The “green job” force is a relatively novel and fast-growing facet of today’s workforce. A standard definition for a green job is still evolving, but a number of new green jobs have been created over the past several years. A high demand for professionals with green-skills is expected, also demanding proper training and education in environmentally conscious practices.

What is a “green job” exactly? While no clearly established definition exists as of yet, there are a few key elements that constitute a green job, including: conservation and innovation to improve environmental quality; a clear path for career growth; and the ability to sustain and support a family. When taking a step back to simplify the concept, the idea of a green collar job makes perfect sense, in that the overall intention is to implement or preserve a healthy environment, reduce contributions to global warming, while creating an entirely new sector in which employment is available.

Available employment in the green sector will quickly increase as new jobs are created. For example, architecture, engineering, and landscape architecture firms are staying competitive in the global market by expanding their green building practices and creating new studios or “sustainable design groups” that consist of professionals with a specific interest or expertise in sustainable technologies and strategies. Some of these roles are newly created positions, while others result from working with a growing list of clients who are educated in sustainable practices and request a professional with green expertise on the project. These positions tend to be high-paying, senior-level posts so individuals who train and educate themselves to promote green practices in their individual careers will become more viable, valuable assets to employers—not to mention higher earning potential. The increasingly high demand for accredited professionals in Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, or simply a LEED AP, is a perfect example of the growing need for green-minded professionals.

Please review the below list of current available green jobs or take your first step towards becoming a LEED credentialed professional by starting a LEED exam online preparation course today to further you potential in the green job industry.