Top 15 Remote Sustainability Jobs You Can Apply Today

There has been a rapid increase in the need for a diversity of business roles today because of the growing need to conserve the environment. Furthermore, the lack of need to come into the office has also increased the market for remote jobs. As a result, there is no longer a need to compromise on either life or work. An increasing amount of companies are accepting the fact that sustainability problems are multifaceted and so are the solutions. Because of this, there has been remote work in this field.

A report by Global Sustainability Jobs Network states that there has been an increase of 65% in remote work and sustainability jobs since the year 2020, enabling citizens around the globe to make a difference from wherever they are.

Remote work in sustainability isn't just a trend—it's a reflection of the values driving this sector, Companies that prioritize environmental health are often the same ones recognizing the reduced carbon footprint of remote work arrangements; says Maria Rodriguez, Director of Talent Acquisition at Climate Solutions International.

Let's explore 15 remote sustainability positions that are in high demand right now, the qualifications you'll need, and how to stand out in this growing field.

1. Sustainability Consultant

Sustainability consultants typically work for numerous clients at a time and aid in the formulation and execution of the organization’s environmental strategies. They are able to accomplish reporting on operations, suggesting changes, and developing sustainability strategies from the comfort of their own homes, and for that reason are referred to as remote professionals.

Global SustainabilityJobs List suggests that consultants in this field are within the most difficult to find candidates for employment to within the wide variety of remote work possibilities, since most often their pay is positioned within the region of $60,000 to $150,000 depending on years of expertise and the exact features of this biosphere.

Essential Qualifications:

• Bachelor's or master's degree in environmental science, sustainability, or a related discipline
• 3 – 5 years of professional practice
• Expert in analytical work and interpersonal communication
• familiarity with sustainability frameworks GRI, SASB, etc.
• possesses knowledge in project management

2. ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) Analyst

An ESG analyst is responsible for evaluating companies according to the purchased and sold goods and services according to the criteria of other stakeholders within environment, society and governance. It is an integral part of any firm that deals in the stock market and develops investment strategies for the firm’s leadership as outlined the reports, evaluation of corresponding parameters and formulating propositions on what actions need to take about the company and its current state relative to what the competition is doing. They actively work when there is a need to conduct a deep dive analysis of trends, prepare documents to be submitted to directors or go to committee meetings.

The shift to remote work has actually expanded the talent pool for ESG analysis, We're now able to hire the best analysts regardless of geography; which is crucial given the global nature of ESG standards; says James Chen, Head of Sustainability at Global Invest

Essential Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, economics, environmental studies, or business.  
• Comprehension of ESG reporting structures.  
• Experience in data analysis.  
• Research abilities.  
• Understanding of finance.  

3. Specialist in Carbon Footprint  

A carbon footprint specialist measures and analyzes an organization’s greenhouse gas emissions and plans strategies to minimize them. This very skilled and technical occupation is usually done remotely as the work encompasses a lot of data analysis, modeling, and writing reports.  

The Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) estimates that the need for remote employees specializing in carbon accounting has grown by 78% in the last two years.  

Essential Qualifications:    

• Degree in environmental science, engineering, or other relevant fields.    
• Working experience in carbon accounting.    
• Knowledge of GHG protocol.    
• Analytical capabilities.    
• Certification in carbon management is prefferred.  

4. Manager in Sustainable Supply Chains  

They specialize in transforming logistic processes in a manner that minimizes negative environmental consequences while achieving intended goals. They work remotely to liaise with different suppliers, perform complex analyses, and make sustainable procurement decisions.  

According to the Sustainable Supply Chain Foundation, 62% of large companies currently have employees who specialize in remote supply chain sustainability.

Essential Qualifications:

• Logistics or supply chain management education
• Ability to conduct lifecycle assessments
• History of working with suppliers
• Familiarity with sustainable materials and processes
• Able to manage a project

5. Remote Energy Analyst

As an energy analyst, you aid an organization in lessening energy use, using renewables, and making other changes to improve efficiency. This remote job in sustainability includes working with data models, analyzing policies, and suggesting new technologies to meet business needs.

Essential Qualifications:

• An engineering degree or education in energy management or similar discipline
• Working knowledge with energy modeling tools
• Understanding of various forms of renewable energy
• Ability to perform analysis and research
• Familiarity with policy related to energy and its incentives

6. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Manager

CSR managers design and execute strategies and programs in socially responsible company activities for the social and environmental facets of the business’ operations. Specialists in remote CSR work with other employees and stakeholders and evaluate effects of the program using online collaborative tools.

