Careers in sustainability - What they are and why there is an increase in demand

Australia, along with many other nations around the world, has committed to a suite of climate-change commitments to meet its Net Zero targets. Regulations are in the last stages of finalisation to mandate the monitoring and reporting of emissions. Both incentives and penalties are being introduced to encourage corporations to adopt sustainable practices and invest in green technology.

While the European Union is leading the way with arguably the most comprehensive, complex and costly set of regulatory frameworks, Australia is not sitting idly as capital and investments slowly but surely shifts towards companies and countries with ESG credentials. With the introduction of the Australian Sustainability Reporting Standards (ASRS), a set of standards that will eventually apply to more than 6,000 companies (both public and private), Australia is trying to position itself to benefit from this global shift, seizing new industrial and export opportunities, and developing a new pool of sustainable-knowledge workers.

Enterprising Australians will recognise that there is a growing opportunity for people with sustainability credentials and skills. Sydney Morning Herald recently reported that as of September 2024, there were 16,000 sustainability related vacancies, with senior roles paying up to $300,000. The Australian Energy Council predicts that just within the renewable energy infrastructure industry alone, an extra 85,000 employees will be needed by 2030.

Evolution of the role of sustainability within corporations

The role of sustainability within companies has evolved significantly over the past few decades.

Early Stages: Environmental Compliance and Safety Officers

In the initial stages, roles related to sustainability were primarily focused on compliance with environmental regulations and workplace safety. Titles such as "Environmental Compliance Officer" or "Safety Officer" were common, with responsibilities centred around ensuring adherence to legal standards and minimizing environmental liabilities.

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Environmental Managers

As awareness of corporate impacts on society and the environment grew, companies began establishing Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) roles. CSR Managers or Officers were tasked with managing philanthropic activities, community engagement, and ethical business practices. Concurrently, "Environmental Managers" focused on internal environmental performance, such as waste reduction and resource efficiency.

Sustainability Managers and Directors

The role of sustainability expanded as companies recognized its strategic importance. Titles such as "Sustainability Manager" or "Director of Sustainability" emerged, reflecting a broader focus that included not just compliance and CSR, but also long-term environmental and social strategy. These roles often involved integrating sustainability into business operations, supply chains, and product development.

Chief Sustainability Officers (CSOs)

In recent years, the role has further evolved to the executive level with the introduction of "Chief Sustainability Officer" (CSO) positions. CSOs are responsible for driving sustainability strategy across the organization, influencing corporate governance, and aligning sustainability goals with overall business objectives. This reflects a shift towards viewing sustainability as integral to business success and competitive advantage.

Integrated and Specialized Roles

Today, sustainability roles are more integrated across various departments, with specialized positions such as "Sustainable Supply Chain Analyst," "Energy Efficiency Specialist," and "Circular Economy Strategist." These roles focus on specific aspects of sustainability, leveraging expertise to address complex challenges.

Opportunities within various industries

The importance of sustainability is evident in various Australian industries, from energy and agriculture to construction and tourism. In the energy sector, Australia is increasingly investing in renewable sources like solar and wind, aiming to reduce reliance on coal and natural gas. The agriculture sector is adopting sustainable farming practices to maintain productivity while minimizing environmental impact. In construction, there's a growing emphasis on green building standards and sustainable urban planning. These efforts highlight the critical role of sustainability professionals in driving innovation and change across diverse sectors.

Types of sustainability roles

In Australia, careers in sustainability are diverse and cater to a wide range of interests and skills. Environmental scientists and ecologists are essential for understanding and preserving Australia’s unique biodiversity. Sustainability consultants help businesses achieve their environmental goals, while roles like sustainability officers and corporate social responsibility managers are vital for integrating sustainable practices into corporate strategies. Sustainability auditors are increasingly required to sign off on ESG reports. The rise of green technology has also opened up opportunities in renewable energy engineering and sustainable product design.

University of Technology Sydney listed what it thinks are the top roles within sustainability, and the average salaries of such roles:

• Sustainability or renewable energy engineer ($130,000 - $180,000)

• Sustainability Manager ($117,000 - $162,000)

• Energy consultant/Energy advisor ($100,000 - $162,000)

• Sustainability compliance manager ($150,000 - $175,000)

• IP and commercialisation officer ($90,000 - $170,000)

• Policy officer ($100,000 - $145,000)

• Renewable energy specialist ($93,000 - $200,000)

• Project Manager ($107,000 - $165,000)

Why you should pursue a career in sustainability

Pursuing a career in sustainability in Australia not only offers the chance to make a meaningful impact on the environment and society but also places you at the forefront of innovation and policy development. As global and local challenges continue to evolve, the demand for skilled sustainability professionals both in Australia and around the globe is set to grow, offering rewarding and varied career opportunities. With the advancement of Artificial Intelligence, there is no better time than now to augment yourself with additional skill sets to future-proof your career.

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This is the first in a series that will be published by The Second Class Collective on sustainability careers in Australia. In our next article, we will be diving into the varied educational pathways for a sustainability career.

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