| Job Title | Typical Education | Median Wage |
|---|---|---|
| Hazardous Materials Removal Workers | High School Diploma or More | $43,326 |
| Chief Sustainability Officers | Bachelor Degree | $178,483 |
| Legislators | Not Available | $61,334 |
| Natural Sciences Managers | High School Diploma or More | $95,180 |
| Compliance Managers | Bachelor Degree | $73,142 |
| Sustainability Specialists | Bachelor Degree | $70,010 |
| Soil and Water Conservationists | Bachelor Degree | $71,171 |
| Range Managers | Bachelor Degree | $71,171 |
| Forest and Conservation Workers | Bachelor Degree | $21,984 |
About the Sustainable Materials Management Program
Sustainable Materials Management at Santa Monica College
🏆 National Award-Winning Program 2025 Outstanding Higher Education Program.
As sustainability becomes a priority for more cities and businesses, the demand for trained professionals who can manage resources and lead environmental initiatives continues to grow. This certificate program offers both academic instruction and real-world training in Sustainable Materials Management (SMM). Students will learn practical strategies to help organizations reduce waste, lower costs, and improve operational efficiency—skills that are increasingly valued across public, private, and nonprofit sectors. Offered through Santa Monica College, this program prepares individuals to support sustainability goals at the local and national levels.
What Sets This Program Apart?
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Award Winning Program!
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OER/ZTC - No Textbook Costs
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Earn a 12 or 18 Unit Professional Certificate in One Semester
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Earn an Associate of Science (AS) degree in Sustainable Materials Management in 2 years!
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CPL Eligible - Credit for Prior Learning is Free College Credit Applied from Training and Learning Gained Outside the College Classroom
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Upon Completing the SMM certificate or Degree, Students are Eligible to Earn the USGBC TRUE Advisor Accreditation and Paid 9-month Fellowship
Apply Now See an Academic Counselor
Program Opportunities
SMC-CYLC Fellowship
Paid 9 Month Fellowship Program
The California Youth Leadership Corps (CYLC) and Santa Monica College (SMC) are offering a paid Leadership and Social Change Fellowship through the Sustainability Pathway for eligible students interested in developing leadership skills and pursuing a career in sustainability. Fellows can receive up to a $10,000 stipend and up to a $5,000 education scholarship, along with 10 hours per week of paid fieldwork for nine months, career mentorship, leadership workshops, and networking opportunities. To be eligible, students must be between 18 and 24 years old and be a U.S. citizen, Green Card holder, or DACA recipient; enroll at SMC for at least 3 units in Spring 2027, 1 unit in Summer 2027, and 3 units in Fall 2027; remain in good academic standing throughout the fellowship; commit to a minimum of 10 hours per week for nine months; and not already hold an AA/AS, BA/BS, or higher degree. Students must also have reliable transportation to travel 5–20+ miles and enroll in two Sustainable Materials Management (SMM) courses during the fellowship.
Applications open November 1 and close January 6, interviews will take place January 11–22, placements will be made January 25–February 3, and the fellowship begins in March 2027.
Click Here for Student Application and Eligibility Form
Program Paths
Sustainable Materials Management
(formerly Recycling and Resource Management)
Associate in Science Degree or
Certificate of Achievement
Upon completion of the program, students will demonstrate the ability to plan, implement, and oversee sustainable materials management programs aimed at implementing Zero Waste principles and sustainability practices for individuals, businesses, and the communities. Additionally, students will demonstrate the ability to write proposals and policy using correct terminology, principles, and California legislation and regulations regarding waste, recycling, sustainable materials management, and zero waste systems.
Sustainability and Materials Management
(formerly Recycling and Zero Waste)
Certificate of Achievement
Upon completion of this certificate, students will demonstrate the ability to plan, implement, and oversee waste management programs aimed at implementing Zero Waste principles and sustainability practices for individuals, businesses, and communities. Additionally, students will demonstrate the ability to write proposals and policy using correct terminology, principles, and CA legislation and regulations regarding waste, recycling, sustainable resource management, and zero waste systems.
Potential Career Options
Recycling Coordinators
Salary: $53,280
Typical Education High School Diploma or More
What We Offer
Sustainable Materials Management
Sustainable Materials Management
Sustainability and Materials Management
Environmental Restoration Planners
Salary: $81,995
Typical Education A Master's or Professional Degree
What We Offer
Sustainable Materials Management
Sustainable Materials Management
Sustainability and Materials Management
Park Naturalists
Salary: $71,171
Typical Education Bachelor Degree
What We Offer
Sustainable Materials Management
Sustainable Materials Management
Sustainability and Materials Management
Resources
Sustainability at SMC
Campus sustainability provides students who want to experience the challenge of solving real-world problems with opportunities to apply their learning in ways that prepare them for future careers. We believe institutions of higher education should “educate students for character and citizenship as much for commerce and career.”
Transfers
Sustainable Technologies is a career education program that does not directly lead to transfer. Students planning to transfer should talk immediately with an Academic Counselor to discuss what SMC courses will help you transfer.
Career Opportunities
Our Sustainable Technologies program is designed to have students' career ready. Consider scheduling an appointment with a career advisor with knowledge of the Sustainable Technologies profession to discuss internship and jobs as well as steps you can take to become job ready.