Environmental policy analysis is the analysis of economic, scientific, and other data to provide objective information on environmental issues. The end goals are to create policy recommendations, promote solutions, and build public awareness. An environmental policy analyst researches the data, relationships, and policy developments surrounding environmental challenges and proposed solutions. Their analyses, which usually involve advanced statistical techniques and analytical models, lead to recommendations for legislation, awareness campaigns, or fundraising approaches. Some environmental policy analysts focus on specific issues such as climate change or environmental health policy.

Environmental policy analysts provide research and analytical services for policy briefs related to energy sources, climate change, environmental justice, environmental health, and related issues. For example, they gather, research, review, and analyze existing environmental policies, practices, procedures, and laws to determine their environmental and economic impacts. They also analyze and summarize new scientific research for legislators and regulatory agencies, and conduct life-cycle cost analyses of processes, energy sources, and technologies.

 

Alternative names: Research Associate, Advisor, Program Manager, or Regulatory Analyst

 

Knowledge, skills and attributes   

Since environmental policy analysts spend much of their time writing reports and other documents, excellent writing skills, developed through classes in technical communication, writing, and the social sciences, are critical.        

(Source: Dreamstime)

 

 

 

Duties and Tasks

After thorough analyses of relevant factors, they write reports, policy briefs, and white papers detailing their findings to inform government or environmental groups on issues and strategies such as energy storage or carbon sequestration. They may also present recommendations to government agencies or environmental groups through public relations efforts, awareness campaigns, or meetings.

Environmental policy analysts perform an evaluation on draft policies for a given issue and determine through careful analysis and reasoning which particular policy will best accomplish the goals that lawmakers are trying to have the public meet. Job duties vary significantly from job to job, but the following list includes typical responsibilities that one might encounter as an environmental policy analyst:

• Analyze existing policies as they develop

• Analyze for new policies; create new policies and proposals

• Focus on individual problems and create a solution; focus on technical problems

• Define and implement the most effective solution from an economical perspective

• Analyze political processes which accounting for the role and influence of internal and external stakeholders in the process

• Use quantitative and qualitative methods of analysis

• Use case studies, legal precedents, research and statistics to create a detailed analysis

• Ensure that the policy is durable by industry standards

• Consult with interest groups, including businesses, governments, and special interest lobbyists

• Coordinate public reviews and polling

• Research environmental trends and legislation

• Prepare reports and make presentations to internal stakeholders and governmental organizations

• Make recommendations to decision-makers that balance environmental conservation with social and economic considerations

• Develop regulations and guidelines for the implementation of the policy in question

• Consider the effects of a policy based on its effectiveness, unintended effects, and how the policy will effect different groups of people

• Consider the implementation of the policy in regard to cost, feasibility and acceptability

• Collect data to ensure that analysis is valid

Senior environmental policy analysts have a breadth of professional experience that enables them to take on more management or administrative tasks related to workgroups then their junior counterparts. While roles do vary, senior policy analysts can expect the following types of duties

• Develop horizontal policy integration with other environmental policies

• Provide advice on environmental planning and regulations

• Consider multidisciplinary, interdepartmental and intergovernmental policy issues

• Undertake research, and analyses and makes recommendations on a broad range of initiatives

• Demonstrate strategic and analytical thinking

• Prepare submissions to internal and external stakeholders for consideration

• Coordinate the workgroup's business planning processes and accountability reporting

• Oversee records management, retention, destruction

• Create business proposals for funding purposes

• Engage in tasks like report preparation and submittal and peer review

• Identify as point of first contact for communication with internal and external stakeholders

• Sign off on presentation of team findings and draft policy

• Implement new technological advances

• Participate on committees for policy and regulatory reform

• Participate on committees for environmental policy research and educational program development

• Prepare briefing notes and speeches for senior management

• Assess gaps in policy and opportunities to remediate

• Stay up to date on emergent environmental issues that may require policy adjustment

• Conduct public outreach sessions and referenda
  

Working conditions

Many environmental policy analysts work for environment and health organizations at all levels of government, from federal agencies to state, and local councils. Others provide services as government contractors or consultants. Many are employed by environmental nonprofit organizations such as the World Wildlife Fund and World Resources Institute. Some work for energy and utility providers.

They frequently work together with scientists, engineers, regulators, legislators, citizens, businesses, and nonprofit organizations to craft recommendations and promote initiatives. Most work full time in offices during standard working hours, though overtime may sometimes be required.

Jobs in this field are available worldwide, but unsurprisingly, many Australian jobs with government agencies, think tanks, associations, and policy centres are located in the Canberra, Sydney and Melbourne.

Tools and technologies

Environmental policy analysts spend a lot of time writing reports and developing graphs or easy to understand tables of information. They have to be proficient in developing speadsheets, graphs and tables.
  

