Overview

A sustainability specialist is responsible for helping companies and organization on the execution of sustainability strategies. In agriculture, this might include making recommendations on waste management, soil health, green building practices or improving the efficiency of production practices. They are responsible for planning, tracking and implementing sustainability programs.

What responsibilities will I have?

• Develop objectives and strategies to improve the sustainability of farms and agriculture and food businesses
• Have a strong understanding of sustainability practices related to water, soil health, climate change and biodiversity
• Examine companies to identify potential opportunities to improve sustainability
• Write grant applications and proposals to secure funding for sustainability projects
• Help with scaling up sustainability efforts
• Track sustainability strategies’ financial efficiency
• Identify outside companies to partner with who are committed to furthering green initiatives
• Audit companies and make recommendations to improve sustainability efforts
• Understand factory production processes and make sustainability recommendations based on understanding
• Ensure that companies are following municipal, state and federal environmental regulations
• Liaise with government officials, legal advisors and internal and external legal auditors
• Develop reports and presentations to communicate the effectiveness of sustainability initiatives
• Work with community partners to create campaigns that serve communities
• Collect and analyze data related to sustainability practices to inform decision-makers

What education and training is required?

An associate or bachelor's degree in agribusiness, social science, environmental studies, environmental engineering, climatology, law or a related field is required to be a sustainability specialist. A master’s degree may be required for outside consulting firms.

To pursue a career as a Sustainability Specialist :

The following high school courses are recommended: agricultural education, environmental science, biology, earth science, chemistry, business and mathematics.

Where can I work?

Sustainability specialists most often work for medium- to large-scale agricultural and food companies and manufacturers. They may also work for consulting firms, municipal, state or federal governments, retail corporations and environmental organizations.

Future Job Market / Outlook

Good

Suggested Professional Organizations and Associations

• Committee for Sustainable Agriculture
• Institute of Environmental Sciences and Technology
• National Association of Environmental Professionals
• State and regional sustainability and environmental groups