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Sustainability Analyst

Veolia • United States • Added on Sep 10, 2026
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Working directly with the Chief Sustainability Officer, you will bridge the gap between high-level strategy and operational execution across North America. This is an active, hands-on role where you will manage the regional biodiversity program, track decarbonization progress, and refine the data structures that underpin the company’s environmental performance. You will spend significant time at operational sites, moving beyond office-based reporting to implement real-world abatement initiatives.

This role matters because it operates at the core of a major environmental services provider, turning industrial challenges into ecological solutions. By managing a community of 200 biodiversity ambassadors and tackling Scope 3 emissions, you directly influence how critical water and waste infrastructure adapts to a low-carbon future. It is a rare chance to build tangible sustainability programs within a complex, large-scale industrial framework.

This suits someone who is intellectually curious and analytically minded, possessing the confidence to translate technical environmental data into compelling business cases for diverse stakeholders.

Job FAQs

What are the main missions and responsibilities of this role?

The Sustainability Analyst is tasked with translating corporate strategy into operational reality across multiple business units. You will be responsible for supporting the North American decarbonization strategy by tracking progress, identifying carbon abatement opportunities, and managing the complexities of Scope 3 implementation. Beyond carbon, a major pillar of this role involves leading the biodiversity program. This includes conducting site visits to create tailored improvement plans and fostering engagement through a large internal community of practitioners. You will also maintain the regional sustainability data infrastructure to ensure reporting accuracy. Furthermore, you will support environmental compliance and climate risk assessments. This requires collaborating with EHS teams to ensure all sites are resilient against climate-related disruptions while maintaining high regulatory standards.

Key learning opportunities for this job

This position offers a unique chance to gain cross-sector expertise in water, hazardous waste, and energy services. Working directly under the Chief Sustainability Officer provides high-level exposure to how a multinational firm crafts its ESG roadmap, offering mentorship that is rarely available at the junior level. You will develop deep technical knowledge in carbon accounting methodologies and climate risk frameworks like TCFD. The role also provides practical experience in field-based biodiversity assessments, which is an increasingly sought-after skill in the corporate sustainability market. Additionally, the exposure to French language and the global Veolia Group headquarters allows for a better understanding of international sustainability standards. You will likely become proficient in advanced data visualization tools and industrial compliance protocols.

How does the ideal candidate look like (experience, skills)?

The ideal candidate holds a degree in environmental science, engineering, or sustainability and possesses 1 to 3 years of corporate experience. You must be highly analytical, capable of transforming raw data into actionable insights that can convince operations managers and executive leadership alike. Soft skills are just as critical as technical ones; you need the interpersonal agility to build rapport with site workers and corporate executives. A background in carbon accounting, biodiversity metrics, or water stewardship will make you a standout choice for this multidisciplinary team. Organizational skills are paramount, as you will be juggling various workstreams across a vast geographic area. Proficiency in French is a significant bonus, helping to bridge communication with the parent company's global sustainability functions.

Advice to stand out and make a successful application

To stand out, move beyond discussing sustainability in the abstract and focus on industrial applications. Veolia is an operational company, so your application should highlight any experience you have with physical infrastructure, waste management, or utility services. Specifically mention your experience with data management or specific sustainability frameworks. If you have managed employee groups or community initiatives, emphasize this to demonstrate your ability to lead the biodiversity ambassador program successfully. Research Veolia's recent 'GreenUp' strategic plan or their specific work in North American water management. Demonstrating that you understand the intersection of business profitability and environmental impact will show you have the pragmatic mindset required for this corporate team.

What aspects of the company's sustainability is this role likely to focus on?

The focus is heavily weighted toward ecological transformation, particularly in the areas of decarbonization and circularity. You will spend a significant portion of your time on the practicalities of carbon management, helping the company meet its net-zero commitments through internal abatement. Biodiversity is another major focus area, moving it from a peripheral reporting item to a core operational standard. You will be responsible for ensuring that the company's vast physical footprint across North America protects and restores local ecosystems. Lastly, the role addresses climate resilience. This involves analyzing how site-level operations might be affected by extreme weather or resource scarcity, ensuring that the critical services Veolia provides remain stable in a changing climate.

What are the main challenges someone in this role might face?

One of the primary challenges is the decentralized nature of the organization. With over 350 locations, ensuring consistent sustainability data collection and program implementation across diverse business units requires significant persistence and diplomatic skill. You may also face the challenge of balancing operational priorities with sustainability goals. Translating the 'why' of a biodiversity project to a plant manager focused on daily throughput requires clear communication and the ability to demonstrate shared value. Navigating the complexity of Scope 3 emissions in an industrial supply chain is also a significant technical hurdle. You will need to be comfortable working with ambiguity as methodologies for these metrics continue to evolve globally.

How could a typical day look like for someone in this position?

A typical day could start with a data review of regional energy consumption, followed by a meeting with the CSO to discuss progress on the decarbonization roadmap. You might spend your afternoon coordinating a virtual workshop for the biodiversity community to share best practices. Some days will involve travel to operational sites, where you will walk the grounds to assess environmental compliance or identify sites for potential habitat restoration. Back at the office, you might be analyzing regulatory updates to see how new ESG disclosure laws affect the company's reporting requirements. Your day will often conclude with stakeholder communication, perhaps drafting a briefing for a business unit leader or refining a presentation for an external partner regarding the company's climate risk strategy.

What are the opportunities for professional growth and development in this role?

Given the proximity to the Chief Sustainability Officer, this role offers accelerated career progression into more senior management positions within the sustainability or operations departments. You are positioned at the center of the company’s strategic transformation. There are opportunities for global mobility, as Veolia is a French multinational with a presence in dozens of countries. Successfully managing regional programs in North America can lead to roles within the global sustainability group in Paris or other international business units. You will also have the chance to lead high-visibility projects, such as the implementation of new carbon software or regional biodiversity initiatives, which build a strong internal profile and professional reputation within the environmental services industry.

The main stakeholders you might be interacting with

Your primary internal stakeholder is the Chief Sustainability Officer, but you will also work closely with the EHS (Environment, Health, and Safety) teams and business unit leaders across the municipal and industrial sectors. You will frequently interact with site managers and operations personnel to gather data and implement on-the-ground programs. Engaging with the internal community of 200+ biodiversity enthusiasts is also a key part of your collaborative efforts. Externally, you may interface with environmental consultants, regulatory bodies, and sustainability reporting platforms. These interactions focus on verifying data, ensuring compliance, and aligning the company’s performance with global best practices and stakeholder expectations.

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