Environmental Trends Defining the Hiring Industry in 2025
As 2024 came to a close, it paved the way for new opportunities and challenges in 2025. This year is already proving to be significant, with events like the California wildfires underscoring the urgent need for environmental professionals and the critical role they play in addressing climate change.
In an industry projected to grow by at least 7% over the next decade, we aim to keep you informed about the jobs in highest demand, how to position yourself for success, and the evolving landscape of environmental careers.
To explore what 2025 holds, we spoke with Damien Flaherty, Head of EnviroStaff, about the state of the industry, what businesses are seeking in their new hires, and emerging trends. Here’s what he had to say:
Interview with Damien Flaherty, Head of EnviroStaff
How are environmental consulting, remediation efforts, and clients’ sustainability goals shaping staffing needs in 2025?
Many discussions around environmental staffing trends highlight the growing demand for specialists in renewable energy, climate change mitigation, and sustainability consulting. At EnviroStaff, we focus on Environmental Consulting Firms, Testing Laboratories, Remediation Contractors, and Instrument/Equipment Manufacturers and Suppliers.
These firms are actively involved in:
- Investigating potential contamination or environmental impacts from current or historical operations.
- Assisting with commercial property transactions by identifying environmental liability issues.
- Leading Brownfield Development projects—revitalizing closed, decaying, or abandoned facilities into vibrant living, retail, and commercial spaces or parks. This involves designing cleanup strategies and implementing remediation plans to transform former eyesores into safe, thriving areas.
Additionally, Environmental Consulting firms are increasingly advising clients on sustainability initiatives and energy efficiency while designing and constructing renewable energy projects involving solar, wind, and other technologies. These activities demand technical expertise in fields such as Environmental Science, Engineering, Chemistry, Geology, and Biology, combined with skills in data analysis, GIS, and creative problem-solving to develop innovative solutions for sustainable living.
Which specific job titles or specialties do you foresee being in highest demand next year?
As we move into 2025, EnviroStaff is working with numerous Architectural Engineering firms nationwide that need Environmental, Civil, and Geological Engineers with P.E. certification in their respective states. These professionals should have 5 to 15 years of experience in:
- Environmental feasibility studies and remedial alternatives analysis
- Landfill design
- Water resources
- Coal combustion residue management
Additionally, these roles require strong fieldwork skills for data collection, advanced data analysis capabilities, and proficiency in recommending viable remedial actions. Excellent written and verbal communication skills are also essential.
There’s continued demand for Technical Sales Professionals who understand environmental consulting and the instruments/equipment used for field investigations of air, water, and soil. For example, we’re working with a firm seeking a Business Development Manager to market chemical amendments for cleaning up VOCs, pesticides, and other contaminants. This remote position requires environmental industry sales experience and the ability to maintain and grow client relationships regionally and nationally.
What skills or certifications will become critical for environmental professionals in 2025?
The most in-demand professionals will have degrees in Environmental Science, Geology, or Engineering, along with relevant project experience. Strong communication skills to engage with clients and regulators and the ability to mentor junior staff are also critical. Key certifications include:
- Professional Engineer (P.E.)
- Professional Geologist (P.G.)
- Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH)
- Certified Safety Professional (CSP)
- Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM)
What challenges do you predict the industry will face when hiring environmental staff, and how can we address them?
One major challenge is the impending retirement of seasoned professionals with critical certifications and expertise. To address this, EnviroStaff is helping firms bridge the gap by offering Temp-to-Hire or Temp-to-Perm options. This allows recent graduates or early-career professionals to:
- Gain hands-on experience and demonstrate their ability to learn on the job.
- Secure long-term roles while providing value to their employers.
During the temporary period (approximately four months), employees are paid by EnviroStaff at a rate aligned with what they’ll earn upon transitioning to the client’s payroll—with no additional cost to the employer after completing the required temp hours. This approach helps nurture the next generation of environmental professionals.
How is EnviroStaff preparing to adapt to these trends, and are there any internal initiatives to highlight?
In 2024, EnviroStaff launched a training portal providing annual licenses to temporary and direct-hire candidates for online, on-demand training. This platform includes general industry and environmental-specific courses to:
- Equip candidates with essential field safety knowledge.
- Prepare them to effectively contribute to client projects.
This program will continue to evolve and expand in 2025 to meet the growing needs of the industry.
The environmental industry plays a vital role in preserving our planet. Whether your expertise lies in designing remediation strategies, conducting tests, or analyzing data, there are exciting opportunities waiting for you. EnviroStaff is here to connect talented professionals with the right roles.
For more information, visit EnviroStaff’s website and LinkedIn page to start your environmental career journey today!
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About EnviroStaff
EnviroStaff is a division of LGC that focuses on making placements in the environmental industry. We build partnerships with clients to fill open positions on their team and have recruiting capabilities within multiple markets throughout the U.S. Working closely together, EnviroStaff will recruit environmental industry professionals based on your job description and requirements. By making direct hire placements, EnviroStaff can help clients save time and money often associated with recruiting.