September 24, 2009

Engineering heads list of fastest-growing green jobs

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Of all the miracle cures that have been proposed to heal the nation's economy in the last few years, the so-called "clean tech" industry may be the most disappointing so far. Countless "green" companies endorsed a bright future, full of silent windmills, shiny solar panels and clean-burning biofuels, that would pull us out of the recession and save the world, to boot.

In reality, it's clear that the capital needed to jump-start these massive energy projects and create new jobs is far steeper than we first imagined. Until banks are willing to loosen up credit, many of these grand projects will remain on the drawing board for some time to come.

The irony of our current economic situation, however, is that the greatest momentum in the green business field can be found in the sector that has perhaps been hardest hit by the recession: the construction industry. Through the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program developed by the Green Building Council, the concept of "green building" has swept the industry with its energy-saving materials and design elements.

Today, LEED certification is being sought for most building projects, from single-family homes to skyscrapers--and a growing industry of LEED-trained engineers and designers are moving in to soak up demand. According to Seattle's Office of Economic Development, this region has the highest concentration of LEED-certified designers and engineers, with more than 45 architectural firms that are dedicated to sustainable building design.

The trend can be seen in the latest findings by occupational expert and author Laurence Shatkin. In his latest book, "200 Best Jobs for Renewing America," Shatkin analyzes six industry sectors that he says will lead a shift toward a "forward-looking economy"--education, infrastructure, health care, information technology, advanced manufacturing and green technology--and identifies sectors that have the fastest-growing and best-paying jobs in the nation.

In the green technology sector, Shatkin found that many of the new jobs can be found in the construction industry as property owners look for ways to reduce energy and operational costs. Here are the top 10 green jobs, in terms of nationwide growth, highlighted in Shatkin's book:

1. Environmental Engineers. Growth: 25.4 percent; avg. annual earnings: $72,350

2. Environmental Scientists and Specialists. Growth: 25.1 percent; avg. annual earnings: $58,380

3. Geoscientists. Growth: 21.9 percent; avg. annual earnings: $75,800

4. Industrial Engineers. Growth: 20.3 percent; avg. annual earnings: $71,430

5. Construction and Building Instructors. Growth: 18.2 percent; avg. annual earnings: $48,330

6. Construction Managers. Growth: 15.7 percent; avg. annual earnings: $76,230

7. Plumbers, Pipefitters and Steamfitters. Growth: 10.6 percent; avg. annual earnings: $44,090

8. Carpenters. Growth: 10.3 percent; avg. annual earnings: $37,660

9. First-line Supervisors/Managers of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers. Growth: 9.1 percent; avg. annual earnings: $55,950

10. Electricians. Growth: 7.4 percent; avg. annual earnings: $44,780

For more information on Shatkin's "200 Best Jobs for Renewing America," contact the Jist Publishing website.

Randy Woods writes about job-search tools, networking techniques and other tips to help you land your dream job.

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1 Comments

homeopathie on October 2, 2009 4:00 AM | Reply

Hi,
The LEED project looks very promising and very effective in such crucial time.I believe they will help to reinforce the economy.

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