Overview
Sustainability specialist work with organisations to consider their environmental impact, identify waste inside the company and institute sustainability strategies across the business. They oversee the development of mechanisms that not only meet environmental regulatory mandates but also establish long-term programmes that help transition to be greener.
Duties and responsibilities
- Become familiar with the latest environmental science and industry news
- Review public policy related to the environment, as well as any incentives offered by the state
- Confer with clients on corporate goals and develop sustainability proposals and policies
- Assess cost-effectiveness, corporate governance and technical feasibility
- Identify how the company is being wasteful and come up with sustainability indicators
- List possible solutions for organisations and how they can be more environmentally friendly
- Compose reports and present your findings to clients on what can be achieved
- Monitor client progress after implementation and track sustainability indicators
- Offer technical support for various sustainability programmes and initiatives
- Write and submit grant and rebate applications to secure funding for projects
- Stay up to date on various market issues and trends
Skills and knowledge
Working conditions
AVERAGE WORKING HOURS
40hweek
TYPICAL SCHEDULE
Full Time
Standard business hours
Sustainability specialists can expect to work a typical 40-hour schedule during regular office hours, although some evening and weekend work may be necessary.
Travel to meet with clients, attend industry conferences and participate in trade exhibitions is also to be expected.
Many sustainability specialists work from home for a considerable portion of the workweek.
Salary prospects
BOTTOM 10%
$38k
MEDIAN
$71k
TOP 10%
$120k
Annual salary estimates are based on percentile wage data collected through the Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) survey of US workers.
Entry requirements
EDUCATION LEVEL
Undergraduate
Bachelor’s degree in environmental sciences
TRAINING TIME
4years
To become a sustainability specialist, you’ll typically need a bachelor’s degree in environmental sciences, environmental engineering or a related field. A postgraduate degree, although not necessary, can help improve your employment prospects. Certification may also be useful.
Job outlook
PROJECTED GROWTH
6%
NEW JOBS
71.3k
AUTOMATION RISK
23%
Career advancement
With experience. sustainability specialists often advance to supervisory or advanced technical positions. These includes chief sustainability officer, executive or director.