Environment and compliance advisers make sure that work carried out by oil and gas companies complies with environmental regulations and targets, such as reducing air emissions or preventing oil leaks. 

They are also known as environmental compliance officers. 

The Work

Pay

Jobs are usually advertised as having a competitive salary, but starting salaries could be around £22,500 - £25,000, rising with experience.

Conditions

• You spend most of your time sitting at a computer in an office onshore. 
• You would sometimes travel by helicopter offshore to oil and gas platforms or oil rigs. It can be cold, wet and stormy in these environments. 
• Onshore, you work regular hours Monday to Friday.  
• When offshore you would wear protective clothing and safety equipment such as gloves, boots and a hard hat. 

Useful Subjects

• Chemistry
• Environmental Science
• Geography
• Mathematics
• Physics
• SfW Energy

Getting In

• Most entrants already have some experience in this industry before working in this role. 
• You’ll need a degree (SCQF Levels 9-11) in a relevant subject, such as engineering, chemistry, environmental science or management, geology or another related subject. 
• Entry requirements for science degree courses are normally 4-5 Highers including Maths and Physics, plus English, Maths and Chemistry or Physics at National 5. 
• You could study for a postgraduate degree (SCQF Level 11) in environmental sustainability. 

Environment and compliance advisers 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

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What Does it Take?

You need to have: 

• a passion for the environment 
• excellent IT skills 
• excellent written and verbal communication skills 
• leadership skills 
• good decision-making skills. 

You need the ability to: 

• come up with innovative ideas 
• analyse and process data 
• deal with constantly changing priorities 
• work as part of a team and alone. 

Training

• You would receive on the job training. 
• You need to keep up to date with offshore and onshore laws and regulations. 

Getting On

After some years in the job, you could work up to being an environment and compliance manager.

More Information

You can find out more information about careers in the energy sector at the My Energy Future website.

Contacts

The following organisations may be able to provide further information.