How To Get Environmental Science Work Experience

Getting hands-on experience in environmental science isn't just a CV box-ticking exercise. It's how you discover whether it actually interests you. But you might be wondering: how on Earth can you get a placement?

Early exposure to environmental work can shape your academic choices. It can give you a head start on peers who wait until university to engage with the field.

In this guide, we’ll take you through how to get environmental science work experience. We'll give you simple strategies that will put you in the best position for getting a placement.

Key Takeaways

• Environmental work experience comes in many forms. Think fieldwork and lab placements to citizen science projects and virtual internships

• Local organisations like Wildlife Trusts and university departments actively welcome students and volunteers

• You can build relevant skills independently using free tools and online conservation courses

• A well-crafted speculative email can open doors, even when formal placements aren't advertised

Why Work Experience Matters in Environmental Science

Environmental science is a huge field. It spans ecology, conservation, climate policy, marine biology and sustainability. A week with a soil scientist will differ from volunteering at a wildlife rescue centre. That's valuable information when you're choosing A-levels, university courses, or career paths.

Universities increasingly look for evidence that you've explored the subject beyond the classroom. Work experience shows genuine interest and helps you write a stronger personal statement. It gives you practical skills that lectures can't teach. These include species identification, data collection techniques, or science communication. These experiences also help you build a valuable network of contacts. They might offer advice, references, or future opportunities.

What Counts as Environmental Science Experience?

Don't fall into the trap of thinking work experience has to mean a formal two-week lab placement. Environmental scienceexperience is broader than you might think. Many valuable opportunities don't look like traditional work at all:

• Fieldwork and surveys. Helping with wildlife counts, habitat surveys, or water quality testing with local groups or charities.

• Lab and research placements. Shadowing scientists, assisting with sample preparation, or observing research methods. This can happen at universities or environmental consultancies.

• Citizen science projects. Contributing to real scientific research through platforms. These include iNaturalist (opens in a new tab), eBird (opens in a new tab), and local bioblitz events (opens in a new tab).

• Conservation volunteering. Practical work like hedge planting and invasive species removal. Or habitat restoration with Wildlife Trusts or local nature reserves.

• Virtual internships. Remote placements with environmental NGOs. These often involve research, social media, campaigning, or report writing.

• Sustainability roles: Volunteering with school eco-committees, community gardens, or local climate action groups.

• Educational outreach: Helping at nature centres, environmental education programmes, or science festivals.

The key is demonstrating curiosity, initiative, and a willingness to learn.

Where To Look for Environmental Work Experience

Environmental Charities and NGOs

Conservation charities are often the most accessible route into environmental work experience. This is especially true for school students. Many run volunteer programmes designed for young people. 

National organisations to approach:

• The Wildlife Trusts (opens in a new tab): With 46 local trusts across the UK, there's likely one near you. They offer conservation volunteering days, youth programmes, and sometimes structured work experience placements.

• RSPB (opens in a new tab) (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds). Runs volunteer opportunities at reserves nationwide, from habitat management to visitor engagement.

• Marine Conservation Society (opens in a new tab). Offers beach cleans and remote volunteering roles in campaigning and research.

• Woodland Trust (opens in a new tab). Provides tree planting events and citizen science projects like the Nature's Calendar survey.

• Buglife (opens in a new tab): Focuses on invertebrate conservation with volunteering opportunities in surveys and habitat creation.

Smaller and local groups can be even more welcoming. Search for county wildlife trusts, friends of local parks groups, river restoration projects, and community orchards. 

Don't overlook international NGOs with UK branches. These include WWF (opens in a new tab), Greenpeace (opens in a new tab), or Friends of the Earth (opens in a new tab). They sometimes offer virtual internships or volunteering. These can be done during term time.

Local Councils and Government Bodies

Local authorities employ environmental professionals in areas you might not expect. Many welcome students interested in learning about environmental careers.

Departments to contact:

• Sustainability and climate teams. Many councils have officers working on carbon reduction or renewable energy projects.

