In addition to a passion to save the earth, moving to a green economy with sustainable environmental jobs requires specialized education and training. One of the first steps is to get involved is through an organization that promotes greener living (locally, nationally, or internationally.) There are also many green post-secondary education opportunities such as accreditation and certification to add on to existing degrees and/or experience. Additionally, community colleges, four year institutions, and graduate programs that specialize in environmental careers are generating in strength and numbers throughout the country.
One way to build your resume is to get starting through volunteerism. Many of the environmental protection advocacy groups are understaffed. Furthermore, since non-profits are staffed mainly or even entirely with volunteer labor they are the logical point of entry for your green career. You will need to take initiative and get involved. If there is a local office, go in person; earnestness often comes through better in a face to face meeting. Notwithstanding, most environmental groups/agencies/affiliates have a website with a tab for “volunteers.” Volunteer activities range from stuffing envelopes, attending fundraisers, helping build or maintain websites, to flood cleanup and active participation in work projects.
AmeriCorps, a subsidized volunteer program, received over $85 million under the Recovery Act to fund 10,000 new positions and extend existing positions. Additionally, Job Corps and Youthbuild, two job programs specifically geared towards youth ages 16 to 24, have been given extra funding through the Recovery Act. They will both play an important role in the extensive retrofitting and weatherization projects under the Recovery Act.
Another way to start the search for environmental jobs is to focus on training and accreditation programs. You may acquire the training to take the certification tests either through separate training centers or online services, or in some cases they may be available in the process of getting a college degree in architecture or engineering. Some of the more common accreditations and certifications currently available for environmental careers are the LEED® accreditation through the U.S. Green Building Council, CEM® or Certified Energy Manager through the Association of Energy Engineers, and CRM® or Certified Carbon Reduction Manager, a program which is also managed through the Association of Energy Engineers. Check with the USGBC or the AEE for more information about these programs.
LEED®, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is a certification program that is designed to create and renovate sustainable buildings over the next generation. Certification is awarded to sustainable buildings and accreditation awarded to individuals who train and pass exams to show how they would utilize strategies for sustainability in buildings. The categories that are measured include site location, water efficiency, energy use and atmosphere control, etc., with bonus points given for regional priority.
CEM®, Certified Energy Manager, is conferred by the Association of Energy Engineers, AEE. It is a certification process that requires completion of a training program, an exam, verification of background experience and/or educational requirements, and letters of reference. Many companies and agencies globally require their energy professionals to attain CEM®.
CRM®, Certified Carbon Reduction Manager, is achievement certification specifically to those involved in carbon reduction programs, such as City Planners, Facility Planners etc. There is a training program and an exam in addition to four year degree program graduation requirement in engineering, architecture, business or related fields or current CEM® certification.
Degree programs for two years, four year, and graduate levels for environmental jobs are becoming more common. Community colleges have environmental science programs and mechanical, electrical, civil or environmental engineering programs that can be used to qualify as a green technician or used as a springboard into four year engineering degree. Outside of skilled trades most green careers will require a four year degree and/or graduate level study. US News and World Report lists annually the top 20 environmental programs, the best graduate level engineering schools as well as top of the line environmental law schools. See the Green Research Council’s recent review of the top graduate and undergraduate engineering programs as listed by US News and World Report at our sister site, the EnvironmentalJobCenter.com.
