Why your career should go green: Exciting career prospects for budding environmentalists

If you are passionate about the environment, there are plenty of ways that you can find jobs that reflect this passion. With environmental awareness expanding across the globe and across creeds, this is no longer an exclusive field. Even without specialized degrees or training, you can make use of your own skills and apply them to green jobs. I know I don’t have to define ‘green’ for you, as ‘green’ is the fifth largest market sector in the United States. But, technically, green jobs are any that give you the opportunity to contribute to preserving or enhancing environmental quality. No matter how long ago or how recently you developed your passion for environmental issues, and no matter how daunting you imagine a job change to be in this market, it pays to have a look at some of the off the beaten track jobs out there for budding environmentalists.

Which Sectors?

Because so many municipalities are proposing and passing policies designed to improve environmental quality, there are more and more opportunities for careers in this field. Depending on where you live or where you want to find work, there are likely to be firms and institutions taking advantage of the vibrant environmental sector. Particularly, consider these rapidly expanding concentrations:

Insulation and weatherization, water retrofits, urban gardening, solar panel installation, production from recycled materials, non-toxic cleaning, materials reuses, hazardous materials clean-up, green waste composting, green building, biodiesel mechanics, and bicycle repair and services.

These thriving sectors require a workforce that ranges from highly skilled to workers with limited initial education. Much of the time, you can obtain skills on the job or through training paid for by your employer. Luckily, there are also a growing number or local training organizations and online environmental courses, like those offered by common ground, providing ample opportunity for career growth in the sector.

What Kinds of Jobs?

As I mentioned before, it really depends on the location. In California, ‘green waves’ of investment fly to solar energy industries because of all that sunshine. And the sunny state also boasts some of the most locally initiated programs, like the California Youth Energy Services, which train and pay young people to conduct energy audits.

The residential weatherization field presents more opportunities in the Northeast, where state-level Departments of Energy insure that green workers earn more than the going rate for commercial construction. And organic farming, while taking off almost everywhere, is bound to continue to grow the Central Plains.

But once you get your foot in the door, the real perks come with working in inspection. As ‘green’ becomes the new norm, utilities companies, farms, construction sites, etc. will all continue to require inspection to insure their environmental standards are up to par.

If it’s only the fear of drastic career changes that is holding you back from reaping the rewards of the green economy boom, check that fear now. Continued economic pressures and corporate restructuring are going to eventually change all the industries as we know them. Get on board with an exciting field while you’re still ahead of the pack!