• Biodiversity officers. Responsible for protecting local wildlife, managing nature reserves, and conducting ecological surveys.

• Waste and recycling services. Roles involve waste reduction campaigns, circular economy projects, and environmental education.

• Parks and green spaces teams. Manage urban ecology, tree planting programmes, and community gardens.

• Environmental health: Work on air quality monitoring, contaminated land assessment, and pollution control.

Even if they don't have work experience programmes, many officers will offer a day or two of shadowing.

Government agencies like Natural England (opens in a new tab) and Defra (opens in a new tab) may offer work experience. Competition can be fierce, though. It's worth checking their websites and setting up job alerts for student opportunities.

Universities and Research Institutions

University departments often welcome enthusiastic school students. Academics appreciate young people showing genuine interest in their field. Many are happy to offer lab tours, fieldwork opportunities, or short placements.

How to approach universities:

• Identify universities near you with strong environmental science, ecology, or geography departments.

• Look up staff profiles on department websites and find researchers whose work interests you (marine biology, climate science, soil ecology, etc.).

• Send a polite, specific email explaining your interest in their research. Ask if you could shadow them, help with fieldwork, or observe lab work for a few days.

Summer schools and taster programmes. Many universities run free or subsidised summer schools for Year 10-12 students. These typically involve lectures, lab sessions, and fieldwork. Examples include the Sutton Trust (opens in a new tab) summer schools and individual university access programmes.

Research institutions occasionally offer placements and run public engagement events. these give you the chance to meet scientists and learn about their work. Try: 

• The Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (opens in a new tab) (CEH)

• British Geological Survey (opens in a new tab) (BGS)

• Rothamsted Research (opens in a new tab)

How To Apply for Work Experience

Most environmental work experience isn't advertised. You need to create opportunities through speculative applications. This might feel daunting, but organisations appreciate hearing from motivated young people.

Crafting your approach:

When emailing organisations, keep it concise, polite, and specific. Explain who you are, why you're interested in their work. Tell them what you're hoping to learn, and when you're available. Always attach a brief CV, even if it's your first one.

Example email template 1 (for charities/NGOs):

Subject: Year 10 Student Seeking Volunteering Opportunity

Dear [Name/Team],

My name is [Your Name], and I'm a Year 10 student at [School Name] with a strong interest in environmental science. I've been following [Organisation's] work on [specific project/area]. I would love to gain some practical experience in conservation.

I'm particularly interested in learning about [habitat surveys/species monitoring/practical conservation work]. I'm available during [half term/summer holidays/weekends]. I'm can help with any tasks, including fieldwork, admin support, or educational activities.

I've attached my CV for your reference. I'd be grateful for any opportunities to volunteer or shadow your team, even for just a day or two.

Thank you for considering my request.

Best regards, [Your Name] [Contact details]

Example email template 2 (for universities/research):

Subject: School Student Interested in Environmental Research Work Experience

Dear Dr [Surname],

I'm a Year 12 student studying [Biology, Geography, Chemistry]. I'm fascinated by your research on [specific topic from their profile]. I'm hoping to study environmental science at university. I would value the chance to learn more about [their research area].

Would it be possible to shadow you for a few days during [dates]. I would love to observe any lab or fieldwork, or help with basic tasks like data entry or sample preparation. I'm keen to understand what environmental research involves day-to-day.

I've attached my CV and would be happy to work around your schedule. Even a couple of hours would be helpful.

Thank you for your time.

Kind regards, [Your Name] [Contact details]

Tips for standing out:

• Personalise every email. Mention specific projects or aspects of their work that interest you

• Be flexible with dates and realistic about what you can offer

• Follow up if you don't hear back within two weeks

• Don't be put off by rejections — keep trying different organisations

• Consider offering to volunteer remotely if in-person opportunities are limited

Check out our guide to writing the perfect cover letter to delve deeper.

