Alumni Career Pathways
From climate action and environmental justice to sustainable transportation, food systems, and energy transitions, graduates of the Sustainable Communities MS program secure impactful roles that shape healthier, more resilient communities. Below is a snapshot of the major career areas and examples of recent alumni positions.
Climate Action and Clean Energy Development
Careers focused on climate policy, climate justice and clean energy.
- Associate Director of Clean Energy Programs – Network for a Sustainable Tomorrow
- Project Manager – NYSERDA
- Digital Content Editor – NYSERDA
- Analysis – Energy Shrink, LLC
- Rotation Analyst – Convergent Energy and Power
- Associate Developer – Ecoplexus
- Permitting Associate – PureSky Energy
- Climate Smart Communities Coordinator – Cornell Cooperative Extension
- Climate Justice Fellow – Sustainable Westchester, Inc.
- Project Development Coordinator – Kawi Energy Group Corp
- Enterprise Associate – BlocPower
Planning and Community Development
Careers contributing to local and regional planning departments and community development.
- Planner – Broome County
- Planner – County of Rockland
- Planner – Cayuga County
- Program Coordinator – Village of Johnson City
- Community Development Specialist – Lewis County Planning Department
Sustainability in Higher Education, Public Agencies and Institutions
Leadership and support for sustainability initiatives in universities, government offices, and large public institutions.
- Program Associate – Energy & Sustainability Office, NYC Housing Authority
- Sustainability Director – University of Massachusetts Boston
- Sustainability Director – Farmingdale State College
- AmeriCorps Member – Office of Community Empowerment & Opportunity, City of Philadelphia
- Living Building Project Coordinator – City of 91ÉçÇø
- Capital Projects Manager – Friends of Wissahickon
- Natural Resource Specialist – USDA
- Sustainability Director – Ross Park Zoo
- Farm to School Educator – Sidney School District
- Program Manager – Center for Agricultural Development & Entrepreneurship
Sustainability Consulting and Technical Services
Industry positions providing services to enhance the sustainability of the private, public and non-profit sectors.
- Consultant – GBB, Recycling and Solid Waste Management
Environmental Monitor and Lead Risk Assessor – UNYSE, Environmental Consulting - Assistant Project Manager – Airtek Environmental Corp, Environmental Consulting
- Planner – VHG, Civil Engineering Consulting and Design
Community Planner – LaBella Associates, Architecture, Engineering, Environmental, Design and Planning - Project Coordinator – Willdan Energy Solutions, Energy Consulting
Sustainability Discipline Coordinator – Salas O’Brien, Engineering and Technical Services - Transportation and Civic Planning Account Executive – Arch Street Communications, Communications and Public Engagement Services
Excelsior Fellowship
Recent graduates can launch their careers with the excelsior fellowship in top New York state local government offices to gain practical experience and professional opportunities.
- Office of Legislative Affairs- NYS Department of Environmental Conservation
- Department of Environmental Conservation, Public Protection Office