Make Some Green Going Green...Ten Top Green Jobs Today

by Ron Callari

Remember the old TV sit-com Green Acres, where Ava Gabor and Eddie
Albert abandoned their comfy affluent urban lifestyle for a bucolic
farm-life way of life. This raucous romp of wholesome living
juxtaposed to a backdrop of cows' utters, pigs 'a squealing and enough
manure to accent the occasional pratfall was pure slapstick comedy
that poked fun at a return to a simpler way of life!

Today, however, "going green" is more often associated with
environmental sustainability, hybrid cars, alternative fuels and ice
caps 'a melting. Today, our 'green acres' are a necessity, and no
longer a joking matter. With unemployment at an all time high, green
jobs may the option many of us need to examine to keep ahead of the
bread lines. Perhaps it's time for you to 'green' your career.

Here is my pick for the top ten green collar jobs for 2009!

Top Green Job # 10 - Eco-Tourism Jobs

Tourism is considered the largest employment sector in the world
economy, so it's no wonder that workers at all levels will become
involved in greening the industry. Ecotourism is growing at three
times the rate of the overall tourism sector itself, and demanding
more knowledgeable workers committed to sustainability. "There is
great diversity within the field," says Ayako Etaka of the
International Ecotourism Society (TIES). Green travel employees
generally work for private companies, government, public institutions
and nonprofits. But, as ecology becomes more of a mindset in today's
culture, hoteliers, restaurateurs and area attraction operators will
all be going green to attract green-thinking travelers. For those
looking to explore opportunities in this field, TIES provides
up-to-date listings of ecotourism and sustainable tourism jobs.

The International Ecotourism Society

Top Green Job #9 - Bicycle Technicians

Bicycles are an efficient means of travel, and electric bikes such as
the Urban Mover's Range are going to bridge the gap between
gas-powered and human-powered cycling. Fixing them is going to require
a new type of technician, a cross between a mechanic and an
electrician. Like automobile mechanics, their fees might become
pricey, but from the consumers' standpoint what they will saving on
gas, they'll be able to afford the upkeep and repair bills. The United
Bicycle Institute is a respected institute that boasts more graduates
working in the bicycle technician field than any other mechanics
school.

Electric Bikes

Top Green Job #8 - Organic Farming Specialist

With cutting-edge organic agriculture gaining popularity in this
country, a new type of farmer is emerging. This innovative specialist
is one who is vehemently opposed to synthetic agrochemicals. Today,
students of organic farming are going to be in heavy demand by urban
farm markets, community-supported agriculture and their local
neighbors. They'll understand the dangers of taking shortcuts, and
they'll know how to keep production and food quality at high levels.
For those that are interested, check out the Pay Dirt Farm School in
Moscow, Idaho, a non-profit educational program offering organic farm
apprenticeships.

Organic Farming

Top Green Jobs #7 - Wind Energy Developers.

Ever since T.Boone Pickens introduced us to wind power, the idea of
harnessing the wind to produce energy has slowly gaining traction.
According to the American Wind Energy Association, there is currently
a high demand for Wind Energy Developers. These are planners who
search out land for wind farms, collaborate with meteorologists on
wind assessments and coordinate projects with land owners, local
regulatory agencies and power companies. According to Chris Beck,
president of Global Recruiters of Boulder in Boulder, Colorado, this
specialty is very lucrative and garners salaries between $110-
180,000. Who knew that experts full of hot air would be worth so much
in today's workforce.
Wind Energy Developers

Top Green Jobs #6 - Environmental Engineers

Using the scientific principles of biology and chemistry to solve
environmental issues is the work of environmental engineers. Working
behind the scenes, these individuals are instrumental in limiting the
effects of acid rain, global warming, car emissions and ozone
depletion, in an effort to keep our planet from deteriorating more
than it already has. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the
field of environmental engineering will grow 25 percent over course of
the next 7 years, with current median salaries of $61,000.
Environmental Engineer

