Climate change is transforming the job market and fast. As Australia works toward net zero emissions by 2050, every industry is being reshaped by the need to cut carbon, restore ecosystems, and future-proof communities. The result? A whole new wave of green careers is emerging.
But what will those careers actually look like a decade from now?
In this post, we dive into the green careers of the future, what Australians are likely to be doing by 2035, what skills will be in demand, and how to prepare for this rapidly evolving workforce.
Why Look Ahead to 2035?
The next decade is critical. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), we must slash global emissions by nearly half by 2030 to keep global warming under 1.5°C. Australia is also rolling out massive investments in:
- Renewable energy infrastructure
- Sustainable housing and construction
- Circular economy systems
- Natural capital and biodiversity markets
These changes mean one thing: the jobs we’ll need in 2035 are going to be very different from today.
TL;DR: By 2035, Australia’s workforce will look greener across every sector, from tradies to tech workers to town planners.
What Are Green Careers?
Green careers are roles that help reduce environmental harm, support sustainability, or build resilience to climate impacts. They exist in traditional “eco” sectors like conservation and clean energy but also across finance, transport, agriculture, IT, and education.
Green careers can be:
Direct: e.g. solar panel installers, ecologists, energy auditors
Indirect: e.g. data analysts supporting smart grids, supply chain managers reducing carbon footprints, teachers delivering climate literacy
Green Careers Australians Will Be Doing in 2035
Based on current trends, industry reports, and Australia’s net zero goals, here are the most likely green careers of the near future:
1. Carbon Removal & Management Specialists
What they do: Design and run systems that remove carbon from the atmosphere (e.g. direct air capture, biochar, soil carbon sequestration).
Where they’ll work: Agriculture, energy, carbon trading firms, consultancies.
Why it matters: Emissions cuts alone won’t be enough. Carbon removal will play a major role in climate strategy.
2. Circular Economy Designers and Engineers
What they do: Create products, buildings and systems that eliminate waste and reuse materials endlessly.
Industries: Manufacturing, fashion, construction, packaging, mining.
Why it matters: Australia aims to phase out single-use plastics and embrace a circular economy by 2030. This will require system-wide redesign.
3. Green Hydrogen Technicians and Engineers
What they do: Operate and maintain hydrogen production plants, build fuel cell infrastructure, and integrate hydrogen into transport and energy systems.
Where they’ll work: Regional hydrogen hubs, export facilities, logistics companies.
Why it matters: Hydrogen is key to decarbonising heavy industry and long-haul transport, especially in remote Australia.
4. Regenerative Agriculture Experts
What they do: Work with farmers to restore soil health, increase carbon storage, and improve biodiversity on farms.
Where they’ll work: On country, in agribusiness, Landcare, and government programs.
Why it matters: Australia’s food system must adapt to hotter, drier conditions while reducing emissions and rebuilding ecosystems.
5. Climate Resilience Planners
What they do: Help communities adapt to climate risks through strategic land use, emergency planning, and infrastructure design.
Employers: Local councils, insurance companies, engineering firms.
Why it matters: More floods, fires, and heatwaves mean resilience planning is becoming core business for every town and city.
6. Green Data Scientists & AI Modellers
What they do: Use big data and AI to optimise renewable energy systems, predict climate risks, model biodiversity impacts, or track emissions.
Industries: Energy, agriculture, conservation, finance.
Why it matters: Smart tech and machine learning will underpin many of our climate solutions.
7. Sustainable Finance & ESG Analysts
What they do: Analyse companies’ environmental impact, assess climate risks in investment portfolios, or manage green bonds and ethical funds.
Where they’ll work: Banks, super funds, asset management firms.
Why it matters: Trillions of dollars are shifting into sustainable investments. Financial skills with a green edge are in serious demand.
8. Eco-Tourism Operators and Nature-Based Experience Designers
What they do: Create low-impact tourism experiences that support conservation, Indigenous knowledge, and local communities.
Where they’ll work: Regional areas, national parks, Indigenous enterprises.
Why it matters: Australians are seeking more meaningful travel, and tourism must tread lighter on the planet.
9. Nature Repair Market Specialists
What they do: Design, verify, and manage biodiversity projects that generate environmental credits (under Australia’s emerging Nature Repair Market).
Employers: Environmental consultancies, landholders, government agencies.
Why it matters: We’re putting a price on biodiversity protection and it’s creating new jobs in conservation and finance.
10. Climate Educators & Community Engagement Officers
What they do: Teach climate science, support behaviour change, and help communities transition to sustainable living.
Industries: Schools, local councils, NGOs, adult education providers.
Why it matters: No transition will succeed without public understanding and involvement.
Skills That Will Be In Demand by 2035
You don’t need a crystal ball, just look at where the climate challenges and job shortages are already showing up. By 2035, workers with the following skills will be highly sought after:
- Systems thinking (to solve complex sustainability problems)
- Data literacy (especially in climate and energy tech)
- Hands-on technical skills (trades, renewable energy, retrofitting)
- Communication and education (to bring people along for the transition)
- Cultural competence (especially in working with First Nations knowledge)
- Policy and regulation expertise (as laws around climate tighten)
TL;DR: The green economy won’t just need scientists, it’ll need tradespeople, creatives, teachers, and finance pros too.
How Can Australians Prepare for Future Green Jobs?
Here are steps to future-proof your career and align with where the world is heading:
- Upskill in sustainability: Take short courses in carbon literacy, climate risk, or circular economy.
- Reframe your current role: Whatever your job is, there’s likely a way to make it greener. Start by suggesting changes in how your organisation operates.
- Follow the policy shifts: Keep an eye on Australia’s net zero plans, hydrogen strategy, and Nature Repair Market as they shape the job market.
- Connect with industry groups: Join networks like the Clean Energy Council, Australian Circular Economy Hub, or Engineers Australia’s sustainability division.
- Volunteer or intern: Gain experience and make connections in emerging fields.
FAQ: Green Careers of the Future
Are green jobs only for people with science or engineering degrees?
No. While those fields are important, the green economy spans education, trades, design, business, and communication. Anyone can play a role.
Will AI replace green jobs?
AI will transform green jobs but not eliminate them. It’ll enhance how we manage ecosystems, monitor emissions, and optimise energy use, but humans will still be needed to lead, interpret, and make ethical decisions.
How do I switch to a green career later in life?
Many Australians are pivoting mid-career by retraining or applying their skills in a new context. For example, an accountant can specialise in sustainability reporting, or a builder can learn to design passive houses.
Will these jobs only exist in cities?
No. Many green jobs, especially in renewables, agriculture, and nature-based tourism, are growing fast in regional and remote areas.
If I’m still in school or university, what should I study?
Look for courses with sustainability integrated across disciplines. Environmental science, renewable energy, regenerative agriculture, sustainable finance, and climate education are all great starting points.
The Future is Greener Than You Think
By 2035, the Australian job market will look very different. Every sector will have a sustainability dimension and every worker will need to understand the basics of climate action.
The best part? You don’t have to wait. The green career of the future can start today.
TL;DR: Australia’s green economy is already here and by 2035, it will dominate the workforce. Now’s the time to get ready.
