Get Paid to Save the Planet
5 Growing Professions in the Clean-Energy Sector
by Christina Couch, ClassesUSA

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Scared of losing your job? You might need to get up close and personal with nature. As housing and real estate markets tank, positions in earth-friendly fields like wind turbine manufacturing and biofuel research are on the rise, according to the San Francisco-based environmental research organization, The Apollo Alliance.

"We've added about 5,000 new jobs in the clean energy sector alone in the last three or four years," says Apollo Alliance Communications Director Keith Schneider, adding that with government investment, green-collar work could result in upwards of 5 million non-outsourceable American jobs over the next 10 years. "Environmental economics is the economic foundation of the 21st century."

Here are the five ways you can get paid for saving the planet:

Hydrologist

Studying the properties of surface and ground water, those with a bachelor's degree in hydrology or earth science can find work in both public and private sector organizations. Though there are increasing demands on those entering the field -- some employers require a master's degree for entry-level positions -- students who fulfill the educational requirements will be rewarded with a handsome salary ($51,370 to $82,140 on average according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics). Between 2006 and 2016, the BLS estimates that the field will grow by 24 percent, giving earth science grads their pick of positions in laboratories, wastewater treatment plants, private consulting firms, and federal environmental departments throughout the country.

Environmental Project Manager

With more than half of U.S. states promising to lower energy emissions by 10 to 25% within the next two decades according to the Union of Concerned Scientists, someone's going to have to oversee widespread energy changes. Enter environmental project managers who can specializing in designing, overseeing, and executing manufacturing processes and scientific research. These professionals play a key role in ensuring that products hit shelves without harming the earth. Though newbies can break into the field with a bachelor's degree in engineering (preferably in environmental, mechanical, or civil engineering), they'll earn salaries comparable to those with higher degrees. According to Payscale.com, EPMs earn a median salary of $60,482 per year.

Solar Technician

According to the American Solar Energy Society, as many as one out of every four Americans will work in renewable energy or energy efficient fields by the year 2030. One of the hottest areas of growth are solar-power jobs, which will mean reduced carbon emissions and greater career opportunities for those trained in solar panel installation and retrofitting buildings to be solar-ready. Industry experience or an associate degree in solar energy technology, solar thermal systems, or photovoltaic systems can earn you admission into the field. Simplyhired.com reports that solar technicians earn, on average, $42,000 per year.

Biofuel Technician

Reducing dependence on foreign oil means more funds spent on developing alternative fuels made from renewable sources like cellulose, vegetable oil, and ethanol. Workers interested in assisting with researching and developing viable petroleum replacements can do so with an associate's degree in environmental science, biofuel technology, or alternative energy technology. Those who complete the requisite degree programs will have their choice of lucrative positions. The Bureau of Labor statistics estimates that the field of environmental technicians will grow 28 percent between now and 2016 with an average salary of $55,000 per year according to Simplyhired.com.

Environmental Consultant

Those looking to work for Mother Earth without working for "The Man" can find both freelance and in-office jobs in environmental consultation. Helping both businesses and nonprofits fit environmental compliance standards and reduce their pollution output, environmental consultants do everything from creating green training programs to on-site pollution evaluations. Though candidates can break in with a bachelor's degree in environmental science, policy, or engineering, experience in management, consulting, and business is helpful in landing a job. Payscale.com reports that the median salary for environmental consultants hovers at just over $50,000 per year, with self-employed consultants earning an average of $84,000+.


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