Freelance Environmental Associate for Consulting Firms

Environmental and engineering consulting firms that need extra capacity, especially during busy construction and field seasons.

Hourly or daily rate invoiced to the firm, or a fixed fee per task or report section.

• Field survey and sampling experience
• Technical writing
• Working to a firm's templates and deadlines
• Self-management

• Some work must be done or signed off by a registered professional, check your provincial regulator and the firm's requirements
• Firms often require professional liability and general liability insurance from subcontractors
• Check that you are genuinely an independent contractor and not treated as an employee for tax purposes, ask an accountant
• Check any non-compete or confidentiality terms with a current or former employer
• Work is seasonal in many regions, field work slows in winter
• Relying on one or two firms for most of your income is risky

Estimates suggest startup typically costs around $1,500 to $6,000, depending on your equipment, software and insurance. Firms often require professional liability and general liability insurance from subcontractors, so check what each firm expects.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $1,500 to $7,500, depending on how much work firms send you. Around 8 hours a week is a typical minimum. Relying on one or two firms for most of your income is risky.

Check whether some work must be done or signed off by a registered professional, with your provincial regulator and the firm. Also check that you are genuinely an independent contractor for tax purposes, ask an accountant, and review any non-compete or confidentiality terms.