Environmental communications specialists disseminate information on environmental issues and events on behalf of their organizations. They can be involved in long-term activities, such as public information and education campaigns, as well as short-term activities, such as responding to a toxic spill. Environmental communications officers use their skills in writing, design, media relations, and networking to educate the public and encourage environmental protection and conservation.

Tasks:

1. To develop communications strategy to ensure that the agency's/institution’s/organisation’s opposition to the environmental issues
2. To organize informational evenings open to the public and to make certain the media covered these events
3. To educate local businesses about the environmental for certain actions, processes and planning documents
4. To attend industry events, business conferences, scientific conferences and municipal council meetings to communicate environmental concerns
5. To prepare reports describing the organization’s accomplishments and to give interviews to the media
6. To work with subject matter experts in global climate change; forestry and biodiversity; land tenure and resource management; and other environmentally related fields to produce fact sheets, case studies, success stories, and other communication and outreach materials
7. To work with schools, universities, other educational institutions and informal education centres to promote environmentally friendly lifestyle among children, teenagers, their parents, young adults and teachers

Key skills for Environmental Communication Specialist:

• Excellent writing, editing, formatting, research, and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work effectively both individually and as a member of a team
• Ability to coordinate multiple projects simultaneously
• Ability to work well under pressure, and meet deadlines
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Experience writing for social media platforms

Average Salary (2013):

United Kingdom: £24,513 per year
United States of America: $49,480 per year
Australia: AU$59,582 per year

Qualifications and training required:

Usually the position of Environmental communication specialist requires a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental sciences or in Social sciences (degree in journalism, writing, communications, or related field) with keen interest and knowledge in environmental issues. Some employers prefer candidates with a Masters degree in environmental science or communication, or a Bachelor’s degree with five years of relevant experience. A person should demonstrate experience in scientific communication to both technical and management audiences, as well as experience in a variety of print and Web media publications.

Environmental communication specialist requires must have knowledge about environmental policies (local and international), developments and implementation of environmental policies, environmental sciences and education, public participation and environmental media.