Australia is in the middle of a green transition and the job market is shifting with it. From solar energy to sustainable construction, demand is growing fast for roles that help us cut emissions, protect ecosystems, and build a climate-resilient future.
So, what green jobs are actually in demand in Australia right now?
Whether you’re finishing school, changing careers, or looking for more meaningful work, here’s what you need to know about the most in-demand green jobs across the country and how you can get into them.
What Are Green Jobs, Anyway?
Green jobs are roles that directly or indirectly contribute to environmental sustainability. They’re about reducing carbon emissions, conserving biodiversity, managing natural resources responsibly, and helping communities adapt to climate change.
They exist in all sorts of industries, not just “eco” organisations. You’ll find them in energy, construction, farming, finance, education, and even local councils.
Examples include:
- Installing solar panels
- Designing energy-efficient homes
- Restoring damaged ecosystems
- Running sustainability audits in businesses
- Educating communities on climate action
TL;DR: Green jobs go far beyond hugging trees, they’re technical, skilled, practical, and crucial to Australia’s future.
Why Are Green Jobs in Australia Growing?
There are three big reasons why green jobs are booming in Australia:
- Government climate targets: Both federal and state governments have committed to reaching net zero emissions by 2050, which means major investments in clean energy, transport, and buildings.
- Private sector demand: More companies are under pressure from investors and consumers to improve their environmental footprint, so they’re hiring sustainability experts.
- Climate impacts and adaptation: As extreme weather worsens, Australia needs more people working in disaster resilience, ecological recovery, and climate adaptation.
TL;DR: Climate goals + business pressure + real-world climate disasters = skyrocketing demand for green workers.
Top Green Jobs in Australia Right Now
Here are the green careers currently in high demand across the country, according to job platforms like SEEK, EthicalJobs, and Australian government data.
1. Renewable Energy Technicians (Solar & Wind)
Job titles: Solar Installer, Wind Turbine Technician, Renewable Energy Electrician
What they do: Install, maintain, and troubleshoot clean energy systems
Where they work: Rooftops, solar farms, wind farms, off-grid communities
Average salary: $75,000-$100,000+
Qualifications: Trade qualifications, Clean Energy Council accreditation
Why there’s demand: Australia is rolling out massive solar and wind projects. Technicians are critical and there’s a serious skills shortage.
2. Sustainability Consultants and Managers
Job titles: Sustainability Consultant, ESG Manager, Climate Risk Analyst
What they do: Help organisations reduce emissions and improve environmental performance
Where they work: Corporates, councils, universities, non-profits
Average salary: $90,000-$150,000+
Qualifications: Business, environmental science, engineering or sustainability degrees
Why there’s demand: Businesses are under increasing pressure to prove they’re climate responsible. This field is growing fast.
3. Environmental Scientists and Ecologists
Job titles: Environmental Scientist, Restoration Ecologist, Environmental Officer
What they do: Monitor ecosystems, conduct environmental impact assessments, design conservation strategies
Where they work: Government agencies, consultancies, mining, renewable energy firms
Average salary: $85,000-$110,000+
Qualifications: Science degrees, sometimes honours or postgrad
Why there’s demand: Development projects must meet strict environmental standards. And we’re finally investing in biodiversity recovery.
4. Sustainable Construction & Energy-Efficient Building Specialists
Job titles: Passive House Designer, Energy Assessor, Green Building Consultant
What they do: Design and construct buildings that use less energy and water
Where they work: Architecture firms, construction companies, councils
Average salary: $80,000-$120,000+
Qualifications: Building design, architecture, or engineering
Why there’s demand: Green buildings are key to net zero and the National Construction Code is tightening sustainability standards.
5. Bush Regenerators and Landcare Workers
Job titles: Bush Regenerator, Landcare Officer, Conservation Field Worker
What they do: Restore native vegetation, control invasive species, protect biodiversity
Where they work: Local councils, Landcare groups, NGOs
Average salary: $55,000-$75,000+
Qualifications: Cert III or IV in Conservation and Ecosystem Management
Why there’s demand: Australia is losing species faster than anywhere else. Hands-on work is essential to turn that around.
6. Circular Economy and Waste Management Roles
Job titles: Recycling Coordinator, Circular Economy Analyst, Waste Education Officer
What they do: Reduce landfill, boost recycling, design waste-free systems
Where they work: Local councils, businesses, waste contractors
Average salary: $70,000-$100,000+
Qualifications: It can vary – sustainability, logistics, engineering, or communications
Why there’s demand: Australia is cracking down on single-use plastics and aiming for a circular economy by 2030.
7. Climate Adaptation and Disaster Resilience Specialists
Job titles: Climate Adaptation Officer, Emergency Management Planner
What they do: Prepare communities for floods, fires, and other climate risks
Where they work: Government, NGOs, insurance, planning departments
Average salary: $80,000-$120,000+
Qualifications: Emergency management, climate science, town planning
Why there’s demand: With more frequent extreme weather, local governments and insurers are investing heavily in adaptation.
Where to Find Green Jobs in Australia
- EthicalJobs.com.au – for values-driven roles
- SEEK – use keywords like “sustainability,” “environment,” or “climate”
- LinkedIn Jobs
- Local government websites – councils are often hiring for climate and environment officers
- Clean Energy Council – for renewable energy jobs
How to Get into a Green Career, without a Degree
You don’t need a science degree to work in sustainability. Here are a few accessible pathways:
- TAFE & apprenticeships: Get into solar, bush regeneration, or energy-efficient construction.
- Short courses: Many online platforms now offer training in ESG, sustainable finance, or circular economy.
- Upskill your current role: A teacher, tradie, marketer or accountant can all transition by adding a sustainability focus.
- Volunteering: Landcare or environmental groups are great for experience and networking.
FAQ: Green Jobs in Australia
Are green jobs just for scientists and engineers?
No, this is a common misconception. Green jobs include tradespeople, educators, business analysts, policy advisors, and more. You don’t need to be a scientist to make a difference.
Which green jobs pay the most in Australia?
Sustainability managers, climate risk analysts, and renewable energy engineers are among the top earners, often bringing in over $120,000 annually.
Where are most green jobs located in Australia?
Major cities like Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane have lots of roles in policy, business and construction. But regional areas are booming for jobs in renewable energy, landcare and ecological restoration.
Can I work remotely in a green job?
Some roles, like sustainability reporting, ESG consulting, or climate policy, can be done remotely. Fieldwork jobs are usually location-based.
Are green jobs future-proof?
Yes. As Australia moves toward net zero, demand will only grow. Green skills are among the most future-resilient out there. The transition to a more sustainable economy is ongoing and long-term, and the demand for green skills will continue well beyond our official climate targets.
Even once we achieve net zero, we’ll still need a skilled workforce to:
- Maintain and upgrade renewable energy systems
- Retrofit existing buildings for greater energy efficiency
- Restore degraded ecosystems
- Monitor and manage emissions to keep them at zero or below
- Adapt to ongoing climate risks and natural disasters
In other words, sustainability isn’t a project with a finish line, it’s a permanent shift in how society operates.
Thinking about a Green Job? Australia Needs You
The climate crisis isn’t just an environmental problem, it’s also a job opportunity. We need all hands on deck to hit net zero targets, restore damaged ecosystems, and build a better future.
Whether you’re on the tools, behind a desk, or out in the bush, there’s a green job out there with your name on it.
TL;DR: Australia’s green job boom is real and it’s a great time to jump in.