The rate of growth for jobs among sustainable businesses in the U.S. is increasing, and this article from Mike Hower, senior writer at Sustainable Brands, outlines the skills required and the most in-demand jobs where your opportunities could shine the brightest.
As sustainable business enters the mainstream, there is a growing need for a skilled labor force that can meet the needs of socially and environmentally focused firms. The rate of growth for jobs with “environmental compliance” as a keyword has increased by 24% since 2010, while jobs focusing on “energy efficiency” have grown by 500% since 2009, according to data from job search engine SimplyHired.com, compiled by Coyne College.
California, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, Texas, Wisconsin, Indiana, Georgia, Virginia and Maryland are the top states for sustainability jobs, based on the number of job listings on Simply Hired. Many of these states, particularly California, are where there has been the most job growth in the cleantech sector.
The sustainable buildings sector is also a major source for sustainable business opportunity. California, Texas, Illinois, Maryland and Virginia topped the U.S. Green Building Council’s (USGBC) recent list for top states for number projects for LEED, the world’s most widely used and recognized green building rating system.
But sustainable job growth is happening almost everywhere. In some cases, existing plants are being repurposed for more sustainable purposes – the Philip Morris cigarette plant in Concord, North Carolina, for example, has switched to producing batteries to store energy for wind and solar farms.
What kinds of skills are these forward-thinking firms looking for? Luckily, they are quite varied. According to the Simply Hired data, here are some of the top skills sustainability-driven companies are looking for in their employees:
Create and Manage Business Relationships. It’s necessary to create relationships with investors, government agencies, and other potential sources of funding.
Technical Skills. Many of the companies, jobs, and industries focusing on environmentalism are technically focused, and a background in some technical skills is needed.
Financial Management. Proper management of finances is key in industries which rely heavily on outside funding, and there is little margin for error when applying for grants.
Management. Sustainable businesses typically operate with CSR as their cornerstone. Skilled management professionals who can manage with sustainability standards are sought after.
Product Development and Marketing. Sustainable businesses are often in the business of creating and selling alternative technology and products to less environmentally friendly options, requiring the help of specialists, both in the creative and marketing end.
Certifications, Credentials and Licenses. Certifications such as LEED for green construction and Professional Engineers (PE) licenses, among other certifications, are important in the green industry for developing relationships with potential investors, and demonstrate a specialized level of knowledge and skill in a given field.
So you think you’ve got the skills needed for a sustainability career, but what kind of job is right for you? Here are some of the high-growth occupations for sustainable business.
- Solar Power Contractor
- Wind Turbine Installer
- Sustainable Construction Engineer
- Hybrid Vehicle Technician
- Environmental Protection Specialist
- Environmental Engineer
- Campus Sustainability Director
- Water Engineers
- Agricultural and Food Scientists
