Open spaces

How can I get a graduate role in open spaces?

Broadly put, working in open spaces involves preserving and making the most of our landscape’s green areas. This area of work is growing rapidly thanks to the demand for more woodland areas to off-set carbon emissions, and the need to minimise the effects of unexpected flash flooding due to climate change. You’ll need to have studied for a BSc in hydrology, geography, or environmental science. Being able to use geographical information systems (GIS) is an essential skill so make sure you take a module that offers training.

As with all environmental jobs, an MSc will help to give you an edge over other candidates but the equivalent practical experience is also considered an asset. The Environment Agency funds a two-year foundation degree in rivers & coastal engineering in partnership with several higher education establishments so if you’re an undergraduate this could be the course for you. Flood watch teams and incident report centres also need staff, and these areas can often be entered at a support/administrative level without a relevant degree.

Where to find a graduate role in flood management

As a graduate scientist in flood or coastal management, you can expect your starting salary to be around £19,000. Senior flood managers earn about £40,000 and every local council has the responsibility of employing a senior flood management engineer to lead the area’s plan of action for flooding, for which the salary can be up to £45,000. Key employers for this area are The Environment Agency and local city/county councils, so get in touch.

• Find out more about civil engineering careers

How to start a graduate career as a woodland consultant

If woodlands are the open spaces that interest you, you can apply for a job as a forestry consultant, woodland consultant, arboricultural consultant, or as an assistant in any of these specialisms. These roles will often require a specialist degree in forestry, arboriculture, or a closely related subject. You can expect your starting salary to be around £20,000 as with other environmental consultancy careers.