10 Green Careers That You Should Consider
10 Green Careers That You Should Consider
10 Green Careers That You Should Consider

Table of Contents

Some 93% of business leaders expected consumers to hold them accountable for their environmental impact as of 2019, up 12% from 2018, according to a survey by the Environmental Defense Fund. An organization’s awareness of environmental issues and ability to address them has become an essential aspect of what experts are calling the Fourth Wave of Environmentalism, which focuses on market-based and technological solutions to environmental issues.

As a result, job prospects are strong in the renewable energy, environmental science, and agricultural sectors. Sustainability-related and green careers are becoming more important than ever across a wide variety of industries.

Those who are interested in pursuing a career in renewable energy, environmental science, or agriculture should consider earning a bachelor’s in sustainability degree to learn how their contributions can have a positive impact on their employers and the environment.

The field of sustainability focuses on creating cleaner environments, using renewable resources, increasing political awareness, and supporting healthier populations. Green careers focus on environmental preservation, pollution reduction, energy conservation, alternative energy creation, and recycling.

Professionals in green careers work in different industries, including:

They understand the importance of efficiency, sustainability, and renewability across different fields. Within these distinct industries, individuals can pursue specific renewable energy, environmental, and agricultural occupations.

The number of renewable energy careers has seen a steady increase in the past several years. According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), most U.S. renewable energy jobs are in the biofuels, solar, and wind power industries. Professionals also work in zero-emission technology industries.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment in the renewable energy and energy efficiency sectors entails working with “energy-efficient equipment, appliances, buildings, and vehicles, as well as products and services that improve the energy efficiency of buildings and the efficiency of energy storage and distribution.”

Some rewarding green careers in the renewable energy sector include:

Wind turbine technicians typically work outdoors in electric power generation, system construction, and wind turbine maintenance. In pairs or teams, they install wind turbines that convert wind energy into electricity. Wind turbines comprise:

Wind turbine technicians can help build wind turbines, but they typically are responsible for inspecting or maintaining the structures. Maintaining wind turbines, particularly the equipment in nacelles, is one of the primary responsibilities of wind turbine technicians. Some other job duties include:

The median annual salary associated with the role is $52,910, according to the BLS. Salaries can vary based on an individual’s job location, education level, years of experience, and organization. These technicians typically gain education from technical schools, but individuals can also benefit from earning a degree in sustainability or a related field.

The BLS projects the employment of wind turbine technicians to grow 61% between 2019 and 2029, which is much faster than the average career growth (4%). Innovation in the field has lowered the cost of wind power generation, thereby increasing its popularity as a renewable energy option.

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Another green career in the renewable energy field is solar installer. Professionals in this career assemble solar photovoltaic (PV) systems that convert sunlight into energy.

Solar installers can be electrical contractors or self-employed workers who install PV systems for companies or in residential areas. Some job duties include:

Having an educational background in sustainability and renewable energy can prepare an individual for a career as a solar installer. Essential skills include being comfortable working at heights, having stamina and strength, and being a strong verbal communicator.

The median annual salary for solar installers is $44,890, according to the BLS. The salary can vary based on a person’s years of experience, education level, skills, job location, and other factors. Individuals can advance in the field by becoming project managers or supervisors.

The BLS projects solar installation jobs to grow by 51% between 2019 and 2019, indicating a very promising job outlook as corporate and consumer interest in using alternative energy sources rises.

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While civil engineering isn’t exclusively a green career, civil engineers can work for renewable energy organizations. They design plans and oversee infrastructure projects, including:

Civil engineers conduct research and plan projects for both the private and public sectors. Depending on government policies and protocols, some organizations may hire civil engineers to create survey reports, make plans, and supervise renewable energy projects. Some job duties include:

Civil engineers can work with environmental engineers to advise government agencies and companies on implementing programs that benefit the environment, such as reducing air pollution and advocating for environmental policies.

Individuals can work toward becoming a civil engineer by earning a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or a related field. Some graduates also earn a master’s or doctoral degree to qualify for jobs. Those who want higher-level jobs should consider earning a professional engineering (PE) license after gaining experience in the field.

The median annual salary for civil engineers is $87,060, according to the BLS, which projects the employment of these professionals to grow by 2% between 2019 and 2029. Demand for water, wastewater, and renewable energy projects will drive growth in the field.

