Being an environmental professional in the construction industry is like riding a roller coaster that occasionally breaks down but always promises a thrilling ride. One moment, you’re on top of the world, making impactful changes, and the next, you’re wondering why you chose a field that feels like the neglected little sibling of health and safety. Yes, environmental concerns often get the short end of the stick, but they also have some of the biggest impacts on construction projects.
In this role, you wear many hats. One day, you’re out on-site, getting your boots dirty, and the next, you’re buried in reports at your desk. It’s a mix of hands-on work and paperwork that keeps things interesting. And while it can be challenging, it’s also incredibly rewarding. You know you’re making a difference when you see projects incorporating solar panels instead of relying solely on diesel generators.
Ultimately, the goal of being an environmental professional in construction is to make yourself redundant. Sounds counterintuitive, right? But in an ideal world, you teach everyone about environmental compliance so well that it becomes second nature, and there’s no longer a need for your role. Fortunately (or unfortunately, depending on how you look at it), we’re still a long way from that. Environmental legislation in Australia is constantly evolving, with new guidelines and criteria popping up regularly. The industry is also shifting towards sustainability and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles.
Working across different states offers a fascinating glimpse into varying levels of environmental compliance. Queensland and New South Wales lead the charge in erosion and sediment control, while Victoria excels in circular economy and waste management. Western Australia shines in biodiversity and water management, and the Northern Territory is a champion in PFAS management.
Each project brings its own unique challenges. What you learn on one site might not apply to the next, or you might encounter an issue you last dealt with a decade ago. In construction, you’re constantly challenged, never bored, and always learning. If you thrive on variety and continuous learning, this field is definitely for you.
So, if you’re looking for a career that’s as dynamic as it is impactful, with a dash of unpredictability and a whole lot of learning, environmental work in construction might just be your calling. Plus, you’ll have plenty of stories to tell at parties!