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How much do sustainable development jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for sustainable development in the United States is $77,438.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,500.00 and $90,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Sustainable Development, and why are they important?

To excel in Sustainable Development, you need expertise in environmental science, project management, and policy analysis, often supported by a relevant degree such as environmental studies or urban planning. Familiarity with tools like GIS software, sustainability reporting frameworks (e.g., GRI, LEED), and certification programs is typically required. Outstanding communication, stakeholder engagement, and problem-solving skills help professionals drive impactful and collaborative sustainability initiatives. These abilities are vital for successfully integrating sustainable practices into projects and achieving long-term environmental, social, and economic goals.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in sustainable development roles?

Professionals in sustainable development often navigate the complexities of balancing environmental, social, and economic priorities, which can sometimes be in conflict. Key challenges include securing stakeholder buy-in, managing limited resources, and adapting projects to evolving regulations and community needs. Collaboration across diverse teams—such as engineers, policymakers, and community representatives—is essential for success. Additionally, staying current with best practices and emerging technologies in sustainability is crucial for impactful project outcomes.

What is sustainable development?

Sustainable development is a framework for meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It involves balancing economic growth, environmental protection, and social well-being to create a healthy and equitable society. Sustainable development encompasses practices and policies that promote responsible resource use, reduce environmental impact, and ensure long-term prosperity for communities. The concept is central to global efforts to address challenges such as poverty, climate change, and resource scarcity.

What is the difference between Sustainable Development vs Environmental Consultant?

AspectSustainable DevelopmentEnvironmental Consultant
Required CredentialsDegree in environmental science, sustainability, or related fields; certifications like LEED or GRIDegree in environmental science, engineering, or related fields; certifications like LEED or EIA
Work EnvironmentPolicy planning, strategic development, cross-sector collaborationSite assessments, environmental impact analysis, compliance consulting
Employer & Industry UsageGovernment agencies, NGOs, corporations focusing on sustainability strategiesConsulting firms, engineering companies, government agencies conducting environmental assessments

While both roles focus on environmental issues, Sustainable Development emphasizes creating long-term strategies for sustainability across sectors, whereas Environmental Consultants primarily conduct assessments and provide compliance advice. Sustainable Development professionals often work on policy and planning, while Environmental Consultants focus on technical evaluations and regulatory adherence.

More about Sustainable Development jobs
What cities are hiring for Sustainable Development jobs? Cities with the most Sustainable Development job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Sustainable Development jobs? The most popular types of Sustainable Development jobs are:
What states have the most Sustainable Development jobs? States with the most job openings for Sustainable Development jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Sustainable Development jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Sustainable Development jobs are:
Sustainable Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Sustainable Development job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, and 9% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $77,438 per year, or $37.2 per hour.

Auditor / Sustainable Landscapes Specialist

Cayuse Holdings

Washington, DC • On-site

$87K - $95K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

Job description

Overview
The Work
The Auditor / Sustainable Landscapes Specialist will play a key role in coordinating bilateral and regional programmatic efforts and fostering partnerships focused on land use, forests, agriculture, and climate-related matters. The Specialist will represent the client in international market mechanism initiatives offering policy contributions and technical perspectives for related deliberations and documents.
MUST HAVE AN ACTIVE SECRET CLEARANCE
Responsibilities
Key Responsibilities
  • Support and strengthen engagement in major programs, global partnerships, and trust funds related to sustainable landscapes, climate finance, mitigation, and markets, including serving as a principal representative on governance bodies and exercising rigorous oversight and high-level representational responsibilities.
  • Shape, coordinate, and implement policy on international climate change and related cross-cutting issues, with particular emphasis on sustainable landscapes, REDD+, agriculture and land-use issues, nationally determined contributions (NDCs), mid-century strategies, climate finance, and market-based mechanisms.
  • Design and drive country-level ambition and implementation strategies for priority countries-especially in the Amazon, Congo Basin, and Southeast Asia-to advance high-impact, measurable outcomes on forest conservation, land-use governance, and emissions reductions.
  • Conceptualize, develop, and negotiate proposals to shape international and bilateral programs, ensuring that the allocation and use of funds are strategically aligned with and demonstrably advance organizational climate and development objectives.
  • Support participation in UNFCCC negotiations and other key international fora by contributing to negotiating positions, drafting text, coordinating internal inputs, and engaging with international counterparts to advance strategic interests and priorities.
  • Support the design, management, and implementation of climate-related assistance programs, including development of results frameworks and robust monitoring, evaluation, and learning systems for grants and initiatives focused on sustainable landscapes, REDD+, climate-smart agriculture, and carbon markets.
  • Draft and refine high-quality memos, speeches, position papers, decision memoranda, talking points, meeting readouts and summaries, correspondence, and other strategic communications to articulate, defend, and advance climate policies, priorities, and strategies with senior leaders and external stakeholders.
  • Other Duties as assigned.

Qualifications - Here's What You Need
  • Five years (5) of relevant experience and an advanced degree with relevant background (e.g. public policy, economics, law, environment, or a related field).
  • Experience in international negotiations, projects, and/or programs, particularly with respect to sustainable landscapes and reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD+) issues.
  • Familiarity with REDD+ and sustainable landscapes policy and financing.
  • Experience in major REDD+/ sustainable landscapes partnerships, including the Forest Carbon Partnership Facility and Initiative for Sustainable Forest Landscapes.
  • Experience with UNFCCC negotiations, including familiarity with the state of play with ongoing negotiations.
  • Experience with international forest and land use fora and platforms, including public-private fora such as the Tropical Forest Alliance and World Business Council on Sustainable Development.
  • Due to the nature of work at the client's facility, U.S. Citizenship is required.
  • Secret Clerance is required.
  • Must be able to pass a background check. May require additional background checks as required by projects and/or clients at any time during employment.

Qualifications
Minimum Skills:
  • Excellent interpersonal and oral communication skills.
  • Excellent customer service skills.
  • Proficient in MS Office, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Excel.
  • Strong project or program management, international negotiations, and strategic planning skills.
  • Exceptional written communications skills, with the ability to produce clear and compelling documents.
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail and ability to reliably deliver on multiple priorities under tight deadlines.
  • Strong team player who is eager to help resolve difficult situations as they emerge.
  • Ability to work with a wide variety of actors, including policymakers, representatives of other governments, business and the non-governmental community.
  • Ability to learn quickly the complex organizational structure of government agencies.

Our Commitment to you / overview of benefits
  • Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance; Wellness Program.
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (Healthcare, Dependent Care, Commuter).
  • Short-Term and Long-Term Disability options.
  • Basic Life and AD&D Insurance (Company Provided).
  • Voluntary Life and AD&D options.
  • 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with matching after one year.
  • Paid Time Off.

Reports to: Program Manager
Working Conditions
  • Professional office environment, with the ability to work onsite in the main office.
  • Must be physically and mentally able to perform duties extended periods of time.
  • Ability to use a computer and other office productivity tools with sufficient speed to meet the demands of this position.
  • Must be able to establish a productive and professional workspace.
  • Must be able to sit for long periods of time looking at computer screen.
  • May be asked to work a flexible schedule which may include holidays.
  • May be asked to travel for business or professional development purposes.
  • May be asked to work hours outside of normal business hours.

Other Duties: Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Cayuse is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All employment decisions are based on merit, qualifications, skills, and abilities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment in accordance with any applicable federal, state, or local law.
Pay Range
USD $87,000.00 - USD $95,000.00 /Yr.

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