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From Employee to Green Entrepreneur

Anonymous — Thu, 18 Aug 2016 19:15:42 +0000

From Employee to Green Entrepreneur Anonymous Thu, 08/18/2016 - 12:15

Environmental issues are front and center of our lives in the 21^st century. Once people realize the impact of global warming and climate change on the planet, it’s a short step to wanting to actively do something about it. But if you can’t afford to spend your life working for change without payment, the ideal way to combine your passion with a way to earn a living is to find “green” jobs.

As renewable energy takes off and becomes mainstream, more jobs are opening up, with great potential for a future career as a green entrepreneur. Here are some suggestions on how to find a green job.

Technical Training

Most green jobs need some form of technical expertise. Whether you’re interested in pursuing a career as a provider of solar energy systems, or your ambition is to begin organic farming, it’s best to get some formal education before you start. If you have an aptitude for scientific study, environmental engineering is a field in which you can use the principles of science, biology and chemistry to find solutions for problems facing the environment. These range from earth-friendly jobs such as the disposal of waste, through public health issues, air purity and water pollution. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2010 there were more than 51,400 environmental engineers working in green jobs in the United States, earning median salaries of around $78,740 a year.

Non-Scientific Occupations

You don’t have to be a rocket scientist, however, to become a green entrepreneur. A variety of earth-friendly jobs exist, including basic administrative work for green companies such as reception, accounting and marketing. Research the requirements for these types of jobs, and establish what sort of education, skills and experience you need to qualify.

Revise your Resume

It’s often said that jobseekers need to customize their resume for the position they are interested in. This is particularly important if you apply for green jobs. Highlight previous experience that may be relevant to the position you want, such as your achievements in former earth-friendly jobs. List any additional skills and attributes you have that could help you, such as a hobby growing organic plants, or volunteer hours you put in during your school career with environmental organizations. Mention your support for organizations such as Greenpeace, or the knowledge of carbon dating you gained in a school project. All of these attributes can help to prove your passion for the subject.

Working with Nonprofits

Often, you can find green jobs with nonprofit organizations. Conduct research to find out which nonprofits to approach, and check their mission and vision to see if it aligns with your beliefs. Investigate their financial status before applying, because jobs in the nonprofit sector may pay lower rates than the private or public sectors. Many of these green jobs carry a lot of responsibility, and you need to be sure that you are comfortable with the pay rates offered.

Become a Green Entrepreneur

Solar energy is big in the U.S., and anyone with a passion for environmental issues and a little capital can become a retailer and installer of solar systems. Most solar energy dealers represent one or more solar manufacturers, and usually the suppliers provide training in the installation and servicing of their products. Instead of spending time on how to find a green job, start your own business and you can create green jobs for others.

Volunteer

If it isn’t possible to find green jobs right away, consider volunteering your time for a green organization. You will gain experience in the field as well as make new friends and build your network of contacts in readiness for a shot at earth-friendly jobs in the future. While you are learning how to find a green job, you will be able to make a difference in a small way and at the same time, check out whether this is the right long term career choice for you.

Hydro In Connecticut On The Rise

Anonymous — Thu, 18 Aug 2016 19:15:42 +0000

Hydro In Connecticut On The Rise Anonymous Thu, 08/18/2016 - 12:15

Connecticut has rewritten its renewable energy policy to boost hydropower from Canada.

The Senate approved legislation 26-6 on Tuesday, sending the measure to Gov. Dannel P. Malloy who has strongly endorsed it and will sign it into law.

Environmentalists fought the measure, demanding that the state use the clout of its renewable energy portfolio to help promote locally generated solar and wind power.

Connecticut's renewable energy portfolio, established in 1998, was intended to finance new and clean renewable power by guaranteeing markets.

