Green Jobs Abound As World Focuses on the Environment – Put Your Green Collar On

With the green revolution now a part of the mainstream consciousness, Americans are not only seeing the benefits of green energy and technology, but also the benefits of green jobs. Across the American business and industrial landscape, new employment opportunities are emerging for those with skills ranging from farming to finance, and engineering to ecology. Universities and colleges are expanding degree programs to include areas of study such as sustainable design, environmental engineering, and renewable energy technologies. To some, this new field may seem impenetrable for individuals without the “green” education offered by these progressive colleges and universities. However, this is not the case.

A great advantage of the green jobs industry is that many experienced professionals – scientists, engineers, lab technicians, installers, architects – are finding that it is no different from the traditional ways of transitioning from one industry to the next. Some analysts and supporters of the green job industry feel that is the best feature of the green jobs industry, especially since most green businesses – being that the industry is in its infancy – are offering in-house training to professionals who are new to the field.

Environmental law is opening paths for lawyers concerned with the current state of the planet. Engineers are finding pathways into the alternative and renewable energy fields, as well as the air and water quality and pollution studies fields.

A great illustration of this is the Blue-Green Alliance. An organization founded by the Sierra Club and the U.S. Steelworkers, the Blue Green Alliance focuses on “greening” their respective industries as well as the transition of experienced workers into “a future … in which good, high paying American jobs will be created with the onset of a green economy” (Leo W. Gerard, International President of the United Steelworkers). Their recent conference in Pittsburgh, Pa., “Good Jobs, Green Jobs” drew 1,000 participants and examined the green industry as a whole, and how to meet their “green” standards. Below is a group of “green” industries that experienced professional of all collar colors are making the transition into.

Alternative and Renewable Energy

While renewable energy degree programs are now offered in universities and community colleges, those with traditional engineering, technical, and installation experience wanting to make the transition can also give their career a greener slant by taking a one- to two-year wind technology degree program at a community college.

Solar Installer Jobs

For a position as a solar panel installer, a background in construction (roofing is a plus), mechanical and/or electrical engineering is all that is needed.

According to the American Solar Energy Society, and due to the increase in solar energy use, installers for the newly developed PV solar panels are projected to be one of the most demanded service professionals in the green industry.

Wind/Turbine Technician

Although a power source in its nascent stage, the American Wind Energy Association reports that the wind industry grew by 45 percent over the past year. Professionals with a background in mechanical and electrical engineering will find work on wind farms as turbine technicians and operators.

Environmental Lawyers

According to the Yale School of Law, “the opportunities to practice environmental law on a global scale are growing”. The green revolution has put into motion a plethora of federal acts and corporate and industrial regulations. Environmental lawyers are needed in the legal field to enforce these policies. Environmental lawyers are transitioning into the corporate world as environmental compliance officers, and into public and private practice representing clients ranging from activist groups to local construction and design firms.

Architects

Architects are finding the transition into the green building industry a relatively smooth one. With green building practices becoming the standards in the industry, and the development of federal standards for construction and design, many architects are finding it necessary for their business to transition into this burgeoning green industry. A LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certificate from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is the first step to entering this field. Following that, it takes many measures in adopting and conforming to green policies enacted at the local and national level.

Science

Environmental “Green” Chemistry

Green chemistry applies scientific solutions to environmental problems such as air, water, and soil pollution.

Chemists who now don a green lab coat study the effects of toxic chemicals on the environment. They work on reducing, or eliminating, the use of these toxins and find chemical substitutes and alternatives. Some chemists are transitioning into positions as air and water quality analysts, while others work in the ecological or farming realm as soil scientists.

Environmental Biology

Environmental biology focuses on the effects of environmental conditions on various ecosystems on the planet. Studies are focused on individual organisms (or species) and their interaction with the environment. Biologists going “green” are working with and as ecologists, pollution specialists, and natural resource conservation professionals to help sustain the earth’s environment and natural resources. In addition, environmental biologists are taking the global warming crisis seriously, and investing time into preventing sudden shifts in climate and weather that can have serious negative effects on the human population.