The impacts of climate change are unprecedented and global and with the challenges in place, many governments are making a big splash in the environmental sector. Green jobs are the ones that provide services or benefits to the environment and those who live in it. Green economy continues to grow up the trajectory and this might be the best time to consider pursuing a career for those who are looking for something that aligns with their passion and values. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “some of the fastest growing jobs in the United States right now are those that prioritize caring for the planet”. Occupations related to solar, wind, and energy efficiency are projected to grow by 15% and solar workforce are expected to nearly quadruple from 231,000 workers to more than 900,000 by 2035 to reach the Biden administration’s carbon free electricity target. Other sectors including organic food and the fashion industry are witnessing push towards more eco-friendly models and practices.
- Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Average Salary: $48,390
Education: Associate’s degree
Job Description: To aid environmental engineers in developing solutions to control, prevent and mitigate damage caused by pollution and other environmental problems. They also may inspect facilities for compliance with regulations governing substances such as asbestos, lead and wastewater.
- Sustainability Specialists
Average Salary: $76,530
Education: Bachelor’s degree; often a master’s
Job Description: Providing technical or administrative support for sustainability programs or issues. Companies are hiring sustainability specialists to develop and implement goals, initiatives, and strategies around energy usage, natural resource usage, waste generation, and recycling.
- Agricultural and Food Scientists
Average Salary: $74,160
Education: Bachelor’s degree
Job Description: Duties include conducting research and experiments to improve the productivity and sustainability of field crops and farm animals; creating new food products and developing new and better ways to process, package, and deliver them. They play an important role in maintaining and expanding the nation’s food supply.
- Environmental Scientists
Average Salary: $76,530
Education: Bachelor’s degree
Job Description: Environmental scientists and specialists use their knowledge of the natural sciences to protect the environment and human health. Duties include collecting and analyzing environmental data; implementing environmental standards, guidelines, and policies; and developing strategies or codes of practice for environmental management.
- Solar Photovoltaic Installers
Average Salary: $47,670
Education: High school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job training
Job Description: Also known as PV installers, assemble, set up and maintain rooftop as well as other systems that convert sunlight into energy.
- Renewable Energy Consultant
Average Salary: $82,018
Education: Bachelor’s degree
Job Description: Work with potential customers to understand the installation of renewable energy systems. May travel to visit the job sites and helps determining the energy needs and savings of customers.
- Wind Turbine Service Technicians
Average Salary: $58,580
Education: Postsecondary nondegree; on-the-job training
Job Description: Also known as “windtechs”, a wind turbine service technicians installs, maintains, and repairs wind turbine towers. They also test and troubleshoot electrical, mechanical, and hydraulic components of the turbine tower to identify any operational issues.
- Conservation Scientists and Foresters
Average Salary: $63,750
Education: Bachelor’s degree
Job Description: Conservation scientists and foresters manage the overall land quality of forests, parks, rangelands, and other natural resources. They work with federal, state, and local governments, private landowners, and social advocacy groups to find ways to use and improve the land while safeguarding the environment.
- Sustainability/Environmental Planner – also include trail planner, parks planner, urban planner
Average Salary: $78,500
Education: Bachelor’s degree; often a masters
Job Description: An environmental planner largely deals with making sure that development projects comply with environmental laws and regulations. Sustainability planner implements the sustainable goals of the organization. Urban and regional planners develop land use plans and programs that help create communities, accommodate population growth, and revitalize physical facilities.
- Arborist
Average Salary: $46,970
Education: Bachelor’s in arboriculture, botany, horticulture, or urban forestry; on-the job training.
Job Description: Duties include pruning and trimming to maintain and improve the appearance of trees and shrubs. Arborists work for municipalities, power companies, arborist firms, and large companies that do contract work for municipal governments and power companies.
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