Entry Level Sustainability Program Manager Jobs
New grad sustainability program manager jobs welcome recent graduates and entry level candidates with zero to two years of experience, where a strong internship record or hands-on project portfolio can matter more than a long resume. Most openings are on-site and hybrid roles across Education, Consulting & Professional Services, and Manufacturing, with employers like CookUnity, Rochester Institute of Technology, and QIMA hiring at this level now.
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At QIMA, we are on a mission to offer our clients smart solutions to make products you can trust.
Operating in over 100 countries, we serve the consumer products, food, and life sciences industries and help more than 30,000 brands, retailers, manufacturers, and growers achieve quality excellence.
We combine on-the-ground expertise with digital solutions that bring accuracy, transparency and intelligence for quality and compliance data.
What sets us apart is our unique culture. Our 6,000 Qimates live and make decisions every day by our QIMA Values. With client passion, integrity, and a commitment to making things simple, we disrupted the Testing, Inspection, and Certification industry. Are you ready to hop on this exciting ride with us and help us achieve our mission?
Our Consumer Products Division is dedicated to helping brands, retailers and manufacturers worldwide deliver safe, quality and ethically made products to their consumers. Every day at work, our inspectors, auditors, and lab techs use their expertise to help safeguard the products you use every day in your home: from clothes and footwear to toys and baby products, to electronics, appliances, and furniture.
Job Description
This opportunity is open to graduate students and junior professionals based in United States who are interested in developing an international career in social compliance, sustainability, and auditing.
As a Trainee Auditor, you will receive training and support to develop as a SMETA auditor and progress toward obtaining Certified Social Compliance Auditor (CSCA) status through APSCA.
Key Responsibilities
You will be expected to:
- Conduct social compliance and environmental audits at the manufacturing sites of our clients’ suppliers, including announced and, where applicable, unannounced audits.
- Assess compliance with applicable international standards, SMETA requirements, client-specific procedures, and relevant local regulations.
- Evaluate areas including labor and human rights, occupational health and safety, environmental management, business ethics, and responsible business practices.
- Identify potential violations and objectively document audit findings, evidence, and observations.
- Prepare clear, accurate, and detailed audit reports for clients.
- Maintain a professional, independent, impartial, and ethical approach throughout the audit process.
- Interact professionally with factory management and employees while maintaining confidentiality and protecting the integrity of the audit.
- Travel internationally and work at different manufacturing sites, as required.
- Participate in client meetings and provide input to develop quality control procedures based on specific client requirements.
- Contribute ideas to improve the quality, efficiency, and consistency of Operations projects.
- Participate in internal training, calibration sessions, and continuous improvement initiatives.
APSCA Certification Pathway
As part of the role, the selected candidate will be responsible for:
- Completing the APSCA registration process.
- Participating in the required training and development activities.
- Preparing for, taking, and successfully passing all required APSCA examinations.
- Fulfilling the applicable APSCA requirements to obtain CSCA status.
Successful completion of the APSCA certification pathway and achievement of CSCA status are essential components of the position.
Qualifications
- Recently graduated with a master’s degree in Environmental Sciences, Environmental Engineering, Sustainability, Corporate Social Responsibility, Human Resources, Occupational Health and Safety, or a related field.
- Strong interest in developing an international career in social compliance, sustainability, and auditing.
- Fluent English, both written and spoken.
- Strong analytical, communication, interviewing, and report-writing skills.
- Excellent attention to detail and ability to assess information objectively.
- High level of integrity, professionalism, discretion, and independence.
- Ability to interact effectively with factory management, employees, clients, and other stakeholders.
- Ability to work independently and manage multiple assignments.
- Valid passport and, where applicable, a valid visa.
- Availability to travel approximately 80% of the time, including international travel.
- Previous experience in auditing, manufacturing, sustainability, environmental management, human resources, or compliance is desirable but not required.
- Willingness and ability to complete the APSCA certification pathway and obtain CSCA status.
Additional Information
- Contract type: Independent Contractor.
- Monthly compensation: USD 4000
- Travel requirements: Approximately 80% of the time.
- Business travel expenses will be covered by the company, including meals, transportation, airfare, accommodation, and local transportation related to audits.
- APSCA program registration will be covered by the company.
- The company will cover the fees for all required APSCA examinations.
- Training, mentoring, and ongoing support will be provided throughout the development process.
- The position offers professional growth opportunities in sustainability, social compliance, responsible sourcing, and auditing.
- Candidates must maintain a valid passport and any visas required for their assigned destinations.
At QIMA, we are on a mission to offer our clients smart solutions to make products you can trust.
Operating in over 100 countries, we serve the consumer products, food, and life sciences industries and help more than 30,000 brands, retailers, manufacturers, and growers achieve quality excellence.
We combine on-the-ground expertise with digital solutions that bring accuracy, transparency and intelligence for quality and compliance data.
What sets us apart is our unique culture. Our 6,000 Qimates live and make decisions every day by our QIMA Values. With client passion, integrity, and a commitment to making things simple, we disrupted the Testing, Inspection, and Certification industry. Are you ready to hop on this exciting ride with us and help us achieve our mission?
