If you’re in the market for an encore career, consider the green technology sector. Green jobs improve the environment. They reduce waste and promote energy efficiency. Organizations are moving from business as usual to sustainable business. As a result, new jobs focused on the environment and sustainability are being created all the time. One of them could be yours!
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To qualify for a job in the green sector, you’ll need these essential skills:
- Communication and leaderships skills to drive cultural change
- Strong core skills in the chosen field in addition to green knowledge and ability
- A “can-do” attitude consisting of resourcefulness and motivation
What Environmental Professionals Do
Each year we learn more about the impact our actions have on the environment. This has led to additional green jobs being created in environmental, government, and independent organizations. Organizations large and small are hiring environmental professionals to help their companies implement more sustainable processes and reduce their ecological footprint.
Green jobs can be found in many sectors:
- Environmental communication
- Environmental education
- Environmental health
- Environmental policy analysis
- Environmental policy development
- Environmental regulation
- Environmental risk assessment
- Job Profiles
A broad variety of career opportunities are available in the green industry. These four career options showcase the typical responsibilities and skills necessary for specific green jobs.
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1. Environmental Compliance Officers evaluate organizations to find ways to better meet or improve compliance with environmental laws and policies.
- Education: A bachelor’s degree is required.
- Programs of study should include environmental issues and policy, research methods, and environmental management.
2. Environmental Cost Estimators forecast the money, time, resources, and labor needed for sustainability projects. They also determine the profitability of projects.
- Education: A bachelor’s degree is necessary for entry-level jobs.
- Understanding of environment management is necessary.
- A background in mathematics is also important.
3. Environmental Purchasing Managers and Purchasing Buyers choose goods and services for a company based on an evaluation of the product quality and suppliers.
- Education: A bachelor’s degree is required, with a graduate degree necessary for advancement.
- Programs of study should include global citizenship and environmental policy and leadership.
4. Sustainability Specialists assess an organization’s social and environmental impact. They look for more energy- and resource-efficient business practices, educate employees on sustainable initiatives, and implement programs.
- Education: A master’s degree in a related field, such as a master’s of science in environmental policy, may be required for mid- or upper-level positions.
[Take a fun career quiz for more ideas and direction.]
Why Consider a Green Job?
Green jobs help clean up the environment and may control global warming. Knowing you are making a positive impact can be very rewarding. This sector of employment is constantly changing as awareness grows. Occupations that didn’t exist a few years ago are being created now, and that makes it a very vibrant and exciting industry to be part of.
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics