Earth, water and atmospheric science
This area includes careers linked to the physical environment, including geology, water, weather, climate and natural resources. Roles may involve forecasting, environmental monitoring, flood risk, climate modelling, hydrogeology, geotechnics, critical minerals, geothermal energy and carbon storage.
Physical scientists and geographers/people working in this area help tackle some of society’s biggest challenges, from securing the minerals needed for low-carbon technologies to protecting water resources and supporting sustainable development. Alongside established careers in mining, hydrogeology and geotechnical engineering, opportunities exist in fast-growing areas such as critical minerals, carbon capture and storage, and natural capital assessment. Opportunities exist across industry, government, consultancy and environmental organisations in the UK and internationally.
See also:
- Energy and utilities
- Environmental data science, GIS and technology
- Environmental Consultancy, planning and regulation
Explore job roles
Job titles in this area include: Carbon capture and storage roles, Critical minerals and mining roles, Flood risk analysts.
- Job sector profiles for earth scientists The Geological Society
- Job profiles including flood risk and hydrology Royal Geographical Society
Use the job profiles below to find out about, skills, entry routes and experience
- Engineering geologist Prospects profile
- Geochemist Prospects profile
- Geophysicist Prospects profile
- Geoscientist Prospects profile
- Minerals surveyor Prospects profile
- Hydrogeologist Prospects profile
- Hydrologist Prospects profile
- Wellsite geologist Prospects profile??
- Meteorologist (and Why study meteorology?) Prospects profile
- Geotechnical engineer Prospects profile
- Water engineer Prospects profile
- Water quality scientist Prospects profile
- Astronomer Prospects profile??
- Flood risk consultant profile (YouTube video, AtkinsRéalis)
Tip: Use the information about skills in the profiles to help you build a tailored CV.
Building skills and experience
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Gain relevant experience and skills while you study
Use the job profiles above to check which skills are normally needed for the roles you are interested in.
- Use our transferable skills pages to explore ways to gain the top skills employers are looking for
- GEOINTERN - GeoTenerife
- Summer in-person placements - British Geological Survey
- Placements - Geological Society
- Grants and Bursaries | The Geological Society of London
- Internship and PhD opportunities | UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology
- Water companies
Finding and applying for jobs
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Find vacancies
- CareerConnect
- TargetJobs
- Flood & Coastal Risk Management opportunities Environment Agency
Further resources
links
Next steps
When planning your next steps you may have additional questions or want to explore certain aspects in more detail:
- Equality, diversity and your future career Explore diversity in the workplace and the support available to you.
- Careers meetings To help with planning your career, making decisions and exploring options.