The Corporate Responsibility Association cites that CSRs have become the norm in many Fortune 500 firms.

Essential Qualifications:  

• Certificate in business, communications, or sustainability  
• Relevant experience in program management  
• Ability to manage stakeholders  
• Knowledge in sustainability reporting  
• Excellent communication and writing skills.  

7. Climate Change Policy Analyst  

These analysts formulate and conduct policy-oriented research for mitigation and adaptation policies for climate change. This role is best served remotely because it is mainly research and writing with some stakeholder consultation.

According to Climate Policy Watch, 70% of policy analysis positions now feature fully remote or hybrid work.

Essential Qualifications:  

• Graduates degree in environmental policy, law, or similar disciplines  
• Professional experience in policy analysis  
• Thorough understanding of climate science  
• Ability to do research  
• Familiarity with international climate treaties and agreements.

8. Sustainable Marketing Specialist

These specialists create and execute marketing plans directed towards sustainability efforts and environmentally friendly goods. These renewable jobs in environmental marketing require a blend of creativity and sustainability, which can all be done from home.

Essential Qualifications:

• Experience in Marketing
• Knowledge of Sustainability
• Skills in Content Development
• Understanding of Greenwashing
• Experience in Digital Marketing

9. Environmental grant writers

These Guys develop proposals aimed at acquiring funding for various projects and initiatives of sustainability. This job requires extensive writing and comes with a lot of freedom as it helps professionals support multiple organizations regardless of location.

According to the Environmental Grantmakers Association, this is why nonprofit organizations are looking for grant writers to help them expand funding regions could rely on a higher number of remote grant writers.

Essential Qualifications:

• Ability to write articulate documents
• Knowledge of Sustainability
• Experience writing Grant Proposals
• Ability to conduct thorough research
• Understanding of Non-profit Organizations

10. Sustainable Product Designer

Designers that focus on sustainability integrate principles of circular economy and lifecycle thinking into the design of eco-friendly products. With modern design software, these professionals can now collaborate with their manufacturing project teams remotely.

Essential Qualification:

• Design education
• Knowledge on sustainable materials
• Experience with lifecycle assessment
• Proficiency in design software
• Understanding of circular economy principles

The shift to remote work has been monumental for professionals in sustainability, now we can serve customers all over the world while decreasing our carbon footprint from commuting and office work. - Jennifer Holmgren, CEO of LanzaTech, a carbon recycling company.

11. Environmental Compliance Specialist

One of the most essential aspects of this role is monitoring regulatory standards. The environmental compliance specialist focuses on regulatory adherence. This position is defined as remote sustainability because it entails careful monitoring of regulatory shifts, conducting assessments, and documentation.

A recent analysis from Environmental Compliance Insider showed that 58% of participants in compliance roles claimed to exercise a mix of remote and in-person work.

Essential Qualification :

• Legal background or environmental science degree.
• Knowledge on relevant environmental policies.
• Detail oriented
• Documenting skills
• Experience with auditing (preferred)

12. Remote Environmental Educator

Environmental educators develop and deliver training programs on topics of sustainability. The use of virtual teaching aids had made it possible for these educators to reach audiences at the other side of the globe from the the comfort of their home offices.

Essential Qualifications:  

• Specialization in environmental science or education
• Practical experience in teaching or training
• Skills in development and design of curricula
• Working knowledge of computers and the internet
• Good communication and presentation skills

13. Sustainability Report Writer

These specialists prepare detailed reports on sustainability for an organization to be able to communicate the environmental and social investments of the organization to its stakeholders. This writer-centered position can be done fully remote.

The Sustainability Accounting Standards Board states that the number of people working remotely while doing the work of a sustainability reporter has increased two-fold over the last three years.

Essential Qualifications:  

• Exceptional command of a written language
• Familiarity with reporting standards (GRI, SASB, TCFD)
• Ability to make sense of numeric data
• Experience in dealing with the interested parties
• Aesthetic sensibility

14. Remote Environmental Data Scientist  

In order to address issues of sustainability, an environmental data scientist must transform extensive information into understandable relationships. This technical position relies more on required computer software and information, rather than one's physical presence.

