In today’s world, awareness of climate change, social inequalities, and resource depletion continues to increase, and the demand for sustainability professionals also rises. The field of sustainability aims to address environmental challenges and promote practices that are good for the planet and its inhabitants, such as advocating for social justice, safeguarding resources, and ensuring economic responsibility.
Pursuing a career in sustainability can be very rewarding, allowing you to apply for a large set of skills, including consulting and product design. In this blog, we dive into the 6 types of careers you can pursue in sustainability, so keep reading if you’re interested in this industry!
Environmental geologist
An environmental geologist studies the planet’s history and how biospheres and ecosystems interact. Their work plays an essential role in sustainability-related initiatives: more specifically, they contribute to the discovery of alternative
energy sources. They can also consult with mining and gas companies about energy resource consumption and acquisition.
Environmental geologists may need innovative equipment like drones that allow them to take aerial photos and reference drilling records to map various resources like oil. Besides working for gas and oil organizations, environmental geologists can get a role at a consulting company, an engineering firm, or a government agency.
Environmental scientist
2024 was a stark reminder of the escalating climate crisis, with intensified natural disasters and record-breaking temperatures underscoring the urgency of global action. Developing policies is imperative when it comes to tackling climate change, and this is often the role of an environmental scientist.
If you’re passionate about protecting the planet, this career is likely ideal for you, allowing you to study how human activity impacts the environment and come up with policies and environmental management strategies that can make a difference not only on the planet but also on human health. As an environmental scientist, you may work with clients in the private and public sectors, and one of your duties could be to research illnesses and identify the cause of wildfire happening locally.
Environmental consultant
An environmental consultant's role is to offer clients advice regarding issues like air quality, water pollution, or soil contamination. Essentially, they help businesses and construction companies adopt eco-friendly practices by understanding their needs and making the necessary recommendations. It’s well-known that businesses have a huge responsibility to protect the environment, especially because the ways they operate can harm the planet tremendously. There are different ways in which companies can go green, as well as international role models to look up to. For instance, environmentally-oriented French businesses use a specific solution that’s locally known as
presse à balle déchets, implementing recycling initiatives, encouraging sustainable transportation among employees, and much more.
Reasonably, it can be challenging to know where to begin, given the many barriers that need to be raised to unlock success. That’s where an environmental consultant can help by using their understanding of sustainability methods, environmental policies and occupational health and safety guidelines.
This role requires strong interpersonal communication skills, as you will need to talk to business owners who don’t know much about environmental policies. Negotiation tactics are also required, allowing you to help clients negotiate license terms with local agencies in order to conduct operations on a particular land piece. This can be an incredibly rewarding profession, and the best part is that you can choose which type of work environment you want to work in, whether it’s a non-profit organization, a consulting firm, or an environmental law office. Or, you can be self-employed, if you find it more appealing.
Environmental engineer
Environmental engineers are essential when it comes to supporting the environment’s protection during industrial applications and projects, applying principles from math, science, and engineering to design and implement solutions for waste reduction and improving ecological sites. If you pursue this profession, you can work within the private or public sector or for an NGO in the environmental field.
As an environmental engineer, you may spend as much time working in the office as working outdoors; while the former may involve conferences and project development, the latter may require you to travel and assess construction and industrial sites to evaluate operations and assist in mitigation and waste reduction processes.
Ecologist
An ecologist is a scientist who studies the interaction between organisms and the natural environment, such as the impact of humans, so that they can make recommendations and protect the ecosystems and species. Their job duties are specialized, relating to their chosen focus, and they can work in different settings, such as nonprofit organizations, government agencies, private companies, and universities, as well as part of a research team to study construction’s effects or an ecosystem’s restoration.
To execute their duties properly, ecologists require a set of skills, such as writing, communication and information technology skills, analytical skills, and of course, a passion for taking care of the planet.
Landscape architect
A landscape architect's duty is to survey an area's terrain and natural geography and use different design strategies to mix artificial structures with the environment, making outdoor spaces aesthetically pleasing and functional. Landscape architects use creative problem-solving and design skills to safeguard and support the planet and may spend a significant amount of time on office-related tasks. However, their role also involves visiting physical construction sites to examine location details, namely vegetation, soil type, and elevation changes.
To succeed as a landscape architect, you’ll need creativity, analytical skills, and
problem-solving abilities, as you will be required to overcome unforeseen obstacles. It’s worth noting that you will also need to spend between 1-4 years gaining professional experience before becoming a landscape architect, as this will allow you to apply the educational knowledge in the real world and gain references that could potentially result in more clients.
The bottom line
Pursuing a career in sustainability means creating solutions for a healthier and better future, and if you want to make a difference, working in this field can give you a sense of purpose and fulfillment that may be hard to find in other professions. Besides, there is plenty of work in this sector, so you don’t have to worry about landing the perfect role once you get a degree. Ultimately, choosing to work in sustainability is a win-win, as you get to make a great living while doing meaningful work, so will you go for it?
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