CONTINUE READING AT NEWSOK.COM

Solar Power Among Fastest Growing Sub-Sectors Of American Economy

Anonymous — Thu, 18 Aug 2016 19:15:42 +0000

Solar Power Among Fastest Growing Sub-Sectors Of American Economy Anonymous Thu, 08/18/2016 - 12:15

The Solar Foundation (TSF), an independent nonprofit solar research and education organization, has released its fifth annual National Solar Jobs Census.

The Census found that the U.S. solar industry employed 173,807 Americans in 2014, a figure that includes the addition of more than 31,000 solar jobs over the previous year, representing 21.8 percent growth in solar industry employment since November 2013. Solar employment grew nearly 20 times faster than the national average employment growth rate of 1.1 percent in the same period.

"The solar industry has once again proven to be a powerful engine of economic growth and job creation," said Andrea Luecke, President and Executive Director of The Solar Foundation. "The solar sector has grown an extraordinary 86 percent in the last four years, adding approximately 81,000 jobs. Our Census findings show that one out of every 78 new jobs created in the U.S. over the past 12 months was created by the solar industry – nearly 1.3% of all jobs. It also shows for the fifth consecutive year, the solar industry is attracting highly-skilled, well-paid professionals. That growth is putting people back to work and strengthening our nation's economy."

CONTINUE READING AT PENNENERGY.COM

High Paying Green Jobs

Anonymous — Thu, 18 Aug 2016 19:15:42 +0000

High Paying Green Jobs Anonymous Thu, 08/18/2016 - 12:15

The green economy is a growing fast as companies discover that there's a financial and marketing benefit to improving the sustainability of their operations. And green jobs aren't all found in clean-tech companies, as many employers are trying to improve their environmental footprint.

What you will find is that there is a rapidly growing demand for people with backgrounds in engineering, law and even the technical trades to support the construction of LEED certified buildings and install solar power and wind power generators, as well as other aspects of the growing green economy.

Here are five new green opportunities that don't require a huge amount of education, ranging from a high school education to a bachelor's degree. Keep in mind that higher paying jobs are also available to those with advanced degrees in physics or a professional degree doctoring law or medicine.

LEED Construction Project Managers

The Leadership in Energy and Environmental (LEED) standards are now used in the construction of everything from offices to schools. Some states also offer tax incentives for buildings that reduce heating and air conditioning costs, as well as reduce water usage. With just a bachelor's degree in project management or construction, these managers can take in more than $80,000 a year on average, and get to work both inside and outside to ensure that construction is finished on time and to LEED standard.

Mechanical and Semiconductor Engineers

Photovoltaic solar panels and wind turbines are popping up in farms all over the United States, and someone needs to design them. With just a bachelor's degree in mechanical or electrical engineering, you'll be responsible for designing and testing solar power and wind turbine systems. Median salaries vary from $65,000 to $80,000 and demand is strong in these fields because of the desire to reduce the costs of sustainable electricity generation.

Ethical Investment Analysts

A growing number of college graduates that are considering finance shy away because they want to make a difference in the world. Ethical investment advisors marry financial analysis with a focus on the companies that are improving the environment. These analysts need to understand and work with companies in the clean tech, photovoltaic and wind power sectors in order to provide the best stock picks for clients. Like our other jobs, a bachelor's degree helps, either in finance or certain math fields that are used for modeling investment potential. Jobs are plentiful in cities like San Francisco and New York and other financial centers. And there's a real sense of accomplishment in your checking account, too, with salaries of between $89,000 and $131,000 in top metro areas.

Solar Installer Crew Leaders

Making a move into solar has been a booming industry, especially in states like California where there's an emphasis on the environment. While the annual salary of $40,000 to $50,000 isn't as high as some of these other options, crew leaders are still a strong option for some. The reason is that many installers only need a high school degree and some trade experience, and a number of companies are willing to train you on the job. Those with certifications can expect to make even more, and you get to help small businesses and homeowners reduce their carbon footprint.

