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Climate Change Engineering Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Programming experience * Developing greenhouse gas inventories and estimating greenhouse gas ... change, and shape the future. We can only solve the world's toughest challenges by building a ...

Programming experience * Developing greenhouse gas inventories and estimating greenhouse gas ... change, and shape the future. We can only solve the world's toughest challenges by building a ...

Requirements: Bachelor's degree in electronics/communications engineering, business or related ... climate change to building trust in digital transformation and everything in between - to ...

Quality Engineer

Gordonsville, VA · On-site

$65K - $84K/yr

The need to act on climate change has never been clearer so we incorporate sustainability into ... Direct collaboration with the quality, operations and process engineering departments will be ...

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Climate Change Engineering information

See Virginia salary details

$12

$31

$56

How much do climate change engineering jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for climate change engineering in Virginia is $31.28, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.00 and $37.64 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Climate Change Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Climate Change Engineer, you need a strong background in environmental engineering, climate science, and sustainability, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree and professional licensure. Familiarity with modeling software, GIS systems, and certifications like LEED or ENV SP are commonly required. Excellent problem-solving, collaboration, and communication skills help professionals address complex challenges and engage stakeholders. These competencies ensure effective development and implementation of solutions that mitigate the impacts of climate change and support sustainable development.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, often through a combination of base salary, bonuses, and stock options. These roles typically require advanced skills, extensive experience, and sometimes leadership responsibilities or working in high-cost-of-living areas.

What is climate change engineering?

Climate change engineering is a field focused on designing, developing, and implementing technologies and strategies to mitigate or adapt to the impacts of climate change. This can include renewable energy systems, carbon capture and storage, sustainable building practices, and environmental remediation. Engineers in this field work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, enhance energy efficiency, and create resilient infrastructure to withstand climate-related challenges. Their work is essential in helping societies transition to more sustainable and climate-resilient ways of living.

What is the difference between Climate Change Engineering vs Environmental Engineer?

AspectClimate Change EngineeringEnvironmental Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Engineering, specialized courses in climate scienceBachelor's or Master's in Environmental Engineering or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, consulting firms, government agencies focused on climate solutionsIndustrial sites, government agencies, consulting firms addressing environmental issues
Industry UsageClimate mitigation, renewable energy, carbon reduction projectsPollution control, waste management, environmental compliance

Climate Change Engineering focuses on developing solutions to reduce greenhouse gases and adapt to climate impacts, while Environmental Engineers address broader environmental issues like pollution and resource management. Both roles require similar credentials but differ in their specific focus and work environments.

Will the planet be liveable by 2050?

Climate change engineers work to develop solutions that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt infrastructure for future conditions, which are critical for maintaining planetary livability. The planet's future depends on global efforts to mitigate climate impacts through sustainable practices and technological innovation. Continued advancements in engineering and policy are essential to ensure a livable environment by 2050.

What does a climate engineer do?

A climate engineer develops and implements strategies to mitigate or adapt to climate change, often working on projects such as carbon capture, renewable energy systems, and environmental modeling. They use tools like climate data analysis, engineering design, and environmental science to create sustainable solutions and may require specialized certifications or advanced degrees. Their work typically involves collaboration with scientists, policymakers, and engineers to address global environmental challenges.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership roles. High-paying engineering positions often require advanced degrees, certifications, and working in high-demand industries or management positions.

What types of projects do climate change engineers typically work on, and how collaborative is the work environment?

Climate change engineers often engage in projects such as designing renewable energy systems, developing sustainable infrastructure, and implementing carbon reduction strategies. The work environment is highly collaborative, involving close coordination with environmental scientists, policy experts, architects, and community stakeholders to create effective and practical solutions. Engineers in this field frequently participate in multidisciplinary teams, ensuring that technical designs align with regulatory requirements and environmental goals. This collaborative approach helps address complex climate-related challenges and fosters professional growth through exposure to diverse perspectives.
Infographic showing various Climate Change Engineering job openings in Virginia as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 56% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 26% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,061 per year, or $31.3 per hour.

Technical Advisor (Climate & Environment - Green Climate Fund Projects) - Talent Pipeline

World Vision

Sterling, VA • On-site

$117K - $117K/yr

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago


Job description

With 75 years of experience, our focus is on helping the most vulnerable children overcome poverty and experience fullness of life. We help children of all backgrounds, even in the most dangerous places, inspired by our Christian faith.
Come join our 31,000+ staff working in nearly 100 countries and share the joy of transforming vulnerable children's life stories!
Employee Contract Type:
International Assignment (WVI - Paid via GCLA) Fixed Term (Fixed Term)
Job Description:
Note: Joining our Talent Pipeline position means you can be part of our candidate pipeline, ready to contribute when new opportunities arise. By applying, you express your interest in being considered for future roles linked to donor-funded initiatives. Please note that joining the pool does not represent an immediate employment opportunity; instead, it ensures we can reach out to you when suitable positions become available.
Here's where you come in:
Job Purpose
As a Technical Advisor (Climate & Environment - Green Climate Fund Projects), you will provide specialist technical inputs to support the development of Green Climate Fund (GCF) projects across World Vision. Working within one core technical area, you will contribute to GCF Concept Notes (CNs) and, where required, funding proposals by strengthening the technical approach, climate rationale, and adaptation and/or mitigation measures, and by helping ensure content is consistent with relevant GCF requirements and guidance. You will work closely with program design colleagues and country teams to help produce submissions that are technically sound, evidence-based, and implementation-ready.
This position is open to specialists in one of the following five technical areas:
  • Climate-Resilient Health & Nutrition - integrating climate adaptation into community health & nutrition programs
  • Climate-Resilient WASH - ensuring sustainable water, sanitation & hygiene under climate variability
  • Climate & Environmental Education - strengthening education systems and learning for climate resilience
  • Renewable Energy Solutions - expanding clean energy access for low-carbon, resilient development
  • Waste Management & Circular Economy - promoting sustainable waste management and circular economy practices

