How to Land Your First Climate Job

Working in climate is a great way to make a positive impact on the planet. Because climate change is a multidisciplinary, systemic problem, we need people from a wide range of industries and domains to contribute.

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If you're starting your career or are in the early stages and want to move into the climate space, there are green jobs for every skill set.

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We’ve created a step-by-step guide to help you find the right ones.

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Identify What You Enjoy Doing

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The first step to land an entry-level climate job starts on the drawing board. The climate space is expanding every day, and an entry-level job ranges from broader roles like a Marketing and Community Manager to something as specific as an Energy Storage Systems Engineer. So start by reading up the job profiles, identify the industries and domains that excite you the most, and map them against your strengths, education, and experience.

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CTVC does deep dives into different climate industries in their newsletter every week, and that could be a good starting point.

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Also listen: Every Job Can Be A Green Job by Second Nature

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Network Through Climate-Specific Communities

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The climate space is advancing rapidly, and the best way to learn about it is by talking to people who are working in this space. If you are new to networking events, start with some of the popular ones like SF Climate Week and Renewables UnWind, where you will find hiring managers and industry professionals. To keep track of the latest events, we recommend joining these communities:

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• Creatives for Climate (online community)
• Work on Climate (Slack)
• Climate Action Tech (Slack)
• Terra.do (learning community)
• ClimateEU (Slack)

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If you are on the East Coast (or go there often), check out the NY Climate Tech newsletter, which publishes a weekly list of climate tech events happening in New York City.

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You can also find a job search buddy or a group through these events and set up weekly or bi-weekly check-ins to support each other and hold each other accountable.

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Here are some job boards to help you get started:

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• Ed’s Clean Energy and Sustainability Jobs List
• Green Jobs Board
• Terra.do Jobs Board
• Climate Draft
• Climatebase

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Build a Proof-of-Skill Portfolio Project

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You don't need climate experience to get a climate job. Rather, you need evidence to show that you can do the work. To build a portfolio, join a research group, an accelerator cohort, or volunteer with an early-stage team.

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Help companies cut costs or add value through project management, data analysis, AI, engineering, finance, or communications. All of this goes on your CV, and this is a great opportunity to network with people in the climate space. A successful project might convert into a full-time opportunity as well.

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If you are already working somewhere, you can volunteer as your team's sustainability point of contact and bring sustainability into existing projects.

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Earn One Targeted Credential (If You Need It)

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Certifications aren't mandatory, but the right one signals credibility, especially if you're switching industries. Pick one tied to where you want to work:

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• ESG and finance: CFA ESG, SASB, or GRESB
• Buildings and energy: LEED, BREEAM, or ENERGY STAR
• General sustainability: ISO 14001 or B Corp familiarity
• Supply chain: Fairtrade or Rainforest Alliance
• Operations: TRUE Zero Waste

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Fees range from $200 to $20,000, but green-certified professionals tend to earn 15–25% more. Match the certification to your industry, budget, and learning style.

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