Our Consumer Products Division is dedicated to helping brands, retailers and manufacturers worldwide deliver safe, quality and ethically made products to their consumers. Every day at work, our inspectors, auditors, and lab techs use their expertise to help safeguard the products you use every day in your home: from clothes and footwear to toys and baby products, to electronics, appliances, and furniture.
Job Description
This opportunity is open to graduate students and junior professionals based in United States who are interested in developing an international career in social compliance, sustainability, and auditing.
As a Trainee Auditor, you will receive training and support to develop as a SMETA auditor and progress toward obtaining Certified Social Compliance Auditor (CSCA) status through APSCA.
Key Responsibilities
You will be expected to:
- Conduct social compliance and environmental audits at the manufacturing sites of our clients’ suppliers, including announced and, where applicable, unannounced audits.
- Assess compliance with applicable international standards, SMETA requirements, client-specific procedures, and relevant local regulations.
- Evaluate areas including labor and human rights, occupational health and safety, environmental management, business ethics, and responsible business practices.
- Identify potential violations and objectively document audit findings, evidence, and observations.
- Prepare clear, accurate, and detailed audit reports for clients.
- Maintain a professional, independent, impartial, and ethical approach throughout the audit process.
- Interact professionally with factory management and employees while maintaining confidentiality and protecting the integrity of the audit.
- Travel internationally and work at different manufacturing sites, as required.
- Participate in client meetings and provide input to develop quality control procedures based on specific client requirements.
- Contribute ideas to improve the quality, efficiency, and consistency of Operations projects.
- Participate in internal training, calibration sessions, and continuous improvement initiatives.
APSCA Certification Pathway
As part of the role, the selected candidate will be responsible for:
- Completing the APSCA registration process.
- Participating in the required training and development activities.
- Preparing for, taking, and successfully passing all required APSCA examinations.
- Fulfilling the applicable APSCA requirements to obtain CSCA status.
Successful completion of the APSCA certification pathway and achievement of CSCA status are essential components of the position.
Qualifications
- Recently graduated with a master’s degree in Environmental Sciences, Environmental Engineering, Sustainability, Corporate Social Responsibility, Human Resources, Occupational Health and Safety, or a related field.
- Strong interest in developing an international career in social compliance, sustainability, and auditing.
- Fluent English, both written and spoken.
- Strong analytical, communication, interviewing, and report-writing skills.
- Excellent attention to detail and ability to assess information objectively.
- High level of integrity, professionalism, discretion, and independence.
- Ability to interact effectively with factory management, employees, clients, and other stakeholders.
- Ability to work independently and manage multiple assignments.
- Valid passport and, where applicable, a valid visa.
- Availability to travel approximately 80% of the time, including international travel.
- Previous experience in auditing, manufacturing, sustainability, environmental management, human resources, or compliance is desirable but not required.
- Willingness and ability to complete the APSCA certification pathway and obtain CSCA status.
Additional Information
- Contract type: Independent Contractor.
- Monthly compensation: USD 4000
- Travel requirements: Approximately 80% of the time.
- Business travel expenses will be covered by the company, including meals, transportation, airfare, accommodation, and local transportation related to audits.
- APSCA program registration will be covered by the company.
- The company will cover the fees for all required APSCA examinations.
- Training, mentoring, and ongoing support will be provided throughout the development process.
- The position offers professional growth opportunities in sustainability, social compliance, responsible sourcing, and auditing.
- Candidates must maintain a valid passport and any visas required for their assigned destinations.
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Entry Level Sustainability Program Manager Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get an entry level sustainability program manager job?
Employers hiring at this level look for candidates who can demonstrate hands-on involvement in sustainability initiatives, even through internships, volunteer work, or academic projects. A portfolio showing measurable outcomes, such as a campus energy audit or a community recycling program you helped run, gives you a real edge. Familiarity with sustainability frameworks like GRI or science-based targets also signals readiness to contribute from day one.
Which companies hire entry level sustainability program managers?
Companies hiring entry level sustainability program managers right now include CookUnity, Rochester Institute of Technology, and QIMA, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. At this level, hiring comes from a wide range of organizations, including large corporations building out ESG teams, government agencies, nonprofits, and utilities investing in environmental compliance and community programs.
Are there remote entry level sustainability program manager jobs?
Yes, though on-site roles remain common for entry level positions given the fieldwork and stakeholder coordination involved. About 38% of entry level sustainability program manager openings are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, so candidates who prefer schedule flexibility will still find meaningful options alongside traditional in-person roles.
Are these new grad sustainability program manager jobs?
Yes, many of these postings are new grad and junior roles that welcome recent graduates and candidates with little or no prior professional experience. A new grad-friendly posting typically welcomes zero to two years of experience, accepts internships or coursework as qualifying background, and treats a strong portfolio or capstone project as a genuine substitute for a lengthy work history.
Which industries hire the most entry level sustainability program managers?
Entry Level sustainability program manager roles concentrate in Education, Consulting & Professional Services, and Manufacturing, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. These sectors drive junior hiring because they face growing regulatory pressure, investor scrutiny on ESG metrics, and internal mandates to build dedicated sustainability functions from the ground up.