Inside the boom: What it’s like to be in a green job

If you’re looking for a sector that’s growing in importance, you can’t go past environmental roles.

The green economy is booming, with LinkedIn's Global Green Skills Report 2022 showing that green talent in the workforce worldwide increased from 9.6% in 2015 to 13.3% in 2021 — a growth rate of 38.5%. In Australia meanwhile, there is a boom in environmental, social and governance (ESG) roles within corporate firms.

Jobs data can tell us the sectors experiencing a surge in roles, but what does it actually feel like for those wearing the boots, or suits? I asked people working in green roles across Australia and New Zealand to share their experiences, and for many, it has been less of a boom, and more of a gradual change. ?

Stephen D'Agata says he became an engineer, “when we had just started weaning ourselves from the idea that the environment could be tamed to satisfy our needs”.

“Recent Australian floods have shown us that rivers and creeks, for example, can be constrained to a point, but never tamed.

"Now, I am pleased to be working with engineers who understand that we need to work with the environment. Sustainability is not just a buzzword, but a guide for engineering robust solutions that will stand the test of time."

“So call it being green if you will. But I call it being sensible.”

Ben Cotton had a similar experience at the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads over the past 12 years, saying, “I have seen a progression of meeting minimum compliance (It's the law — you have to do it) to a growing organisation that influences the market.”

Dr Holly Kaye-Smith PhD says she was a PhD candidate 10 years ago and, "There was less interest in how we communicated sustainability problems and strategies for change."

"But in recent years, I have worked with educators, councils, startup businesses and big businesses who have sought my expertise because they recognise the importance of an empowering communication and education strategy to enable that change.”

“I'm aware my example is a small cog in a huge change-making machine, but it is progress all the same.”

Graham Agar says there can be a 'stealthy' component to persuading people to be greener so those working in the field need to be strong communicators.

“Our role continues to be sustainability by stealth, aiming to help others to deliver better performance by identifying opportunities and doing the leg work. I look forward to when this role is not needed.”

While many traditional roles have developed a green element, other new roles have been appearing. Cherie Pugh says she was hungry to work in environmentally conscious roles.

“I have slowly transitioned into more and more ‘green’ roles through choice but has meant a lot of job changes in a short period of time,” she says.

“I feel that with all of the goals the government is making in regards to sustainability and net zero, green roles will become more and more important in business. Smaller organisations will rely on consultants while larger multinationals will have in-house staff.”

Pugh’s advice to anyone looking at getting into a sustainability role is to educate yourself about net zero and carbon credit goals.

On the topic of advice, energy tech worker Murray Hogarth says, “I always advise people who get the 'sustainability bug' not to give up their day jobs too quickly, but to go for it if they can combine purpose and paying the bills.”

Derek Teichmann agrees it may be a rewarding industry, but not a uniformly wealthy one.

“I have dedicated my life to a path of environmentally sustainable living solutions, I qualified as an engineer and then set myself to research work in recycling and alternative energy and now work as a green builder,” he says. "I never focused on profit and have remained poor my whole life.”

Have you been bitten by the sustainability bug? Do you want to work for an organisation that takes a stand for environmental issues? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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