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Technical Support & Quality Assurance 50%
  • Provide specialist technical advice and leadership to support programme design and the development of GCF CNs/proposals within your technical area.
  • Advise on the design of sector-specific, climate-resilient and environmentally sustainable interventions consistent with GCF investment criteria and best practice.
  • Undertake technical review/QA of drafts and key deliverables for coherence, feasibility and alignment to good practice and relevant guidance.
  • Develop and share practical guidance (e.g., short notes, checklists, job aids) and contribute to targeted coaching/training to strengthen team capability.

End Results
  • Consistent technical guidance
  • Improved draft quality
  • Stronger team capability

GCF Concept Note & Proposal Development: 30%
  • Provide specialist technical inputs to GCF Concept Notes (CNs) and, where required, funding proposals within your area of expertise.
  • Strengthen climate rationale and the articulation of adaptation and/or mitigation measures relevant to your sector, drawing on evidence, standards, and good practice.
  • Undertake technical review and quality assurance of draft CNs/proposals, checking for technical coherence, feasibility, and consistency with relevant GCF guidance.

End Results
  • Stronger technical inputs (CNs/proposals)
  • Clear climate rationale and measures

Collaboration & Technical Integration 20%
  • Work with programme design colleagues and country teams to integrate your specialist area.
  • Coordinate with internal technical networks and partners to align technical inputs, share evidence, and help ensure proposals reflect current good practice.
  • Where requested, participate in technical discussions with external stakeholders to support the development and positioning of GCF project ideas and submissions.

End Results
  • Aligned technical inputs across teams
  • Coherent multi-sector narratives Stronger technical credibility

Learning, Evidence & Knowledge Products 10%
  • Capture and synthesise lessons and evidence from climate-related programming in your technical area to inform future programme design and submissions.
  • Develop and share concise knowledge products (e.g., technical briefs, checklists, guidance notes, case studies) that strengthen the quality and consistency of technical inputs.

End Results
  • Lessons captured and shared
  • Useful tools and briefs produced
  • Continuous improvement in designs

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND EXPERIENCE
Required Education, training, license, registration, and/or Certification
  • Relevant Tertiary Qualification: Bachelor's degree (or higher) in a related field such as environmental management, climate change, public health, WASH engineering, education, renewable energy, or other relevant discipline aligned with one of the five specialisms. (A Master's degree or post-graduate specialization in a relevant area is highly regarded.)
  • Professional Credentials: Professional certifications or licenses pertinent to your field of expertise are advantageous (e.g., Chartered Engineer for WASH, public health accreditation, project management certification).

Required Professional Experience
  • 5+ years of relevant international experience providing technical advisory support in at least one of the following ESCA competency areas:

- Climate-Resilient Health & Nutrition
- Climate-Resilient WASH
- Climate & Environmental Education
- Renewable Energy Solutions
- Waste Management & Circular Economy
  • Demonstrated experience integrating climate change adaptation or environmental sustainability considerations into sector programming.
  • Experience supporting project design, technical review or advisory inputs for climate focused programmes.
  • Donor and Stakeholder Engagement: Experience working with institutional donors or international NGOs to develop concept notes, proposals or strategies. Prior exposure to climate finance mechanisms (e.g., GCF, adaptation funds) or major donor funding mechanisms is a strong asset.
  • Capacity Building: Experience in capacity strengthening (e.g., training, mentoring, developing guidelines) for national staff or partners, enabling them to adopt climate-resilient and sustainable approaches within your technical area.

Preferred Experience, Knowledge and/or other Qualifications
  • Demonstrated experience in at least one of the five technical specialisms (Climate-Resilient Health & Nutrition; Climate-Resilient WASH; Climate & Environmental Education; Renewable Energy Solutions; Waste Management & Circular Economy) including experience in technical program design or implementation.
  • Broader understanding across multiple climate and environment domains (beyond your primary specialism) - e.g., familiarity with climate risk assessment, climate change risks and challenges, environmental safeguards, or Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) principles in climate programming will be advantageous.
  • Strong understanding of global strategies and frameworks on environmental stewardship and climate change.
  • Experience working in developing countries, climate-vulnerable contexts.
  • Direct experience with GCF project development or other climate financing processes is highly desirable (e.g., leading GCF concept note formulation, familiarity with GCF proposal templates, investment criteria, and monitoring frameworks).
  • Highly developed external engagement and networking skills.
  • Strong project management skills, including experience with research.
  • Excellent writing skills as shown through technical documents, thought pieces, and proposals.
  • Demonstrated willingness to be flexible and versatile in a changing work environment while maintaining effectiveness and efficiency.
  • Ability to motivate and develop staff.
  • Alignment with World Vision's core values and mission, including a commitment to child protection and safeguarding, sustainable development, and servant leadership.

Required Language(s)
  • Effective written and verbal communication in English. Other UN languages such as French, Arabic, Spanish, and Portuguese, are preferred.

Required travel and/or work environment accommodations
  • Ability to travel to/within domestically and Internationally as required.
  • Occasional after-hours collaboration (to align with different time zones).

Applicant Types Accepted:
Local and International Applicants (IA's) Accepted