Environmental Auditor Career Profile

What the role involves

Environmental Auditor roles can vary. Some auditors focus on environmental management systems such as ISO 14001, while others work on compliance audits, project audits, waste audits, contaminated land audits or statutory environmental audits.

The work may involve reviewing documents, inspecting sites, interviewing staff, checking evidence, identifying non-conformances, preparing audit reports and recommending corrective actions.

Typical employers

Environmental Auditor roles in Australia may be found with:

• environmental consultancies
• engineering and infrastructure consultancies
• government agencies and regulators
• large companies with environmental management systems
• construction, mining, resources and industrial businesses
• waste, water and utilities organisations
• certification bodies and specialist audit providers

Key tasks

• plan and conduct environmental audits or compliance reviews
• review approvals, licences, environmental management plans, procedures and records
• inspect sites and check whether controls are working
• interview staff, contractors or project teams
• identify non-conformances, risks and improvement opportunities
• prepare audit findings, reports and corrective action recommendations
• check evidence of environmental monitoring, training, incidents or inspections
• support environmental management system or regulatory compliance processes

Skills and qualities

Environmental auditing suits people who are analytical, independent and careful with evidence. Useful skills and qualities include:

• strong understanding of environmental management, compliance and risk
• attention to detail and careful evidence review
• clear report writing and structured thinking
• confidence asking questions and interviewing staff professionally
• knowledge of environmental legislation, approvals, EMS requirements or ISO 14001
• ability to distinguish evidence from assumptions
• professional judgement and independence
• good communication when explaining findings and corrective actions

Qualifications and pathways

Environmental Auditor roles usually require tertiary study in environmental science, environmental management, engineering or a related field, plus experience in environmental compliance, management systems, consulting, industry or regulation. Specialist statutory auditor roles can require formal appointment or accreditation.

• Bachelor degree in environmental science, environmental management, engineering or a related field
• training in environmental auditing, compliance auditing, ISO 14001, environmental management systems or risk management
• experience in environmental consulting, industry, construction, contaminated land, waste, water, mining or regulation is valuable
• statutory environmental auditor roles may require specialist accreditation or appointment by the relevant regulator

With experience, Environmental Auditors may progress into Senior Environmental Auditor, Lead Auditor, Principal Consultant, Environmental Compliance Manager, EMS Manager, Contaminated Land Auditor, Risk Manager or Environmental Manager roles.

Salary and job outlook

Environmental Auditor salaries can vary depending on the type of auditing, sector, seniority, accreditation, technical specialisation and whether the work involves environmental management systems, compliance, contaminated land, statutory auditing, major projects or industrial facilities. Lead auditor, statutory auditor and principal consultant roles usually require significant experience and may attract higher pay.

Where jobs are usually found in Australia

Jobs are found in environmental consultancies, certification bodies, government agencies, construction and infrastructure projects, mining and resources, waste and water sectors, industrial facilities and large organisations with environmental management systems.

Tips for getting started

• gain hands-on environmental compliance, consulting or industry experience before specialising in auditing
• learn how environmental management systems and ISO 14001 audits work
• build strong evidence-review and report-writing skills
• develop confidence conducting interviews and site inspections
• understand the difference between management system audits, compliance audits and statutory environmental audits
• keep examples of audit reports, compliance reviews, corrective actions or environmental management system work
• maintain independence, professionalism and careful judgement

Related environmental careers

• Environmental Compliance Officer
• Environmental Consultant
• Environmental Advisor
• Environmental Manager
• Contaminated Land Consultant
• Environmental Risk Analyst
• Environment Protection Officer