Green Technology Jobs for Different Levels of Expertise
Picture this: every day, you wake up, put on a corporate suit, and head to the office. As if the bustling city and the congested highways aren’t enough, you also need to hit impossible deadlines. And you’re probably doing this for a job you hate–just like about 80% of Americans who do.
The good news: it’s never too late for a career shift. If you’re actively adopting an eco-friendly lifestyle, you can take it up a notch by bringing your passion to your workspace. An eco-friendly workspace, to be exact.
Green technology jobs are abundant. And now that the environment is reaping the effects of human activities, it’s calling out to compassionate individuals like you. What’s even better, you don’t always have to be a graduate of a related course. As long as you are trainable and you’ve got the right heart, the industry will welcome you with open arms.
If you’re ready to make a change, let’s get started in looking for eco-friendly jobs fitted to your skills. We listed down some of the fastest growing green jobs based on skills and experience.
What Are Green Technology Jobs?
It’s hard not to associate green technology jobs with wind turbines, solar panels, and LED technology. The term already says it all. But just for the sake of eliminating confusion, green jobs are created by an industry that focuses on creating sustainable technology.
From environmental scientists to electricians, green technology jobs require diverse knowledge and skills. While job scopes may vary, they all have the same vision: to decrease the environmental impact of using renewable resources. And, of course, they positively impact the economy, too. Friendly to the environment but equally-efficient, green technology is the key to our future.
Top Green Technology Jobs with No Degree or Training Requirements
- Recycler
From huge piles of paper to a mountain of plastic, waste accumulation is showing no signs of slowing down. Fortunately, you can take a proactive step in fighting this environmental problem by pursuing a career as a recycler. The job is quite simple. You just have to sort materials and isolate the hazardous ones. Well, mostly.
Because just like any other job, your designation depends on your skills. If you have the necessary qualifications, you can be appointed to operate forklifts and other machinery used to move waste materials. Salaries may also change based on your workload.
- Agricultural Worker
If gardening has always been your stress relief, why not turn your passion into something profitable? Now that many food items on groceries are poisoned with chemicals, sustainable farming is quickly becoming a global trend. By pursuing this career, you can make sure the food you bring home is naturally grown.
Plus, did you know that many city chefs prefer organic produce? This grows the demand for urban growers. From planting on their backyards, urban growers are now transitioning to growing produce on rooftops. These green roofs are slowly sufficing the need for organic, chemical-free ingredients. As they say, there’s nothing better than organic food served at your dinner table.
More importantly, they also improve air quality and protect infrastructures from energy loss. Talk about sustainable farming and there you have it.
- Plumbers, Steamfitters, and Pipefitters
If you’re a plumber, a steamfitter, or a pipefitter, you don’t need to limit your potential to servicing households. There’s a bigger (and greener) world out there for you. In various green sectors, the installation and maintenance of geothermal, solar, and ethanol power plants necessitate your specific skill sets. And did you know that you can also direct steam for energy generation?
Also, your job as a plumber revolves around conserving water as you create systems. So if you choose to practice green plumbing at local households, you can concentrate on developing water-saving devices. For instance, creating smart irrigation systems, solar hot water systems, and grey-water systems is a great way to start.
- Carpenters
As more industries become more eco-conscious, the need for eco-friendly housing and buildings is on the rise. And as well all know, all types of construction require carpentry. Typically, green carpentry involves the use of recycled materials that have less environmental impacts. Aside from eco-friendly housing, many urban houses are also adding greenhouses for their gardening needs–another new opportunity you can explore.
- Green Electricians
Green or not, a technological device is made up of circuits of wires that conduct electricity. Thanks to the need for eco-friendly electrical sources, the green industry is now on the look-out for skilled electricians. Think you can be a pro in dismantling solar panels and straightening out wiring systems? All it takes is a toolbox and your willingness to learn!
- Shelter Chef
Remember when we said you don’t even need to have extensive skills to join the green bandwagon? How about cooking (and being creative with your left-overs) for a job? Shelter chefs are far from your five-star hotel chefs, but their job is no less demanding. Imagine having to cook for hundreds of people with limited resources to play with! Indeed, this job can teach how to stretch your resources.
- Park Ranger
Park or forest rangers play an important role in conserving the environment. As the job implies, they mainly protect parks or forests from any potential harm. Feel like you got the knack for being the modern-day Tarzan? You can get started right at your local park!
- Eco-Friendly Entrepreneurship
Is having your own business your ultimate goal? Believe it or not, now is the perfect time to act on your dreams. The pandemic has quickly changed the business landscape. As more local stores are closing, you can take advantage of the most potent business platform: the Internet.
With most households required to stay at home, you can find bigger opportunities to reach a wider market. And you don’t even have to build a website. Social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram can offer you business leverage.
