Sustainability Specialists
What is a Sustainability Specialist?
A Sustainability Specialist is a professional dedicated to promoting environmental stewardship and sustainable practices within organizations and communities. Their primary focus is to develop and implement strategies that minimize ecological footprints and enhance operational efficiency, while also ensuring compliance with environmental regulations. These specialists assess the environmental impact of projects and processes, conduct sustainability audits, and analyze data to identify areas for improvement. They often collaborate with cross-functional teams, including management, engineering, and marketing, to foster a culture of sustainability that aligns with organizational goals. Sustainability Specialists also engage in stakeholder education and advocacy, promoting awareness of sustainable practices and their benefits to both the environment and the organization’s bottom line. By researching and applying emerging trends and technologies in sustainability, they help organizations innovate and create more sustainable solutions that benefit both society and the planet.
Tasks
- Develop sustainability project goals, objectives, initiatives, or strategies in collaboration with other sustainability professionals.
- Monitor or track sustainability indicators, such as energy usage, natural resource usage, waste generation, and recycling.
- Assess or propose sustainability initiatives, considering factors such as cost effectiveness, technical feasibility, and acceptance.
- Provide technical or administrative support for sustainability programs or issues.
- Review and revise sustainability proposals or policies.
Technology Skills
-
Computer aided design CAD software
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Autodesk AutoCAD Civil 3D
- Autodesk Revit
- Bentley MicroStation
-
Presentation software
- Microsoft PowerPoint
-
Analytical or scientific software
- Life cycle assessment LCA software
- PE INTERNATIONAL GaBi
- PE INTERNATIONAL SoFi
- PRe Consultants SimaPro
-
Graphics or photo imaging software
- Adobe Creative Cloud software
- Adobe Illustrator
- Adobe Photoshop
-
Desktop publishing software
- Adobe InDesign
- Microsoft Publisher
- Quark enterprise publishing software
Tools Used
- Photocopiers
- Scanners
- Notebook computers
- Laser printers
- Special purpose telephones
Knowledge
-
Administration and Management
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
-
Law and Government
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
-
Education and Training
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
-
English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
-
Building and Construction
Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
Skills
-
Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
-
Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
-
Writing
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
-
Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
-
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Abilities
-
Written Comprehension
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
-
Written Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
-
Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
-
Oral Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
-
Deductive Reasoning
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Education
How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?
-
Bachelor's degree
-
Master's degree
-
Some college, no degree
Work Activities
-
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
-
Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
-
Developing Objectives and Strategies
Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
-
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
-
Analyzing Data or Information
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Detailed Work Activities
- Develop sustainable business strategies or practices.
- Monitor business indicators.
- Assess the cost effectiveness of products, projects, or services.
- Advise others on business or operational matters.
- Establish organizational guidelines or policies.
Work Interests
-
Investigative
Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
-
Enterprising
Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.
-
Conventional
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
Job Outlook
Projected salary and job growth
$44370.0 - $140300.0
This career will have large numbers of openings.
Assessment
Related assessments and tests
No assessment available.