Some people recycle; some buy hybrid or electric cars; some use only eco-friendly materials. These are all great ways of going green, but there’s another recent environment-friendly trend that affects job seekers: green jobs. A recent debate over a wind energy tax break has sparked greater debate on the topic of green jobs.
So what exactly is a green job? Funny you should ask. The Bureau of Labor Statistics defines green jobs as either:
- Jobs in businesses that produce goods or provide services that benefit the environment or conserve natural resources.
- Jobs in which workers’ duties involve making their establishment’s production processes more environmentally friendly or use fewer natural resources.
Now that you know what a green job is how do you go about getting one?
For networking, there is a series of four regional conferences called the “Good Jobs Green Jobs Regional Conferences.” These are great opportunities to network with major players in the sustainable jobs market and are sponsored by some of the world’s largest companies including AT&T, General Motors and UPS.
Additionally, there aggregated communities and sections of job websites devoted to opportunities in the green job world, and Idealist.com is a great resource to find volunteer opportunities at a number of environmentally-focused non-profits.
And then there is the old-fashioned way of finding a job: pinpoint a company you’d like to work for and see if they have any openings. That may not be a way to aggregate all your options, but it’s a way to find a company that aligns with your morals and ideals. Companies such as SolarCity work to create eco-friendly and sustainable living at home.
Finally, want to help the environment and at-risk children? There’s a San Jose non-profit that helps teens and young adults who are at risk for violence in the Bay Area find jobs with green companies. Now that you know these kinds of places exist, you can start to search for one in your local area.
With emphasis on the environment gaining traction daily, the world of “green job” continues to expand and provide excellent opportunities for job seekers and eco-enthusiasts alike.
Do you have a job that would be considered green? Where did you get it? Did you look specifically for a green job? Let us know in the comments section below!
IMAGE: Courtesy of AGTS
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