Top Green Job #5 - Corporate Social Responsibility Professionals

As an emerging profession, there is no guidelines for a career path in
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), nor are there any specific
qualifications required for this field. Because it is so new,
transferable skills and knowledge from other related fields such as
environmental management are valued highly.To find a job in this
field, many larger companies publish CSR jobs on their websites. There
are also a number of indices such as FTSE4Good, the Dow Jones
Sustainability Index and the Business in the Community's Corporate
Responsibility Index that list job openings in CSR.Corporate Social
Responsibility

Top Green Job #4 - iPod/ iPhone Doctors

To counter the 20th Century belief in a disposable society, there is a
growing need, particularly in a down economy to repair versus replace.
To that end, smart entrepreneurs might be interested in becoming an
iPod/iPhone Doctor. With as many MP3s and smart phones hitting the
market in just last few years, there is a great need for experts who
know how to fix our new 'lifelines' when they go on the fritz. There
is nothing more frustrating than going back to an Apple Store only to
have them pitch you on a new replacement or charge you for a hefty
repair bill. A smart electronics engineer can make a good living by
opening up a small repair shop and servicing their local community.
According to a recent CNN report, at least a dozen iPod repair shops
have sprung up in New York City, and one self taught electronic doctor
even makes house calls!

iPod / iPhone Doctor

Top Green Job #3 - Hydrologists

A hydrologist is a water expert who manages wastewater treatment,
watersheds and sewers. As fresh clean water becomes scarcer, these
technicians specialize in underground and surface water supplies that
may have become contaminated. To qualify for this type of position, a
four-year or higher degree is required in earth science, geology,
geophysics, engineering or chemistry. Employment opportunities for
hydrologists are bright, as demand is expected to continue for the
next decade. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics,
hydrologists working for the federal government earned an average of
$77, 182 per year.

Hydrologists

Top Green Job #2 - Environment Refuse Processors

Restoring the sustainable potential of our planet is going to involve
the largest clean-up job in history. Refuse processors are going to
have to scour the sea beds and land fills for plastic waste that can
be reprocessed and rendered less toxic. The good news is that our
mountains of trash which at first blush is extremely hazardous can
actually become an energy goldmine, and environment refuse processors
are going to be the miners leading the charge!Environment Refuse
Processors

Top Green Job #1 - Jobs in Green Car Manufacturing.

As my number one green collar job pick, I have selected jobs in green
car manufacturing.Since the major US car manufacturers have had not
responded to changes in market conditions, millions of auto workers
may soon find themselves out of jobs. For them, I suggest searching
out the new 'green car' automakers who have had the foresight to be
proactive versus reactive.Whether you are an assembly line worker or
an executive, car manufactures who are breaking new ground in fuel
efficiency, alternate fuel selection and green designs are the ones
who will succeed in this industry in the next decade. The Smart fortwo
represents an all new type of vehicle for American drivers. This tiny
two-seater that's been a popular choice in Europe for years has come
to the US, bringing with it a small eco footprint, higher fuel
efficiency, and a trendy 'green' ride for new car buyers. Other
manufactures that have focused on hybrids, electrical and solar energy
vehicles will have more job openings as demand shifts from fossil
fuels to these new alternatives. Savvy workers who can transfer their
skills to this new manufacturing would be wise to search out these
companies now while they begin their growth spurt.
Smart fortwo auto

The US Conference of Mayors issued a report recently that stated that
our economy will see a major shift of our workforce where 4.2 million
green jobs will be created by 2038.

The Apollo Alliance coalition of environmentalists says a $500 billion
investment over the next 10 years will create 5 million green collar
jobs. If this be the case, it wise to start making career choices now,
and help to save our planet at the same time! To learn more about
green jobs, there are job sites, like MonsterTraks's GreenJobs and
Greenjobs.com that list renewable energy jobs and positions with
green-thinking companies.

Ron Callari
Society and Trends Writer
InventorSpot.com