As climate change and other trends take their toll on the earth, governments around the world are developing smart and sustainable solutions to mitigate issues such as congestion, pollution and environmental degradation. In this sphere, Singapore is an example of successful and sustainable urban development, making us attractive to companies in the sustainability business and providing the career infrastructure to match.
Hiring in the Sustainability Sector
Dubbed an “urban living laboratory”, Singapore is a regional hub for companies to test, develop and put into practice smart city technologies that boost comfort, protect the environment, and bring city and nature into harmony. Opportunities are available in built environment and city management, urban mobility, energy, safety and security and environment and water.
Fast facts include:
- 15 of the top 20 global engineering consultancies have their regional operations based out of Singapore
- 50 top solar companies have offices in Singapore
- 180 water companies based in Singapore
What is a career in sustainability like?
Careers in this sector normally cover either working in a company providing sustainability solutions, or the CSR-department or environmental-health department of any existing company.
Jobs include:
- Registered Workplace Safety & Health Officer (WSHO) with the MOM or other recognised qualification
- 0-2 years’ experience
- 3,000 SGD – 3,800 SGD / Month
- A Health and Safety (HSE) Executive assists in developing, implementing, monitoring and reviewing HSE policies, procedures, risk assessments and safe working instructions. They may also handle day-to-day inspection and auditing of a company’s work processes to ensure they are up to standard.
- Degree in environmental chemistry or related disciplines
- 0-2 years’ experience
- 3,500 – 4,200 SGD / Month
- A research officer assists in the design, planning and execution of environmental research projects to better understand pollutant exposures or other health and sustainability concerns. The position involves testing protocols in the chemistry laboratory and optimisation works for detection and testing.
- ITE/ NITEC/ Higher NITEC, ‘A’ Levels, Diploma
- 0-2 years’ experience
- 2,000 SGD – 3,500 SGD / Month
- A Technologist may take on different roles depending on the focus of the company, but mainly their duties involve identifying problems with SOPs and implementing solutions, as well as routine cleanings and inspections. This position may involve field work, staggered shifts, and work on public holidays and/or weekends with associated renumeration.
- Diploma/Degree in Business, Polymer Science or Chemical Engineering
- 3-5 years of experience
- 2,000 SGD – 3,500 SGD / Month
- A sales executive in this field encourages their clients to adopt sustainable, eco-friendly solutions that their company offers. Unlike other sales positions, the focus is on the long-term gains for prospective clients and their business that they may enjoy through adopting new technologies. This is a good starting position from which to get a grounding in the sector and move up the ladder.
What qualifications are needed for a career in this sector?
While entry-level positions did not require any specialised knowledge, managerial positions indicated a degree in Business, chemistry or a related field. Some positions also required registration, such as a Workplace Safety & Health Officer (WSHO) under MOM.
However, it is also noteworthy that there are more and more sustainability-oriented startups today. Such smaller initiatives did not require any qualifications, and if you have an idea that will save the world, you may wish to begin on your own as well!
What career opportunities are there in the sector?
As climate change and other environmental transformations continue at a fast pace, this sector is set to grow globally. More and more companies are taking up CSR seriously, while smaller businesses flourish in offering sustainability solutions. Hence, if you feel a calling to do something to protect and cherish the planet, there is no time like the present to begin.
Apply for a career in sustainability now!
