Fresh Advice: Jobs in the New Green Economy

Published on 2008-07-22

Artists often predict a grim future, whether it takes the shape of the ashen landscape from Cormac McCarthy's The Road or even the sky-high trash piles in the Disney flick WALL-E. These productions can act as barometers of our concerns and fears and portend the dangerous consequences of our actions. Yet nature is characterized by adaptation and resilience, two qualities which have always driven the economic apparatus. To paraphrase both Charles Darwin and Gloria Gaynor, we are determined to survive.

The green trend seems to reflect this sentiment as people become increasingly aware of their actions. Suddenly, in an effort to guarantee our future, everything is green, from foods, clothing, and appliances to cars, manufacturing, and technology. Corporate America has been rendered a deep shade of emerald. Honda, Continental Airlines, PG&E, S.C. Johnson, and Hewlett-Packard are only a few of the giants that boast green efficiencies - and green job positions.

Green Career Opportunities

An economic boost is perhaps not the intended outcome of the green sensibility, but the movement seems to be creating job opportunities nonetheless. Surprisingly, most green jobs don't require a radical shift in skill set or training, just greater emphasis on environmental concerns. And although the employment rate as of June 2008 stands at 5.5%, up almost one percent from the previous year, the green sector is giving rise to a variety of occupations that can be colored green, such as manufacturing jobs, construction jobs, and other trade jobs that are currently in decline. The similarities between new green jobs and current manufacturing and construction work should provide greater job security. Another inadvertent outcome of going green may be less outsourcing of work to other countries, strengthening the national economy.

Sustainable design and green building under the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program provides architecture jobs, including landscape architecture jobs; construction jobs; engineering jobs; installation jobs; and maintenance jobs. These occupations focus on using renewable and/or sustainable materials and energy efficiency. As the laws regulating building become more complex, people versed in the topical issues and current legislation will be in demand.

The new green economy also benefits fashion designers, design architects, interior designers, and furniture builders. People with design jobs may be able to leverage their talents using environmentally-friendly materials and methods. Growing consumer interest in buying organic and green products may be a boon for people seeking any number of industrial design jobs, which are projected to grow on pace with other occupations by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Fashion careers may experience some slowing, but the green niche market could help balance this trend.

Since the early 1990s, organic foods have been gaining popularity, and organic food now accounts for as much as two percent of all food sales worldwide. In addition, nearly 75% of conventional supermarkets now retail organic foods. So it's no surprise that this market is targeted to experience exponential growth. In the future, organic foods may comprise as much as 50% of all food sales, depending on the country. Thus, agriculture jobs that can be tailored to specialize in organic production could experience similar growth and revive the flagging agricultural industry.

White-collar finance careers can also turn green. Jobs in finance that require financial advisors to make recommendations for socially responsible investing are currently enjoying higher profiles. In the investment sector, green investing is growing the fastest. This ethic is geared not simply towards stocks that have the most profit potential but towards stocks held by companies that employ a green, responsible ethic. According to the BLS, 147,000 finance jobs will need to be filled by 2016, and it's likely that a good number of them will be green.

And of course whenever there's money at stake, there will be lawyers to represent individuals and businesses. Even attorney jobs have arrived in the green sector, although specialties in environmental law are not new to the legal profession. Today's green law firm jobs tackle such issues as global warming, pollution control, land use, protection of our natural resources, and more. There are roughly 15,000 environmental lawyers today, and legal jobs are anticipated to grow at a rate of 18%-25% in the next decade.

Whether you're new to the job market or are simply seeking a change of pace, now is an exciting time to explore and capitalize on employment openings in these fields. You may find that your skills have been green all along. As Kermit the Frog noted, it's not easy being green. But with today's green career choices, it sure can be fun.

Try Fresho.com today to find green work opportunities. In addition to a large, searchable database of jobs, we offer free resume postings, articles, free ad postings, and subscription options to tailor your efforts. Whether you're looking for Pennsylvania repair jobs, California logistics jobs, or something in-between, we can help you find a fresh opportunity today!