Environmental careers offer professionals the opportunity to make a positive impact on both their organizations and the planet. Individuals who are interested in environmental science may consider earning a bachelor’s degree in sustainability to develop necessary skills associated with these green careers.

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The role of a chief sustainability officer is relatively new; however, it is a top-level executive position. Chief sustainability officers work with other C-suite executives to evaluate their organizations’ ecological outlook, carbon footprint, and impact on the environment. Their job duties include:

As top-level executives, chief sustainability officers benefit from having a strong background in finance, business, and sustainability. To that end, they should have a bachelor’s degree and potentially a master’s degree in sustainability or business, as well as several years of leadership experience.

The salary for top executives, including chief sustainability officers, is $104,690, according to the BLS, which projects the job category to grow by 4% between 2019 and 2029. As more companies work to decrease their carbon footprints, the role of chief sustainability officer will become increasingly important.

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Individuals who love the excitement of gathering data may be interested in becoming environmental scientists. Working in offices and laboratories, as well as in the field, these professionals use their expertise in natural science and the environment to protect various ecosystems and human health.

Some job duties for this green career include:

The process of becoming an environmental scientist begins with earning a bachelor’s degree in sustainability, biology, environmental science, geosciences, or engineering. Having a background in the natural sciences, biology, chemistry, geology, and physics prepares individuals for fieldwork.

After graduating with a bachelor’s degree, gaining experience through an internship or an entry-level job can prepare individuals for a career in environmental science. Individuals often choose to advance their education by earning a master’s degree or a doctorate in a specialized field.

According to the BLS, the median annual salary for environmental scientists is $71,360. The job outlook is promising, as the BLS projects employment in this field to grow by 8% between 2019 and 2029. Population growth and heightened awareness of threats to the environment fuel demand for the profession.

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Geoscientists study the Earth’s composition, natural resources, and geologic history. Similar to environmental scientists, they work in laboratories as well as in the field. Geoscientists can locate and study natural resources or contribute knowledge to preservation programs. They can specialize in areas of study, working as:

Professionals in this green career study certain processes, such as rock formation, to learn about the Earth’s history. They conduct research studies to learn about patterns and make predictions. Some job duties include:

Geoscientists typically earn a bachelor’s degree in geoscience, environmental science, engineering, or a related area of study. Some also have a master’s degree in a similar field. Geoscientists should have excellent problem-solving and analytical skills, as they identify problems or patterns in the field and seek to understand them.

The median annual salary for geoscientists is $92,040, according to the BLS. This salary can range based on an individual’s educational background, years of experience, job location, and other factors. The BLS projects the employment of geoscientists to grow by 5% between 2019 and 2029. While demand for these professionals in mining, quarrying, and oil and gas industries is slowing, employment growth is expected to rise in the professional, scientific, and technical services sector, including alternative energy fields such as wind and geothermal power.

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Another rewarding environmental career is in the field of conservation science. Professionals in this occupation usually work for federal, state, or local governments or social advocacy organizations. They are responsible for overseeing conservation efforts of the land and other natural resources.

Some job duties associated with conservation science include:

Conservation scientists should have a background in forestry, ecology, biology, and agricultural science. They usually have a bachelor’s degree in environmental science, sustainability, forestry, or a related field.

Some individuals choose to earn a graduate degree in the field and conduct specialized research using geographic information systems (GIS) or remote sensing technology. The median annual salary for conservation scientists is $62,660, according to the BLS, which projects the employment of these professionals to grow by 5% between 2019 and 2029. Increased interest in the suppression and prevention of wildfires will help drive growth in the field.

Agricultural careers are an essential category of green careers. The following occupations are options for individuals interested in the agricultural aspects of sustainability.

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Agricultural engineers primarily work in forestry, farming, and aquaculture. Their job is to address and solve problems pertaining to agricultural products. They work on specific projects in the larger context of animal production, pollution, or other issues. Some job duties include:

Individuals who want to become agricultural engineers should have a background in statistics, science, and policy, so earning a bachelor’s degree in agricultural engineering, sustainability, or biological engineering can be a good start. Learning how to solve problems by designing plans and building equipment can help students prepare for entry-level jobs in the field.

After gaining hands-on experience, agricultural engineers can take on leadership roles by working as supervisors of engineering project teams. The median annual salary for agricultural engineers is $80,720, according to the BLS. The projected job growth is 2% between 2019 and 2029. Demand for biofuels, improved farming technologies, and sustainable farming techniques will help fuel demand for these professionals.

