Air Pollution Control Officer

Salary
Graduate: £15,000 - £22,000
Employee with 10-15 years in the role: £25,000 - £40,000

Main Employers

• Central government and local authorities
• Civil engineering firms
• Pressure and conservation groups
• Energy, waste and chemical industries
• Environmental agencies and consultancies
• Airline and shipping companies
• Research and education institutions

Job Profile
Air pollution control officers investigate complaints about air pollution from industrial premises. They are responsible for enforcing the legislation and assessing the environmental impacts of planning applications. Often they go out to factories and foundries, carry out inspections, and check to see whether or not companies are complying. Sometimes officers issue and monitor authorisation for industry, which sets limits for pollutants.

Role and Responsibilities
Jobs will vary according to each employer; however you could expect to be involved in:

• Advising on the environmental suitability of proposed developments in respect of air pollution
• Providing advice on the environmental suitability of proposed licences
• Carrying out routine inspections and collecting samples for lab testing
• Monitoring levels of air pollution
• Taking enforcement action if necessary and participating in legal proceedings

Qualifications
Relevant further education subjects include: Chemical Engineering; Chemistry; Civil Engineering; Environmental Health; Environmental Sciences; Environmental Technology

In addition to academic qualifications, membership of a professional body such as the Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management (CIWEM) is useful. CIWEM provides training, debating, networking and socialising opportunities, and offers a student membership scheme which can provide useful contacts for the future.

Career Development
There is a wide range of opportunities and the promotion path can lead to senior, principal and chief officer posts in environmental health but this may require movement to other authorities to broaden experience. 

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