Two GreenBiz VERGE events are rapidly approaching, with a VERGE Salon kicking off in New York City on Sept. 16. The premier VERGE event comes to San Francisco Oct. 27-30.
In anticipation of this event series that’s all about the convergence of sustainability and technology, we’ve created a list of possible “VERGE” job titles of the future. Some are already roles with an ever-increasing relevance and demand today, while others have major potential to become reality soon.
What is a VERGE job?
These jobs model the convergence of technology and sustainability for the built environment. We’ve identified rapid uptake in what we’d like to call the VERGE sector. Now, who will deliver the goods? Who will embrace, adopt and apply the innovation? Who will sell these new products to municipalities, real estate companies and construction firms?
The 10 jobs listed below are in two distinct arenas: companies and cities. Cities are in the center of this important nexus for VERGE. They either can purchase the technology or they can adopt policy standards to require, say, only renewable sources of power, zero waste or a robust disaster plan related to extreme weather.
In creating this list, I enlisted the brainstorming assistance of GreenBiz’s Joel Makower, chairman and executive editor, and Elaine Hsieh, VERGE program director and senior analyst.
1. City chief sustainability officer: In 2013, the Weinreb Group placed Gil Friend as chief sustainability officer for Palo Alto. During that search and thereafter, I have noticed the growth of sustainability leaders in cities. Los Angeles, San Antonio and Phoenix recently appointed city CSOs. I anticipate the CSO and similar roles will continue to gain prominence as city governments increase their focus on sustainability.
2. Collective impact officer: What are organizations doing to coordinate their efforts and collectively move the needle forward for their city? The CIO is a knowledge management specialist, as well as a master at community level stakeholder relationship building.
3. Shared value officer: At the core of all VERGE companies is a recognition of the “tremendous opportunities for innovation and growth in tackling social” and environmental problems within the built environment. The SVO coordinates efforts to make sure all arms of a city or company recognize this opportunity to advance sustainability practices that add value to the city and its residents. FSG’s website describes this opportunity to pool resources and espouse synergies.
4. Chief resilience officer: Los Angeles and San Francisco lead a fresh trend in city CROs. With changes in populations, weather patterns, coastal geography and other factors important to cities, a CRO will provide leadership in preparing, managing and rebuilding the city if damage occurs.
5. Smart city planner: With its emphasis on integration, VERGE embraces the elements of smart city planning. The Smart City Planner will collaborate with many departments, be it to minimize waste, increasing efficiency of resource use or enhancing integration of various city elements.
6. Bike share program coordinator: With the popularity of systems such as Capital Bikeshare in Washington, D.C., and Citibike in New York City, residents and tourists alike can pay a fee to pedal the city streets while reducing their carbon footprint. The Program Coordinator would manage economic, political, practical and any other aspects of the bike share program.
[Learn more about resilient cities and sustainable mobility at VERGE SF 2014, Oct. 27-30.]
7. Unmanned aerial (drone) and road-based vehicle operator: With more drones in the sky and driverless cars on the road, we might not need as many drivers, but we do need someone to operate the unmanned vehicles. The individual coordinating these systems for a city would need strong skills in operations, math and programming.
8. Telematics software architect: The Architect will develop integrated use of mobile communications, vehicle monitoring systems and location technology — similar to the evolving concept of a connected car.
9. Big data analyst: This role includes collection and analysis of big data generated by a city’s immense technological systems. Based on the analyst’s metrics and recommendations, the city can improve sustainability practices using data-driven models. Analytics engineers and data visualization experts would be strong candidates for this position. They are analytical (can parse data) and have the experience to understand how to interpret data within context to make it useful.
10. Zero-waste manager: This role will go beyond coordinating recycling and waste management programs for the city. It likely will include integrating technology into management and collection of waste, as well as disseminating information city-wide on zero-waste approaches.
As you can see, many of these job roles necessitate integration and collaboration with varying city departments, as well as incorporation of technology to enhance the city’s sustainability practice.
What are your thoughts about our list? We’d love to hear your own predictions for VERGE jobs of the future.