Waste disposal and environmental services manager - requirements

As a waste disposal and environmental services manager, you’ll coordinate waste management activities and support the development of effective environmental management practices. Learn more about a career in waste disposal and environmental services, find out what it involves and what you’ll need to study and do to get a role.

Know what you'll need to land a job below.

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What qualifications do you need to be a waste disposal and environmental services manager?

A degree in any subject will help, but one related to the waste management or environmental science fields will prove most useful. Subjects to consider include:

You might be able to start in this industry without a higher-level degree, but you’ll typically start at a more junior level and need to work your way up. You’re still likely to need a professional or higher qualification to reach manager levels, but your employer might assist with this.

Please note this is a beta version. We'll continue to improve our suggestions here so that we show you the most relevant subjects.

Do you need a postgraduate qualification to be a waste disposal and environmental services manager?

Although a postgraduate course isn’t always needed, it can help develop your skills and increase your career opportunities.

Examples of postgraduate level courses that will benefit you include:

  • Biological, environmental and rural sciences
  • Climate change
  • Earth science
  • Environmental diagnosis and management
  • Environmental engineering
  • Environmental humanities
  • Environmental pollution
  • Geography and environmental science
  • Waste and resources management
  • Waste and wastewater engineering

What skills do you need to be a waste disposal and environmental services manager?

Your management, leadership and analytical skills will be central to your success in this field.

Hard skills usually include:
  • Auditing
  • Business development
  • Machinery operation
  • Procurement
  • Radioactive waste management
  • Service delivery
  • Sustainability
  • Waste collection and management
Soft skills include:
  • Communications
  • Customer services
  • Enthusiasm
  • Innovation
  • Leadership
  • Management
  • Planning
  • Sales
  • Self-motivation

Do you need work experience to be a waste disposal and environmental services manager?

Work experience will always strengthen your application when applying for waste disposal and environmental services management roles. You may be able to get work experience as part of a degree placement or you could contact your local authority for work experience opportunities. Graduate training schemes are becoming more common and will provide you with a broad experience base while you start earning.

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