Environmental specialists in decommissioning work alongside operators in the offshore marine environment including oil and gas operators to decommission oil and gas platforms, gas pipelines and other subsea infrastructures in an environmentally sustainable way. 

The Work

You could be: 

• working as part of an Environmental Impact Assessment Team deciding whether it would be best to remove or leave the infrastructure in place 
• making sure environmental regulations are followed 
• preparing project plans, schedules of work and cost estimates 
• making a plan to flush out and clean pipework if it’s decided it would be best left in place 
• writing a biodiversity action plan to monitor any damage made to seabed when cleaning and cutting pipework  
• working with the fishing community and other energy providers and contractors to decide on the best plan of action for removing pipelines and other infrastructure
• writing up reports and action plans and making recommendations based on your findings. 

Pay

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

• where you work and what aspect of the environment you specialise in  
• the size of company or organisation you work for  
• the demand for the job.    

Starting salaries for qualified environmental specialists in decommissioning tend to be between £22,000 and £25,000 a year. With experience, this can rise to around £35,000 a year. Senior specialists with five to ten year's experience can earn up to £45,000. Principal specialists can earn around £60,000 a year. 

Conditions

• You would work from an office onshore but may have to visit sites offshore. 
• You would usually work regular Monday to Friday hours but may have to work overtime, depending on the demands of the project you are working on. 
• You will have to wear protective clothing such as a hard hat, safety boots and overalls when you are visiting sites. 
• When visiting sites, you have to fly by helicopter between the rig or platform and onshore. It can be cold, wet and stormy in these environments.

Useful Subjects

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Environmental Science
• Geography
• SfW Energy

Getting In

• You would need a good degree (SCQF Level 9-11) in a related subject such as environmental geoscience, environmental management, geology or geography. A degree with industrial experience in the energy industry would be particularly useful. 
• For entry to a degree you would need 4-5 good Highers including Maths and science subjects. 
• If you have a degree in another subject such as engineering you may want to go on to a Masters degree (SCQF Level 11) in a relevant subject such as environmental management. 
• You would be expected to have an understanding of the Environmental Impact Assessment Process.

Environmental specialists decommissioning work mostly for oil and gas companies and renewable energy companies. Jobs are usually advertised on specialist sites such as Oil and Gas Job Search and Energyjobline.

Job Outlook Scotland

Job Outlook Scotland and UK

  Scotland

2024

6254

3.1 %

RISE

2029

6450

  United Kingdom

2024

54927

3.5 %

RISE

2029

56830

LMI data powered by Lightcast

What Does it Take?

You will need: 

• excellent communication skills 
• to be able to work well with others as part of a wider team 
• to be computer literate 
• technical writing skills 
• excellent problem solving skills 
• a good understanding of offshore legislation. 

Training

• You would continue to train on the job. 
• To work offshore, you must also pass an offshore survival course such as the Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training Certificate (BOSIET). 
• You would need to keep up to date with new developments in the industry. 

Getting On

• After relevant experience you may be promoted to lead environmental consultant and take on more of a project management role. 
• You may decide to go into consultancy work after many years experience. 

More Information

The My Energy Future website provides information on the energy industry and careers available. 

Contacts

The following organisations may be able to provide further information.