An agri-environmental consultant provides advice and guidance to clients on a range of environmental issues and solutions. Clients range from small farming businesses to large estates and even government departments.
Also known as: agri-environmental consultant, environmental advisor or environmental consultant.
This profile highlights the skills and knowledge associated with the role. However, jobs will have varying responsibilities depending on level of the role and the size or type of the business.
Agri-environmental consultants advise on environmental regulations to ensure businesses effectively manage environmental risks, while also enhancing and protecting habitats and ecosystems.
A key part of the role is assessing environmental impacts and developing practical, sustainable solutions. Environmental consultants specialising in the agriculture sector carry out on-site investigations, often in challenging conditions, producing assessments to evaluate risks and providing guidance on how to mitigate environmental damage.
A large proportion of their work involves Environmental Land Management (ELM) schemes, which were introduced into England’s environmental policy following the UK’s departure from the EU. Environmental consultants design and implement these schemes to improve farm profitability, enhance biodiversity and promote sustainable farming practices. Keeping up to date with changing policies is essential to providing accurate and effective advice to farmers.
Environmental consultants also conduct environmental impact assessments (EIAs) to evaluate the environmental, historical and cultural impacts of proposed projects and recommend appropriate mitigation measures. For example, when creating new woodland, consultants must understand the local landscape, soil type and climate conditions to select suitable species. It is essential to consider both the potential benefits and risks of land-use change and determine how best to minimise negative impacts.
This role necessitates both fieldwork and office-based tasks, meaning travel is often required to visit project sites. Travel can be frequent, sometimes involving overnight stays, particularly when working on remote or large-scale projects.
Environmental advisors usually start at a junior or graduate level, progressing to consultant and eventually management positions.
As an agri-environmental advisor, your responsibilities might include:
To work as an agri-environmental adviser, you should:
As an agri-environmental advisor, you will require experience in conducting environmental assessments, using monitoring equipment, analysing data and applying legislative knowledge and practical agriculture/environmental knowledge.
This requires a strong foundation in science and mathematical principles.
This role is ideal for an individual with a keen interest in sustainability and environmental issues, with strong communication skills and the ability to work in diverse environments.
The salary for an environmental consultant is in the region of £25,000 and £65,000 per year.
This figure is for a full-time permanent position depending on level of experience, location, speciality and employer.
A career as an environmental consultant offers a diverse range of career opportunities. As experience is gained, you can progress to more senior consultant roles, even project management roles, overseeing large-scale environmental projects.
Further specialisation could lead to roles in climate change or environmental sciences, as well as environmental law, with additional qualifications acquired. This role provides a strong foundation for further study in environmental disciplines.
To become an environmental adviser, you will need to study a relevant degree at university or progress through a relevant apprenticeship programme.
Formal qualifications which could lead to the role include:
You can also find relevant apprenticeships through the following organisations:
Short courses and online study options which can strengthen your application include:
Employers and recruiters who hire for this role include:
The employers and recruiters listed below hire for roles like this one. If you would like your business to be listed here, please click the button underneath the logos shown here.
ADAS: https://adas.co.uk/our-careers/
https://www.agrirs.co.uk/work-for-us
https://www.brown-co.com/vacancies
DEFRA
https://environmentagencycareers.co.uk/current-opportunities/
https://www.frontierag.co.uk/work-at-frontier/
https://www.irwinandcolton.com/jobs/environment-and-sustainability?source=google.com
For more information on career inspiration and lots of varied job profiles visit The Institute for Agriculture and Horticulture’s website
Promoting food, farming and countryside education in Norfolk 🚜🐑
💚 A huge thank you to @benburgessag and all their fantastic staff for supporting our...
🍎🥕 What a fantastic time we had at @theaylshamshow ! 🌱
We loved welcoming visitors...
🥕 Come and visit us at the Aylsham Show this Bank Holiday Monday!🍓
This year’s...
🎉 A Levels Results Day! 🎉
A huge congratulations to everyone receiving their results today!...
What a fantastic day at our 2nd Exploring Food & Farming event of 2026 🚜...
Did you see us at Wayland Show on Sunday? 🐑✨
We had a wonderful day...
Happy Norfolk Day! 🌾💛
From fields and thriving farms to fresh local produce and the...
Our women in farming project carries on with the Royal Norfolk Agricultural Associations community cube...
🌱✨ Throwback Thursday ✨🌱
Today we're looking back at some fantastic memories from our school...
🚜 Are you passionate about innovation in agriculture, food production, sustainability, engineering, technology, or rural...
🌾 Come and see us at the Wayland Agricultural Show on Sunday, 2nd August!
The...
🚜🌾Applications are still open for our FREE Exploring Food & Farming Day on Wednesday 5th...
What an incredible @royalnorfolkshow we had last week! 🌾🎉
The Food & Farming Discovery Trust...
We're at @groundswell_agriculture for the next two days! 📸🌾
Come and visit our Women in...
☀️ Hot weather is forecast for this year's Royal Norfolk Show. Here is some useful...
📸🌾 Celebrate Women in Agriculture at the @RoyalNorfolkShow 🌾📸
As 2026 marks the International Year...
🌾🎉 The countdown is on!
Next week, we’re delighted to welcome more than 15,000 school...
