Attention college students and grads, the "employed-but-stuck-behind-a-desk" and anyone else looking for rewarding work: It turns out that eco-friendly jobs are growing, kind of like that native grass you planted in your front yard. Well, maybe you haven't gone that far. But there are ways to turn your love of the planet into a paycheck, and get on the "leave no trace" train. Check out these Top Five Green Careers.
Number 1 on the list is Eco-tourism, according to Yahoo! News. The story says Earth-friendly careers are on the rise in the U.S., and eco-tourism is a gig that's great for professionals who already have a knack for marketing. In this case, it's the promotion of nature-based travel. Which may remind you of a few recent Planet Green stories.
Common job titles in this category include travel agent and adventure guide.
Rounding out the list are Organic Farming, Alternative Energy Technicians, Environmental Protection Technicians and Bicycle Techicians. In other words, kind of technical.
While these jobs are open to anyone with skills and a love of dirt, the Alternative Energy Technician job also requires someone who doesn't suffer from acrophobia (a fear of heights).
You'd better also be free from a fear of confined spaces (as in Claustrophobia).
Alt. energy techs can make pretty good money (around $40-54K a year), but you have be in shape to climb onto rooftops to install solar panels, or up to the tops of 300-foot-tall wind turbines. A wind turbine nacelle, or gear box, is a tight squeeze.
Ready to go? Here are a few eco job boards and related sites to peruse:
- Treehugger jobs board (shameless plug)
- Green For All
- About.com
One more: See a post on Sustainablog on "5 Tips for Finding Eco-Friendly Employment."
More on Ecotourism
Eco-Tourism 2.0: Vacation Alongside Your Favorite Wild Animals
5 Amazing Eco-Tourism Destinations
Top 7 Sustainable Travel Destinations