By: Katy Kozusko
Submitted: 2010-08-26 19:37:35 | Word Count: 618
Environmentally friendly practices and cleaner energy have become important subjects in recent years. That's led to an increase in all kinds of jobs in the environmental sector. Wind, solar, and other alternative power projects are growing fast, creating a need for workers in those fields. Which green energy jobs are likely to be the best in coming years? Let's take a look at a few of the options. One of those jobs might be the right one for you!
Solar Power Installation
Currently, the production and installation of solar power employs nearly eight hundred thousand people across the globe. This job pays relatively well, with rates ranging between fifteen and thirty-five USD per hour, and there are opportunities available wherever the sun is shining. In the US, around three thousand companies in the solar energy sector are responsible for about thirty-five thousand jobs, with a predicted increase to over a hundred thousand jobs by 2016. Companies which may be hiring include Sungevity, Sunpower, and Akeena Solar.
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Energy Efficient Construction
Buildings in the US are responsible for nearly half of the energy this country uses, as well as about the same amount of greenhouse emissions. Currently, LEED, the major certifier of green buildings, employs over forty-three thousand accredited workers. Skilled engineers and architects, as well as a workforce of trained retrofitting specialists, will be required to improve the energy efficiency of the homes in the US.
Wind Turbine Construction
Wind is the fastest growing alternative energy sector, currently supplying about three hundred thousand Green energy jobs worldwide and about fifty thousand US workers. At least ten thousand new jobs in the wind turbine fabrication sector are expected to be created per year, according to the American Wind Energy Association. Their site features a helpful job board for anyone looking for a great opportunity.
Wind Turbine Installation and Maintenance
There's more to wind power than just building turbines, too. Those turbines need to be installed on wind farms, creating jobs for professionals who understand the way wind energy works. They also need to be maintained. While wind turbines are relatively low maintenance, they do still need to be adjusted and repaired. This field should employ an additional high quantity of workers over the next few years, especially in Texas, California, Western New York and other windy states.
Environmental Lawyer
With increasing concern about the environmental effects of industry and building, and improving regulations in these areas, companies need good legal advice. Environmental lawyers are specialists with knowledge of environmental law and regulations. They're employed by all kinds of organizations to help them find the right environmentally solutions to their business and practical problems.
Green Project Manager
A successful green project requires good management. Leaving wind, solar, and building projects to conventionally trained managers could be a recipe for disaster. After all, this type of project requires a lot of specialized knowledge. Management professionals with knowledge of the wind, solar, and other green industries could be looking at a great opportunity in the years to come.
Information Technology Specialists
It might seem a little unusual, but the IT field offers a number of Green energy jobs. Information technology specialists with a knowledge of energy efficient work practices are incredibly useful to large companies and organizations hoping to cut their carbon footprints. These workers help show organizations how to use their computing power more efficiently, spend less money, and pollute less, too.
Green energy jobs are an excellent choice for anyone who cares about the environment, wants to make a difference, and is interested in this growing field. Almost every discipline has jobs relating to green energy, so there's a good chance there's one for you.