Even better, people are valuing sustainability now more than ever. By starting an eco-friendly business, you can automatically have an edge over your competitors. And you don’t have to start big. From making recyclable products to cooking organic food, the possibilities out there are limitless!
Green Technology Jobs With Training Requirements Only
- Hazardous Waste Technician
Industries that work with hazardous waste materials such as asbestos and lead need to abide by strict waste disposal protocols. Most of these companies provide employees with EPA-approved training programs for their technicians. Think you have what it takes to handle (or possibly dismantle) nuclear wastes? Then this job is perfect for you.
- Natural Gas Technician
Another job on demand in the green sector is on-field equipment installation. Usually required to complete a one-year training course, natural gas technicians are skilled in installing, performing scientific tests, and ensuring proper drilling operations.
- Environmental Field Technician
If you’re a high school graduate, you can climb up the occupational ladder by undergoing technical training for environmental technicians. The job mainly revolves around sample collection and testing. Here, you test out air, soil, and water for any signs of contamination or pollution. You are also responsible for completing written reports that are in line with your collected samples. It’s no easy task, but hey, Mother Earth is going to thank you later!
- Safety Coordinator
Do you have experience as an inspector? You may want to try out this industry. Safety coordinators are trained to eliminate any occupational hazards within the green sector. Universities offer programs that can help you jump start your career, but some companies accept entry-level job seekers with no training. However, you need to be willing to undergo on-the-job training.
A word of caution: this job should never be taken lightly. It demands the right attitude and skills, and you need to be keen on details. Otherwise, you’re going to put your company, its workers, and the environment in jeopardy.
- Recycling Coordinator
As a recycling coordinator, you need to possess great organizational skills. While this job doesn’t require a bachelor’s degree, you need to at least undergo management training. Why? For one, you need to train your staff and make sure your recycling processes are within health and environmental standards. Plus, you are also responsible for proper documentation and efficient communication amongst your employees.
- Solar Cell Technicians
Solar technology answers to our need for a clean and inexhaustible resource. Thankfully, many households and businesses are already turning to this solution. If you have experience in construction, you can explore this career option by first attending a specialized training.
Solar technicians are mainly involved in conceptualizing and constructing solar panels for different applications. They work alongside engineers and other technicians as they plan and execute the installation of active systems. But the job doesn’t stop there. Since most companies offer a warranty, technicians are expected to provide reliable support services.
Green Technology Jobs With Degree Requirements
- Electric Car Engineers
How about changing the transportation landscape for a living? Chrysler, Honda, and Volkswagen are only some of the major car brands that have taken a step towards green transportation. By designing electric cars, engineers can help the environment in two ways: decreasing greenhouse gas emissions and reducing oil consumption.
Have you always dream of driving on highways without having to put up with smog and pollution? It’s not too late to work on your goals. Be a part of creating a better future by pursuing this career.
- Green Design Architects
Who says aesthetics is least of our environmental concerns? Green architecture is molding urban infrastructure. From eco-friendly spaces that provide idyllic plant-growing conditions, architects are bringing sustainable design concepts to cities. As consumerism leans to the greener side of the spectrum, businesses are following suit by being more eco-conscious.
And today, architects are leading cities to a cleaner landscape with their smart, innovative roofing designs and overall construction. Do you think you have the creativity and the vision? You can follow the footsteps of respectable green architects who continuously work towards sustainability now.
- Water Quality Technicians
From radioactive waste to marine dumping, many factors are severely affecting the health of our water systems. You can be a huge part of reversing water pollution by being a water quality technician. Other than testing pathogens and chemicals, technicians need to learn how to calibrate their equipment, analyze results, and prepare documentation. All of these are skills acquired by taking at least a four-year course.
It’s also worth mentioning that water control is becoming a lucrative business. As organizations gather all their resources to kill pathogens, the need for engineers and technicians is fastly growing. Grab the opportunity by investing in your skills.
- Environmental Scientists
Merging science and unparalleled critical thinking skills, environmental scientists play a huge role in preserving our environment. Their job involves finding problems and formulating solutions. Do you still remember your science projects? It’s like this, only this time, you’re working to create a positive environmental impact.
There are many fields in environmental science. For instance, some focus on land reclamation. Other scientists, on the other hand, dive into the bottom of the sea to assess risks and create solutions. Whether you love basking under the sun or exploring forestry, there’s always a place for you in environmental science. But you need to get a degree first!
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to save the world to make a significant change. With the right mindset, you can have the power to make positive environmental impacts one baby step at a time. And there’s no better way to do this but to find a green job.
Start now. Find a green job. Create a compelling resume. And build a better and greener world tomorrow.