Nature? The short answer is no. These roles vary widely, from hands-on conservation work to office-based positions in policy, education or communications. Green Jobs for Nature include everything from ecologists and conservation workers to data managers and environmental educators. Essentially, these jobs contribute directly to protecting, managing or restoring the natural world.
Do green jobs always mean working outdoors?
Contrary to popular belief, not all green jobs involve working outdoors. While some roles do require fieldwork, many others focus on policy, data or communications. Leigh Abbott, an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Officer at Scottish Environment LINK, entered the sector with a background in cognitive neuroscience and a passion for sustainability. “The sector includes people like me,” she says, emphasising that you don’t need to know the names of every tree in Scotland to make an impact. Many green roles focus on skills that help organisations thrive, such as finance, communications or administration.
What about education and experience?
It’s often assumed that a degree or years of volunteering are essential for a career in nature. While relevant qualifications help, they aren’t always necessary. Jennifer Deane, a Nature-based Jobs and Skills Officer at NatureScot, took a less traditional route. She started as an apprentice in administration and worked her way up through internal training and hands-on experience. “This route gave me access to a career I could never have dreamt of,” she says. Jennifer’s journey shows that even without a background in conservation, entry-level positions can lead to fulfilling careers.
Annie Rodgers, now a Project Officer for Keep Scotland Beautiful, spent 20 years in hospitality and retail management before transitioning to the environmental sector. After completing a ten-week course, she found herself working outdoors and loving it. Her advice? “Say yes to courses and open days, and have faith in the knowledge you already have.”
Helena Fox, a colleague of Annie’s, also took an unconventional path. With a degree in ancient history, Helena moved through various jobs before landing her current role, which links climate change and heritage. Her creative background helped her secure a position where she now works to protect and celebrate local heritage, while addressing climate issues.
Catherine Gemmell, now a Policy and Advocacy Manager at the Marine Conservation Society, had a degree in Marine and Coastal Resource Management but admits that she had no experience in policy when she started. “I didn’t know what the words meant,” she recalls, but her willingness to learn got her the job. Fast-forward ten years, and she’s running workshops to empower volunteers to advocate for ocean conservation. Her advice? “Don’t be intimidated by unfamiliar terminology, and never hesitate to ask questions.”
How to get started
If you’re interested in a Green Job for Nature, the first step is identifying which roles suit your skills. Brian Heppenstall, Education and Careers Manager at CIEEM, suggests reading the personal specifications of job adverts to understand the required skills and experience. “Marginal gains can go a long way,” he advises, encouraging you to plan using SMART goals to build the skills you need. He also recommends finding a mentor to guide you through the early stages of your career. Mentorship opportunities, like those offered by CIEEM, can provide valuable support.
For more inspiration, explore the Green Jobs for Nature website, which features over 160 job profiles. These real-life stories provide insights into different roles and tips for breaking into the sector. NatureScot’s Working for Nature videos also gives a closer look at various environmental careers.
A sector full of opportunity
The environmental sector is expanding and there’s a growing need for passionate people to fill a variety of roles. Whether your interest lies in fieldwork, education or policy, there’s no single path into the sector. As Leigh from Scottish Environment LINK notes, “Nature is for all.” With opportunities for people from diverse backgrounds, this is a field that values passion and skills over traditional routes.
So, whether you’re just starting out or making a career change, there’s no better time to explore Green Jobs for Nature. Connect with others, seek advice and take advantage of learning opportunities. Your own Green Job for Nature could be just around the corner!
Thank you, Annie.
To explore the green sector, visit the Sustainability & the environment sector on our Careers Service website.
You can find out more in the following ways:
- Follow Green Jobs for Nature on Instagram
- Connect with NatureScot on LinkedIn
- Connect with the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM) on LinkedIn
- Connect with Scottish Environment LINK on LinkedIn
If you want to get in touch with Annie Robinson, check out her LinkedIn profile.
For other jobs relating to sustainability search #EdSustainabilityCareers on MyCareerHub.
(Thanks to Brian Heppenstall, Education and Careers Manager at CIEEM, for his input to this article. Contributions to this blog have been provided by the Scottish Environment LINK and NatureScot Nature-based Jobs and Skills working group.)
