By Chris J Marentis

Green jobs have been in the news a lot lately. It’s no secret that more companies are becoming environmentally conscious. As a result, there’s a focus on creating products and services that help instead of harm the environment. People are needed to fill these newly-created green job positions. Confused about how to begin your green job search? Here are some tips to get you started.

Tip 1. Discover Your Passion

People seek green-collar jobs because they’re passionate about protecting the environment. So the first step to finding the green job of your dreams is knowing what you want to do.

If you dream of working outdoors growing organic crops, you wouldn’t enjoy making energy efficient heating systems. Both are green jobs, but very different in nature. This is why it’s important to get clear about the type of work you want.

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By Chris J Marentis

Trying to be all things to all people is a recipe for failure. This is especially true when it comes to your green career search. You might want any green-collar job you can find, but thinking like that will hinder your efforts. The last thing you want is to look like a generalist. Here’s how to avoid the “jack of all trades but master of none” syndrome.

Highlight Your Expertise

There’s a time and a place for generalists, but they often get lost in the crowd. Hiring officials always get excited about potential employees who can solve specific problems. Some people make the mistake of thinking green-collar jobs are easy to get. The truth is you still need to offer something the company needs and wants.

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By Elliot Mizroch

Jobs in the green-collar sector are on the rise. The growing demand for less dependence on foreign oil combined with the need for a cleaner planet guarantees green industry growth. There will be an emphasis on engineering and new green technologies. However, there will also be a demand for jobs in sales, teaching, and construction.

If you’ll soon be starting a green job search, here are some industries expected to quickly grow.

• Agriculture and Horticulture. Are you interested in plants, food, or animals? This sector deals with environmentally friendly plant and animal production. Occupations that fit into this category include organic farming and community gardeners.
• Alternative Forms of Transportation. If you’re tired of breathing in air that’s filled with exhaust fumes, you might find this sector interesting. This explores the creation and use of transportation methods not powered by non-renewable energy sources. People who work in this sector do everything from working on electric cars to urban planning.
• Waste Management and Recycling. Your garbage collector is a green worker, and they probably don’t even know it. This sector involves collecting, transporting, or disposing of waste materials. There are a number of occupations that fit into this category, including trash collector and waste treatment operator.
• Green Building. This is construction work with a purpose. Green builders use environmentally friendly resources and methods for their buildings. Architects, construction workers, and designers fit into the green building category.

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By Chris J Marentis

Green careers are on the rise. The green-collar movement got a serious boost from the Green Jobs Act of 2007 and the recent American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Both combined allocate millions of dollars for green-job training and research. It’s expected that more than 2 million jobs will result from the push towards a more ecologically-friendly environment.

Green job career opportunities can be found in just about any occupation. However, two occupations in dire need of workers includes:

1. Farming. Someone has to grow all those organic fruits and vegetables. Unfortunately, America has fewer than 3 million farmers. And according to a Fast Company article, the average age for those farmers is 55-years old. America is ready for the next generation of farmers.However, it’s no longer enough to be a simple farmer. Modern farmers need to be business savvy, and know how to run a business just as well as a farm. Training is available at various schools around the country, including the University of Vermont, University of Oklahoma, and Evergreen State College.
2. Urban Planning. Do you want to make your city a “green city”? Then consider becoming an urban planner. You’ll spend your time finding ways to make city life more environmentally friendly.Urban planning involves creating an efficient and convenient mass transit system. Encouraging citizens to shun cars in favor of walking, biking, or mass transit is an urban planning issue. One of the biggest problems facing cities everywhere is the accumulation of trash on the streets and in landfills. Urban planners are tasked with finding solutions to such situations. The good thing about this career is it’s slightly more secure than most green jobs. This sector is expected to quickly grow by more than 15 percent. Most of the positions are in local government offices. As a result, urban planning can offer a more stable job situation.

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By Chris J Marentis

You’re already familiar with the terms “blue-collar jobs” and “white-collar jobs”. Now there’s a new kid on the block known as “green-collar”. Green-collar jobs center around environmentally friendly services and products. More than ever before people are concerned with the condition of the planet. As a result, good green jobs are being created every single day.

Taking Responsibility for the Environment

Why have green jobs become popular? It’s because something must be done to preserve the environment. Playtime is over. The time to work towards reducing waste and pollution is now. The planet can’t continue to take abuse and sustain human life simultaneously. The green-collar sector has been created to achieve the goal of creating a cleaner planet.

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