5 hot jobs in the green economy
Even if you’ve never thought about an eco-friendly career, there’s good reason to make the choice. Not only will you help build a more sustainable planet, but a study last year by the Brookings Institution found that median wages in the “clean economy” are 13 percent higher than median U.S. wages.
Michael Bevis, an instructor in the MBA program at the University of Phoenix Madison Campus, encourages people to check with the U.S. Department of Labor’s online resource center to see how their current job skills might transfer into a comparable occupation in the green economy.
“It’s important for people to understand that just by shifting their thinking a little, they can find themselves working in the clean economy,” says Bevis, who has consulted for clean-water advocacy groups.
Here are five green-collar jobs that Bevis forecasts will grow by 2020:
Carbon brokering
What it is: Companies that cut their carbon dioxide or greenhouse gas emissions can sell their “carbon offset” credits to other companies that need them to meet emissions standards, and carbon brokers help negotiate those deals.
What you’ll need: “People with financial know-how might consider how their expertise can translate to the world of carbon brokering,” Bevis says. If you have a good head for commodities and the stock market, you may do well by taking a course on carbon trading, he says.
Water engineering
What it is: Water use has grown at more than twice the rate of the population increase in the past century, according to the United Nations. By 2025, an estimated 1.8 billion people will live where water is scarce. Water and wastewater engineers can help design methods to conserve and reuse water.
What you’ll need: Because the work is technical, water engineers may need a degree in environmental engineering, a field that is predicted to grow by 22 percent.
Green design and construction
What it is: Because many U.S. cities now have regulations requiring homes and buildings to be more energy efficient and to use more eco-friendly construction materials, builders who have knowledge in these areas will have an edge over conventional builders, Bevis says.
What you’ll need: Those with architectural or carpentry experience can seek to become accredited in Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), which means they have learned about environmental construction practices and can use those skills to seek jobs in the sustainable-building sector.
Renewable energy installation and repair
What it is: Individuals with a background in construction or equipment repair should check out the solar and alternative energy areas, which are predicted to grow by up to 28 percent, Bevis says.
What you’ll need: According to the U.S. Department of Labor, installing and repairing alternative energy equipment sometimes requires a two-year degree in electrical engineering, but workers with experience in similar fields often are trained on the job.
Green marketing and public relations
What it is: If you have marketing training or a journalism background, consider using those skills to help promote an earth-friendly company, Bevis suggests.
What you’ll need: People with writing experience who take courses to earn a certificate or degree in sustainability may make themselves even more desirable to green employers.
