Careers in Green Industries

YOUR ENVIRONMENTAL CAREER OPTIONS

Jobs!
The green industry in the United States in 2005 was

about $265 billion employing 1.6 million people in an estimated 118,000 jobs (This information was adapted from the Environmental Business Journal)
Green businesses have also been growing at a rate of

about 5% annually during the last three years

Some of the fastest growing job sectors

Emissions Brokers: credits to emit greenhouse

gases can be traded on an exchange, and brokers facilitate the deal. Bio-mimicry engineers: This new branch of science uses Mother Nature as a model for solving engineering problems. For example, Atlanta's Sto Corp. created a self-cleaning paint that repels dirt whenever it gets wet, just like the lotus leaf does. Sustainability coordinators: Many corporations are employing managers to oversee the economic and environmental components of company efforts

More green jobs

Green architects: With an increasing focus on

energy-efficient buildings, a growing number of architects and developers are getting certified to become specialists in green design. For example, LEED certified developers (William McDonough) Environmental scientists: (expected to be one of the fastest growing fields between now and 2018) Environmental scientists use their expertise to protect natural resources.

Ok, but how much do they pay? (These are approximate figures!)
Emissions Broker: Range - $100, 000- $150, 000 Bio-mimicry engineer: $50, 000 - $100, 000 Sustainability coordinator: Range - $30, 000- $100, 000

(U.S.)

Green architect: Average of $70,320, (max of $119, 220)

(U.S.)

Environmental scientist: Average $67, 360 (U.S.)

Petroleum Engineer
Description must bring oil and gas to the surface

cheaply and safely (with little economic, social, environmental consequences) Minimum degree in one of:

Petroleum engineering Geology Geophysics Mining Civil or mechanical engineering PLUS course work in petroleum engineering

Masters or Doctorate degree increasing in necessity

Software Engineer
Example: The use sophisticated computer modeling

systems, combined with expertise in atmospheric sciences, to answer some of the most critical questions about wind, solar, and hydro energy worldwide. (3TIER job description) Bachelor of Science or advanced degree in:

Computer science Engineering Earth science U of W has a Bachelor of Software Engineering

Mechanical Engineer
Operate and maintain plant and equipment, to manage

and upgrade building services, to reduce carbon footprints, or to invest on facilities and systems that enhance sustainability, The field of mechanical engineering is very broad, and some of the diverse job titles include air pollution control engineer, environmental systems engineer, manufacturing engineer, and automotive engineer Degree Requirements

Bachelor degree in mechanical engineering Advanced degree in engineering or business administration Continued training throughout career (often paid for by company)

Electrical Engineer
Electrical Engineers apply electronic and

electromagnetic/optical design principles to design, build, and test analog or digital devices, circuits, and systems - for processing, communication, and storage of information; distribution, conversion, and storage of energy; and process automation or robotics Degree Requirements

Bachelor degree in electrical engineering Advanced degree (Masters or PhD) Courses in Math, physical science, life science, engineering Social sciences, humanities Continued training

Genetic Engineer
Genetic engineering (GE) is the splicing of genes from

one organism to another, unrelated organism, to combine traits that would otherwise be very unlikely to occur together. Degree Requirements:

Bachelor Degree in:

biology, botany, chemistry, zoology, or a related field

Graduate Degree in:

microbiology, genetics, embryology, biochemistry, or another specialized bioscience or medical science

Doctorate Degree in Biological Science Some also get a medical degree as well

Environmental Medicine
American Academy of Environmental Medicine is to

promote optimal health through prevention, and safe and effective treatment of the causes of illness by supporting physicians and other professionals in serving the public through education about the interaction between humans and their environment Trained to look for root causes of disease rather than just treat disease Degree requirements:

Bachelor degree (generally science) Write MCAT (Medical College Admissions Test) Advanced degree in medicine Pass licensing exam

Environmental Lawyer
Environmental lawyers advise and represent clients on a

wide range of matters, including air and water pollution, land use concerns, agricultural issues, parks and wilderness preservation, waste disposal, resource extraction, transportation, and international issues, to name a few Degree Requirements:

Bachelor Degrees Writing of LSAT (Law School Admissions Test) Background in environmental studies helps (not required) Law Degree and one year working under practicing lawyer Pass Bar exams

International Relations
Deals with foreign policy, trade, globalization,

international development, and international affairs Degree requirements

A bachelor degree in international relations Includes course work in:

Economics Political science Anthropology History Business

Advanced degree (Masters, PhD) often required

Final Tips
Any field you go into has environmental/green industry

options

With the growth of the environmental field as a whole, it

is worth looking into the options available to you

in your program

Enjoy your time at University make sure you are happy

Ask yourself what do I want to do. Answer

HONESTLY!!!!! You have a long life ahead of you. Make sure you enjoy it