| 7 Green Jobs Poised to Grow Like Weeds |
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If you're passionate about protecting the planet in your personal life, it's only natural for you to crave ways to make a difference at work.
Now it's easier than ever to satisfy your craving. Obama's plan to invest $150 billion in a clean energy economy over the next 10 years is estimated to create 5 million new green jobs.
We've highlighted 7 environment-friendly careers for people with all different backgrounds that are projected to grow considerably under what some call Obama's "New Green Deal."
1. Sustainability Coordinator
What it is:A corporate do-gooder responsible for implementing programs to save energy, reduce waste, promote recycling and increase environmental awareness.
Why it's growing: Companies are becoming more socially responsible by choice and because it's good business. They need a dedicated resource to carry-out their green initiatives.
What you'll need: 4-year degree in environmental/sustainability field, business or marketing and a minimum of 3 years working experience.
How much you'll make: payscale.com shows the median salary for a Sustainability Coordinator with 1-4 years of experience at $44,660.
2. Environmental Architect
What it is: Environmental Architects design energy-efficient buildings using recycled and non-toxic materials. (In some cases they cut energy costs by up to 95%.)
Why it's growing: According to an October 2008 report prepared by Global Insight for the US Conference of Mayors, "…by 2030 more than 36 million new homes and 20 billion square feet of commercial building space will be constructed to accommodate new demand and replace older structures."
What you'll need: 5-year Bachelor of Architecture degree from a nationally accredited school of architecture, a Master of Architecture degree, a license (which requires an internship and passing the Architect Registration Examination) and continuing education. Not to mention Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Professional Accreditation.
How much you'll make: simplyhired.com estimates the average annual salary for a LEED Environmental Architect is $77,000.
3. Wind Turbine Technician
What it is: A technician responsible for operating, maintaining and repairing wind turbine generators.
Why it's growing: The Global Insight report touts wind energy as the fastest-growing energy source in the United States. (General Electric committed to hiring all wind-tech graduates of Mesalands Community College in Tucumcari, NM for the next three years.)
What you'll need: GE requires an Applied Science technical electrical degree or at least 3 years of work experience in the electrical repair industry.
How much you'll make: $26,000/year, according to simplyhired.com.
4. Solar Energy System Installer
What it is: A worker who installs solar panels on commercial and residential structures to convert the sun's rays into electrical power.
Why it's growing: Advancements in solar power technology have lowered its costs, making it an attractive choice over fossil-fuel based power. Even though solar power production has surged over the last 10 years, employment needs to increase for the US to really take advantage of this alternative energy source.
What you'll need: High School or Trade School education, construction experience is preferred, strong arms for heavy lifting and an affinity for spending the day on the roof.
How much you'll make: payscale.com shows a median hourly rate for 1-4 years of experience is $16.18 - rising to $20.00/hour when you reach 5 years.
5. Electrical Engineer
What it is: The job description is highly dependent on the company and industry - a job posting from Renewable Energy Systems of Americas, Inc. for a Senior Electrical Engineer seeks someone to design substations, collection systems and communication systems for wind farm projects across the United States and Canada.
Why it's growing: Electrical Engineers have always been in demand for their ability to make things work, but the renewable energy industry needs them more than ever to make things work using less power and environment-friendly energy sources.
What you'll need: Minimum requirements include a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering, most companies prefer candidates with a Masters degree. For a senior role like the one mentioned above, you'll also need 10-15 years experience.
How much you'll make: payscale.com reports a median starting salary of $55,242, advancing to $82,055 after 9 years.
6. Machine/Equipment Operator
What it is: An operator of machines and equipment used in manufacturing solar panels, wind turbines, hydropower generators and other green building materials and renewable energy production components.
Why it's growing: Surging investment in renewable energy manufacturing means companies are hiring to meet production demands.
What you'll need: According to Kevin Doyle of Boston-based consulting firm Green Economy, "Component manufacturers want machining operators with three to five years of experience. Being competitive for these jobs requires knowledge and proficiency with leading measurement software programs like PC-DMIS or those from MeasureMax. You'll also need skill in gauge calibration, ability to read and interpret blueprints and engineering drawings, good math skills, and experience with the "production part approval process.""
How much you'll make: Job search website indeed.com quotes $31,000 as the average annual Machine Operator salary.
7. [Your Current Job Title]
That's right, chances are whatever you do now is a growing green career, too! Every company in this space still needs Human Resource, Sales, Marketing, Finance, Accounting and Legal professionals to keep them humming along efficiently.
Bottom line: If green is your passion, go for it. There are 5 million exciting opportunities for you to take your home recycling and energy conservation to a whole new level.
Sources:
Global Insight. Current and Potential Green Jobs in the US Economy: October 2008. On-line Posting. 08 Jan. 2009 .
Wingfield, Brian. "For Job Market, Green Means Growth." Forbes.com. 03 Jul. 2007. On-line Posting. 08 Jan. 2009 < http://www.forbes.com>.
Doyle, Kevin. "Remake a Living: The jobs, my friend, are blowin' in the wind." Grist. 30 Jul. 2008. On-line Posting. 08 Jan. 2009 < http://gristmill.grist.org>.
Kelly Gerlach is a freelance writer in Southeast Michigan. She writes articles and marketing copy by day and unwinds over chocolate milk and Top Chef with her husband, Matt.
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