Here are the three fastest-growing green job titles in Australia, according to LinkedIn

LinkedIn has revealed the fastest-growing ‘green’ job titles in Australia, but the employment platform suggests more could be done to boost the supply of environmentally conscious jobs throughout the economy.

Highlighting the findings of its recent Global Green Skills Report, LinkedIn on Tuesday noted sustainability managers as the clear standout.

The hiring of sustainability managers in Australia was 24% above that of 2016 levels in 2021, making it the nation’s top green job title by growth.

Ecologists followed in second place, with hiring increasing by 17% over the same time period. Geologists followed closely behind, at 15% hiring growth.

The uptake of sustainability managers and environmentally-focused experts meant ‘green’ jobs accounted for 1.2% of all Australian hiring in 2021, LinkedIn says, marking a 50% spike from 2016 levels.

The data suggests major industries are driving that trend: construction, corporate services, the energy and mining sectors, public administration, and manufacturing concerns were the sectors most likely to hire climate-conscious specialists.

As the scientific community urges a rapid repositioning of the global economy to avoid the worst impacts of climate change, boosting the number of green professionals will benefit Australia’s transition to a greener economy.

But the LinkedIn data also suggests Australia could do more to improve positions not traditionally associated with sustainability.

As it stands, hiring into jobs with ‘greening’ potential — that is, jobs LinkedIn suggests could become more efficient and environmentally sound — has flatlined since 2016.

Similarly to the shortage of tech skills, LinkedIn suggests upskilling could accelerate the nation’s green transition.

“We know from our research that many organisations are now looking to go green, spurred on by conversations around sustainability, growing consumer consciousness for environment-friendly businesses and mounting government pressures,” said Matt Tindale, managing director LinkedIn ANZ.

“Future-focused job seekers should be looking at how they can upskill in these areas to make sure they can jump on any relevant opportunities in the new roles being created due to the green economy,” he added.

“Companies can begin to think about equipping their employees with green skills, even if they are in roles not conventionally associated with environmental impact, so that the green transformation can gain traction in the wider Australian economy,” the report said.

You can read the full report here.