You care about the climate. You recycle, you bike to work, maybe you’ve even joined a local climate action group. But when it comes to your career, you’re not sure how your professional skills translate into the world of sustainability. Good news: you don’t need a degree in environmental science or a background in ESG reporting to land a job at a climate-conscious company.
In fact, some of the most impactful roles at sustainability-minded companies are the same jobs you'd find anywhere else — they're just driven by purpose. Here's how to shift your career toward the climate-positive space, no matter your background.
Step 1: Understand What Makes a Company Climate-Conscious
Before you update your résumé or start your job search, it's important to clarify what “climate-conscious” actually means. These are companies that:
- Actively reduce their environmental impact
- Integrate sustainability into business operations
- Are transparent about their goals and progress (think: B Corps, public sustainability reports)
- Create products or services that help people live or work more sustainably
Some brands check all the boxes above. Some may not create a product/service that helps you live more sustainably but they are committed to operating their business as sustainably as possible (see Lego). They exist across every industry, from fashion to finance to food tech, and they need talent in every department.
Step 2: Think Beyond “Sustainability Roles”
You don’t have to be a climate scientist, sustainability consultant, or carbon accountant to make a difference. Here are just a few examples of non-technical roles that are in demand at environmentally conscious companies:
- Marketing & Brand Strategy – Tell the story of the mission and engage a purpose-driven customer base.
- Operations & Supply Chain – Help streamline systems that reduce waste and increase efficiency.
- Sales & Customer Success – Grow the reach of solutions that are better for the planet.
- Finance & HR – Support the internal structure and culture that keeps a mission-driven company running smoothly.
- Product Management – Build and scale tools, platforms, or services that support sustainability.
Your experience is more transferable than you think. And if you want to get into a role that is attached to sustainably on a daily basis, this can be a great first step.
Step 3: Align Your Values and Frame Your Story
When applying to roles at values-led companies, your why matters just as much as your what.
Don’t wait until the interview to talk about your passion. Show it in your application materials. Update your résumé summary and cover letter to reflect your commitment to working for a company that aligns with your values. Examples:
- “Mission-driven marketing professional with a passion for helping brands that prioritize sustainability and social impact.”
- “Experienced operations manager seeking to support climate-conscious companies in building smarter, greener systems.”
Even better? Share the small steps you’ve already taken, personally or professionally, to live more sustainably.
Step 4: Know Where to Look
Finding climate-positive companies means moving beyond the usual job boards. Here’s where to start:
- SustainablyHired.com – Our curated job board highlights everyday roles at companies making a genuine environmental impact.
- Work on Climate – A community with job listings and a talent pool focused on climate careers.
- Climatebase – Features roles in climate tech and impact-driven startups.
- B Work – The official job board for certified B Corporations.
- LinkedIn – Use search terms like “sustainability-minded,” “mission-driven,” or filter by company certifications like “B Corp.”
And don't forget to check out the careers pages of your favorite climate-friendly brands — many post directly.
Step 5: Keep Learning (Without Going Back to School)
You don’t need a second degree to show you’re committed. There are plenty of accessible ways to build your climate literacy:
- News & Newsletters: Subscribe to Heated, The Cool Down, or The Carbon Copy.
- Courses: Try a short program from Terra.do, Coursera (like Sustainable Business Strategy), or LinkedIn Learning.
- Communities: Join online spaces like ClimateAction.tech or follow creators and thought leaders in the space.
Continued learning shows initiative — and helps you speak confidently about the issues that matter to the company.
Remember: The Climate Needs All of Us
Transitioning to a role at a climate-conscious company doesn’t mean changing who you are — it means redirecting your existing skills toward something that matters.
The climate movement needs marketers, designers, analysts, accountants, project managers, and product developers — just as much as it needs scientists and engineers. Whatever your skill set, there’s a place for you.
Ready to find your fit?
Explore fresh jobs at values-aligned companies on SustainablyHired.com.