What is a Sustainability Specialist?
Sustainability Specialist Example Address organizational sustainability issues, such as waste stream management, green building practices, and green procurement plans.
A Day in the Life of a Sustainability Specialist
- Review and revise sustainability proposals or policies.
- Develop reports or presentations to communicate the effectiveness of sustainability initiatives.
- Provide technical or administrative support for sustainability programs or issues.
- Research or review regulatory, technical, or market issues related to sustainability.
- Collect information about waste stream management or green building practices to inform decision makers.
- Write grant applications, rebate applications, or project proposals to secure funding for sustainability projects.
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Qualities of a Sustainability Specialist
Sustainability Specialists state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
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.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Related Job Titles
- Sustainable Design Consultant
- Sustainability Coach
- Sustainable Design Coordinator
- Chief Specialist, LEED (Chief Specialist, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)
- Senior Sustainability Advisor
Is There Job Demand for Sustainability Specialists?
There were about 1,023,900 jobs for Sustainability Specialist in 2016 (in the United States). New jobs are being produced at a rate of 8.8% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 90,400 new jobs for Sustainability Specialist by 2026. The BLS estimates 104,200 yearly job openings in this field.

The states with the most job growth for Sustainability Specialist are Utah, Nevada, and Arkansas. Watch out if you plan on working in Alaska, Maine, or Oklahoma. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Average Sustainability Specialists Salary
The average yearly salary of a Sustainability Specialist ranges between $38,420 and $123,000.

Sustainability Specialists who work in District of Columbia, Maryland, or Virginia, make the highest salaries.
How much do Sustainability Specialists make in each U.S. state?
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $85,140 |
Alaska | $82,160 |
Arizona | $67,670 |
Arkansas | $59,530 |
California | $83,470 |
Colorado | $82,130 |
Connecticut | $78,120 |
Delaware | $81,880 |
District of Columbia | $102,730 |
Florida | $66,440 |
Georgia | $75,070 |
Hawaii | $73,310 |
Idaho | $67,630 |
Illinois | $71,780 |
Indiana | $61,290 |
Iowa | $65,020 |
Kansas | $74,520 |
Kentucky | $66,450 |
Louisiana | $60,430 |
Maine | $66,760 |
Maryland | $91,400 |
Massachusetts | $85,980 |
Michigan | $70,410 |
Minnesota | $71,220 |
Mississippi | $65,650 |
Missouri | $73,500 |
Montana | $66,290 |
Nebraska | $74,370 |
Nevada | $71,580 |
New Hampshire | $70,890 |
New Jersey | $78,920 |
New Mexico | $70,340 |
New York | $83,330 |
North Carolina | $74,040 |
North Dakota | $73,010 |
Ohio | $71,190 |
Oklahoma | $72,940 |
Oregon | $68,890 |
Pennsylvania | $80,910 |
Rhode Island | $80,380 |
South Carolina | $69,340 |
South Dakota | $70,830 |
Tennessee | $62,330 |
Texas | $80,140 |
Utah | $72,100 |
Vermont | $67,910 |
Virginia | $88,180 |
Washington | $77,850 |
West Virginia | $70,180 |
Wisconsin | $57,620 |
Wyoming | $69,740 |
What Tools & Technology do Sustainability Specialists Use?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Sustainability Specialists:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- JavaScript
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Outlook
- Web browser software
- Microsoft Access
- Word processing software
- Microsoft Project
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Adobe Systems Adobe Acrobat
- Microsoft SharePoint
- Microsoft Visio
- Adobe Systems Adobe Photoshop
- Structured query language SQL
- Microsoft Publisher
- Adobe Systems Adobe Illustrator
- Extensible markup language XML
- Adobe Systems Adobe InDesign
Becoming a Sustainability Specialist
Individuals working as a Sustainability Specialist have obtained the following education levels:

How Long Does it Take to Become a Sustainability Specialist?

Where Sustainability Specialists Work

Below are examples of industries where Sustainability Specialists work:

References:
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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