The Future of Sustainability Jobs

​“Sustainability” is a powerful word that has caused a stir across the business world. 

Over the last few years, consumers have made it very clear that they prefer to buy from ethical brands - forcing leaders to change how they make decisions. 

As a result, the demand for sustainable technology solutions, knowledgeable consultants/coordinators, and qualified, green-conscious workers, has surged higher than ever before. 

Today, over 18,000 UK general sustainability jobs are active on LinkedIn - demonstrating that every organisation, regardless of size, is fighting for industry talent. 

These positions are spread over a wide range of industries that are each receiving ongoing “green investment” (Source: WallStreet Mojo).

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The sustainability job market

For anyone with the right skills and qualifications, the number of job opportunities is exponential.

While this is great news for anyone who is searching for a job with an employer that will care for their needs, it’s a tricky situation for any sustainable business that’s trying to fill gaps. 

As of this very moment, the demand for specialist green employees is rising faster than the available supply - especially in the case of the electric vehicle market (Source: Auto Car).

Devastatingly, we predict that this will continue to be the case for years to come. Never before has sustainability been a part of everyone’s agenda. 

Solutions like offshore wind are seeing such high levels of investment that it’s only natural they are growing at a scale that requires hundreds of new employees. 

Where before, pursuing a career in sustainability seemed passionate and commendable (though incredibly risky). This has changed.

Industries that need sustainability workers

There have always been sustainability jobs cropping up on the market (especially in heavily-regulated environments), but these were few and far between. 

In the future, though, working in any green industry will promise a rewarding career for years to come. Today, you can work in a range of occupations, including: 

• Renewables
• Energy 
• Retail 
• Supply Chain
• Politics
• Technology
• Manufacturing
• Transport

As long as you have an eye for detail and a genuine determination to protect the earth, you’ll be in a really good spot to land a job. 

“Businesses in eMobility are working to deliver batteries with an 80% lower carbon footprint than those using coal energy.” - EarthStream

The required skills for sustainability jobs in 2023

That’s not to say the job market is entirely centred around unskilled work, though. Going forward, government legislation is expected to get increasingly strict. 

Therefore, businesses are going to want previously qualified and experienced employees to fill vital roles. The most in-demand roles in the field are those that are technology-adjacent:

• Architectural Engineers
• Construction Managers
• Electricians
• Mechanical Engineers

Although we can eventually expect businesses facing talent and skill shortages to implement on-the-job training and open entry-level positions, it might be a few more years before these schemes are put into place. 

In the meantime, competing for the available talent in the market will get tricky.

Our prediction for sustainability jobs

As countries become more focused on developing sustainable technology solutions, there’s going to be a significant flood of investment.

Industries like renewable energy (especially offshore wind) and eMobility are going to be able to tap into a wide array of opportunities. To fulfil their goals, they’ll need specialist sustainable employees who are just as driven as they are.

We anticipate that countries will implement restrictions on the use of harmful fossil fuels that will further the green agenda. This includes petrol and diesel cars, which will boost the popularity of electric vehicles (Source: Auto Express). 

Therefore, the recruitment climate as we know it is about to change.

“In the next 8 years, countries will be getting away from normal cars and opting for electric vehicles.” - EarthStream

Filling talent gaps in sustainability roles

Pretty soon, businesses in renewable energy are going to face difficulty securing suitable candidates. 

As such, the average time-to-fill for qualified sustainability roles (such as Environmental Scientist) is going to increase.

Unless you want to find yourself understaffed and unable to deliver on your promises, all leaders should start to prepare for the year ahead by taking action now.

We suggest you:

1. Start networking with potential employees.
2. Research average salary rates.
3. Budget for talent competition.
4. Set aside resources for recruitment.
5. Plan an onboarding strategy.

If you do this, you’ll be able to prepare your organisation for whatever comes its way. 

This way, whether an opportunity arises that’s beyond what you could have predicted, or there’s a drastic change in market regulation… a team of experienced workers will be ready to support you.

​Work with EarthStream

EarthStream connects both qualified and entry-level talent with engaging and challenging renewable energy occupations around the world.

As governments and businesses invest in sustainable power, infrastructures and technologies, your career path becomes increasingly limitless. Our in-depth knowledge and worldwide connections mean we not only understand your problems, but also solve them.

Speak to one of our experts today.
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