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Hydrologists study the water cycle — precipitation, condensation, evaporation, and transpiration — and water’s impact on the Earth’s different processes. Some job duties of professionals in this green career include:

Those who are interested in becoming hydrologists can earn a bachelor’s degree in geosciences, engineering, sustainability, or related areas. They can then earn a graduate degree in hydrology, and specializing in a certain aspect of hydrology, such as groundwater or surface water, is common.

Hydrologists primarily work for federal, state, or local governments; consulting firms; or engineering services providers. The median annual salary for hydrologists is $81,270, according to the BLS. The number of hydrologist jobs is projected to grow by 5% between 2019 and 2029, driven by environmental concerns (including water supply and climate change concerns) and increased activities such as construction, mining, and hydraulic fracturing (fracking).

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Another green career that is becoming more essential is that of an agricultural and food scientist. These professionals “research ways to improve the efficiency and safety of agricultural establishments and products,” the BLS explains. Specific job titles include animal scientist, food technologist, plant scientist, and soil scientist.

Job descriptions can vary across these various roles, but core responsibilities include:

Agricultural and food scientists play an important role in helping people understand what’s in their food and how to make food products healthier, more ethical, and more sustainable. Most professionals in this occupation work in the food manufacturing industry. They conduct field research but also spend a lot of time in laboratories.

The median annual salary for agricultural and food scientists is $65,160, according to the BLS. The BLS also projects the employment of these scientists to grow by 6% between 2019 and 2029. Employment is expected to rise as new agricultural and food production methods are explored, driven by changing weather patterns, population growth, and other trends.

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The number of people working in green careers in renewable energy, environmental science, and agriculture continues to grow as the field of sustainability expands.

One of the trends in the field of sustainability is that organizations in every industry are beginning to focus on the importance of sustainability and renewable energy. Companies are creating new standards and policies to contribute to conservation efforts and sustainability because consumers are starting to care more about buying sustainable products. According to Forbes, 62% of Gen Z individuals prefer to buy from sustainable brands, and 54% are willing to pay more for sustainable products.

The International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) states that by adopting sustainable and responsible practices, businesses can achieve positive outcomes including company benefits, environmental benefits, and benefits to the public. Some benefits relate to increasing productivity, establishing a rapport with customers, increasing employee retention, creating better products, and using renewable resources.

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Individuals who earn a degree in sustainability can prepare for a growing number of opportunities in green career fields. Maryville University’s online Bachelor of Science in Sustainability degree program offers a curriculum that caters to this growing need for sustainability professionals. Some core courses include:

Students also can choose from several concentrations, including:

Additionally, courses such as Climate Science, Economics of Sustainability, Environmental Law and Policy, Introduction to Geographic Information Systems, and Issues in Sustainable Design help students understand the significance of sustainability in different fields.

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Careers in sustainability span a wide variety of industries, with opportunities to work for businesses, government agencies, and scientific organizations.

If you’re interested in pursuing a green career in renewable energy, environmental science, agriculture, or any number of other areas, learn more about how Maryville University’s online Bachelor of Science in Sustainability can help you pursue your professional goals.

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Recommended Reading

Careers in Renewable Energy

How to Become a Conservation Scientist

What Is a Degree in Sustainability?

Sources

The Balance Careers, “Best Career Options in Agriculture”

The Balance Careers, “Top 10 Green Dream Jobs”

Business Insider, “21 High-Paying Careers for People Who Want to Save the Planet — and Also Have Job Security”

Environmental and Energy Study Institute, Fact Sheet: Jobs in Renewable Energy, Energy Efficiency, and Resilience (2019)

Environmental Defense Fund, “Business and the Fourth Wave of Environmentalism”

Forbes, “Sustainable Retail: How Gen Z Is Leading The Pack”

International Institute for Sustainable Development, Responsible Business

International Renewable Energy Agency, “Renewable Energy and Jobs: Annual Review 2019”

Open Access Government, “The growth of the Chief Sustainability Officer in the workplace”

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Agricultural Engineers

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Agricultural and Food Scientists

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Civil Engineers

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Conservation Scientists and Foresters

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Environmental Scientists and Specialists

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Geoscientists

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Hydrologists

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Solar Photovoltaic Installers

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Top Executives

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Wind Turbine Technicians

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Ag and Food Sectors and the Economy

Youmatter, “Sustainability Jobs: Examples of Careers in Sustainability”