Five hot green jobs available today

Technicians from Namaste Solar Electric
install a new system in Colorado.
(Photo: Courtesy of Namaste Solar Electric)

The following is a guest post by Ezra Drissman of GreenCareersGuide

It seems that most Americans have been affected by the economic downturn, in one way or another. It can be difficult to find any good things that have come out of such a crazy climate.

However, green careers have emerged as a shining light in a generally bad economy. While other corporations are struggling, green companies are looking forward to a better year.

One need not look further than Ford Motor Company, which had been ridiculed in recent memory by opponents for its stated commitment to hybrid vehicles and developing greener technologies. Yet Ford has survived the downturn better than GM and Chrysler.

Green is not only emerging, it will be sustained for a long time. These next few years will give people an opportunity to join in on the ground floor of a booming industry. It's an industry that will stretch across all economic lines.

Here are the top five industries that are likely to be major players in the green economy, according to GreenCareersGuide.com:

1. Landfill gas plant operator
Anything within the renewable energy market is a great green career. Try this one on for a quick turn around into a green opportunity: a landfill gas plant operator. Turning gas into energy is big right now and this can be a great fit for someone who only has a GED or high school diploma.

2. Solar panel installer
The solar field is heating up, and offers many opportunities in panel installation and sales. More colleges, technical schools, and extension services are offering programs in the sector. The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) offers certification programs that will train you in solar installation. If you would like to become a solar salesperson, start by contacting some of the solar panel makers. This field is also prime for the entrepreneur.

3. Wind turbine machinist
The market for wind energy continues to grow, so much so that wind power now employs more Americans than the coal industry. A bonus is that if you already have a degree or background as a machinist or engineer you may be able to turn that into a job as a wind turbine machinist or wind turbine installer.

4. Green engineer
There are likely to be many opportunities to help design a cleaner, greener society, from waste treatment and recycling facilities to transportation systems. Soon America will also be transitioning to a smart grid, requiring much work for engineers. (Unemployed car engineers in particular should stay alert for these fields). If you want to start in these areas, make sure to get an engineering background in college.

5. Green builder
The federal and local governments continue to require more certification and higher energy efficiency on all buildings. Green building, with the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification, will likely become a standard in construction.

There will be many careers available within these industries. Take the time to get the training and schooling that will be needed.

See job listings for these fields and apply now:

• Wind jobs
• Solar jobs
• Green jobs center

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