Green jobs can be found across industries. Some require specific degrees, while others specialize in one industry and focus on sustainability.
No matter your occupation - from environmental law to packaging design - every job can become more environmentally-friendly by simply changing how we do things. Here are a few ideas on how to get started.
Solar Panel Installer
Solar panel installer is an excellent way to enter the renewable energy industry while staying green. This position involves installing photovoltaic systems on clients' properties and connecting these panels with their electricity systems.
These systems can help individuals lower their electric bill or contribute energy back into the grid, so more and more individuals are turning to this eco-friendly solution. As a result, solar power professionals have many opportunities for growth within this field as well as accessing various clients and projects.
Are You Thinking About Expanding Your Career Options Further? For those that wish to take their career one step further, becoming a solar project manager or electrician could be a worthwhile option. Although additional education or training might be necessary, becoming one could offer even greater career advancement opportunities within renewable energy industry and can make you stand out as potential employee candidate.
Farm and Fishery Manager
An education in sustainable agriculture systems, plant and soil science, horticulture or agriecology can set you on your way towards a green career path. Graduates with an affinity for plants and the environment could find work as landscape designers, nursery and greenhouse managers or research scientists.
Securities and commodities traders specialize in trading financial products for large firms or independently. Reducing energy consumption, switching to renewable sources and recycling are common practices within this field.
The Green Goods & Services Survey and OES collection will collect data on occupational staffing patterns, employment, wages for establishments producing green goods or services through existing OES surveys. BLS has created two lists to assist with identification: (1) industries producing these types of goods/services (PDF) and (2) those excluded from GGS survey based on establishment reports that show most revenue coming from these goods/services (this list excludes industries reporting major revenue coming from them).
Environmental Scientist
As renewable energy, sustainability and efficiency become central drivers of the global economy, green jobs will emerge as engines of economic activity. From environmental lawyers to Antarctic researchers - having the appropriate qualifications and skills will be key for success in this sector.
At entry-level positions, an undergraduate degree in either natural science or earth sciences can serve you well, but for higher-level careers more advanced degrees may be required. Some researchers strive to attain their doctorate as academics while others opt for master's programs instead.
Governments enact regulations to ensure clean air, water, and wildlife environments. Environmental scientists are responsible for enforcing these rules and helping businesses comply. Some work on projects such as cleaning up polluted land or making recommendations for new construction that reduce environmental risk; other specialists work as sustainability managers in organizations like waste management or green policies - these professionals often work for consulting firms or private industries.
Sustainability Consultant
Sustainability consultants assist businesses in planning and executing sustainability and corporate responsibility efforts, such as carbon emission reduction or improving employee engagement and workplace culture. It's vital for their consultants to stay abreast of emerging developments in environmental impact reduction or social transformation initiatives so they can advise clients accordingly.
Community projects and volunteering for eco-friendly charities can be an excellent way to gain experience and break into this career field. Online courses, pursuing degrees or taking internships may also help develop necessary skills and knowledge necessary for a fulfilling career in green industries.
Generation Z places great value in companies' environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices; research from Bupa shows that one out of every three would consider turning down an offer due to ethical concerns.
