Looking for jobs that help the environment? Check out these options

The phrase “green jobs” is used to describe certain types of employment that make a significant impact on the preservation and restoration of the environment. These jobs are also centered around protecting the rights and well-being of the employee. If you want to learn more about jobs that help the environment, you’ve come to the right place.

In this blog post, we’ll try to answer the following questions you might be asking yourself:

• What jobs can I do to save the planet?

• How can I get an environmental job without a degree?

6 Jobs to help the environment

There are several lucrative and high-paying jobs out there that not only cover the cost of living but also allow you to make a positive impact on the environment. Here are a few of these jobs:

1. Environmental engineer/scientist

Environmental engineers rely on the principles of soil science, chemistry, and biology to design lasting solutions to various environmental challenges. This includes making improvements to the provision of public health, recycling, waste disposal, and pollution control. To become an environmental engineer, you might need a degree in engineering and/or biosciences. 

2. Hydrologist

As the name implies, hydrologists study the flow of water on the earth’s surface and solve problems involving water availability and quality in multiple regions. Many governmental agencies and urban infrastructure planners rely on hydrologists to help them provide safe and clean drinking water to remote areas. 

3. Green HVAC technician

Green HVAC technicians utilize energy-efficient and eco-friendly technologies to ensure warm or cool indoor temperatures. Unlike other green jobs, this type of employment does not necessarily require a degree, and it relies on on-job training. As a green HVAC technician, you may be expected to use geothermal and solar energy to maintain an optimal indoor temperature, install new equipment, and repair faulty equipment. 

4. Natural resources technician

Natural resources technicians rely on their knowledge and skills to assess the natural resource requirement for various activities, such as construction and drilling. They take records, write reports, monitor the progress of projects, and ensure compliance with all local laws and regulations involving the use and replenishment of natural resources. 

On a strategic level, natural resources technicians advise large-scale organizations and government agencies on identifying, evaluating, and addressing environmental concerns. They also work with environmental lawyers and policymakers to devise new rules and regulations on natural resource allocation and usage. 

5. Landscape architect

Landscape architects are architects who specialize in creating models for parks and other recreational spaces. As part of their commitment to the environment, these architects design models that take into account various factors, such as accessibility, security, impact on the environment, number of trees that will be planted, and impact on the community. 

6. Wildlife biologist

If you love animals, then you should consider this job. As a wildlife biologist, your job would be to study animal behaviors and interactions in their natural habitat. Whether you have a passion for aquatic life or birdwatching, you can get to observe your favorite animals and share your findings with several wildlife conservationist groups while making some money along the way. 

How can I get an environmental job without a degree?

Contrary to popular belief, not all green jobs require a degree. Even if you don’t have a college education, you can still take a few steps to enter this field.

Complete a short course

Thanks to virtual learning, you now have the opportunity to take short courses in your field of interest to boost your knowledge. If there’s a particular field of environmental sciences that piques your interest, look for short courses and diplomas in that field at your nearest local college.

Use your network

Networking is one of the best ways to secure a job. Use your LinkedIn to connect with and reach out to people who are working green jobs. Talk to them about their career journeys and the skills you need to enter this field.

Start with volunteering

If you’re passionate about the environment, you can use your spare time to work a green job on a voluntary basis. Once you start volunteering, you’ll get to learn more about the job, obtain the necessary training, and acquire the experience you need to apply for full-time jobs in this field.

Look for jobs that don’t require a degree

Even if you don’t want to pursue a degree or certificate course, there are plenty of green jobs out there that don’t require a degree. Some of these jobs include logger, forest and conservation worker, farm worker, recycling worker, wind turbine technician, solar installer, and safety technician. 

Key takeaways

1. With the rising concern of global warming, green jobs are paving the way for a secure and safe employment that pays well and makes a positive impact on the environment.

2. While some green jobs require a college degree and prior experience, many of them do not require specialized education and/or training.

3. Like most jobs, securing a green job would also require some networking and redesigning your resume.