Green Careers In-Demand For the Eco-Conscious

Co-written by Marsha Ord

Green Careers In-Demand For the Eco-Conscious

By Marsha Ord and Martin Edwini-Bonsu

If you’re passionate about addressing the climate crisis, your career path can be an excellent and impactful way to induce meaningful change on environmental issues. There are many industry sectors with positions that enhance the environment and promote sustainability. Take a look at the diverse range of positions available for an environmentally responsible career path!

Environmental Engineer

Job Description: Environmental engineers use their knowledge of chemistry, biology, soil science, and engineering to design municipal and industrial services to address environmental issues. Environmental engineers work on health, safety, and environmental assessments of engineering projects, work on air and water pollution control projects, and design systems for waste management and water treatment.

Average Salary: $76,555/y

Educational Background: A bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering, civil engineering, or chemical engineering.

Skills Needed: Project Management, AutoCAD, Technical Report Writing, Environmental Impact Assessments

Environmental Planner

Job Description: Environmental planners develop short and long-term plans for land use in rural and urban areas while taking into account social, economic, and environmental issues. Their work can be used from local to regional and national strategies for land use.  

Average Salary: $83,452/y

Educational Background: A bachelor’s degree in environmental planning, architecture, urban and regional planning, sustainable development, geography, land reclamation, natural resource management, environmental management, political science, or public policy are most applicable to this career path.

Skills Needed: Adobe Suite, AutoCAD, Project Management, GIS Software, MS Office, Community Consultation, Public Engagement

Solar Energy Consultant

Job Description: Solar energy consultants help explain renewable energy systems and resources to potential customers through sales calls. They also deliver sales pitches and presentations to convince customers to switch to solar-powered systems.

Average Salary: $57,877/y

Educational Background: A bachelor’s degree in sales, marketing, or a related field.

Skills Needed: Sales Management, Energy Management, Contract Management, Business Development, Direct Sales

Environmental Scientist

Job Description: Environmental scientists conduct data analysis studies, prepare technical reports, and project management plans to support environmental projects. Environmental scientists analyze indicators such as air and water quality and greenhouse gas emissions from companies.

Average Salary: $65,971/y

Educational Background: A bachelor’s degree in environmental science, biology, or a closely related field such as botany.

Skills Needed: Environmental Management Systems, Environmental Impact Assessment, Water Resource Management, Data Analysis.

Environmental Health & Safety Specialist

Job Description: Environmental Health & Safety(EHS) specialists help with implementing, executing, and maintaining the environment, health and safety procedures and systems at complex facilities. EHS specialists usually work for manufacturing plants and environmental agencies and organizations at the governmental level.

Average Salary: $71,454/y

Educational Background: A bachelor’s degree in environmental science, public health, and occupational health and safety or 1-2 years worth of certifications in environmental health & safety is required.

Skills Needed: Environmental Policy Analysis, Technical Report Writing, Microsoft Office, Risk Assessments

Hydrologist

Job Description: Hydrologists study the movement, distribution, and properties of water. They prepare written reports and presentations to recommend ways to reduce contamination in water supply. Moreover, they also process meteorological, snow, and hydrologic data.

Average Salary: $99,290/y

Educational Background: A bachelor’s degree in geography, civil engineering, environmental science, earth sciences, agriculture or forestry is the minimum requirement. However, a master’s degree may be required in some circumstances.

Skills Needed: GIS(Geographic Information System), Data Collection & Analysis, ArcGIS, USGS, Data Management, Site Inspections, Technical Report Writing

Environmental Health Officer

Job Description: Environmental health officers enforce public health protections and legislation created by provincial and federal governments to minimize environmental health and safety hazards. Environmental health officers also screen residents’ health for exposure to contaminants such as lead and other metals.

Average Salary: $81,518/y

Educational Background: A bachelor’s degree in environmental science, chemistry, biology, or a closely related field is required.

Skills Needed: Policy Analysis, Project Management, Technical Report Writing, Data Analysis, Health & Safety Inspections

Sustainability Engineer

Job Description: While this position sounds similar to an environmental engineer, sustainable engineering is more holistic since sustainability focuses on three key areas: environmental, social, and economic factors. Sustainability engineers work in a variety of industries on projects involving water conservation, biodiesel, and food waste reduction. Sustainability engineers also have to ensure that a company’s sustainable initiatives meet certain sustainability specifications or certifications such as LEED Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) building certifications.

Average Salary: $87,642/y

Educational Background: A bachelor’s degree in engineering (Ex. civil, agricultural, environmental, and mechanical engineering) with professional certifications from organizations such as BREEAM or the Association of Energy Engineers’ Certified Sustainable Development Professional.

Skills Needed: Project Management, AutoCAD, System Design, Data Modeling, Technical Report Writing

Solar Panel Installer

Job Description: Solar panel installers install solar panels on roofs and other structures to convert solar power into renewable energy. They also provide maintenance and ensure the safety and efficiency of wiring systems. 

Average Salary: $64,594/y

Educational Background: A high school diploma along with on-the-job training will be required. Apprenticeships are also required for many solar panel installer positions.

Skills Needed: Building and Construction, Mechanical Installation, Maintenance, and Repair

Water Treatment Installer/Technician

Job Description: Water treatment installers equip and install a variety of equipment that enhances the water quality in people’s homes. They install devices and systems such as reverse osmosis systems, water softeners, and water filters.

Average Salary: $45,850/y

Educational Background: A high school diploma is the minimum requirement. Many positions offer training programs to equip installers with the skills needed to work with water treatment systems.

