Occupation AtlasSustainability Specialists
O*NET · 13-1199.05
Sustainability Specialists
Address organizational sustainability issues, such as waste stream management, green building practices, and green procurement plans.
Also called Building Performance Specialist · Campus Energy Coordinator · Energy Analyst · Energy and Sustainability Manager · Energy and Sustainability Strategic Advisor · Green Consultant · Integrated Solutions Consultant · Renewable Energy Consultant
14 more
Sustainability Advisor · Sustainability Analyst · Sustainability Champion · Sustainability Coach · Sustainability Consultant · Sustainability Coordinator · Sustainability Officer · Sustainability Project Analyst · Sustainability Specialist · Sustainable Business Operations Specialist · Sustainable Design Champion · Sustainable Design Consultant · Sustainable Design Coordinator · Water Project Manager
Job Zone
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Zone 4: Considerable Preparation Needed
Considerable preparation. Usually a bachelor's degree plus several years of work-related experience, knowledge, or training.
Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.
Occupational interest profile
IECInvestigative · Enterprising · Conventional — the three strongest interests, in order
- I Investigative5.20
- E Enterprising5.09
- C Conventional4.41
- S Social2.95
- A Artistic2.50
- R Realistic2.06
RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.
Education and experience
The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.
- Related work experience
- Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years (52%)
- On-site or in-plant training
- None (30%)
- On-the-job training
- Anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month (22%)
Typically associated skills
All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.
- Reading ComprehensionbasicImportance 4.0Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
- SpeakingbasicImportance 4.0Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
- WritingbasicImportance 4.0Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Write an email to staff outlining new directives
- Active ListeningbasicImportance 3.9Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
- Critical ThinkingbasicImportance 3.9Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
- Complex Problem SolvingImportance 3.6Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Redesign a floor layout to take advantage of new manufacturing techniques
- Judgment and Decision MakingImportance 3.6Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a loan application for degree of risk
- MonitoringbasicImportance 3.5Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Monitor a meeting and revise the agenda to ensure important topics are discussed
- Systems EvaluationImportance 3.3Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Identify the reasons why a client might be unhappy with a product
- CoordinationImportance 3.3Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Work with others to put a new roof on a house
- Active LearningbasicImportance 3.3Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Determine the impact of new menu changes on a restaurant's purchasing requirements
- PersuasionImportance 3.1Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Convince a supervisor to purchase new office equipment
Show the other 23
- Social PerceptivenessImportance 3.1Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Be aware of how a coworker's promotion will affect a work group
- Systems AnalysisImportance 3.1Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Determine how a new piece of equipment will affect production rates
- Learning StrategiesbasicImportance 3.1Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Identify an alternative approach to help trainees who are having difficulties
- InstructingImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Instruct a new employee in the use of a timekeeping system
- NegotiationImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
- Time ManagementImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
- Service OrientationImportance 2.9Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
- Management of Personnel ResourcesImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
- MathematicsbasicImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Count the amount of change to be given to a customer
- Operations AnalysisImportance 2.3Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Select a printer for an office
- SciencebasicImportance 2.3Level 1.8Level 2 looks like: Conduct standard tests to determine soil quality
- Quality Control AnalysisImportance 2.1Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Inspect a draft email for errors (e.g., grammar, punctuation)
- Operations MonitoringImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Monitor completion times while running a computer program
- Management of Financial ResourcesImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Use available funds to buy office supplies and record the amount of the purchase
- Management of Material ResourcesImportance 1.9Level 1.8Level 2 looks like: Reserve a room for a management meeting
- Technology DesignImportance 1.8Level 1.1Level 2 looks like: Adjust exercise equipment for use by a customer
- TroubleshootingImportance 1.8Level 0.8
- ProgrammingImportance 1.5Level 0.6
- Operation and ControlImportance 1.3Level —
- Equipment SelectionImportance 1.1Level —
- InstallationImportance 1.1Level —
- Equipment MaintenanceImportance 1.0Level —
- RepairingImportance 1.0Level —
Tasks
14 coreWhat people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).
