Life Cycle Assessment Specialist Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the era of sustainable development, the focus on Life Cycle Assessment Specialists has never been more critical.

As global priorities shift towards sustainability, the demand for skilled professionals who can evaluate, enhance, and manage our environmental impacts grows stronger.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a Life Cycle Assessment Specialist?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply curious about the complexities of life cycle assessment,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Life Cycle Assessment Specialist job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Life Cycle Assessment Specialist Duties and Responsibilities

Life Cycle Assessment Specialists work to measure the environmental impact of products and services, from creation to disposal.

They utilize analytical skills and scientific knowledge to ensure businesses maintain sustainable practices.

Their key duties and responsibilities include:

• Conducting comprehensive life cycle assessments (LCAs) of products or services
• Creating detailed reports on the environmental impact of various business activities
• Providing guidance and advice on how to reduce environmental harm and enhance sustainability
• Working with product development teams to design more sustainable products
• Developing and implementing sustainability strategies and policies
• Collaborating with other professionals to execute sustainability initiatives
• Evaluating the efficacy of implemented sustainability measures
• Keeping up-to-date with the latest advancements in environmental science and sustainability practices
• Presenting findings to stakeholders and suggesting improvements
• Ensuring compliance with environmental legislation and standards

 

Life Cycle Assessment Specialist Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking an experienced Life Cycle Assessment Specialist to join our team.

The successful candidate will be responsible for conducting life cycle assessments (LCA) to evaluate the environmental impact of our products and processes.

This involves collecting and analyzing data, creating models, and preparing reports to guide our sustainability efforts.

The ideal candidate will have a solid understanding of LCA methodology and ISO 14040 standards, and the ability to communicate complex information to a variety of stakeholders.

 

Responsibilities

• Conduct detailed life cycle assessments (LCA) for products and processes
• Collect and analyze data related to energy use, waste production, and other environmental factors
• Create models to predict the environmental impact of new products or processes
• Prepare reports and presentations detailing the results of LCAs
• Work with product development teams to incorporate sustainability considerations into design decisions
• Stay current on advancements in LCA methodology and tools
• Communicate LCA results to management, team members, and other stakeholders
• Collaborate with other sustainability professionals to support overall company goals

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a Life Cycle Assessment Specialist or similar role
• Experience with LCA software tools such as SimaPro, Gabi or OpenLCA
• Excellent data collection and analysis skills
• Strong understanding of LCA methodology and ISO 14040 standards
• Ability to create and interpret complex models
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Advanced degree in environmental science, sustainability, or a related field

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Continuing education opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Life Cycle Assessment Specialist
• Work Environment: Office setting with some field work. Some travel may be required for data collection or meetings.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Sustainability Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $65,000 minimum to $90,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Life Cycle Assessment Specialist Do?

Life Cycle Assessment Specialists typically work in manufacturing, technology, and environmental consultancy firms, or in the research and development departments of various industries.

They conduct life cycle assessments (LCA) of products, services, or processes to quantify the environmental impacts and potential improvements.

Their job involves gathering and analyzing data, and assessing potential environmental impacts over the entire life cycle, from raw material extraction through production, use, and disposal.

They work closely with product managers, designers, engineers, and other professionals to understand the product or process under study and to collect the necessary data.

The LCA Specialist may also be involved in interpreting the results and advising on the potential improvements.

They use specialized software tools for LCA and may be involved in developing, improving, and testing these tools.

They may also be responsible for developing and implementing LCA methodologies and procedures in their organization.

Life Cycle Assessment Specialists also write technical reports and present their findings to stakeholders or at scientific conferences.

They need to stay updated with the latest developments in the LCA field and may also be involved in research activities.

 

Life Cycle Assessment Specialist Qualifications and Skills

A Life Cycle Assessment Specialist requires a range of technical skills, analytical ability, and environmental knowledge, including:

• Technical skills in life cycle assessment (LCA) methodologies and tools to perform comprehensive environmental evaluations.
• Strong understanding of environmental science and sustainability issues to properly analyze and interpret LCA data.
• Analytical skills to evaluate complex data sets and derive meaningful insights from them.
• Proficiency in using industry-specific software for modeling and analyzing life cycle inventories.
• Project management skills to manage multiple assessments simultaneously, ensuring each project is completed on time and within budget.
• Communication skills to effectively present findings to stakeholders and explain the implications of the assessment results.
• Problem-solving skills to identify and address potential issues that may arise during the life cycle assessment process.
• Detail-oriented nature to ensure all factors are considered in the LCA and that results are accurately reported.

 

Life Cycle Assessment Specialist Experience Requirements

Entry-level Life Cycle Assessment Specialists typically have at least 1 to 2 years of experience in environmental science, sustainable engineering, or a related field.

This experience can often be gained through relevant internships or research projects during their undergraduate or postgraduate studies.

