Careers in Sustainability

Careers in Sustainability banner

"Sustainability" or "sustainable development" generally refers to a way of using resources so that they meet present needs without compromising future generations. While environmental sustainability is often the most widely recognized term in this field, sustainable development encompasses social and economic sustainability as well.

Careers in sustainability (also known as "green" careers/jobs) are found in such varied fields as environmental protection and remediation, waste reduction, green building, sustainable agriculture, climate change, and renewable energy and energy efficiency. While the specific work tasks may differ, all careers in sustainability share the common goal of promoting a healthy planet. The first step to pursuing a sustainable career is to identify what you're interested in and then to get experience through school coursework or other projects, or by researching related internships and jobs. Use the links on this page to get started on your career in sustainability.

What is a green career and where are the green jobs?

Portland Networking Opportunities

  • Emerging Green Builders — Monthly lectures and networking opportunities in green building.
  • Green Drinks — Good beers, good conversation and a chance to network with other environmentally-minded people.
  • PDX Lounge — The City of Portland's Bureau of Planning and Sustainability conceived of PDX Lounge as a physical space and a virtual community that brings the city's business, academic, nonprofit, and government communities together around this vision to elevate Oregon's current leadership position and support its growth.
  • Net Impact — An international nonprofit organization whose mission is to inspire, educate, and equip individuals to use the power of business to create a more socially and environmentally sustainable world.
  • International Society for Sustainability Professionals — A Portland organization which offers networking, resource sharing, professional development opportunities.
  • Green Professionals Conference, January 26, 2010 — The Green Professionals Conference provides job-seekers, first and second year Green Professionals and industry experts with vital networking, educational resources and employment opportunities. By uniting individuals and organizations with a common vision, this event cultivates a community dedicated to a more sustainable world.

Career Center Library Resources

  • Portland 2008 Green Guide to Networking and Jobs
  • The Complete Idiot's Guide to Green Careers
  • Careers in Renewable Energy
  • Green Careers - Choosing Work for a Sustainable Future
  • The Eco Guide to Careers that Make a Difference
  • Great Jobs in the President's Stimulus Plan

Sustainability Jobs Internet Sites

Sustainability Organizations in Portland Metro area

  • City of Portland, Bureau of Planning and Sustainability
  • Metro — Regional government office responsible for planning and sustainability
  • Ecotrust — Ecotrust's mission is to inspire fresh thinking that creates economic opportunity, social equity, and environmental well-being.
  • Green Building Council, Portland Chapter — Cascadia Region Green Building Council — Cascadia's mission is to promote the design, construction, and operation of buildings that are environmentally responsible, profitable, and healthy places to live, work and learn.
  • Oregon Natural Step — Non-profit organization whose mission is to motivate organizations to act according to the principles of sustainability.
  • The Zero Waste Alliance — Non-profit partnership of universities, government, business and other organizations working to support organizations in the creation of a more sustainable future.
  • The Climate Trust — Promotes climate change solutions by providing high quality greenhouse gas offset projects and advancing sound offset policy.
  • Energy Trust of Oregon, Inc. — Works to change how Oregonians produce and use energy by investing in efficient technologies and renewable resources that save dollars and protect the environment.
  • Bonneville Environmental Foundation — Supports the development of renewable energy and watershed restoration while empowering people to shrink their carbon footprint.

Award Winning Sustainable Organizations

  • State of Oregon Sustainability Award Winners — 2008 Oregon Sustainability Award Winners — 2007 State of Oregon Sustainability Awards
  • 100 Best Green Companies to Work for in Oregon — Oregon Business Magazine rankings based on sustainable practices and employee statifaction.
  • BEST Awards Winners 2009 — List of Portland area companies awarded for demonstrating excellence in business practices that promote economic growth and environmental benefits. Presented by the City of Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability.
  • Global 100 — The Global 100 companies are sustainable in the sense that they have displayed a better ability than most of their industry peers to identify and effectively manage material, environmental, social, and governance factors impacting the opportunity and risk side of their businesses.
Sustainability Certifications & Credentials
LEED Green Associate: Denotes basic knowledge of greeen design, construction, and operations. For professionals who want to demonstrate green building expertise in non-technical fields of practice. Eligibility: must have been involved with a LEED-registered project; employment (or previous employment) in a sustainable field of work; or engagement in (or completion of) an education program that addresses green building principles.

LEED AP: Signifies an advanced depth of knowledge in green building practices through a specialty exam based on a particular LEED Rating System (expands upon the Green Associate credential). Eligibility: must have previous experience with a LEED-registered project within three years of your application date.
Entry-level certificate aimed at students wanting to get involved in the solar photovoltaic field. This certificate shows that the student has achieved basic knowledge, comprehension, and application of key terms and concepts of solar electric systems operations. Available from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners.
Nine-month specialized training program designed to enable graduates to advise employees or clients on strategies and tools for implementing sustainable building.
Earth Advantage’s STAR program is a two-day course designed to give real estate professionals the understanding and tools they need to work effectively with clients who want to buy or sell green homes.

Past Sustainability Related Internships - The following sustainability internship descriptions are included to provide examples of the kinds on internships that have been available in the past. This list does not reflect all possible internships in sustainability. This list does not reflect current openings.

PSU Resources