Environmental, social and governance (ESG) analysts assess the impact their company has on the environment and wider society long term. They develop strategies to comply with regulations and look for ways to improve cost and sustainability. 

The Work

You could be: 

• assessing a companies' environmental, social and governance practices and the impact they have on the environment and society 
• collecting and analysing data relating to ESG 
• collaborating with other departments or companies to ensure a cost effective, environmentally friendly and sustainable working environment
• creating and providing data analysis 
• predicting the impact projects will have long term on both company performance and the environment 
• developing new initiatives to improve sustainability  
• providing performance reports 
• keeping up to date with global best practices. 

Pay

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

• where you work 
• the size of the company or organization you work for 
• the demand for the job.  

Starting salaries for ESG analysts are usually around £21,000 to £25,000 a year. With experience this can rise to around £35,000 a year. Senior managers may earn up to £50,000 or more. 

Conditions

• You would spend most of your working day in an office. 
• You may have to spend some time outdoors depending on the type of employer. 
• You might have to travel to different sites including travelling offshore. 
• If visiting offshore sites, you have to fly by helicopter between the rig or platform and onshore.
• You will have to wear protective clothing such as a hard hat, safety boots and overalls when you are visiting sites.

Useful Subjects

• Business Management
• Business Skills (SCQF Level 6) (FA)
• Environmental Science
• Financial Services (SCQF Level 6) (FA)

Getting In

• You would normally require a degree (SCQF Level 9-10) in a relevant subject such as business or environmental management. Some may start with an HNC (SCQF Level 7) or HND (SCQF Level 8) and work their way up to the degree.
• Entry to a degree requires 4-5 Highers. Entry to an HNC or HND requires 1-2 Highers.
• Employers would usually expect a postgraduate qualification in a relevant subject such as environmental sustainability or sustainable technology. Most Scottish universities offer relevant courses as there is an increasing demand for graduates in this area.
• It would help to have some work experience in this area.

For ESG Analysts working 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

9245

0.4 %

RISE

2029

9285

  United Kingdom

2024

185958

4 %

RISE

2029

193326

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What Does it Take?

You need to be able to: 

• manage projects 
• manage change 
• identify and develop best practices 
• work well with others 
• understand all legislation relating to ESG. 

 You should have: 

• excellent organisation and time management skills 
• the ability to manage and prioritise your workload 
• good negotiation skills
• good problem solving skills
• excellent presentation skills. 

Training

• You would continue to train on the jo, keeping up to date with new technologies and ideas.
• To work offshore, you must also pass an offshore survival course such as the Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training Certificate (BOSIET). 

Getting On

• You could go to be an ESG Investment Manager or Adviser 
• You could be an ESG Consultant with your own business. 

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.