Finding the green job of your dreams

Solar panel installers (iStockPhoto)

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.

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!

Email IM Bookmark del.icio.us Digg

You do not appear to have Yahoo! Messenger installed. Click here to download and install it.

Email this article

There is a problem with one or more email addresses entered

Enter email addresses, separated by commas.

There is a problem with the email address entered

Email addresses will only be used to email this information on your behalf and will not be used for any marketing purposes.

Alerts

Get an alert for updates:
  • from this author
  • on Finances
  • on Business
  • on Tips
  • on Finding a green job

View All Green Alerts »

comments from our community

Showing 1 - 13 of 13 comments

Post Comment
  • Posted by roy d Fri Nov 7, 2008 5:23pm PST
    A RICH MANS TASTE AND A POOR MANS POCKETBOOK MAKES BAD DINING PARTNERS. OLD ROY
    Report Abuse
  • Posted by ranjanprabhat20 Mon Nov 10, 2008 5:11am PST
    IF YOU ARE HONEST SO NOW A DAYS YOU WOULD BE FAC SO MUCH PROBLEM.
    Report Abuse
  • Posted by JanetM Tue Nov 11, 2008 2:50am PST
    No comment, but I want a job
    Report Abuse
  • Posted by Charles B Thu Nov 13, 2008 10:07am PST
    The parameters of your universe are determined by the essence of your being.
    Report Abuse
  • Posted by patrickl Sun Dec 14, 2008 10:30pm PST
    when i came here i thought it was for work be more specific next time plz dont waste the peoples time
    Report Abuse
  • Posted by d.dale72 Mon Dec 15, 2008 5:54am PST
    I don't have a degree but I want to know if I can qualify for the green jobs
    Report Abuse
  • Posted by bujhee kom Mon Dec 15, 2008 1:11pm PST
    i need a job, now, green or white!
    Report Abuse
  • Posted by Derrick R Sat Jan 31, 2009 1:26pm PST
    yeah, good luck getting one of these jobs. Unless you spend $300 on a resume..........
    Report Abuse
  • Posted by JOAN K Sat Jan 31, 2009 9:09pm PST
    i work in one of those states where solar energy is getting started.i applied for a job and was told i did not have enough training or education for that type of work. i have a double major and a double minor, so i have the education. if people need to spend 2 to 3 years getting trained for this type of work, how is that suppose to turn the economy around. sounds like these jobs are going to be for the rich to get richer.
    Report Abuse
  • Posted by greeninnyc08 Fri Apr 24, 2009 8:17am PDT
    um... having an education doesn't make you qualified for all types of work. I have a Master's Degree... but I don't think that qualifies me to install solar paneling--wouldn't know what to do with it! I'd love to see more articles about the types are areas in which green jobs are now becoming available. I don't have a degree in sciences or engineering. I work in Marketing--but I still want a "green job". More fleshed out informative articles would be nice here instead of just pointing us to other articles.
    Report Abuse
  • Posted by i.wren Thu May 21, 2009 2:16am PDT
    It's great to see all the new-found interest in green jobs and the environmental sector in the US. It's also good to know there are so many new resources and potential opportunities out there for the renewable energy sector. Just remember that green jobs aren't limited to the energy sector or the engineering and manufacturing of renewable energy products. The environmental sector is a long-standing and diverse one with many opportunities related to water, air, sustainable development, communications, marketing, planning... the list goes on. There are also a lot of services that are necessary for the renewables sector but not necessarily related to engineering and technology. For instance, the expansion of wind farms has put a lot of ornithologists to work assessing potential impacts to birds. For people still in school or just leaving I would recommend doing as many internships you can. It might be hard sacrificing a paycheck for a few months, but interning will open up more doors than sending out hundreds of resumes. The envioronmental sector is smaller than you might think and many jobs are by word of mouth. For those of you trying to shift careers, such as greeninnyc08, I would recommend assessing what you're good at and seeing how to transfer the skills. 'Green' opportunities for marketers are growing these days, particularly with the explosion of the corporate social responsibility (CSR) sector and branding of green products. Keep in mind that looking for a 'green' job is no different than looking for any other kind of job in a competitive market and it takes a lot of persistence and networking. A lot of cities now have Green Drinks events and other ways to meet people. If your city doesn't have one maybe consider starting one to get your name out there. Ian greencann.com... Green Jobs News and Events in California
    Report Abuse
  • Posted by Nilo Thu Aug 6, 2009 7:12pm PDT
    how can I work there? I really need a job If you provide me for my ticket nd my expenses then as soon as possible call so that I can start you can call me right away so that I can start soon please call me thru this no. +63324373045 any job that is fit for me for a minimum of 400$ please contact to me right away.
    Report Abuse
  • Posted by thegreenentrepreneur Wed Aug 26, 2009 1:27pm PDT
    I love the fact that people are starting to realize that the environment needs us! It is also great that every one of us can build an income by working with sustainable businesses. This is the basis for my website: http://green-entrepreneur.com
    Report Abuse

Leave a Comment:

You must first sign in.

Green Picks Playlist