Sustainability Consultant

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Conservation Officer [Landcare]
Conservation Worker
Natural Resource Manager
Sustainability Manager

Organisations in many industries may employ sustainable consultants to improve their practices. Sustainable consultants may be in demand as the world becomes more eco-conscious. A sustainable consultant is a professional who advises clients on sustainable strategies. Sustainable consultants may have government or commercial business clients. These organisations contract sustainable consultants to become more eco-friendly and efficient. Satisfied clients may build long-term relationships with sustainable consultants and use them regularly to become greener over time. Future Growth Very Strong

A sustainability consultant advises corporations and individuals on how to produce environmentally sustainable strategies, or how to reduce their carbon footprint.

ANZSCO ID: 234312

Specialisations: Government or Private Practice

Alternative names: Sustainable Consultant; Environmental Consultant

Knowledge, skills and attributes

Sustainability consultants use technical skills to get the best results for their clients. Their strong soft skills help them form positive relationships with clients. Developing the following skills can help you succeed as a sustainable consultant:

Environmental and business sector knowledge
Sustainable consultants understand the procedures and legislation that impacts their clients. Their understanding of building codes and environmental standards helps them provide accurate advice to their clients. It also ensures that any changes their clients make meet local laws and standards.
Environmental testing
Sustainable consultants feel comfortable testing environmental factors, such as soil, water and air quality. Their technical proficiency in environmental testing makes sure their results are accurate. They also understand what their tests reveal about the business environment.
Interpersonal skills
Sustainable consultants use their strong interpersonal skills to attract and connect with clients. They are friendly people who know how to establish common ground with the stakeholders they meet. The bonds they form help clients trust sustainable consultants and their advice. Sustainable consultants with good interpersonal skills may also get repeat business and recommendations that can expand their client base.
Customer service
Successful sustainable consultants put their clients first. They focus on getting the best results for their clients and helping them meet or exceed their sustainability targets. Many sustainable consultants offer support after sustainability projects end. Their focus on customer service can also encourage client loyalty and positive referrals.
Written and verbal communication skills
Sustainable consultants usually know more about sustainability markers and environmental impact than their clients. They use their communication skills to simplify complex concepts for their clients. The most successful sustainable consultants communicate clearly when they speak to stakeholders and write reports. They are also engaging speakers and writers who inspire others to share their vision and passion for sustainability. Their listening skills help them understand their clients' goals and limitations.
Teamwork
Sustainable consultants become part of their clients' teams during their contracts. Strong teamwork skills help them quickly form connections with other team members. They work cohesively with the teams to achieve sustainability goals.
Self-management
While sustainable consultants spend time working in teams, they also often work alone. Sustainable consultants with strong self-management skills can stay motivated with periodic management and team interaction. They set personal goals and feel driven to complete them. Self-employed sustainable consultants rely on their self-management skills to secure new clients and minimise downtime between projects.
Project management
Clients employ sustainable consultants because they are experts in sustainability, an area where they have little experience. While developing sustainability projects is often a collaborative process, sustainability consultants take the lead role. Their project management skills help them set targets, delegate tasks, supervise team members and deliver projects on time and on budget.
Time management
Clients contract sustainable consultants for a set period. Sustainable consultants rely on their time management skills to achieve their clients' sustainability goals by the end of their contracts. Good time management ensures they can focus adequately on each task and work at a steady pace to meet their deadlines.
Problem-solving
Helping a business become more sustainable while still achieving its financial targets requires keen problem-solving skills. Sustainability consultants use their problem-solving skills to devise the right sustainable strategies for each client. They gather and analyse information about their clients. Their research informs the solutions they develop.