- Develop sustainability project goals, objectives, initiatives, or strategies in collaboration with other sustainability professionals.Importance 4.4
- Monitor or track sustainability indicators, such as energy usage, natural resource usage, waste generation, and recycling.Importance 4.2
- Assess or propose sustainability initiatives, considering factors such as cost effectiveness, technical feasibility, and acceptance.Importance 4.1
- Review and revise sustainability proposals or policies.Importance 4.0
- Provide technical or administrative support for sustainability programs or issues.Importance 4.0
- Create or maintain plans or other documents related to sustainability projects.Importance 4.0
- Develop reports or presentations to communicate the effectiveness of sustainability initiatives.Importance 4.0
- Collect information about waste stream management or green building practices to inform decision makers.Importance 4.0
- Research or review regulatory, technical, or market issues related to sustainability.Importance 3.7
- Identify or investigate violations of natural resources, waste management, recycling, or other environmental policies.Importance 3.7
- Identify or create new sustainability indicators.Importance 3.6
- Identify or procure needed resources to implement sustainability programs or projects.Importance 3.4
Show the other 2
- Create marketing or outreach media, such as brochures or Web sites, to communicate sustainability issues, procedures, or objectives.Importance 3.4
- Write grant applications, rebate applications, or project proposals to secure funding for sustainability projects.Importance 3.2
Knowledge
Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.
- Administration and ManagementImportance 3.7Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Monitor progress of a project to ensure timely completion
- Law and GovernmentImportance 3.6Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Prepare documents and title papers for the purchase of a new house
- Education and TrainingImportance 3.5Level 5.2Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
- English LanguageImportance 3.5Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
- Building and ConstructionImportance 3.4Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Fix a plumbing leak in the ceiling
- Customer and Personal ServiceImportance 3.2Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
- Communications and MediaImportance 3.1Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Host a music radio show
- DesignImportance 3.0Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Design plans for remodeling a kitchen
Show all 33
- Engineering and TechnologyImportance 3.0Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Design a custom office chair
- AdministrativeImportance 2.9Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Type 30 words per minute
- Sales and MarketingImportance 2.9Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Introduce clients to a new line of products
- Computers and ElectronicsImportance 2.7Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
- Economics and AccountingImportance 2.7Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Develop financial investment programs for individual clients
- MathematicsImportance 2.7Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Analyze data to determine areas with the highest sales
- Production and ProcessingImportance 2.7Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Supervise an appliance assembly line
- PsychologyImportance 2.7Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Understand the impact of alcohol on human responses
- Sociology and AnthropologyImportance 2.7Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Write an article about cultural differences
- GeographyImportance 2.6Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Find a specific country on a world map
- TransportationImportance 2.5Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Drive a semi-truck through a busy city
- ChemistryImportance 2.4Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Use the proper concentration of chlorine to purify a water source
- MechanicalImportance 2.4Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Replace the filters in a furnace
- Personnel and Human ResourcesImportance 2.4Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants for an administrative position
- Public Safety and SecurityImportance 2.4Level 2.7
- BiologyImportance 2.3Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Investigate the effects of pollution on marine plants and animals
- History and ArcheologyImportance 2.1Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Take a class in US history
- Philosophy and TheologyImportance 2.1Level 2.6
- PhysicsImportance 2.1Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Use a crowbar to pry open a box
- Food ProductionImportance 2.0Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Grow herbs in the kitchen
- Foreign LanguageImportance 1.8Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
- TelecommunicationsImportance 1.7Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Send an email
- Fine ArtsImportance 1.4Level 0.9Level 1 looks like: Attend a popular music concert
- Medicine and DentistryImportance 1.4Level —
- Therapy and CounselingImportance 1.3Level 0.9Level 1 looks like: Put ice on a sprained ankle
Abilities
Enduring capacities the work calls for.