Essential Qualifications:

• Educational qualifications in data science, statistics, or a related field.
• Ability to perform in Programming Languages (Python, R)
• Ability to interpret and analyze environmental datasets.
• Ability to illustrate or draw images.
• Knowledge as a subject expert in environmental science.

15. Corporate Net Zero Strategist

These strategists meticulously design a roadmap to bring organizations to a carbon neutral state by carefully managing emissions. This novel position entails working remotely, analyzing emissions, establishing goals, and designing roadmaps in addition to other tasks.

Essential Qualifications:

• Sustainability, business or any related field with an emphasis on an advanced degree
• Knowledge of carbon accounting
• Previous experience with strategic planning
• Ability to comprehend climate science
• Familiarity with renewable energy issues and carbon offsetting

Companies that embrace remote sustainability teams often see unexpected benefits, beyond environmental impact. Our distributed workforce brings diverse perspectives to sustainability challenges; reflecting the global nature of climate solutions. - Paul Polman, former CEO of Unilever and Co-founder of IMAGINE, a sustainability foundation

How to Land Remote Sustainability Jobs?

To access remote opportunities in sustainability, you will need to do some strategizing. Here are some steps to help you get started:

1. Acquire relevant competencies: Develop skills in an aspect of sustainability that is likely to give you the most competitive advantage.
2. Develop remote work competencies: Show mastery in collaboration without the need to meet physically, time management, and communication.
3. Collect all relevant certifications: Put yourself ahead of other candidates by obtaining certifications such as LEED Green Associate, GRI Certified Sustainability Professional, or other carbon accounting certifications.
4. Develop a portfolio: A portfolio is a concise document that describes your impact with case studies and measurable results from provided projects.
5. Socialize remotely: Engage in sustainability forums, attend online conferences, and reach out to employees in the companies that interest you.
6. Search for niche job websites: Do not limit yourself to generic employment websites. Use the Global SustainabilityJobs List, which focuses on remote positions in the environmental sector.
7. Configure alerts for specific positions: Set reminders for new announcements that include phrases such as “sustainability analyst” or “environmental specialist” to receive notifications as soon as new positions are posted.
8. Build your brand: Search for and obtain a professional headshot that shows you with a neutral facial expression or a smile. Update your online presence by ensuring your LinkedIn and portfolio showcase both your professional sustainability experience and ability to work remotely.
9. Know the job requirements: Create unique resumes and cover letters for every vacancy you apply to. Make sure you incorporate the most significant skills, experiences, and achievements related to their position that justify your application.
10. Anticipate the interview: Prepare to explain on the phone or during a video call how your work contributed to sustainability practices in your previous firms while showcasing your skills in digital communication.
11. Illustrate expertise in remote work: Include in your CV or resume the use of collaborative digital tools, project management applications, and communicational tools that are characteristic of the remote work environment in sustainability professions.
12. Continue the conversation on remote employment: After an interview, send messages that reflect your appreciation for being considered and reiterate your passion and ability to engage in the sustainability efforts of the organization.

Suggested Read:

• 15 Tips to Write a Standout Resume for Sustainability Jobs
• Top 15 Online Courses & Certifications for Environmental Careers

Remote Sustainability Job Market Outlook

Merging remote work and sustainability results in one of the most promising employment trends of the last decade. According to the International Labor Organization, remote work alone is expected to grow at an even higher rate, with the number of jobs centered around sustainability growing by 24% within five years.

Several different factors contribute to this increase:

• Reduction of carbon emissions and ESG performance
• Growing interest of the investors in sustainability metrics
• Increased consumer demand for sustainable goods and services
• Climate and other regulations internationally
• Understanding that it exists work in sustainability beyond geographic regions

Suggested Read: 20 Best Sustainability Companies to Work For and Why

Conclusion

These positions offer the freedom to work from anywhere as well as the opportunity to make a positive impact on the environment. Therefore, the move towards remote work comes with a lot of responsibility. These opportunities vary from analyzing carbon footprints to designing sustainable products. Recently, there has been a boom in demand for these positions. If you are a newcomer in the field of sustainability or an experienced worker in this field trying to shift to remote work, now is a great time to seize these opportunities.

By developing specialized knowledge; building your virtual collaboration skills, and strategically networking, you can find rewarding work that aligns with both your environmental values and lifestyle needs.

Are you ready to explore remote sustainability positions?