Energy Auditors

Energy auditors help businesses and home owners find ways to save money by improving elements of the building's construction. Options vary, but can include everything from upgrading insulation to reduce heating and air conditioning bills to installing tinted windows. Energy auditors can be certified by national associations with an associate's degree and several years of work experience and make around $60,000 a year on average. It can also be a job that fits for those who like being their own boss; a number of energy auditors are self-employed or have started their own business to support their activities.

Green Jobs For Veterans

Anonymous — Thu, 18 Aug 2016 19:15:42 +0000

Green Jobs For Veterans Anonymous Thu, 08/18/2016 - 12:15

While veterans as a whole have a lower unemployment rate than the rest of the nation, the 2.6 million troops who served in the years following 9/11 are having a much tougher time. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics(BLS), veterans 34 and under face a higher unemployment rate than civilians. The youngest (18-24 years of age) are unemployed at a rate of 20%, almost five percentage points higher than non-veterans of the same age group.

When veterans come home they often expect to continue their jobs in the military, only to find they need additional training to meet national certification requirements. In response to this issue, the Obama Administration aimed to kill two birds with one stone: provide veterans with job training and promote a clean energy future.

Green job training subsidized by federal funding has allowed veterans to gain certifications in energy efficient building analysis through the Building Performance Institute (BPI), green construction through the U.S. Green Building Council (LEED), and solar installation though the Interstate Renewable Energy Council (NABCEP).

CONTINUE READING AT RENEWABLE ENERGY WORLD

Build A Green Resume

Anonymous — Thu, 18 Aug 2016 19:15:42 +0000

Build A Green Resume Anonymous Thu, 08/18/2016 - 12:15

ou’ve created a resume packed with technical and specialized jargon and qualifications. You’ve reviewed it, polished it, and obtained feedback from a friend in the industry about what to include and what not to include. You’ve updated its format and made one suitable for online posting (without your personal address at the top, using arial or calibri font, and with minimal text formatting). Now what?

Use a combination of both online and in-person methods to promote your resume to locate a green technology job.

Searching Online

You can search online to locate green technology job opportunities, information about companies that may be hiring, and to locate people working at those companies that may be able to help deliver your resume to hiring managers inside.

Where the Hot Green Jobs Are!

Anonymous — Thu, 18 Aug 2016 19:15:42 +0000

Where the Hot Green Jobs Are! Anonymous Thu, 08/18/2016 - 12:15

Green may be a cool color, but it's red-hot when it comes to the job market. The global green economy, already worth well over $1 trillion per year, is expected to double by 2020 to $2.7 trillion. This growth factor creates a healthy outlook for jobs as companies compete to meet the demand for sustainable products and services. Some high paying green jobs are traditional occupations with a sustainable twist, while other occupations were created by the new green economy.

Power Farming

The process of harvesting wind and solar power gives rise to a wide range of jobs. Engineers and scientists are among the highest paid professionals working on these modern farms. Civil and aerospace engineers design and develop wind farms, turbines, rotors and solar panels. Electrical engineers work on the motors, controls, lighting and wiring that keep the systems running. scientists and researchers also support wind turbine farms and solar collection operations. These meteorologists help determine the best sites for alternative power farms based on computer models of wind and sun patterns. Logistics coordinators keep farm operations running efficiently.

LEED Construction

While traditional real estate values have had their ups and downs, a steady demand remains for sustainable buildings, especially those with a certification from the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. Demand for jobs in the construction industry is strongest for architects and builders who are familiar with the LEED certification scheme, a point-based system that recognizes excellence in sustainability. LEED recognizes advancements in categories such as water efficiency and innovation in design. Some of the highest paying green jobs in the LEED construction field include architects, general contractors, and the same trades that build traditional homes, but with different materials and techniques. Specialists in heating and cooling systems are especially in demand.

SmartWay Supply Chain Logistics

SmartWay is an EPA program to improve energy efficiency in the U.S. supply chain. SmartWay programs help truckers and freight carriers develop sustainable transportation systems. The SmartWay vehicle system ranks commercial automobiles so consumers can quickly determine which products are environmentally friendly. Jobs in the industry include biofuel scientists, civil engineers and automobile designers. The SmartWay program also includes jobs for banking and finance professionals who administer the loans and grants that help carriers invest in fuel-efficient equipment.