Leaf
(Source: Business First Family)

Duties and Tasks

Sustainable consultants assess their clients' practices and suggest ways they can reduce their impact on the planet. They give informed, customised advice which balances their client's responsibilities to the environment and stakeholders. They work closely with management teams to develop and implement sustainable plans. Their duties may vary depending on the scope of the services they offer and the needs of their clients. Common duties for sustainable consultants include:

assessing clients' current practices, goals and limitations
evaluating clients' environmental impact, including energy and water use, waste production and disposal and carbon footprint
collecting and analysing data related to client sustainability and reporting findings to stakeholders
proposing achievable sustainability strategies that fit within each client's budget and official requirements
developing sustainability plans in consultation with clients
helping client's put sustainable strategies, such as recycling programs or adoption of solar power, in place
teaching stakeholders and client employees about sustainability and the environment
providing ongoing support to clients
researching new sustainability solutions and relevant legislation changes

Working conditions

For the most part, sustainability consultants work within offices, in safe or standard conditions. However, a significant amount of travel can be involved, and there will be occasional projects which will involve some work out in ‘the field’. Attendant risks and skills must be assessed and discussed prior to the acceptance of contracts.

Tools and technologies

Environmental consultants primarily use computers to complete their tasks. They use specialised software programmes such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology. Out in the field they may also use sampling and testing equipment, and surveying and measuring equipment. They will work with maps, GPS and a range of scientific data collection tools.

Did You Know?

There is a job called: "Restaurant Sustainability Consultant"!

What do you think this job entails....?

(Source: Career Bright)

Education and training/entrance requirements

Sustainable consultants are usually university-educated professionals with knowledge and experience in environmental science.

Here are the steps most people take to become sustainable consultants:

1. Complete year 12 with prerequisite subjects, or the equivalent
Graduating high school at the end of year 12 is the easiest way to qualify for university. Many relevant degrees have prerequisite subjects, including English, maths, physics and chemistry. Studying these subjects in years 11 and 12 gives you the basic knowledge to help you transition to university. Different courses have different prerequisites, so it's a good idea to contact your preferred university and check the requirements before choosing your senior subjects. Ensure your senior study program has enough units to give you an Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) with your secondary school certificate.

If you leave school before completing year 12 or your ATAR is lower than expected, additional study at TAFE can help you enter university. The Certificate IV in Tertiary Preparation can help you qualify for a bachelor's degree.

2. Get a bachelor's degree in environmental science
A bachelor's degree in environmental science is the most common qualification for sustainability consultants. Common degree programs include a Bachelor of Environmental Science, Bachelor of Environmental Science and Management and Bachelor of Environmental Science (Environmental Management and Sustainability). An environmental science degree teaches you about environmental processes, how societies interact with their environments and how society can minimise its impact on the planet.

Bachelor's degree programs typically involve three years of full-time study or the equivalent part-time hours. Fieldwork and professional work experience placements complement classroom instructions. Some universities offer online study options.

3. Volunteer in the environmental sector
Many sustainability projects and environmental charities accept volunteers. Spending time with these organisations is a great way to gain more experience while you're studying. Focus on learning as many new skills and networking with sustainability experts during your time volunteering.

4. Get paid experience in the environmental industry
Apply for entry-level roles with businesses focused on the environment, ecology and sustainability. Becoming a graduate or junior sustainability consultant is the ideal way to start your paid career. Any role in this sector can teach you transferrable skills. Volunteer for new opportunities and take part in developmental programs to advance in your career.

5. Get accreditation from leading environmental organisation
Getting accreditation from leading environmental groups can set you apart from other sustainable consultants. Accreditation also confirms your knowledge of well-regarded organisations in the environmental sector. Greenstar, National Australian Built Environment Rating System (NABERS) and WELL accreditation are valuable for sustainable consultants in Australia.

6. Apply for sustainable consultant roles
After five or more years in the environmental industry, you may feel confident applying for sustainability consulting roles. You may apply for roles with a business or sustainable consulting firm or decide to freelance and find your own clients. Highlight your notable achievements to separate your job application from other candidates.

Employment Opportunities

Governments across the world now consult and contract development and legislation work to expert sustainability consultants within the relevant field.

Many management or business consultancies now exist, employing anything from two or three to hundreds of consultants within the field. Most of these can be found online, as one of the attractive qualities of the sustainability sector is its modernity.

Sustainability Managers work to create enduring communities that have a positive environmental, economical and social impact. Future Growth Strong Sustainability managers develop, implement and monitor organisational environmental strategies and performance.