Education and training/entrance requirements

Environmental policy analysts need at least a bachelor's degree in environmental policy, environmental studies, environmental science, energy policy, political science, ecology, or a closely related field. Coursework usually includes environmental law and policy, environmental risk assessment, environmental policy analysis, applied research, public administration, political science and the policy-setting process, economics, sustainability science, program assessment, and sociology. Courses in math, statistics, and computer science are essential to data analysis and will help develop the research and analytical skills required for careers in this field.

 

Employment Opportunities

 Internships with environmental nonprofits and government agencies provide valuable experience while at university. Energy Policy and Climate is presently in a period of growth thanks to the need and desire for international co-operation on creating a sustainable world. In order for professionals who work in this area, we need graduates qualifying in areas that promote the multi-disciplinary approach to balance the data from science against the economic needs and to balance research against real-world problems. These new degrees remedy the knowledge gap between science and law.

 

 

 

 

Environmental Policy Officers work with land developers, commercial organizations, government agencies and community groups in order to provide expert advice concerning environmental conservation. They contribute to the development, implementation and monitoring of their employer's environmental policies.

 

Knowledge, skills and attributes       

• Understanding of the policy process including research, development, review and evaluation.

• Sound organisational skills, the capacity to undertake several tasks concurrently, maintain attention to detail and meet deadlines

• Broad experience in providing diverse administrative, secretariat and related services    

 

(Source: IcyTales)

 

 

Duties and Tasks

• Develop systems and offer advice relating to reducing the impact that mining, land development, pollution issues, and other agricultural, industrial and commercial activities have on the environment

• Develop and implement best practices, policies and procedures

• Work with a range of professionals to help businesses follow sustainable environmental practices that balance their needs with those of the ecosystems in which they operate

• Provide advice to government and industries on how to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions

• May asses and rehabilitate areas affected by logging, mining, construction and degradation

• May analyze pollution in order to identify its sources, assess the effects and recommend methods for control and prevention

• Build, manage and maintain effective working relationships

• Establish methods, procedures and technological solutions

Education and training/entrance requirements

Earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Environmental Engineering, or a closely related field is typically the minimum requirement for working in this field.

 

Employment Opportunities

Below are some examples of the types of organizations that hire environmental policy officers:

• Conservation organizations

• Environmental advocacy organizations

• Federal, State, and municipal governments

• Land development companies

• Local land-use organizations

• Oil, gas and mining companies

• Private consulting companies

 

 

 

Environmental auditors are responsible for assessing the environmental performance of operations in business and industry. They must ensure corporate and government standards relating to environmental control are being met. The main objective of environmental auditors is to detect any existing or potential environmental compliance problems or management system deficiencies, and make recommendations as to their correction.

Environmental auditors can conduct two different types of audits: a compliance audit, which measures if a business is meeting internal and external environmental guidelines and legislation, and a management

performance audit, which measures if a business is meeting the appropriate criteria for management systems.

 

What is an environmental audit?

An environmental audit is a management tool consisting of a systematic, documented, periodic and objective evaluation of environmental performance, management systems and equipment. An audit could be:

• An internal review of systems and procedures for measuring, recording and reporting environmental performance;

• An Internal or external validation of a company’s environmental management systems; or

• Independent evaluations and commentaries by external experts regarding an organisation’s environmental, and social performance and/or management processes.

Simply put, an audit is an assessment of environmental risk, controls and improvement opportunities to determine how effective they are and if they are being used.

 

What are the different types of environmental audits?
  
Audits can be voluntary, mandatory or statutory.

Voluntary audits are audits that an organization conducts without compulsion from a regulatory authority or are not mandated by law, e.g. environmental management audits, compliance audits, due diligence audits or EMS audits voluntary commissioned by the organisation.

Mandatory audits are required by a regulatory document such as a licence, permit, authority, approval order or notice under legal powers held by the regulator.

Statutory audits are audits that are compulsory under legislation, e.g. industrial facility audits

 

What are the benefits of environmental auditing?

Benefits vary depending on the objectives and scope of the audit, and include:

• Organisations understand how to meet their legal requirements;

• Meeting specific statutory reporting requirements;

• Organisations can demonstrate they are environmentally responsible;

• Organisations can demonstrate their environmental policy is implemented;

• Understanding environmental interactions of products, services & activities,

• Knowing their environmental risks are managed appropriately;

• Understanding how to develop and implement a policy; and

• Improving environmental performance and saving money.

Overall, environmental audits can provide assurance to management on whether the organization is meeting their environmental management objectives.

 

Knowledge, skills and attributes         

 

Environmental Auditors should have personal attributes, such as ethics, open-mindedness, perceptiveness and tact. They must have an understanding of audit principles, procedures and techniques, as well as have gained experience through conducting audits. Auditors should know the subject matter they are auditing and how this applies to different organisations. 

