Written by Suzanne Hite, former publications editor serving the technology services sector

Question: I want to pursue a career that helps the environment. What careers protect our planet?

Answer: With the threats from climate change and other environmental pressures, the concept of sustainability has never been more important. Many corporations have made environmental protection one of their top priorities. The path to achieving this is through sustainability, a practice that ensures that operations are economically, socially, and environmentally sustainable. From a corporate perspective, sustainability also refers to conducting business in a responsible manner that minimizes environmental impact.

There are a number of different careers to consider with sustainability and environmental conservation as their prime objective. The first thing to consider is that most professionals do not seek a career in sustainability because they want to focus on their incomes. That said, you still need to consider yourself and your family, and the pay makes a difference.

The top job in the industry is a chief sustainability or environmental director. This position is usually the highest in the company with responsibilities for developing, envisioning and implementing sustainability initiatives. General operations managers are a little lower down the ladder. They are responsible for pollution prevention, recycling, waste management, financial efficiency and water and energy conservation.

Natural science is a huge field with major applications for careers in sustainability. Conservation scientists manage the development of land and natural resources to minimize environmental impact. Chemists and material scientists analyze new materials that may have a lower environmental impact and higher biodegradability than current solutions. Microbiologists study bacteria and viruses to figure out how to combat pollution and develop new biofuels to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels. Soil and plant scientists focus on plants and the earth for signs of pollution and chemical leakage. Marine biologists are involved with the oceans, their ecosystems and our effect on them.

Engineering also plays a major role in sustainability. Chemical engineers work towards reducing pollution and the development of ways to make chemical processes more sustainable. The job also focuses on biodegradability and hazardous materials in the environment. Civil engineering deals with structures, buildings, bridges, and developing green designs that can reduce emissions. Urban planning focuses on the development of sustainable cities, parks and urban areas.

Aside from management, science and engineering, there are a number of other jobs in sustainable development. Many are primarily office-based but can involve site visits and inspections. Business operations specialists, auditors, compliance officers, cost estimators, and human resources departments all work towards to ultimate goal of a more sustainable organization with a smaller environmental footprint. Your options are virtually unlimited as sustainability is now a daily part of operations for most modern organizations.

What is the use of a house if you haven’t got a tolerable planet to put it on? —Henry David Thoreau.