Available data suggests that there are at least a million jobs related to bio fuel and biomass, more than six hundred thousand solar thermal jobs, three hundred thousand jobs related to wind power production, and nearly two hundred thousand jobs in the solar photovoltaic sector. Those figures include jobs that exist in the renewable energy sector directly, but also indirect jobs, like equipment and component suppliers.
Of course, that data's incomplete because you can't use the usual economic statistics to see how many clean energy jobs are out there. There are about two hundred thousand direct renewable energy jobs in the US alone, and nearly two hundred fifty thousand indirect positions. Of course, as renewable energy expands, jobs in natural gas, coal, and other nonrenewable sectors tend to disappear.
In the long term, experts predict that the world will have around two million wind jobs alone by 2030, and at least six million solar jobs. People will be employed in making solar panels and turbines, as well as in installation, operation, and maintenance. This contributes to local employment everywhere. 9% of the US workforce is currently employed by what's called the green economy, and those numbers are only set to grow.
So, what do you do if these clean energy jobs appeal to you? Is it time to take advantage of this growing industry and check out a career in greener industries? You bet it is! There are clean energy jobs in Houston, Los Angeles, New York and many other places, as long as you know how to find them. Getting into key energy jobs now could be fantastic for your career, since this industry shows no sign of slacking.
There's a ripple effect in action. You see, the green economy doesn't just mean that there'll be a lot of new industries and clean energy jobs in those industries. Changing to a more ecologically friendly method of doing things also means new, more secure jobs in traditional industries related to those direct jobs. Businesses that make the bearings, nuts and bolts for wind turbines will be doing well in areas where wind energy is taking off.
That means that there are clean energy jobs out there for you, no matter what field you work in. Whether you're in manufacturing, the sciences, engineering, or education, there are a lot of opportunities out there waiting to be taken advantage of. You just have to be creative and remember to look for them.
So, what's the best way to get some of these key energy jobs while the industry is still growing? You need to know what you want and what you can do. Take a look at the positions that are out there, and then look closely at your skills, including the ones that don't usually show up on a resume. Everything you know how to do or talk about could be useful in getting that job. Figure out what skills apply to the job in question, and what your perfect green job might be. Then, start searching aggressively.
After all, you don't just have to apply at places that are calling for people to work in clean energy jobs. You can check out colleges (some of which have been desperate for people to work in wind power), major businesses that would like to reduce their carbon footprint and up efficiency, and green businesses that aren't publicly hiring, but might be interested in someone with your skills. Know what you're looking for and what the job entails, so you won't be caught by surprise in the interview, and make sure your resume is clear about why you're suited for these positions. You'll be surprised at how successful you can be.
Remember to find out everything you can about a company in advance. They'll be impressed if you can discuss their technologies and methods, and then tell them what you can do to help. Don't tell them they're doing it wrong, of course! Instead, explain how you can be an asset to their company, and how hiring you will be the right choice. A little bit of research goes a long way on any job hunt, but especially in a field as new as this one is.
There are positions popping up all over the place for professionals in the clean energy industry, as well as in all kinds of related fields. Don't let this kind of opportunity pass you by! You could be getting into this growing industry now, before it reaches its peak. That offers some pretty good opportunities. We all know the clean energy field, as well as other green industries, are going to be growing soon. If you have the skills and the interest, now's the time to put them to use. Check out all your options, and find the key energy positions that are right for you.
