Air Quality Consultant

An air quality consultant measures air pollution and air quality at different sites and writes reports on the results.

The Work

You could be:

• carrying out surveys to measure air quality


• writing technical reports on survey results


• making models of traffic pollution and how this disperses in the atmosphere using software such as ADMS Roads or Breeze


• using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to map pollution


• working with a range of agencies, consultants, engineers and architects to produce reports


• doing desk-based studies to assess local air quality near to proposed schemes and developments


• carrying out air quality impact assessments


• helping to develop plans for carbon foot printing.

Conditions

• You would work mainly in an office.


• You would also travel to sites to carry out surveys and impact assessments.

Getting In

• You need at least a first degree in a relevant environmental subject.


• Many employers require a relevant postgraduate qualification such as air quality, meteorology, or chemistry.


• You should be a member of a professional body such as Institution of Air Quality Management (IAQM).


• A full driving licence is usually essential.

What Does It Take?

You need to be:

• able to write accurate technical reports


• well organised to manage projects


• good at solving problems


• skilled in IT and able to use specialist monitoring or modelling software


• self-motivated


• able to work under pressure to meet deadlines.

• strong communication skills to work with clients


• team working skills


• an up to date knowledge of UK and EU air quality legislation and regulation.

Training

• Training is normally on the job.


• The IAQM offers support for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) to help members develop their careers.


• The IAQM also plans to accredit short courses and seminars which are suitable for air quality professionals.


• There are three grades of membership of the IAQM: associate, member and fellow. To become a member you should have a degree or equivalent and have at least three years full time experience working in air quality. You need to apply to the Institution of Environmental Sciences (IES) at the same time as you apply to the IAQM. The IAQM website has more details.

Getting On

After gaining experience, you could move on, to be senior air quality consultant or manager responsible for projects.

Pay

The figures below are only a guide. Actual pay rates may vary, depending on:

• where you work


• the size of the company or organisation you work for


• the demand for the job.

More Information

Addresses

The following organisation(s) may be able to provide further information.