Career Options
Book promotes green careersWorking for a better environmentIt's the latest career buzzword, but just what is a "green" career? Are they hard to find and where do you look? LINDA WHITE -- Special to Sun Media |
|
|
To find out, take this test by eCareerFit, the career assessment experts.
Those are among the questions a new book sets out to answer.
"The green job market is one of the most talked about aspects of the green economy, but defining it is difficult," says Jodi Helmer, co-author of The Complete Idiot's Guide(R) to Green Careers.
"Green careers must have environmental benefits, such as reducing waste or pollution, supporting renewable energy, researching sustainable technologies, safeguarding natural resources or repairing environmental damages."
Helmer, a graduate of Trent University in Peterborough who now lives in the United States, believes the green job market is maturing, with the majority of jobs currently at the entry and executive levels. There are plenty of opportunities to be had for the "foot soldiers and the people pioneering the technology. It will take a few years for the middle managers to fill in," she says.
Though the book highlights American legislation that is paving the way for green careers, it provides useful information for job seekers north of the border. Here in Ontario, the Mc-Guinty government proposed sweeping new legislation earlier this year that's designed to attract new investment, create new green economy jobs and better protect the climate.
Each chapter of the book highlights a comprehensive list of
careers according to the following industries: environment, green building, renewable energy, natural resources, sustainable agriculture, waste management, facilities management, transportation, financial services, business and hospitality services, and small business opportunities.
The authors highlight the major responsibilities, educational requirements and job growth of more than 100 careers. They also include a handy glossary of environmental terms and a list of books, websites and conferences that may help job seekers.
Some jobs -- such as sustainability manager, brownfield redevelopment specialist, wind energy engineer and wind turbine technician -- are easy to identify as green. But that doesn't mean other jobs can't have a green slant. "People get hung up on the title ... but a lot of traditional jobs can be greened," Helmer says.
She points to a residential and commercial construction general contractor as an example. The growth of the green building industry makes it increasingly important for general contractors to be able to provide direction and oversight on Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), Helmer notes.
"I think a lot of companies are stuck and aren't sure about how they fit into a green economy," she says. "Individual employees play a huge role in a green job market and are stepping up and letting their employers know they have an interest in the environment."
Helmer believes the green job market attracts two types of job seekers. "Some people are passionate about the environment and care deeply about the impact of their work on the planet," she says. "Others see the green economy as a growing segment and are eager to apply their skills. In reality, the green sector needs both."
linda.white@rogers.com
Are you aware of substance abuse in your workplace?