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Having a job in the renewable energy sector brings a number of perks, like being able to put "helped to save the world" on your CV / Resume. |
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How to find a "Green" Job
In many countries, growth in “green-collar” jobs is expected - despite (or perhaps because of) the recession. Governments worldwide are making efforts to promote the environmental industry. In many developing countries, there is a massive skills shortage which, when coupled with their exponential rise in the demand for energy, results in an urgency to establish sustainble energy suppliers. First-world countries too are already investing huge amounts into alternative energy - both in research and in implementation.
The following are possible job functions / descriptions:
Project Developers: If you are an entrepreneur with a bit of vision, and have experience in corporate finance and large-scale, capital-intensive projects then this could be for you. Put plans together for sustainable energy projects by looking at potential sites for wind or solar plants, negotiate with the landowners (often farmers) and address legal aspects. A large part of the job is securing finance.
A number of development start-ups have been established, particularly in the wind sector which may see the biggest growth in the next five years. New entrants may also find opportunities in new growth industries - one example might be concentrating solar power (CSP). CSP uses mirrors to focus sunlight onto receivers to generate steam that turns turbines and generators.
Project Planners will direct the entire process of constructing a wind turbine, solar power or water desalination plant. A background in engineering will be a prerequisite in many instances.
Wind energy technicians: Many wind turbines operate worldwide, and there is demand for tradespeople who can service these plants. Training courses for these skills are held in Germany, the UK, USA, Denmark or Australia. Millwrights as well as electricians, fitters and turners may well consider this a viable option for a career change.
Solar water heater installers/manufacturers: Plumbing skills are required to install the heaters, and there may also be opportunities in the manufacturing sector - some heaters are being imported from China, but many countries will want local producers.
Engineers: Arguably, those with an engineering background will gain the most in the green revolution. Electrical, mechanical, civil and chemical engineers will be involved in the construction and maintenance of sustainable energy ventures. In general, engineers with a postgraduate qualification and a good understanding of the electricity grid will be best placed.
Environmental impact specialists: This is an increasingly important field, with a number of consultancies already active in the area. At the very least you will need a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree, specialising in the Earth and natural sciences.
Scientists: There is an explosion of potential green focus areas for scientists, including the development of clean energy, nanotechnology and the science of desalination.
Agriculturalists: Food security is a growing concern, and new natural farming methods as well as biotechnology are becoming more important.
Construction/architecture: Making buildings energy-efficient will offer a number of new job opportunities, These include energy rating auditors, who perform a comprehensive analysis of a building's energy efficiency; permaculture specialists who analyse land use and community buildings to create a harmonious blend of buildings, microclimate, plants, animals, soils, and water; as well as urban arborists, landscapers with an understanding of conservation and renewable resources.
Auditing - There is now greater emphasis on reporting environmental sustainability. Auditors can provide a service to companies wishing to calculate, monitor and reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.
Other job titles for the future may be green product designers - who develop products which use less energy and raw materials to produce, consume less to use, and end their lives in a sustainable manner - and environmental managers, who coordinate management of an organisation's environmental performance.
In addition, many current professions will have 'green' added to their existing job description. For example, it may become a requirement for accountants to manage corporate carbon emission offsets, and for IT technicians to manage data centres in the most efficient way possible.
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Tips:
Get a rated qualification from a reputable university.
Do an internship. Offer your services to a big sustainable energy
project developer, consulting engineers or a utility to get some experience.
Consider working for six months to a year on a big international project.
Get a job with your country's main electricity supplier. Understanding
"old" energy and how the power grid works will be of great help.
Volunteer – get involved and work with charity organizations which run sustainable
projects. The experience you gain can be invaluable.
Network - join professional organisations who represent sustainable energy, read
their newsletters, go to conferences and get to know industry insiders.
Some recruitment agencies specialise in sustainable energy. Find out from
recruiters which skills and qualifications will give you the edge.
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