Fastest Growing Green Jobs

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, environmental scientists and specialists are set to be in high demand, experiencing an 8% job growth in the next decade —higher than the average job growth across the market. Environmental engineering jobs are expected to grow by 5%. Other fast-growing green jobs include service technicians and conservation scientists. These jobs are all essential in curbing climate change, whether through renewable energy, environmental conservation, or cleanup. Thus, the current pressure on companies and governments to reduce carbon emissions will spur job-growth in these fields.

Renewable Energy is on the Rise

Since 2008, the United States has doubled its electricity generation of renewable energy. In 2018, renewables provided around 18% of all electricity generated in the US, with about 90% coming from wind and solar power. Battery storage is becoming easier and solar panels are becoming cheaper to produce. In the energy sector, wind and solar approaches seem well-poised to continue their rise. While other energy sources, particularly oil, saw dramatic declines during the COVID-19 pandemic, renewable energies fared surprisingly well and even saw growth during this period. As wind and solar power continues to expand, new jobs to build, install, and maintain this infrastructure will be in high demand.

The Buzz Around Electric Cars

Silicon Valley upstart Tesla made the news in 2018 when it outpaced luxury car-maker Mercedes-Benz in quarterly car sales for the first time ever. This signals both an acceleration in Tesla’s growth, and the growth of electric car sales around the world. Mechanical, electrical, and software engineers will experience job growth as more car makers transition to low and zero-emissions vehicles, like Ford’s new F-150 electric pickup truck. Researchers such as chemists and industrial designers who develop high-capacity batteries and electric engines, as well as service technicians and manufacturers, will be in high demand as electric car production increases.

Carbon Capture is the Future

Many scientists agree that at this point, cutting down emissions to zero isn’t enough. We also need to pull carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere. This is where carbon capture comes in. This technology is at the center of research and development all over the world, and has incredible potential both as a way to save the planet and to create a profitable industry. Growth in carbon capture and sequestration methods and technology could lead to new jobs for environmental professionals —though we’ll have to wait and see.

Whatever your preferred field is, as an environmental professional you have chosen to save the world. It’s abundantly clear that right now the world needs you more than ever. And with the rise in jobs, industries, and technologies, you’ll have many opportunities to make a dent in the climate crisis.

Michael DeSafey is a leading executive recruiter for professionals in the construction, engineering and environmental industries. He is currently the President of Webuild Staffing www.webuildstaffing.com  . To learn more about Michael or to follow his blog please visit www.michaeldesafey.com

As of its May 2019 report, the median salary for this group was $88,860 per year, or $42.72 per hour. This ranged from $53,330 for the lowest 10% of earners in the field, to $142,070 for the highest 10%. States with the highest levels of employment are California. Texas, New York, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts —but jobs are available throughout the country and internationally.

The U.S. News and World Report overview ranked environmental engineering as #3 in Best Engineering jobs, #21 in Best STEM jobs, and #48 in Best 100 jobs. The report gave an “Above Average” rating for upward mobility, which means that it offers good opportunity for advancement and salary increases.

What Is an Environmental Engineer?

Environmental engineers have their choice of a variety of industries and locations. They might work in an office or out in the field. They are “housed” within other industries, including resource industries such as forestry, mining, pulp and paper, chemical processing, fisheries, agriculture, and oil and gas. Environmental engineers also can work in areas such as research, education, training, or consulting. Beyond those high-level areas, environmental engineers can specialize and focus on improving recycling, waste disposal, public health, or water and air pollution control. Or they can work on global issues, such as the quality of drinking water, concern about climate change, or environmental sustainability.

The education and qualifications required are generally a bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering, or another engineering field. But employers also look for hands-on experience; as such, cooperative programs that award credit for structured job experience are also valuable. To be successful in this field, candidates need technical knowledge in their focus area, hands-on problem-solving skills, and an understanding of environmental issues.

Although environmental engineering focuses on technical skills, the job often involves business and political concerns, which creates a unique learning experience. A U.S. News & World Report overview of best jobs states that “In many ways, environmental engineers work at the intersection of regulations, technology, and people, and they’re responsible for making them all work together.” On a normal day, an environmental engineer might write an environmental report, or design a project to protect the environment. They might review regulations and advise governments or business leaders about potential concerns. Or they could inspect industries for compliance to regulations.

Getting a Job as an Environmental Engineer

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics gives data on the percentages of jobs in each industry and each state, which may be a good place to start if you want to work in a specific area. Another option is to look at job posts near you to see what kinds of environmental engineering jobs are available there. When it comes to environmental concerns, each geographic region will have different challenges, so if you want to stay in a certain area, you should focus on learning about the problems that need addressing there. Find out what the most urgent needs are where you want to work, and study them.

Hands-on experience is equally important. It will give you a better foundation for your knowledge, skills to list on your resume, and it can help you decide what kinds of projects you most want to work on. Some colleges offer cooperative programs that allow students to gain practical experience while they complete their education, and some companies will help pay for your education while you work for them and gain experience.

Michael DeSafey is a leading executive recruiter for professionals in the construction, engineering and environmental industries. He is currently the President of Webuild Staffing www.webuildstaffing.com  . To learn more about Michael or to follow his blog please visit www.michaeldesafey.com