 

(Source: Integrate Sustainability)

 

Duties and Tasks

• Review the overall operations of the business that’s being assessed

• Select and manage members of the audit team

• Gather data related to business operations, using such methods as on-site inspections, document reviews and staff interviews

• Examine clients' records for appropriate government permits and requirements, safety standards, maintenance and inventory control measures

• Review management systems, emergency preparedness and response procedures, employee training (for compliance with corporate and government standards), environmental monitoring programs and waste management efforts

• Prepare final audit reports, which includes results of audit and recommendations for improvement

• Present findings to the managers and directors of the business

• Assist the business in developing an environmental management plan

• Follow up with the business to ensure process improvements have been successfully implemented

Education and training/entrance requirements

To qualify for jobs in this field, you'll likely need at least a bachelor’s degree in one of the following areas:

• Environmental Science

• Environmental Management

• Natural Resource Management

• Environmental Engineering

• Environmental Assessment

In a career as an environmental auditor, it is beneficial to have working knowledge of environmental management systems, occupational health and safety systems, waste & wastewater legislation, statistics, and accounting procedures. This knowledge is either gained through coursework, or as a result of work experience in the field.

 

Employment Opportunities

Some employers may require environmental auditor candidates to have a master’s degree in one of these fields in order to be considered for a position. A master’s degree can also help when trying to advance for senior level or management positions.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Environmental managers plan and direct the development of management systems designed to minimise the impact of an organisation on the environment. This includes the regulation and management of electricity, water, general waste consumption, and pollution or carbon emissions from road or air travel. They communicate these standards to staff and promote them within the organisation.

Environmental managers are responsible for establishing, implementing and monitoring environmental management systems within private, public and volunteer organisations within Australia. They coordinate
the policies and processes required to achieve environmental objectives and targets, and report on the overall performance.

Environmental managers advise organisations on how to minimise their impact on the environment and, in some cases, oversee the delivery of impact reduction strategies. They typically develop and then measure the success of the schemes for waste management, renewable energy, recycling, pollution reduction and pollution prevention.

Alternative and closely related job titles include ‘environmental adviser’, ‘energy manager’, ‘sustainability manager’ and 'energy consultant'. In some organisations, the role will also be combined with health and safety or corporate social responsibility (CSR) duties.

 

ANZSCO: 139912

 

Knowledge, skills and attributes        

• A genuine interest in and understanding of environmental issues, relevant legislation and renewable energy sources

• Excellent communication and influencing skills

• The ability to take the lead on projects

• The ability to inspire others

• Attention to detail and a methodical approach to work

• Good organisation and time management

• Commercial awareness: the ability to work within commercial constraints

• Confidence.
     

(Source: Brentwood Open Learning College)

 

 

Duties and Tasks

Depending on the role, responsibilities could include:

• implementing environmental policies and practices

• devising strategies to meet targets and to encourage best practice

• devising the best tools and systems to monitor performance and to implement strategies

• ensuring compliance with environmental legislation

• assessing, analysing and collating environmental performance data and reporting information to internal staff, clients and regulatory bodies

• confirming that materials, ingredients and so on are ethically or environmentally sourced

• managing environmental strategy budgets

• liaising with internal staff including senior managers and directors

• acting as a champion or cheerleader for environmental issues within your organisation

• providing environmental training to staff at all levels

• writing plans and reports

• keeping up to date with relevant changes in environmental legislation and initiatives including international legislation where applicable

• producing educational or information resources for internal staff, clients or the general public

• liaising with regulatory bodies such as the Environment Agency.

Working conditions

Environmental managers can work in a variety of different workplaces, but will usually spend some of their time based in an office, overseeing a team of people such as environmental consultants, and meeting with clients.

Depending on the organisation they work for, they may have to conduct site visits and may be required to undertake project-related travel.

 

Tools and technologies

Environmental managers primarily use computers and specialist software including environmental data compiling and management software to write reports and distribute information within their company. They may also use equipment to obtain samples, to test for noise or vibrations, and measure and monitor land or water for contamination.

 

Education and training/entrance requirements

To become an environmental manager, you usually need to study a degree with a major in environmental science, natural resource management, conservation biology, marine science or a related field. Most employers will also require those working in management roles to have experience using leadership skills in a related industry or occupation.

 

Employment Opportunities

Most environmental managers are employed by:

• higher education institutions

• utilities companies

• construction companies

• government agencies

• local government departments

• processing/manufacturing companies.

 

 

 

Critical Thinking Spot

 

 

Secondary

 

What do you think of the findings in this article?

 

The Conversation 21 June 2024

 

 

 

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Materials sourced from the
Jobs & Skills WA [Environmental Consultant; Environmental Manager; ]
NSW Environmental Jobs [PDF]
SA Boards [How to become an Environmental Consultant;]
Environmental Science [Environmental Policy Analyst;]
Academic Invest [Environmental Auditor; Environmental Policy Officer; ]
Target Jobs [Environmental Manager; ]
Integrate Sustainability [Environmental Auditing; ]
Your Career [Environmental Consultant; Environmental Manager;  ]