Green Alternatives and Recycling

Efforts are under way to develop sustainable alternatives to many consumer products such as cleaning products and fertilizers. Once these products are developed, they must be advertised, promoted, marketed and sold, creating job opportunities along the way. Recycling, the granddaddy of the green economy, is still a big business that continues to create jobs. The green economy needs workers who can recycle existing products and build new items from post-consumer waste.

Environmental Attorneys

Virtually every aspect of a green economy involves legal work, making the practice of environmental law one of the highest paying green jobs available. Environmental lawyers draw up leases for wind and solar farm operations. They create limited liability companies and write agreements for joint ventures and partnerships. They advise clients on a wide range of topics such as water rights, and they prepare contracts that cover everything from transportation logistics to energy distribution. Attorneys also provide advice on compliance with environmental regulations and certification and file patents on the innovations that green research yields. Demand for specialists in environmental law is expected to continue to grow for at least the next decade.

Support Positions

The green economy will also add jobs in traditional occupations. Virtually every aspect of the green industry provides jobs for secretaries, bookkeepers, custodians and other office workers; specialists are needed who can install, service and maintain all that energy efficient equipment. Employment prospects are strong for these workers.

Hydropower Bill To Boost Development And Hiring

Anonymous — Thu, 18 Aug 2016 19:15:42 +0000

Hydropower Bill To Boost Development And Hiring Anonymous Thu, 08/18/2016 - 12:15

A House committee is advancing a bill from U.S. Rep. Steve Daines that would allow hydropower projects in more local irrigation districts.

Daines said Wednesday that the measure cleared the House Natural Resources Committee.

It is one of the measures advancing in Congress to lift restrictions on hydropower development in Bureau of Reclamation irrigation systems built by the government after 1939.

CONTINUE READING AT NEWSOK.COM

Hydraulic Engineering Can Lead To A Green Career

Anonymous — Thu, 18 Aug 2016 19:15:42 +0000

Hydraulic Engineering Can Lead To A Green Career Anonymous Thu, 08/18/2016 - 12:15

Arturo Leon, assistant professor in the school of civil engineering and construction engineering at Oregon State University, says hydraulic engineering continues to evolve but the past is often not far behind. “Some of the developments are recent but we’re still using work that goes back a hundred years and just improving on some of it,” he says.

“That’s part of what’s so fascinating,” says Leon, adding, “If you have a fear of water, this wouldn’t likely be for you. However, if you’re excited by what covers roughly 70% of the planet — and is both one of our greatest assets and one of the most potentially deadly elements — then hydraulics engineering may be perfect for you.”

Below are four leading job areas in this field to consider.

Ways To Be Green At Work: Bring A Coffee Cup

Anonymous — Thu, 18 Aug 2016 19:15:42 +0000

Ways To Be Green At Work: Bring A Coffee Cup Anonymous Thu, 08/18/2016 - 12:15

Those searching for ways to be green at work can start by thinking black. Coffee consumption results in a considerable amount of office waste that can be easily remedied.

The morning cup of coffee is a ritual for millions that borders on necessity, depending on who you talk to. Often the morning cup of coffee turns into the morning cups of coffee, with paper and Styrofoam cups getting one-time use before heading to the trash can. Bringing a reusable mug to the office might seem like a minor gesture, but as a PayScale.com report details, it can be one of the most significant ways to be green in daily life.

Trashed paper coffee cups pack landfills at a staggering pace. An estimated 150 million java drinkers contributed to the 25 billion cups in 2011. That shakes out to 6.5 billion pounds of CO2 emission from the production of said cups.

Puts any supposed hassle of having to wash or remember to bring home your reusable cup into perspective, doesn’t it?

One suggestion the State of California’s CalRecycle program has for encouraging coffee cup reuse in the workplace is a poster in the office kitchen.