In the past decade, there has been a large increase in the number of sustainability jobs, with demand for sustainability employees growing 8% in the past two years¹. Because of the interdisciplinary nature of sustainability, many fields are looking to hire individuals with a background or interest in sustainability. From engineering, to business, to research, and government, sustainability knowledge and skills can be applied across the board.

Jobs

Government

• Sustainability Program Manager. This position focuses on designing, running, and improving sustainability initiatives within a government agency such as energy efficiency, renewable energy, waste reduction, climate action plans, etc.
• Environmental Policy Analyst. Policy analysts research and evaluate environmental laws, regulations, and policies to inform government decision-making.
• Natural Resources Manager. This position oversees the sustainable management of natural resources like forest, water, wildlife, or public lands, and has a strong emphasis on the environmental pillar of sustainability.
• Urban/Regional Planner. Planners work closely with local governments, developers, and communities to shape how cities and regions grow. They plan land use, transportation, housing, and infrastructure to guide sustainable community development.

Non-profit

• Program Manager. Program managers lead and oversee nonprofit programs from planning through execution. They manage budgets, timelines, staff, and partnerships to ensure programs achieve their mission and impact goals.
• Policy Advocate. This position pushes for policy that is aligned with the organization’s mission by engaging law makers, coalitions, and the public.
• Communications/Outreach Specialist. This role handles messaging, public engagement, and storytelling to build awareness and support for the organization. By translating complex issues into accessible content for communities, outreach specialists can promote education on sustainability topics.

Corporate

• Environmental, Social, Governance (ESG) Analyst. This analyst reviews a company’s ESG-related performance and risks. They collect data, prepare disclosures, support sustainability reporting, and help meet investor or regulatory expectations.
• Sustainability Consultant. Consultants can aid organizations by bringing more focused and specific technical knowledge and skillsets to a project. Sustainability consultants advise on sustainability strategy, climate risk, and environmental performance. They help clients set goals, measure impact, comply with regulations, and integrate sustainability into business operations.

Degrees

UF Bachelors in Sustainability Studies

Majoring in Sustainability Studies at the University of Florida gives students an opportunity to dive into environmental, economic, and social sustainability. Designed at the intersection of the natural sciences, the social sciences, and the humanities, this degree equips students with the understanding of how these pillars are interdependent and explore solutions on the local, national, and global levels.

USF Masters in Global Sustainability

The University of South Florida’s Patel College of Global Sustainability offers both Master of Arts and Master of Science in Global Sustainability degrees with five different concentrations: Climate Mitigation and Adaptation, Sustainability Policy, Food Sustainability and Security, Sustainable Energy, and Water Sustainability. These interdisciplinary concentrations are offered through in-person, online, and hybrid options and prepare post-graduate students to address complex sustainability issues using thinking. This program is ideal for individuals coming from a wide range of educational and professional backgrounds interested in incorporating sustainability into their career.

Everglades University Bachelors in Sustainability

This program from Everglades University provides students with high-level business knowledge to equip students to tackle business, economic, and policy repercussions of sustainability through many industries, venturing beyond business.  It focuses on communication, management, and critical thinking, as well as the technical skills needed to work in sustainability.

With the sustainability field skyrocketing, now is the best time to incorporate sustainability into any future career path.

1. https://www.ie.edu/uncover-ie/sustainability-job-market-trends-msbt/

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