A job in clean energy doesn’t mean you’ll be buried in spreadsheets or stuck in a science lab. It’s not just for engineers in high-vis or researchers with PhDs. Today, Australia’s renewable energy workforce is as varied as the country itself, and more Australians are discovering fulfilling careers in places they never expected.
Episode 3 of Energy Matters explored this beautifully. Co-host James Treble sat down with Teresa Romanovska, founder of Careers for Purpose, to chat about how recruitment in sustainability is changing. The episode goes far beyond job ads. It reminds us that meaningful work can be found almost anywhere, as long as purpose is part of the picture.
Purpose over perks
Since founding Careers for Purpose in 2021, Teresa has helped hundreds of Australians shift into climate-positive roles. And many of them came from outside the sector. Former lawyers, marketers, tradies, teachers, and even real estate agents are all part of this wave of purposeful pivots.
It’s part of a bigger story. Job seekers are choosing meaning over money. More people are leaving traditional roles for careers aligned with their values.
As Teresa said in Episode 63 of the Road to ZERO podcast:
“So many people want to find purpose in their job. You’re in your job 40, 50, 60 hours a week — you want to do that with something that feels meaningful, and where you’re contributing to something more than just someone’s bottom line.”
Well said.
Beyond city skylines and startup hubs
When people think of renewables, they often picture big-city offices or high-tech labs. But careers with purpose are springing up in regional towns, on farms, and in outback communities. From battery installers in Ballarat to community energy groups in Alice Springs, there’s plenty happening beyond the metro bubble.
Energy Matters has featured some of these real-world examples. We’ve seen a nursery in rural Victoria powered by FranklinWH batteries. We’ve toured hydrogen facilities in China, visited off-grid homes, and chatted with solar experts working in every corner of the country. These projects need people. Not just engineers, but communicators, coordinators, customer service stars, project managers, and hands-on tradies.
The myth of the perfect candidate
There’s a persistent myth that you need a background in science or engineering to join the clean energy industry. That’s simply not true.
Careers for Purpose often works with candidates looking to pivot. They might not have technical experience, but they bring strong transferable skills, a growth mindset, and a clear desire to do work that matters.
That desire to contribute is a huge asset. In fact, it can be more valuable than a checkbox list of qualifications.
Teresa said during her chat with James Treble:
“People want to have an impact in the work that they do, whether that is renewable energy, sustainability, or biodiversity regeneration. It’s providing people a purpose in their work that aligns with their values.”
Helping businesses find more than just a bum on a seat
Hiring the right person is hard. Anyone who’s posted a job ad knows the pain of sifting through hundreds of resumes, many of them off the mark. For time-poor managers, this process can drag on for weeks.
That’s where specialist recruiters like Careers for Purpose come in. Teresa and her team connect mission-driven companies with talent that aligns on values as well as skills.
“We run all of our recruitment projects like retained search, whether they’re retained or not,” Teresa explained. “Because our clients are often looking for quite unique skill sets, and the right person doesn’t always respond to an advert.”
It’s a smarter, more strategic way to hire.
There’s no single pathway into clean energy
Episode 3 of Energy Matters makes one thing clear. Your current career path doesn’t lock you in. Whether you’re a barista in Byron Bay or a bookkeeper in Bendigo, there’s a place for you in the clean energy future.
Often, it’s not about starting over. It’s about shifting sideways, applying your skills in a new context, and getting on board with a bigger mission. The sector needs every type of skill set, not just the technical ones.
The future is purpose-led
As the climate crisis intensifies, Australia needs more than panels, policies, and pumped hydro. It needs people. People who care. People with the drive to solve complex problems and the passion to keep going when it gets tough.
That’s why purpose-driven careers are so critical. They don’t just fill roles. They build momentum.
It’s not just about solar panels or wind turbines. It’s about choosing work that makes a difference, whether you’re based in a big city, a small town, or somewhere in between.
Want to learn more? Watch Episode 3 of Energy Matters on 9Now to hear Teresa’s full story.
