“Green” Career Advice
Posted August 23rd, 2013
Green jobs (also known as “green-collar” jobs) are steadily increasing in numbers. Currently, they make up a small portion of the U.S. employment figures, but are growing much faster than any other job type – even healthcare, which has garnered lots of media coverage
If you are interested in a green job, here are 5 tips to remember:
The definition of green jobs is wide ranging. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has two definitions:
- Jobs that benefit the environment or conserve natural resources
- Jobs that make a business’s production processes more environmentally friendly and/or use fewer natural resources.
In addition, there has been a steady increase in the number of jobs resulting from peoples’ efforts to lead “cleaner” lives. For example, the demand for bus drivers has steadily increased as people make an effort to take public transportation. The demand for electricians and carpenters are increasing in order to implement green construction projects. So, think outside the box –green jobs are diverse, across a wide-range of education and skill levels.
The jobs are available, but concentrated in different areas of the county. If you are serious about landing a green job, you have to go where the jobs are. In a recent study, conducted by Clean Edge, the Bay Area and the Los Angeles metro area ranked #1 and #2 in terms of “clean tech job activity”. In fact, companies and communities across California created more than 110,000 clean energy and clean transportation jobs in 2012.
There is a strong link between the environment and the field of technology and it is growing every day. For example, job seekers interested in data center careers should familiarize themselves with issues of “green” data center design (i.e. where cables should be run, best types of flooring, etc.) and operations.
On average, green jobs offer a higher median wage and career advancement opportunities. An analysis done by California State University (CSU) found that “workers command wages with a 50-100% premium over the average job,” and estimates that the overall clean economy will grow “by at least 60-100%” by the late 2030’s.
There are several ways to go about your search for the perfect “green job”. There are “green” job sites on the internet that specialize in green-collar jobs, while many “regular” job sites have areas specifically devoted to green careers. In addition, do not overlook the value of professional help. Recruiters who specialize in green collar jobs, such as Bayside Solutions, already have a full network of industry contacts in place. With their help, you can interview for the perfect green job with a great company. If you are looking for a green staffing agency near San Francisco, contact us today to learn more.