ANZSCO ID: 2326

Alternative names: Sustainability officer,

Specialisations: Corporate environmental and sustainability management; Environment and governance; Environmental security; International development and environment; Leadership for sustainable development

Knowledge, skills and attributes

strong organisational and project management skills
able to work well in a team
able to think strategically
a strong interest in the environment and communities
excellent verbal communication and influencing skills
creative thinking and problem-solving skills
excellent numeracy and literacy skills
knowledge of relevant environmental legislation, policy and guidlines
project management and budgeting skills
a strong awareness of health and safety.

Sustainability Manager
(Source: Study International)

Duties and Tasks

Sustainability officers may perform the following tasks:

prepare grants and partnership proposals
assess a city or business's programmes to determine their environmental impact, and make recommendations to avoid or lessen impacts
investigate, recommend and implement renewable energy, water conservation, waste and recycling and other environmental management programmes
provide information to the public about environmentally sustainable methods and projects
represent organisations in public forums
strategically advocate for sustainable approaches to projects
develop sustainability programmes
measure and improve the sustainability performance of the company in which you work
use environmental impact assessments to measure things such as carbon footprint, energy performance, air quality, or noise pollution
plan and recommend ways to minimise that impact
develop solutions that take into account the often conflicting needs of people, the environment, development and successful business
collect and analyse data, write reports and making recommendations
provide advice on meeting regulations laid out in environmental law
explain the most cost-effective and beneficial routes to sustainability, such as switching to alternative energy sources, smarter water usage, or reducing waste.

Working conditions

Sustainability officers may work indoors, or visit sites relevant to an environmental management programme. Most sustainability managers work full time. Some work as consultants so may need to work hours that suit their clients.

You would usually work in an office, but may need to travel to work sites, such as construction sites, or to other offices within a company to undertake assessments and deliver presentations and workshops. You could work in many industries, but most roles are in the construction and engineering sectors. You may also work in companies involved in residential development, energy and water utilities and waste management, government agencies and departments, specialist sustainability consultancies or large employers such as universities and major corporations.

Education and training/entrance requirements

To become a sustainability manager you usually have to complete a specialist degree in sustainability, or a degree in a related area such as civil engineering, construction management, environmental science, management, geography or urban planning. Alternatively, you can complete a degree in a relevant field, followed by a postgraduate qualification in energy, sustainability or environmental management. To get into the degree courses you usually need to gain your HSC/ACT Year 12. Prerequisite subjects, or assumed knowledge, in one or more of English and mathematics are normally required.

As this is a relatively new area, sustainability managers come from many backgrounds; however, most have a degree.

Most universities in Australia offer these degrees. Entry to postgraduate courses usually requires completion of an appropriate bachelor degree. Universities have different prerequisites and some have flexible entry requirements.

Employment Opportunities

Opportunities exist within state and federal government departments, city councils, universities and private organisations.

Conservation Officer develops and implements programs and regulations for the protection of fish, wildlife and other natural resources. Landcare facilitators support Landcare and environmental volunteer groups and networks within a given geographic area to build capacity and resilience and to undertake works for the protection, enhancement and restoration of our land and natural environment.

High salinity levels and trees affected by diseases such as dieback, are just two of the problems affecting our natural environment. Landcare officers identify these and other environmental problems and find ways to control them. Future Growth Strong

ANZSCO ID: 234311

Alternative names: Landcare Facilitator, Landcare Officer,

Knowledge, skills and attributes

Sound knowledge and understanding of the issues related to Landcare and social change as part of a broader understanding of natural systems, ecological processes, land management and social capacity
Well-developed skills in integrated natural resource management and a sound knowledge of
Regional, State and Australian Government policies relating to Landcare
Demonstrated skills and experience in community capacity building and facilitation.
An understanding of Land Management agencies/organisations
Demonstrated report writing ability

Conservation Officer
(Source: UWA)

Duties and Tasks

These environmental advocates are responsible for land in a specific catchment area, and it's important for them to network with people from all parts of the catchment. Some of their more common tasks involve helping landcare groups to get started by accessing relevant information for them. They also assist individuals or groups in the community to make decisions about preventing and controlling land and water degradation. In addition, they regularly monitor the local environment by observing water tables, rivers and soils and making the results known to the community. Community groups with an active interest in taking care of bushland, can also seek the assistance of community landcare officers in activities such as seed collection and bush regeneration.

