Looking for a job that makes a positive contribution to thwarting climate change? The renewable energy sector might be for you. Propelled by rising interest in environmentally-conscious energy options and increasing cost-competitiveness with fossil fuels, renewable energy has become one of the fastest-growing industries in the country.
Nearly 780,000 Americans are employed in solar, wind, bioenergy, and hydropower operations across the country. But renewable energy jobs don’t end at manufacturing and maintaining energy operations. So if you’re not a scientist or engineer, don’t fret – there are plenty of opportunities for you to find work in the clean energy revolution.
If you’re interested in communications:
Look into positions in marketing or social media strategy. As the market for clean and renewable energy technology expands, companies must brand themselves to consumers and differentiate their services from competing ones. Strategic marketing and social media engagement are essential to bridge the gap between companies and consumers. At renewable energy firms, marketing specialists play the important role of communicating, and ultimately selling, renewable energy services and technology to the public.
If you’re interested in law and government:
A career in policy-making or as an attorney might be for you. Recent expansion of clean and renewable energy can partially be attributed to federal and state policy incentives that encourage the growth and accessibility of renewables to businesses and consumers. A policymaker sits in a position to influence the continued development of renewable energy through legislation regarding tax credits, regulations, and research and development funding, to name a few things. Outside of government, renewable energy attorneys act as liaison between their client and the government, and help with things like securing environmental permits and licensing patents for technology. Many renewable energy firms elect to employ attorneys as part of their staff to help navigate the developing legal framework around clean and renewable technology.
If you’re interested in money and finance:
Consider a position in economic and financial analysis. Financial analysts in the renewable energy industry develop mathematical models to analyze economic trends and predict future energy prices. These models may help renewable energy developers secure funding or decide what kinds of technology to produce, as well as help businesses and individuals determine if renewable energy is profitable for them. As the prices of renewable technology continue to drop nearer to those of fossil fuels, mathematical models will be essential for renewable energy companies, investors, and consumers alike to make decisions about what to spend their money on.
Whether you’re an engineer or an economist, a job in renewable energy is one way to take action for solutions that are good for people and good for the world.
There’s never been a better time to be in the market for a clean energy job. Online job boards like Indeed.com and CareerBuilder.com are flush with opportunities for you to check out. And, of course, be sure to scout the job boards at any specific organizations that excite you.
