From Guest Blogger Tylene Welch: Green Careers in Sustainability, Clean Energy, and Saving the Environment
Clean energy and sustainability have evolved from topics of conversation in the ‘70s to full-blown commitments frequently made by major corporations, communities, and individuals alike. This not only means that we are taking responsibility for the care of our Earth, but our shifted priorities have brought about new and exciting jobs in sustainability that can co-exist in just about any other industry.
Are you passionate about sustainability and protecting our Earth? Then you’re in the right place. You’re entering one of the fastest-growing industries of our economy, and you’re poised to make a positive impact on the world. We’re going to teach you how to turn your passion into a career and show you some of the many career options you have available to you.
Turn Your Passion for Sustainability Into a Career
So you’re passionate about sustainability and clean energy, and you’ve decided to pursue a career in the industry. How do you turn your passion for sustainability into a career? First, you might consider an education in environmental science or similar degree in renewable energy, if you haven’t obtained one already.
Then, decide what kind of industry you really want to work in. Sure, you know you want to work in sustainability and clean energy. But are you an entrepreneur at heart? You could start your own business as an ecopreneur like Eric Hudson, who used recycled materials to make household items.
Maybe you’re more interested in sustainable fashion or clean energy production. Your possibilities are nearly endless, so it’s best to take a good look at your strengths and interests and find ways that sustainability can be integrated into your other areas of interest.
Luckily, sustainability careers and green jobs abound. You could work in an office, in the field, or in your own business working from wherever you want. Let’s jump into some of the common career options in this field, including a few you might not have considered.
Solar Engineer
One of the first things many of us think of when talking clean energy is solar power. The sun offers us one of the cleanest and most abundant sources of energy possible. The demand for solar energy systems is growing fast and will likely one day replace other forms of energy, especially as it becomes more affordable and accessible.
Solar engineers can work with different types of clients, from homeowners, to businesses, to entire cities. Solar panel installation (one of the major responsibilities of a solar engineer) is expected to increase rapidly all over the world. Other duties include the planning, design, and implementation of major solar energy projects.
If this career excites you but you’re fascinated by those big, white turbines, check out what it’s like to work as a wind energy engineer.
Sustainability Specialist
If you’re interested in climbing the corporate ladder and making a huge difference in government and corporate sustainability, becoming a sustainability specialist might be the path for you. As part of your job, you’d work on different ways to help an organization save money and move towards its green goals. This would be an excellent career choice for somebody who wants to make a big impact on helping corporations or government agencies change for the better.
Watershed Science Technician
Maybe you’re a Pisces and you just love water? Or you’re passionate about conservation of our water resources. Water is one of the earth’s most precious resources, and there’s a growing need for advanced water treatment.
Working as a watershed science technician, or even a watershed manager, you’ll be ensuring the people of your community always have access to clean and safe water. You’ll also be ensuring our wastewater is properly taken care of. This is an important job, although it does pose some risks for occupational hazards.
Environmental Lawyer
If you’re passionate about protecting our environment and have a knack for enthusiastically making your point backed by case studies and facts — you might have the heart of an environmental lawyer. It’s not an easy job, but it’s got the salary to back up the work and you’ll be fighting for environmental causes every day. Learn more about being an environmental lawyer and other high-paying eco-friendly jobs here.
Aquarist
So what if you’re not destined to be an engineer, scientist, or lawyer — there are so many more career options for you to explore. Do you love animals? Are you particularly interested in marine life and our beautiful oceans? Do you visit the local aquarium every weekend? Consider becoming an aquarist.
You’ll care for marine life and their environments in aquariums in many different ways. You’ll develop an area of specialty and possibly even move into more research-based duties as your career progresses. A degree in sustainability and a passion for helping marine animals will get your foot in the door.
There are boundless opportunities under the broad umbrella of green careers. As mentioned above, it’s best to figure out a few of your interests and find a job in sustainability that lives in an industry you’re passionate about. Whether it’s animals, the law, safe drinking water, or clean energy there are options to choose from, and the need is growing.