The majority of their time is spent planning and managing re-vegetation activities from the office. They also liaise regularly with the local council, community members, government departments and tourist bureau. They are also involved in coordinating the Junior Landcare Program, which includes a variety of activities such as 'bush walks,' where the school children learn about the local flora and its importance to the environment. A lot of a landcare officer's job involves public education and promotion such as encouraging residents to plant local native species in their gardens and producing a seasonal newsletter and information pamphlets on a variety of projects and issues.

evaluating habitat, wildlife and fisheries needs, and formulating shortand long-term management goals and objectives
enforcing laws and regulations to conserve and protect fish and wildlife
carrying out environmental impact assessments for a wide range of development projects
proposing solutions to address negative environmental impact
studying the effects of factors, such as terrain, altitude, climatic and environmental change, sources of nutrition, predators and the impacts of humans, on animal and plant life
studying and analysing pollution, atmospheric conditions, demographic characteristics, ecology, mineral, soil and water samples
developing conservation and management policies for biological resources, such as fish populations and forests, and establishing standards and developing approaches for the control of pollution and the rehabilitation of areas disturbed by activities such as mining, timber felling and overgrazing
implementing policies and organising activities in designated parks and other areas to conserve and protect natural and cultural heritage
participating in management planning by providing environmental information and making inventories of plants, animals and items of cultural and heritage significance

Working conditions

It is expected that each Landcare facilitator position will support around 5 to 12 groups* (and 1 to 2 networks if applicable), noting that the number of groups to be supported will depend on factors
such as the:
• geographic area of the groups/networks to be supported
• needs of each group/network
• number of group/network members/landholders
• level of activity of the groups/networks
• level of funding requested

*A group includes Landcare and environmental volunteer groups/networks whose focus is undertaking on ground natural resource management works.

Landcare Logo
(Source: NSW Landcare Gateway)

Tools and technologies

Sound level of computer literacy and Microsoft Office suite of programs
Understanding of the use and application of GIS

Education and training/entrance requirements

Diploma of Conservation and Ecosystem Management. Pathways include the Certificate II and III in Conservation and Ecosystem Management.

Employment Opportunities

This occupational group is still small and people in this line of work tend to remain in their positions for a long time. But, as people become increasingly aware of environmental issues and the importance of preventing land degradation and water pollution, employment prospects are likely to further improve.

Their job is to assist communities in agricultural areas to realise their landcare goals and work toward achieving them through the coordinated use of community resources, such as donated trees from the local nursery for landcare activities. The first important step for these officers is to raise community awareness of environmental issues and to encourage the community to contribute ideas and possible solutions. They also encourage the community to actively participate in land rehabilitation exercises, such as tree planting.

Conservation workers do practical and manual tasks to revive and regenerate native bushland and farmland. Future Growth Strong

Landcare workers perform a range of tasks to maintain and restore native bushland and farmland.

Landcare workers frequently use herbicides and equipment to prune trees and remove debris.

ANZSCO ID: 234311

Alternative names: Landcare worker, Bushcare worker

Specialisations:

Bushland Regenerator - aims to restore disrupted native bushland as close as possible to its original, undisturbed state.
Environmental Field Officer - applies appropriate control measures to assist in protecting and minimising the harmful effects of human activity on the environment.

Knowledge, skills and attributes

To become a conservation worker, you would need:

a passion for conservation
physical stamina
a thorough knowledge of native plants and wildlife
interested in the preservation of natural bushland
good attention to detail
teamwork skills

Conservation Officer

Duties and Tasks

As a conservation worker, you would:

remove weeds or other unwanted vegetation from native bushland
use herbicides to kill weeds
collect and propagate seeds of native plants
replant areas that need regeneration
collect botanical and environmental data
build and maintain access and public facilities in bushland
map vegetation
follow eradication programs for animal pests (for example: rabbits)
maintain equipment used in bushland regeneration.
construct and maintain tracks and facilities in bushland
apply control measures to combat salinity
enforce laws and regulations to conserve and protect fish and wildlife.
evaluate habitat, wildlife and fisheries needs, and formulates short and long-term management goals and objectives

Working conditions

As a conservation worker you would work a standard number of hours per week. Part-time or flexible working hours may be available. You would be outdoors in all types of weather. This role is physically demanding and would require you to be very active. You would be using chemicals and herbicides. This role may not suit someone with allergies. Much of the work is fairly strenuous and involves a lot of bending and working at ground level. This is an outdoor job and workers are exposed to the elements.

