Careers Week: 5 In-Demand Climate Roles

This is part 1 of 2 in our National Careers Week blog series. Here, we highlight sustainability and net-zero careers that are growing in demand, to help you consider your options for careers that align with your values. In part 2, we show that you can incorporate sustainability into any role – whether climate-focused or not! 

The urgency and opportunity of climate action are driving a surge in demand for professionals dedicated to sustainability and environmental impact. In the UK, the net zero sector is growing three times faster than the overall UK economy, creating high-paying jobs, and demand for green talent is on the rise in general, with 13% of jobs now requiring at least one green skill (ECIU, 2025; LinkedIn, 2025).

Whether you’re just entering the workforce or looking to pivot your career, here are five key climate-related roles making a difference:

Renewable Energy Engineer

Recent analysis by the UK Department of Energy Security & Net Zero (2024) shows that the UK’s transition to renewable energy is driving a rising demand for clean energy jobs, with engineers named as a key occupation expected to rise in demand in coming years. STEM skills are needed across clean energy sectors, and civil, mechanical, and electrical engineers will only become more necessary in sectors such as offshore wind, nuclear, and engineering construction.

Sustainability Communications Officer

Communications professionals are essential to corporate sustainability. Through reports, campaigns, and marketing, they ensure transparency and compliance with global standards, as well as building trust, encouraging stakeholder engagement, and inspiring action. By bridging the gap between strategy and impact, they help businesses build credibility and create lasting positive change.

Sustainability Consultant

As mandatory disclosure requirements continue to become stricter and demand for corporate responsibility continues to grow, organisations are increasingly seeking expert guidance from consultants. Beyond compliance, companies are recognising the financial benefits of sustainability, such as cost savings and risk reduction. Sustainability Consultants support these efforts by conducting environmental impact assessments, recommending greener solutions, and helping organisations achieve their sustainability goals.

Environmental Officer

According to a recent LinkedIn insight, Environmental Officer was the fifth fastest-growing role in the UK over the past three years (LinkedIn, 2025). An Environmental Officer ensures compliance with environmental regulations to protect natural resources and public health. They conduct assessments, enforce laws, and implement management systems, and key skills include environmental compliance, awareness, and management systems expertise.

Energy Manager

Eighth on the list of fastest-growing UK jobs, according to LinkedIn, is Energy Manager. This role involves designing and implementing strategies to enhance energy efficiency and minimise organisational costs. Energy Managers focus on improving energy efficiency, integrating renewable energy sources, and managing energy consumption effectively. They often have energy management and energy efficiency skills, as well as renewable energy knowledge.

These are just a few examples of career paths that play a vital role in advancing sustainability and combating climate change. With organisations increasingly prioritising green initiatives, now is the perfect time to explore opportunities in climate-focused roles.

Learn more:

Department for Energy Security & Net Zero (2025). Assessment of the clean energy skills challenge. [online] GOV.UK. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/clean-power-2030-action-plan-assessment-of-the-clean-energy-skills-challenge/assessment-of-the-clean-energy-skills-challenge.

ECIU (2025). The future is green: The economic opportunities brought by the UK’s net zero economy [online] Energy & Climate Intelligence Unit. Available at: https://eciu.net/analysis/reports/2025/net-zero-economy-across-the-uk.

LinkedIn (2024). Global Climate Talent Stocktake. [online] LinkedIn. Available at: https://economicgraph.linkedin.com/content/dam/me/economicgraph/en-us/PDF/linkedIn-global-climate-talent-stocktake-sept-2024.pdf.

LinkedIn (2025). LinkedIn Jobs on the Rise 2025: The 25 fastest-growing roles in the UK. [online] LinkedIn. Available at: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/linkedin-jobs-rise-2025-25-fastest-growing-roles-uk-lrsnf/.