Build Experience Independently

Can't find a placement nearby? There's plenty you can do to build relevant skills and demonstrate commitment.

Species identification. Download iNaturalist and start recording wildlife in your area. Learn to identify common birds using the Merlin Bird ID (opens in a new tab) app or trees using field guides. 

GIS and mapping. Geographic Information Systems are fundamental in environmental work. Download QGIS (opens in a new tab) (free, open-source software). Follow YouTube tutorials to map local green spaces, pollution hotspots, or habitats. 

Online courses. Platforms like FutureLearn (opens in a new tab) offer free environmental science courses from universities. These are all useful for building knowledge and vocabulary.

Citizen science projects. Participate in national surveys. Examples include the Big Garden Birdwatch (opens in a new tab) (RSPB), Conker Tree Science (opens in a new tab), or FreshWater Watch (opens in a new tab).

Start your own project. Conduct a biodiversity audit of your school grounds. Set up a composting system. Measure local air quality using low-cost sensors. Create wildlife habitats like bug hotels and pond areas. Document your project with photos and data for excellent personal statement material.

Environmental advocacy. Join or start an eco-committee at school. Attend local council climate meetings. Volunteer with youth climate organisations like UK Youth Climate Coalition (opens in a new tab). Understanding environmental policy and communication is just as valuable as fieldwork.

Read widely. Follow environmental science news to understanding current debates (e.g. rewilding, net zero). This will help you in interviews and personal statements.

The advantage of independent projects is that you're demonstrating initiative, problem-solving, and passion. These qualities really matter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need experience to apply for an environmental science degree?

It's not essential, but it definitely helps. Universities want to see that you understand what environmental science involves. They want students who have explored these interests. Even informal experience shows commitment. This is especially true if you can articulate why it was valuable.

What if I live in an area without many local opportunities?

Remote and independent options are your friends. Virtual internships with environmental organisations are becoming more common. Focus on building your own skills. Use online courses to build your knowledge. You can also participate in national citizen science projects from home. Creativity and initiative matter more than location.

How old do I need to be to get environmental work experience?

It varies by organisation. Many conservation charities welcome volunteers from age 14 or 15. This is especially the case for outdoor practical work. Some need you to be 16 for insurance reasons. Others offer family volunteer days with no minimum age. Universities usually accept work experience students from Year 10 onwards (age 14-15). Always check first. 

Final Thoughts

Breaking into environmental science doesn't require a perfect CV or amazing connections. It requires curiosity, persistence, and a willingness to start small. You might spend a weekend removing invasive species or teaching yourself GIS. You might email university researchers until one says yes. In any case, you're building your foundation in this field.

Remember that everyone working in environmental science started somewhere. Often, they had modest beginnings. The sector values people who show initiative and ask questions. It values those who care about the natural world. 

So start local, start small, and start now. The experience is out there. The environmental challenges we're facing need people exactly like you: keen and committed.

Save My Exams has a bank of expert-written resources and tools. They can help you with learning and revision in your Environmental Science course. We also have plenty of advice on university applications to help you with your goals.

References

• iNaturalist (opens in a new tab)

• eBird (opens in a new tab)

• bioblitz events (opens in a new tab)

• The Wildlife Trusts (opens in a new tab)

• RSPB (opens in a new tab)

• Marine Conservation Society (opens in a new tab)

• Woodland Trust (opens in a new tab)

• Buglife (opens in a new tab)

• WWF (opens in a new tab)

• Greenpeace (opens in a new tab)

• Friends of the Earth (opens in a new tab)

• Natural England (opens in a new tab)

• Defra (opens in a new tab)

• Sutton Trust (opens in a new tab)

• Merlin Bird ID (opens in a new tab)

• QGIS (opens in a new tab)

• FutureLearn (opens in a new tab)

• Big Garden Birdwatch (opens in a new tab) 

• Conker Tree Science (opens in a new tab)

• FreshWater Watch (opens in a new tab) 

• UK Youth Climate Coalition (opens in a new tab)