Tools and technologies

Chemical and herbicide sprayers.

Education and training/entrance requirements

You can work as a conservation worker without formal qualifications. You would get some training on the job. Your employment prospects may be improved if you have a VET qualification in conservation and land management.

You can also become a conservation worker through a traineeship in Conservation and Land Management. Generally, employers require a junior secondary school certificate or equivalent. Once you are employed, you may be able to develop, and have recognised, additional skills under the Agriculture, Horticulture and Conservation and Land Management Training Package that will expand your career opportunities within this industry.

You usually need a bachelor degree in a relevant field to work as a Conservation Officer. Some workers have a Vocational Education and Training (VET) qualification.

Employment Opportunities

Landcare workers are employed by state, territory and local governments, private organisations and mining companies.

Job opportunities are expanding with greater awareness of environmental issues. With experience, and sometimes further training, landcare workers may progress to more senior or specialised roles, such as technical officer, project officer and project manager.

Revegetation
(Source: Atlas of Living Australia)

Natural resource managers develop conservation plans for nature reserves, land and other natural resources, so that people can use these resources in an ecologically sustainable way. Natural resource managers specialising in water and soil resources may apply their skills to several areas. These include irrigated agriculture, drainage, water supply, water catchment management, pollution control and rehabilitation after mining activities.

Natural resource managers specialising in land and biological resources work in agencies where they can apply ecological and planning principles to the management of renewable resources such as forests, grasslands and agricultural landscapes. Future Growth Strong

ANZSCO ID: 2343

Knowledge, skills and attributes

interested in conservation and management of the environment
aptitude for science
good oral and written communication skills
able to work indoors and outdoors
patient and able to persevere
good project management skills

Natural Resource Management Program - Kimberley
(Source: Kimberley Development Commission)

Duties and Tasks

Natural resource managers may perform the following tasks:

assess techniques for flora and fauna conservation
monitor components of the environment, such as soil, water and air
develop practical solutions for environmental management and rehabilitation
develop techniques to ensure the development and use of vital land and water resources is ecologically sustainable
undertake plant and animal pest management
undertake bush regeneration activities
work with land managers to improve biodiversity on private lands
organise geological, plant and animal research
undertake laboratory work
develop resource management policy
work with government and environmental groups
run community education programmes

Working conditions

Natural resource managers are employed in the areas of catchment management, land care, recreation, research, soil conservation and wildlife management. They work in universities, the minerals industry, environmental organisations and government agencies that manage community-owned land (such as conservation parks, forest or local government reserves and Crown land).With greater community concern about environmental issues and increased demand for government accountability, resource management is a growing field. However, competition for entry level positions is very high. Gaining practical experience in conservation and land management is recommended.

Education and training/entrance requirements

To become a natural resource manager you usually have to complete a VOC qualification in conservation and land management. As subjects and prerequisites can vary between institutions, you should contact your chosen institution for further information.

Entry to this occupation may be improved if you have a degree in environmental management, environmental science, sustainability or wildlife and conservation biology. To get into these courses you usually need to gain your HSC/ACT Year 12. Prerequisite subjects, or assumed knowledge, in one or more of English, physics, chemistry, earth and environmental science, biology and mathematics are normally required.

A number of universities in Australia offer degrees in these areas.

Universities have different prerequisites and some have flexible entry requirements or offer external study.

Employment Opportunities

Natural resource managers are employed in the areas of catchment management, land care, recreation, research, soil conservation and wildlife management. They work in universities, the minerals industry, environmental organisations and government agencies that manage community-owned land (such as conservation parks, forest or local government reserves and Crown land).

With greater community concern about environmental issues and increased demand for government accountability, resource management is a growing field. However, competition for entry-level positions is very high. Gaining practical experience in conservation and land management is recommended.