Finding the green job of your dreams

The times they are a changin'. The U.S. economy isn't what it used to be, and old jobs are becoming old hat. But new technologies and shifting priorities are creating opportunities for job-seekers, especially if you want to make a living while leaving a lighter footprint on the planet.

Our own HotJobs points out several top recession-proof fields right now. The areas of education, energy, health care, and the environment itself are all good bets. And greenies will be glad to know that these overlap with E: The Environmental Magazine's list of booming eco-friendly job sectors.

Other hot fields include environmental law, information technology, government planning and land use, and waste management and recycling. Plus, jobs such as accounting, human resources, and project management continue to be needed within environmental organizations of all types.

So where do you start your green job search? We've collected some of the best websites for job listings and other resources for a new earth-focused career.

• Sustainable Business Green Dream Jobs: Large list of positions at all levels with environmentally conscious employers. From solar water heating system installer to web producer, from human resources assistant to fish campaign organizer, you're bound to find something intriguing here.


• Idealist.org Job Search: Openings at nonprofits; search on "environmental & ecology" or "energy conservation & green living" for unique listings such as organic farm manager in Southwest Florida and video editor for the Clinton Foundation.


• Green Jobs: This site is all about the burgeoning area of renewable energy. If you're interested in solar, wind, or biofuels, whether installing, engineering, or selling, check this one out.


• EnvironmentalCareer.com: Lists hundreds of jobs, especially in environmental sciences and energy fields. Also has opportunities to transfer existing skills into green businesses -- for example, a senior billing coordinator position for environmental consultants.


• Business for Social Responsibility Jobs Board: Worldwide positions at companies that value people, communities, and the environment. Includes big names such as the Walt Disney Company.


• Grist Job Board: Environmental groups from around the country post their jobs here. Also, Grist's Kevin Doyle has a series of articles about the green job market.


• TreeHugger Job Board: Dozens of green business and organizations list their openings here. Subscribe to the RSS feed for the latest updates.


• Jobs With the National Park Service: Love the great outdoors? You could work anywhere from Hawaii's volcanoes to Yellowstone's geysers. The park service has 16,000 permanent employees and another 10,000 seasonal employees each year.


• World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms: If you're interested in the fast-growing field of organic food (no pun intended), you could volunteer on a farm to get experience. This site connects volunteers with farms around the planet.

Another green tip: Many companies encourage applying online these days, so you can email your resume. But if you have to print it, look for high-quality paper made with recycled fibers. No point killing trees when you're applying for an earth-friendly job!