SSM Careers - University of Hawaii Maui College

The real question may be: "Do we know what sustainability really is?". We know our best science has identified unsustainable conditions which threaten our world and even our existence. Even doing our best, various factors impede our getting it right. Realistically, sustainability requires that we accept uncertanity and our limitaitons, with a commitment to improve on a continuing basis. The bottom line is, sustainability is all about humans, we cause the problems and we can find the answers. And truth be known, it is our own sustainability at stake.

What is Sustainability Science?

Sustainability Science: The rigorous application of crticial analyses via scientific method and systems thinking, across all disciplines relevant to a contemporary issue, in order to identify values and design solutions which reinforce the coexsistence of both human societies and natural systems in perpetuity.

Historically, scientific inquiry pursues knowledge for its own sake, using scientific methods to ensure a rigorous search for new facts. Other disciplines like philosophy, humanities or politics may seek to determine wherein lay our values, or what 'should be'. Sustainability science bridges these concepts, applying the rigor of scientific method to determine both the facts of our circumstances and what ends we should pursue; in other words our values. By focusing on the interactions between humans and the ecosystems on which we rely allows us to derive facts and values intended to sustain our natural systems and meet critical human needs in the face of change and incresing complexity.

Why study in Maui?

Sustainability advocacy often generates passion and energy while identifying important issues, yet these efforts commonly lead to either seemingly small projects or the feeling that "there's just too much to consider!". This is because sustainability requires a holisitc look at the related circumstances, which can be overwhelming. Because Maui is a 'closed system' however, it is natural to consider and research the island-wide ramifications of new practices or policies. We call it our 'test tube' and it is real. Maui is a living laboratory for observing successes and failures in sustainability pursuit.

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Careers in Sustainable Science Management

Sustainability is a relatively recent field. Sustainability career paths and best practices are becoming more broadly accepted across disciplines. The fields listed below are some of the options available to prospective SSM graduates.

“I knew I had a passion for preserving natural ecosystems and I was interested in new technologies that could lower human impact on the planet. Now in my senior year in the program I enjoy applying sustainability theories and processes to real world solutions. The program helped me get an internship that turned into a paid position at a local renewable energy company, Pacific Biodiesel and I am really enjoying the work I do as the Marketing Coordinator.”

Kate Cheney, SSM Alumni 2017

With the use of the term "sustainability" in job titles becoming increasingly popular, the demand for sustainability-related occupations is expected to rise. Efficiency, impact reduction, stakeholder development, and actual cost analysis will all be weaved into more job descriptions in the coming years. As a result, additional chances for independent-minded graduates to create their own entrepreneurial or advocacy jobs will develop.

Other jobs may include and are not limited too:

Development Director, Account Manager, Director of Sustainability, Sustainable Facilities Coordinator, Sustainability Plan Developer, Policy Coordinator, Renewable Energy Systems Specialist, Manager, Environmental Sustainability, Sustainable Project Analyst/Assistant, Energy Efficiency Specialist, Editor, Environmental Educator, High School Teacher, Clean Technology Marketing Specialist, Sustainability Graduate Research Assistant and Risk Assesment Analyst.