Careers in environment, natural resources, and sustainability

Occupations in the Environment, Natural Resources & Sustainability career area relate to the research, analysis, planning, production, marketing, governance, preservation or advocacy of environmental services, agriculture, forestry, natural resource management, renewable energy. This career area is similar to the Green career cluster.

Job seekers with strong interests and passion have countless opportunities to explore. This career area encompasses a wide range of positions across industries including government, consulting firms, non-profits, corporations, research institutions, and academia. Entry-level positions can be found in areas such as environmental science, renewable energy, conservation, sustainable development, green technology, environmental policy, and corporate sustainability.

Environment, Natural Resources & Sustainability is an interdisciplinary career area. Occupations correlate with positions in other areas, especially Business, Government and International Affairs, Human and Community Services, Law and Research, and Scientific Research and Development.

This career area also has opportunities for people interested in working for a startup or creating their own business [link to 2.3.3.6 Social Entrepreneurship]. For example, job growth in the renewable energy sector is attributed to entrepreneurs and inventors who are creating new products and services.

Employers are seeking candidates with transferable skills like critical thinking, communication skills, data analysis, project management, and relationship building. Explore ways to gain these career readiness skills in the classroom, in extracurricular activity and in community activities.