This last round of local heat waves made me hot, irritable, and pessimistic about the future. Compounding my grumpiness was the barrage of frightening forecasts about how climate change is destroying plant and animal species, redwood forests, ecosystems, and everything else that we hold dear to our hearts. I thought, “What can one humble career counselor do in the midst of all this bad news?” A lightbulb (that doesn’t consume electricity powered by coal) went off in my head. I decided I could make a small difference by spotlighting careers that positively impact our environment. The following are my personal picks, but they are just a small sampling of many possible green careers. I had four criteria for my list:
1) I wanted to showcase jobs that require varying lengths of training. Some listed jobs require more education, while others have quicker entry points.
2) I wanted to highlight jobs representing diverse industries.
3) I selected jobs that utilize different skill sets (e.g., working with one’s hands vs. office type skills).
4) I handpicked careers that are projected to be heavily in demand in the near future using O*Net Online, a government database of occupations and job projections.
Here is my list of the top 10 green jobs to consider (in no particular order)
Wind Turbine Service Technician
The use of wind power is on the rise as an alternative to fossil fuels. As a Wind Turbine Service Technician, you would diagnose, maintain, and repair wind systems. This is a great job for those who like to work with their hands and be outdoors. It does not require a college degree.
Logisticians or Logistics Analysts
Remember the great toilet paper crisis of the pandemic? This showed the critical importance of logistics analysts and other supply chain jobs. This job is for you if you like to analyze and coordinate the workflow of products and inventory. Logisticians make recommendations to reduce environmental impact. Some positions require an associate’s degree, but bigger companies with more complex needs require a bachelor’s degree or higher in business or supply chain management.
Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists
Forest specialists are critical workers in places coping with forest fires, such as California, Oregon, and Washington. This is a job for those who love the outdoors and are fascinated with (preventing) fires. Strong communication skills are needed in this job because Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists are responsible for relaying critical information about fire dangers as well as training crews on safety procedures. A college degree is not typically required; instead specialists undergo on-the-job training and apprenticeships.
Sustainability Specialists
This is a more recent job title that I am personally thrilled to see. Sustainability Specialists examine a company’s practices and propose environmentally-friendly solutions in waste disposal, recycling, energy usage, and resource usage. Typically, a bachelor’s degree in sustainability, environmental science, mathematics, or a related field is required.
Industrial Ecologists
Industrial Ecologists apply physical and natural science knowledge to develop models that make efficient use of resources. They conduct environmental sustainability assessments, identify environmental impacts, and propose ecological solutions. This job typically requires a graduate level degree.
Environmental Engineer
Environmental engineers are highly trained professionals who apply their skills in a broad array of domains, including advising on air quality, providing environmental solutions, studying environmental impacts, and designing environmental control systems. A minimum of a bachelor’s degree is usually required for this job.
Water Resource Specialists
This is the job for you if you enjoy thinking about water – a critical resource for every living being on this planet. Water Resource Specialists are responsible for devising solutions for water usage. Their day may include performing water quality modeling, analyzing storm water systems, and developing water strategies to meet conservation goals. Typically, a bachelor’s or master’s degree is required for this job.
Lawyers
How can a lawyer help the environment? As the radio ad goes, the earth needs a good lawyer too. Environmental lawyers advocate for legislation addressing issues such as climate, air quality, land usage, or clean technology. If you have a passion for the law and the environment, this might be a wonderful route to pursue. The path toward becoming a lawyer involves a bachelor’s degree, followed by a law degree.
Environment Protection Technician
Think about this important job as the police force for the environment. These technicians monitor the environment, investigate sources of pollution and contamination, and work to prevent violations. An associate degree is typically all that is required, but some employers may require a bachelor’s degree.
Solar Photovoltaic Installer and Technicians
All those solar panels on your neighbors’ roofs tell you one thing – solar photovoltaic installers and technicians are very much in demand. A typical day might involve climbing to the tops of buildings to install, maintain, troubleshoot, and fix solar panel systems. A high school diploma might be required, along with certification.
Not so long ago, if you said you wanted to work for the environment, people would likely give you a blank look and think that you would be working in a jungle somewhere. Now, environmental careers are critically important and in high demand. I hope this list will get you inspired to make a difference. It doesn’t matter if you are a young adult or a retiree–anyone can make a positive contribution to the environment!
Anne Chan is a career consultant and licensed psychotherapist in California. She specializes in helping people find happiness in their careers and lives. You can reach her at [email protected]. ©Anne Chan, 2024
