How to Find a Green Job

Many of us are seeking out green jobs that allow us to make a living as well as have an impact on the environment. Having a green job means that your well-being is a connection to the well-being of the environment. A green job means that when you go off to work in the morning, you are making a difference. We have gathered up some tips to help identify green jobs and assist you in finding them.

What is a Green Job?
The old way of thinking was that a green job included work in solar panel installation, wind turbine technicians, and maybe environmental engineers. However, there really are many more green jobs out there. Architects that design green buildings, florists that offer organic flowers, janitors who use green cleaning products are examples of green jobs. A green job is all about the responsibilities and goals not about job titles. Green jobs are all about reducing waste or pollution, safeguarding natural resources, discovering sustainable technologies, or finding ways to repair damage to the environment. Almost every industry has a component that relates to a green job.

Green Jobs are Growing Fast
Even though green jobs can be found in most industries, the actual number of green jobs is very low. Though green jobs are the fastest jobs growth sector, it only accounts for 1% of the total jobs available. With that said, two industries show the most potential for green job openings. One is alternative energy and the other is sustainability consulting.

Alternative energy is the more prolific of the two and encompasses everything from air conditioning and heating workers to engineers working on solar panels and wind turbines. Alternative energy is a long way from being the dominate energy source but it is a growing industry that continues to have green job growth. Sustainability consulting is a growing green job field as more companies, government agencies and non-profit organizations look for ways to be more eco-friendly.

Successful Ways to Find a Green Job
Finding a green job can be as difficult as finding a needle in a haystack. Many green jobs are not advertised in the want ads. Green jobs are usually found through networking with others. Volunteers or interns who work in environmental companies as well as students in training programs find out about green jobs first. Building a connection is important as green jobs are scarce and the competition is high.

What most people think is that green jobs are government funded or part of a stimulus program. Not true, there are a few that fall into those categories; however, many green jobs are part of entrepreneurs and startup companies. Many that are just looking for a niche in the green economy and need to hire workers for green jobs.