The U.S. Conference of Mayors forecasts that as many as 3.5 million “green” jobs will be created by 2028. If you have a passion for the environment, or are thinking of pursuing a full- or part-time job that is eco-friendly or environmentally focused, here are some tips from Joel Makower, executive editor of GreenBiz.com:
Job-Hunting Help
How to find a green job.
Check out these job hunting sites: GreenBiz.com, Idealist, Treehugger, BrightGreentalent, LinkedIn, StopDodo, SustainLane, Treehugger.com, SustainableBusiness.com all have information on green jobs.
Search keywords.
The three words companies will list in online green job descriptions are: energy, efficiency and waste. Also search the words “green” and “nonprofit” in the jobs section of the big online job boards.Network. Join a discussion group for environment and green careers or green business on LinkedIn.
Troll green conferences.
There’s a cornucopia of green forums and conferences around the country that can be tracked down with a basic query to a search engine. Green Festival, for example, lists upcoming events around the country.Contact nonprofit environmental groups. Ask whether local nature clubs or national and global advocacy organizations have any openings. Some may be volunteer or board positions, which can be a great way to get in the door and in line for a paying job.
Go back to school.
Check in at your local community college or university to see whether they have any environmental job fairs or lectures.Attend Earth Day events. You’ll meet everyone from entrepreneurs and advocacy groups to local utility representatives and solar installers. Talking to them about job opportunities will give you great firsthand information.
Stay put.
While the mayors’ report indicates green job growth in large metropolitan areas like New York, Washington and Los Angeles, cities like Pittsburgh and Boston also make the list. “There are as many jobs open in the middle of country as there are on the coast,” Makower says. In Detroit, for instance, there’s lots going on with the Great Lakes and clean water and revitalizing the manufacturing economy. Think start-up companies making wind turbines and electric vehicle batteries, and more.
Kerry Hannon is the author of What’s Next? Follow Your Passion and Find Your Dream Job.