Experience in performing environmental impact assessments, familiarity with LCA software, and a strong understanding of life cycle thinking and sustainability principles is often required.

Knowledge of national and international standards and guidelines on life cycle assessment is also beneficial.

For Life Cycle Assessment Specialists with more than 3 years of experience, they often have developed a more comprehensive understanding of environmental impact analysis, and may have specialized in certain sectors such as renewable energy, manufacturing, or agriculture.

They may also have experience in leading LCA projects, overseeing data collection and analysis, and presenting the results to stakeholders.

Those with more than 5 years of experience may have taken on leadership roles, managing teams, and developing strategies for improving sustainability practices within organizations.

They may also be responsible for mentoring junior specialists, and they may have gained experience in writing proposals and securing funding for LCA projects.

For all Life Cycle Assessment Specialists, ongoing professional development is important to keep up-to-date with evolving methodologies, tools, and legislation related to life cycle assessment.

 

Life Cycle Assessment Specialist Education and Training Requirements

Life Cycle Assessment Specialists typically need to have a bachelor’s degree in environmental science, industrial engineering, or a related field.

This provides them with a fundamental understanding of environmental systems, processes, and impacts.

These specialists should have a deep understanding of life cycle assessment (LCA) methods, software tools, and databases.

They should also have a strong foundation in statistics and data analysis.

Courses or training in supply chain management, industrial processes, and sustainability can be beneficial.

In addition to undergraduate education, many positions require or prefer a master’s degree in environmental science, industrial ecology, or a similar field.

These programs allow students to delve deeper into the principles and methodologies of LCA and to conduct research in the field.

Specialists may also need to have professional certification or training in LCA.

This can be obtained through organizations such as the American Center for Life Cycle Assessment (ACLCA) or the International Life Cycle Academy.

Further, a solid understanding of governmental environmental regulations and the ability to effectively communicate complex information to a variety of audiences is crucial in this role.

Continued learning and staying updated with advancements in LCA methodologies, tools, and practices is also important for growth and effectiveness in this role.

 

Life Cycle Assessment Specialist Salary Expectations

A Life Cycle Assessment Specialist earns an average salary of $74,000 (USD) per year.

The salary can vary depending on the level of experience, specific industry, and geographical location.

Additional factors such as the size and type of the employing company may also impact the salary.

 

Life Cycle Assessment Specialist Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Life Cycle Assessment Specialist need?

Life Cycle Assessment Specialists should possess strong analytical skills and attention to detail, as they are required to conduct complex assessments of products and processes.

They must also have excellent communication skills to accurately report their findings to various stakeholders.

Knowledge in environmental science and engineering, as well as expertise in using various life cycle assessment software, are also essential for this role.

 

Do Life Cycle Assessment Specialists need a degree?

Yes, Life Cycle Assessment Specialists typically need a degree in environmental science, engineering, or a related field.

Some positions may require a master’s degree or other advanced education.

Knowledge in sustainability, product development, and production processes are often key areas of study for this role.

 

What should you look for in a Life Cycle Assessment Specialist resume?

In a Life Cycle Assessment Specialist’s resume, look for a strong background in environmental science or engineering.

They should have experience conducting life cycle assessments, preferably in your industry.

Proficiency in LCA software, data analysis, and report writing is also important.

Look for any certifications related to life cycle assessment or sustainability.

 

What qualities make a good Life Cycle Assessment Specialist?

A good Life Cycle Assessment Specialist is analytical and detail-oriented, able to conduct thorough assessments and identify potential environmental impacts.

They should also be excellent communicators, capable of explaining complex concepts in understandable terms.

They should be passionate about sustainability and committed to helping the company reduce its environmental footprint.

 

Is it difficult to hire Life Cycle Assessment Specialists?

Hiring a Life Cycle Assessment Specialist can be challenging due to the specialized nature of the role.

It requires specific knowledge and skills in environmental science and life cycle assessment.

However, with the increasing focus on sustainability in many industries, there is a growing pool of qualified candidates.

Offering competitive salaries, opportunities for professional development, and a strong commitment to sustainability can help attract top talent.

 

Conclusion

And there we have it.

Today, we’ve pulled back the veil on what it truly means to be a Life Cycle Assessment Specialist.

Surprised?

It’s not merely about calculating emissions or managing waste.

It’s about shaping a sustainable future, one life cycle assessment at a time.

With our comprehensive Life Cycle Assessment Specialist job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to take the plunge.

But why end your journey here?

Explore further with our job description generator. It’s your next step towards creating laser-focused job listings or optimizing your resume to standout perfection.

Bear in mind:

Every life cycle assessment contributes to a sustainable future.

Let’s create that future. Together.

How to Become a Life Cycle Assessment Specialist (Complete Guide)

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