Skills Needed: Soldering, Pipe-threading, Diagnosis of Mechanical Issues, Water Treatment Equipment Maintenance

Microbiologist

Job Description: Microbiologists study the growth and characteristics of microorganisms such as algae, fungi, and bacteria. They often work in research facilities, including biotechnology companies in academia.

Average Salary: $55,698/y

Educational Background: A bachelor’s degree in microbiology is required to become a microbiologist.

Skills Needed: Experience with dissection microscopes and conductivity meters, environmental monitoring, microbiological testing, diagnostic testing, and biochemical identification and analysis

Energy and Sustainability Analyst

Job Description: Energy and sustainability analysts provide reporting and analytical support to identify patterns in energy use and costs. These identifications are used to recommend energy conservation measures.

Average Salary: $66,229/y

Educational Background: A bachelor’s degree in environmental science, sustainability, environmental studies, agricultural, natural resources, or engineering.

Skills Needed: Building Design or Construction, Energy Modeling Software(eQuest, EnergyPlus, Design Builder), Data Science (Python,).

Agricultural Engineer

Job Description: Agricultural engineers analyze, build, and maintain agricultural operations to improve soil and water conservation methods, existing machinery, yield, and land use.

Average Salary: $75,234/y

Educational Background: A bachelor’s degree in agricultural engineering, bioresource engineering, or civil engineering is required.

Skills Needed: Project Management, Agricultural Operations, Systems Evaluation, Operations Monitoring, Operations Analysis.

Wind Turbine Technician

Job Description: Wind turbine technicians help construct, inspect, diagnose, adjust, repair, and maintain the mechanical, hydraulic, braking, and electrical systems of wind turbine equipment.

Average Salary: $63,946/y

Educational Background: Most windtechs learn their trade by attending technical schools. Associate's degree programs for wind turbine technicians usually take 2 years and are offered at technical schools and community colleges. Wind turbine technicians require specialized education and training in mechanical systems and green energy to maintain wind-powered generators.

Skills Needed: Industrial Instruments Servicing, Ladder Systems, Preventive Maintenance, Hydraulic Systems, LOTO Safety Procedures, Electrical Systems

Environmental Project Manager 

Job Description: Environmental Project Managers are responsible for managing projects in the public and private sector that aim to lessen environmental impacts and ensure that all legislative requirements are fulfilled. They also often manage a team during which they are responsible for training and managing progress. 

Average Salary: $83,929/y

Educational Background: An undergraduate degree in Environmental Management, Environmental Policy, Environmental Engineering, Political Science, Natural Science, etc. are most applicable to this career. 

Skills Needed: Project Management, Leadership, Environmental Science, Data Analysis, Communication, Report Writing/Presenting, Risk Assessment, Technical Writing, Policy Analysis, Regulatory Compliance

Environmental Marketing Specialist 

Job Description: Environmental Marketing Specialists responsibilities include promoting environmental products, services, and programs. They will also often be tasked with public relations activities such as gauging public opinions, developing partnerships, and coordinating promotional campaigns. 

Average Salary: $65,254/y

Educational Background: An undergraduate degree or postgraduate degree in marketing with relevant experience. 

Skills Needed: Communication, Data Analysis, Graphic Design, Market Research, Budget Monitoring, Analytics Monitoring, Talent Acquisition, Sales, Social Media Savvy, Leadership

Environmental Policy Analyst

Job Description: Policy Analysts in the environmental field research, review, and analyzes trends and impacts to develop environmental policies. They can work both in the public and private sectors, often in advisory positions for decision-makers. 

Average Salary: $77,853/y

Educational Background: An undergraduate degree in varying fields such as Political Science, Environmental Science, English, History, etc. with a postgraduate degree in Public Policy. 

Skills Needed: Policy Analysis, Policy Writing, Research, Report Writing/Presentation, Organization, Communication, Leadership, etc. 

Sustainability Consultant

Job Description: A Sustainability Consultant works with organizations in the public and private sectors to explore how to adopt socially and environmentally responsible policies and practices, considering the conflicting needs of people, the environment, and the business.

Average Salary: $69,598/y

Educational Background: The minimum education required for this career path is an undergraduate degree in a relevant field such as Environmental Science, Sustainable Development, Political Science, Management, Architecture, Urban Planning, Mathematics, and Engineering.
Skills Needed: Risk Assessment, Environmental Assessment, Business Modeling, Legislation Awareness, Interpersonal Skills, Communication, Report Writing/Presentation, Quality Control Analysis, Data Analysis

Ecotourism Operator 

Job Description: Ecotourism Operators specialize in leading guests through tours of a natural environment educating them on the natural and cultural history of the area without compromising environmental factors. In this career, you will need to possess strength in interpretation and communication as the role is largely focused on guest interactions. 

Average Salary: $44,610/y

Educational Background: The minimum requirement is often a technical diploma in Ecotourism, Tourism, Parks and Recreation, Geography, Biology, or Environmental Studies.

Skills Needed: Leadership, Customer Service, Public Speaking, Teamwork, Interpersonal Skills, Outdoor Skills, Business Development, Guiding, etc.

Environmental Educator 

Job Description: Environmental Educators work in an educational role teaching the public about nature and their relation to the environment. Whether in the public or private sector, Environmental Educators' workplace may vary between classrooms and engaging outdoor lessons.

Average Salary: $38,000 - $47,000/y

Educational Background: An undergraduate degree in Education, Environmental Science, or relevant field of study.   

Skills Needed: Research, Public Speaking, Lesson Planning, Program Development, Leadership, Mentorship, Teamwork, Writing