President Bush signed the Green Jobs Act, which is to encourage the training of workers for green careers. It will train people for jobs like installing solar panels and creating environmentally friendly workplaces. Many people interpret ''Green Jobs'' to mean planting trees and being covered in dirt all day, or riding dinghies for Green Peace, but there are interesting careers available in almost every industry.
Businesses are making more decisions based on their impact on the environment. The incredible growth of technology and awareness of the world around us has opened limitless possibilities for jobs in environmental industry. Environmental and economic issues are hitting close to home for everyone, but you can make them both positive things in your life as you strive to find environmental jobs. These positions go from recycling center positions in waste management facilities up to highly skilled positions that research the effect we all have in the world.
From wind farms to organic farmers to environmental lawyers, there are thousands of environmental jobs that are not only good for your resume but are great for the world too.
Some of the careers that are available in the environmental field today are:
Botanist
Someone who studies botany deals with plants. Most botanists today work with plants for research in medicine and recreation (such as caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine). Many medicines are created with a plant base. For example, aspirin is created using willow tree bark.
Botanists help with the environment by finding natural non-toxic bases materials like cotton, wood, bio fuels and other items with less-dangerous effects on the environment than what we have previously used. This career path will require studies in biological sciences and at least a bachelor's degree.
Geologist
Geologists have a dirty job. They often study how the earth around us impacts everything else. They study the effects of heat, erosion, weather, pollution, the soil, water drainage, and the density of the earth. They are responsible for identifying new mineral deposits and finding solutions to problems that affect the earth and sea around us.
A geologist requires a bachelor's degree in science. Most positions look for a few years' related experience.
Environmental Health and Safety Engineer
Most large companies that worry about the effect their industry has on the environment will have at least one environmental health and safety engineer or officer. This person or department works at solving any issues that arise concerning the environment. They ensure safety measures are in place and are adhered to. They also strive to predict any future issues before they arise, finding solutions to the problems.
They are usually responsible for designing the work areas built for the company. They are in charge of making health and safety recommendations and updating environmental safety manuals.
University education of at least a bachelor's degree in environmental engineering is required for advancement in this career path.
Park Naturalist
These professionals serve in many capacities. They observe and protect natural conservation areas, forests, and parks. They raise awareness of environmental and world issues by writing, teaching, researching, and working as ecologists, park wardens, and educators.
Park naturalists analyze animal and plant life and track the types of living creatures that have made the park their habitat.
A bachelor's degree in a related area of study is usually required for advancement in this field.
Other areas that have green positions currently available include:
- Bicycle sales, repairs, and courier services
- Waste composting and recycling on small and large scale
- Public transportation jobs related to driving and repair
- Park and recreation jobs
- Non-toxic household cleaning supply research
- Non-toxic dyes
- Tree planting, cutting, and pruning
- Hazardous material clean up
- Creating green materials and buildings
- Water retrofits, researchers to create water efficiency and conservation
- Environmental engineers, researchers, and teachers.
- Farmers
- Conservationists
- Solar and wind energy research and production
- Alternatives for fuels that deplete the environment
- Animal research and conservation
- Ecologist
- Wildlife technician
- Marine biologist
- Biologist and geologist
Governments around the world are making the environment more of a priority in many of the decisions they make. They are making the investment in our environment because it is necessary to give us a bright and clean future. Having an environmental job can help you do your part to save the world everyday while having a rewarding career.
