Sustainability Specialist

Your Fit

Income

$81K

Preparation

Considerable

Growth

4.1%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Sustainability Specialist?

A Sustainability Specialist focuses on developing and implementing practices and strategies to improve an organization's environmental friendliness and sustainability. They work towards reducing environmental impact by analyzing current practices and proposing more sustainable alternatives.

Sample job titles:

Sustainability Consultant, Sustainability Coordinator, Sustainability Specialist, Sustainable Design Coordinator

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Sustainability Specialist.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Sustainability Specialist earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) in 2024 was...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$46K per year	$61K per year	$81K per year	$110K per year	$148K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $32K above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Sustainability Specialist do?

Work environment

Sustainability Specialists are often employed by corporations, government agencies, non-profits, and consulting firms. Their work environment can vary from offices to field work, depending on the nature of the projects. They may collaborate with various departments, like operations, supply chain, and corporate social responsibility.

Quick task list

Conducts environmental audits to assess current sustainability practices.
Develops and implements sustainability programs or strategies.
Collaborates with stakeholders to promote sustainable practices.
Monitors and reports on the effectiveness of sustainability initiatives.
Stays informed about environmental legislation and ensures compliance.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Corporate Sustainability: Focuses on integrating sustainable practices into business operations.
Environmental Policy and Advocacy: Involves influencing public policy and regulations related to sustainability.
Renewable Energy Systems: Specializes in developing and implementing renewable energy solutions.
Sustainable Supply Chain Management: Concentrates on making supply chains more environmentally friendly.
Green Building and Infrastructure: Focuses on sustainable construction and building practices.

Description

Sustainability Specialists play a crucial role in steering organizations towards environmentally friendly and sustainable practices. They analyze the environmental impact of organizational activities and develop strategies to reduce carbon footprints, waste, and resource consumption. This often involves close work with various departments to integrate sustainable practices into broader business strategies.

These specialists need a deep understanding of environmental issues and sustainability best practices. They must stay updated on relevant laws, technologies, and trends in sustainability. The job also requires excellent analytical skills to assess the environmental impact and the effectiveness of sustainability initiatives.

Effective communication and persuasive skills are essential, as they often need to advocate for sustainable practices to stakeholders who may prioritize short-term gains over long-term sustainability. The role can be both challenging and rewarding, as it involves driving real change in how organizations operate with respect to the environment.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Making a tangible impact on environmental conservation and sustainability.
The challenge and innovation involved in developing sustainable solutions.
The opportunity to influence and improve organizational practices and policies.

You might make a good Sustainability Specialist if you are...

Passionate about the environment and committed to promoting sustainable practices.
Analytical and able to assess complex systems and identify areas for improvement.
An effective communicator, capable of persuading and educating others about the importance of sustainability.
A problem-solver who enjoys developing innovative solutions to environmental challenges.
Able to adapt to changing regulations and technologies in environmental sustainability.

Pros:

Contribution to significant environmental and societal impact.
Growing field with increasing relevance and job opportunities.
Diverse work environments and tasks.

Cons:

May face resistance when implementing new sustainability initiatives.
Keeping up with constantly evolving environmental laws and technologies can be challenging.
Balancing environmental goals with organizational constraints or objectives.

How to become a Sustainability Specialist

Typical education

Most positions require a bachelor's degree in environmental science, sustainability, or a related field, which typically entails 4 years of post-secondary education. Advanced positions may require a master's degree.

High school preparation

Courses:

Environmental Science to understand basic ecological principles.
Economics to comprehend how economic activities impact the environment.
Chemistry and Biology for a solid foundation in the natural sciences.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Participating in environmental clubs or initiatives.
Volunteering for local conservation projects or organizations.
Engaging in science fairs or projects focusing on sustainability.

Preparation after high school

Obtain a bachelor's degree in environmental science, sustainability, or a related field.
Seek internships or volunteer opportunities in environmental organizations.
Consider certifications or courses in specific areas like renewable energy, environmental law, or sustainable business practices.

More resources

U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) - Offers resources on sustainable building practices.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) - Provides extensive information on environmental laws and regulations.
The Sustainability Consortium - Offers resources and research on various sustainability topics.
GreenBiz - A hub for news and trends in sustainable business practices.

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Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.