Recycling officer : Entry requirements

Relevant degree or HND subjects include life and medical science, physical/mathematical/applied science and engineering. In particular, the following subjects may increase your chances:

• environmental science, either biological or physical;
• earth sciences;
• biology;
• materials science/technology;
• civil or structural engineering.

Experience, personal qualities and knowledge of current environmental, waste management and recycling legislation and issues may override the need for a degree.

Entry without a degree or HND is sometimes possible at technical support level, although candidates are expected to have considerable relevant work experience.

A pre-entry postgraduate qualification is not essential, but may be helpful, particularly in the area of waste or environmental management. A list of appropriate postgraduate courses may be obtained from The Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM) . Pre-entry relevant practical experience is essential for most advertised posts, either voluntary or paid.

Candidates need to show evidence of the following:

• practical and creative problem-solving skills;
• common sense to be able to gauge the feasibility of options;
• strong communication and interpersonal skills;
• the ability to manage pressure and prioritise workloads;
• enthusiasm and a proactive outlook;
• the ability to work autonomously.

A driving licence is essential for many posts.

Contact your local recycling officer or community recycling organisation about gaining work experience or a summer placement. See the Community Recycling Network  for a directory of members.

Award schemes, such as the Duke of Edinburgh's Award , offer the chance to gain valuable experience. Working holidays, e.g. those run by the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers (BTCV)  (called Natural Breaks) and the National Trust  , provide valuable practical conservation experience. The National Grid operates various schemes, offering students or recent graduates the opportunity to gain work experience on environmental projects at its environmental education centres around the country. See Naturegrid UK  for further details.

Paid casual work is rarely advertised and may only be offered to those who have shown commitment, enthusiasm and hard work as a volunteer. Many people working in the sector start with voluntary work and build up contacts and a reputation. Becoming a member of a relevant organisation or professional institution may present you with excellent opportunities to network. If you are studying for a relevant degree, choosing a dissertation or assignment that is linked to an employer may be a good way of building contacts and experience.

To keep up to date on relevant information, it is important to research the 1990 Environmental Protection Act and any subsequent legislation. Read The ENDS Report  and keep abreast of current issues through websites such as LetsRecycle.com .

Competition is strong. Although more diverse roles are being created (for example in community recycling organisations), vacancies are mainly still in local authorities.

For more information, see work experience and internships and search courses and research.