- Written ComprehensionImportance 4.0Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
- Written ExpressionImportance 4.0Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
- Oral ComprehensionImportance 3.9Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
- Oral ExpressionImportance 3.9Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
- Deductive ReasoningImportance 3.8Level 4.0Level 5 looks like: Decide what factors to consider in selecting stocks
- Inductive ReasoningImportance 3.8Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Determine the prime suspect based on crime scene evidence
- Problem SensitivityImportance 3.6Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
- Speech ClarityImportance 3.6Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
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- Information OrderingImportance 3.5Level 3.1Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
- OriginalityImportance 3.5Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Redesign job tasks to be interesting for employees
- Fluency of IdeasImportance 3.4Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Think of as many ideas as possible for the name of a new company
- Speech RecognitionImportance 3.4Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Identify a former customer's voice over the phone
- Category FlexibilityImportance 3.3Level 3.3Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
- Near VisionImportance 3.1Level 3.3Level 2 looks like: Read indicators on the dashboard of a car
- Mathematical ReasoningImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Decide how to calculate profits to determine the amounts of yearly bonuses
- Far VisionImportance 2.9Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
- Flexibility of ClosureImportance 2.9Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Look for a golf ball in tall grass
- Number FacilityImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
- Perceptual SpeedImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
- Selective AttentionImportance 2.6Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
- VisualizationImportance 2.5Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
- Speed of ClosureImportance 2.4Level 2.3Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
- Time SharingImportance 2.4Level 2.6Level 3 looks like: Watch street signs while driving at 30 miles an hour
- MemorizationImportance 2.1Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Remember the number on your bus to be sure you get back on the right one
- Visual Color DiscriminationImportance 2.1Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Separate laundry into colors and whites
- Auditory AttentionImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
- Hearing SensitivityImportance 2.0Level 1.8Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
- Finger DexterityImportance 1.8Level 1.1Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
- Depth PerceptionImportance 1.6Level 0.6
- Trunk StrengthImportance 1.6Level 1.1Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
- Wrist-Finger SpeedImportance 1.4Level 0.5
- Spatial OrientationImportance 1.1Level —
- Arm-Hand SteadinessImportance 1.0Level —
- Control PrecisionImportance 1.0Level —
- Dynamic FlexibilityImportance 1.0Level —
- Dynamic StrengthImportance 1.0Level —
- Explosive StrengthImportance 1.0Level —
- Extent FlexibilityImportance 1.0Level —
- Glare SensitivityImportance 1.0Level —
- Gross Body CoordinationImportance 1.0Level —
- Gross Body EquilibriumImportance 1.0Level —
- Manual DexterityImportance 1.0Level —
- Multilimb CoordinationImportance 1.0Level —
- Night VisionImportance 1.0Level —
- Peripheral VisionImportance 1.0Level —
- Rate ControlImportance 1.0Level —
- Reaction TimeImportance 1.0Level —
- Response OrientationImportance 1.0Level —
- Sound LocalizationImportance 1.0Level —
- Speed of Limb MovementImportance 1.0Level —
- StaminaImportance 1.0Level —
- Static StrengthImportance 1.0Level —
Work activities
Kinds of activity the work is made of.
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesImportance 4.6Level 5.9
- Getting InformationImportance 4.6Level 5.1Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
- Developing Objectives and StrategiesImportance 4.4Level 5.2Level 4 looks like: Develop the plan to complete the merger of two organizations over a 3-year period
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsImportance 4.4Level 5.7
- Analyzing Data or InformationImportance 4.3Level 5.1Level 4 looks like: Determine the interest cost to finance a new building
- Making Decisions and Solving ProblemsImportance 4.3Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
- Communicating with People Outside the OrganizationImportance 4.2Level 5.5Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
- Working with ComputersImportance 4.2Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
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- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsImportance 4.0Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
- Processing InformationImportance 4.0Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
- Providing Consultation and Advice to OthersImportance 4.0Level 5.8
- Developing and Building TeamsImportance 3.9Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Lead an assembly team in an automobile plant
- Documenting/Recording InformationImportance 3.9Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsImportance 3.9Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkImportance 3.9Level 5.2Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
- Training and Teaching OthersImportance 3.8Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
- Updating and Using Relevant KnowledgeImportance 3.8Level 5.2Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and EventsImportance 3.7Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
- Interpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersImportance 3.7Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Interpret how foreign tax laws apply to U.S. exports
- Selling or Influencing OthersImportance 3.7Level 4.7Level 4 looks like: Make a sales pitch to convince others to buy a product
- Thinking CreativelyImportance 3.7Level 4.7Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
- Scheduling Work and ActivitiesImportance 3.6Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
- Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationImportance 3.4Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Estimate the time required to evacuate a city in the event of a major disaster
- Guiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesImportance 3.3Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Manage a small team of employees in a dynamic workplace
- Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleImportance 3.3Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
- Monitoring and Controlling ResourcesImportance 3.3Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Work as a chef responsible for ordering food for the menu
- Coaching and Developing OthersImportance 3.2Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
- Coordinating the Work and Activities of OthersImportance 3.2Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
- Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersImportance 3.2Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
- Performing Administrative ActivitiesImportance 3.1Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Complete tax forms for a small business
- Performing for or Working Directly with the PublicImportance 2.9Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Sell shoes in a crowded shoe store
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsImportance 2.7Level 2.8
- Assisting and Caring for OthersImportance 2.5Level 2.6
- Staffing Organizational UnitsImportance 2.2Level 2.6
- Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentImportance 2.0Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Specify the lighting for a work area
- Performing General Physical ActivitiesImportance 1.8Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Walk between workstations in a small office
- Handling and Moving ObjectsImportance 1.7Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Change settings on copy machines
- Controlling Machines and ProcessesImportance 1.6Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Operate a cash register
- Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentImportance 1.6Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Drive a car
- Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentImportance 1.4Level 0.6Level 1 looks like: Make simple, external adjustments to a door hinge with ordinary hand tools
- Repairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentImportance 1.3Level 0.5Level 1 looks like: Use display settings to adjust a television picture
Work context
The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.
Technology
38 toolsSoftware used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.
In demand (6)
- Microsoft Excelhot
- Microsoft Office softwarehot
- Microsoft Outlookhot
- Microsoft Power BIhot
- Microsoft PowerPointhot
- Tableauhot
Hot (20; 6 more marked hot above)
- Adobe Acrobat
- Adobe Creative Cloud software
- Adobe Illustrator
- Adobe InDesign
- Adobe Photoshop
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Autodesk AutoCAD Civil 3D
- Autodesk Revit
- Bentley MicroStation
- Extensible markup language XML
- Google Analytics
- JavaScript
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Project
- Microsoft SharePoint
- Microsoft Visio
- Microsoft Word
- Oracle Database
- SAP software
- Structured query language SQL
Other tools (12)
- Esri ArcGIS
- Geographic information system GIS software
- Inventory management systems
- Life cycle assessment LCA software
- Microsoft Publisher
- Online database search and retrieval software
- PE INTERNATIONAL GaBi
- PE INTERNATIONAL SoFi
- PRe Consultants SimaPro
- Quark enterprise publishing software
- Social media sites
- Web browser software
Related occupations
O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.
ESCO equivalents
From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.
Closest occupations
Compare any occupation →Other O*NET occupations whose importance ratings on the 35 skills both rate are nearest to this one's, with the biggest differences named. A plain rule, not a hidden score.
Curators
Average difference 0.2 points · Management of Material Resources +1.1, Management of Financial Resources +0.9
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
Recreation and Fitness Studies Teachers, Postsecondary
Average difference 0.2 points · Instructing +1.1, Learning Strategies +0.9
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
Health and Safety Engineers, Except Mining Safety Engineers and Inspectors
Average difference 0.2 points · Operation and Control +1.0, Operations Monitoring +0.5
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
Construction and Building Inspectors
Average difference 0.2 points · Quality Control Analysis +0.9, Writing −0.9
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
Naturopathic Physicians
Average difference 0.2 points · Service Orientation +1.0, Social Perceptiveness +0.9
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists
Average difference 0.2 points · Troubleshooting −0.8, Quality Control Analysis −0.6
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
Government Property Inspectors and Investigators
Average difference 0.2 points · Operation and Control +1.1, Quality Control Analysis +1.0
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
Range Managers
Average difference 0.2 points · Operation and Control +1.1, Science +0.8
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.