Career Advice & News Center

Even as unemployment lines have gotten longer, the need for skilled trade workers has increased. To accomdate the escalating numbers of jobless Americans, the Obama administration is trying to enact green initiatives which aim to create a stronger economy based on renewable energy.

Last week the Los Angeles Times suggested that of the estimated 5 million jobs that Obama is trying to create, some will be greener versions of previously existing positions, and some will be brand new. Clean-energy jobs are available in almost all salary brackets and most education levels.

Analysts specifically expect new green jobs to include autoworkers making hybrid cars, building consultants, home energy auditors, environmental studies professors, wind turbine engineers and lawyers for biofuel companies.

A recent study conducted at the University of California Berkeley concluded that "the renewable energy sector generates more jobs per megawatt of power installed, per unit of energy produced and per dollar of investment than the fossil fuel-based energy sector."

Those interested in a career in a sustainable field, may wish to examine how the skill set that they already have could be applied to clean-energy technology. For example, professionals with electronic engineering training or relevant degrees, like Rebeckah Hren, may be qualified for a position as a solar panel installer.

"What I really love is installing a system and knowing that it will be creating clean energy for 25 years," Hren told the Occupational Outlook Quarterly. "It's exciting to be making a difference."

According to the news source, there are about 7,000 solar panel installers currently working in the U.S. today. Because the stimulus package offers tax credits for weatherizing or retrofitting homes and offices, the employment of professionals in this field is expected to grow in the coming years.

Overall, the Bureau of Labor Statistics expects the employment of environmental scientists is grow by 25 percent between 2006 and 2016.