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Focus on Green Careers

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JobMonkey.com
Volume VIII, Issue #37
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You have heard about white collar jobs and surely you know what blue collar jobs are.  But are you familiar with green collar jobs? This new, third category is all the rage in economic stimulus circles, so this week the JobMonkey newsletter is getting to the bottom of green collar jobs. Read our feature article to learn what green collar means, how many green collar jobs are really available, and what you need to do to qualify for one of these positions. If you are ready to jump into your green job search, be sure to check out Around the Monkey for career tips on going green and our JobMonkey Job Center for green job postings.

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IN THIS NEWSLETTER:

1) Career Advisor: Networking on the Beach
2) Spotlight: Go Green to Get a Job
3) Around the Monkey: Green Job Search Tips
4) JobMonkey Job Center: Green Job Openings

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CAREER ADVISOR: Job Networking Tips
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by Amy Lindgren

It's summertime! In the hottest parts of the country, that's the cue to hide indoors with an iced tea. But for many of us, it's sunshine time - we're headed to the beach.

Oops - what about job search? Well maybe there's a way to have your barbecue and eat it too. What if you could network while you're soaking up some rays?

Eeyew - the thought of slapping around in flip-flops and a swimsuit with a resume in hand - not so good. Trade that image for this one: Low-key conversations with neighbors and new acquaintances while you relax at the community pool or park.

The secret to networking in casual settings is to not let it look like networking. That's why you don't want resumes, or even business cards to weigh you down. When you're carrying those things, your attention seems to go immediately to handing them off, like some kind of courier service.

Your real goal is to develop relationships and contacts, not distribute paper products. So how do you do that? By being friendly and attentive. Here are a few tips:

--Start with an icebreaker (great day, huh?)

--Give your first name, then: I'm on break from my job search today, so this is a treat.

--Show interest in others: Do you do a lot of swimming (golfing, whatever)?

--If there's any spark, find a way to stay in contact. Otherwise, enjoy the chat and try again later with someone new.

--When you get home, jot down your followup steps, if any. Then focus on your regular job search, while planning your next escape to the beach. You will have earned it!

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SPOTLIGHT: Green Jobs are the Rage
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Are you currently looking for a job? Perhaps you are wondering what your next career move should be. Why not take a few moments today to contemplate moving into one of the most promising fields: Green collar jobs. Not only will you be working to help improve our planet, you might also find even more job openings than nearly any other industry. Want to hear more? Read on!

What does Green Collar mean?
One of the leading experts in the field of green collar jobs, Raquel Pinderhughes, a professor at San Francisco State University, says green collar jobs are "blue collar jobs in green businesses." 

Lucy Blake, the Chief of Apollo Alliance, an environmental group and labor union coalition, agrees: "A green-collar job is in essence a blue-collar job that has been upgraded to address the environmental challenges of our country."

Learn more about the definition of green collar jobs and green collar job trends from the JobMonkey.

What qualifications are required for a Green Collar job?
Many of the people being hired for green collar jobs are so-called cross-over professionals. They have a background in blue-collar work and get retrained to apply their skills and experience to a greener field. For most of these jobs, advanced degrees are not required. Rather, employers are seeking workers who are willing to work hard and have good communication skills.

Managerial positions within many green companies typically required a Bachelor's Degree or higher, often in engineering or the natural sciences. Alternatively, technicians with blue collar backgrounds can be promoted internally to higher salaried jobs with greater supervisory responsibility.

To learn more about earning a degree for your future green career, check out JobMonkey's article on green programs at colleges and universities.

What is the average rate of pay for a Green Collar job?
Entry-level green collar jobs typically pay an hourly wage, while managerial and other senior level positions pay an annual salary. For entry-level positions, rates start at minimum wage and range up to $22/hour or more. The wide range in rate can be attributed to job location, required experience, and specialization of skills.

According to simplyhired.com, the average green collar worker earns $31,000 per year. Green workers with advanced degrees earn significantly more. A recent poll by Business Insider magazine, for example, showed that the average green (senior-level) employee earns $76,000 per year. And half of the respondents reported earning an average annual bonus of $11,000!

How many Green Collar jobs are there in America?
The American Solar Energy Society estimated that in 2007, green industries provided approximately 8.5 million Americans with jobs. That number is expected to grow exponentially, with increasing federal support for green energy. In fact, in President Obama's Stimulus Bill nearly $70 billion was set aside for alternative energy, which could generate as many as 5 million jobs over the next decade.

The Conference of U.S. Mayors agrees. According to an early 2009 press release, the Conference estimated that the U.S. will see 4.2 million new green jobs by the year 2020. Environmental think tanks are even more optimistic, predicting that with continued federal support for green industries, the number of green workers in American could jump to 40 million by 2030. That would mean that in just over two decades, one out of every four employees would be working in a green job.

However you define it, calculate the number of employees or estimate their annual salary, there is no doubt that green collar jobs are profitable, expanding -- and here to stay! To learn more, be sure to check out JobMonkey's section on Green Collar Jobs.

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AROUND THE MONKEY: Green Collar Job Search Tips
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Do you want to land a greener job? For tips and insights on this growing industry, check out the JobMonkey blog's category on Green Collar Employment. Here are three great posts to start with:

Green Collar Job News
Green Jobs Abroad
How to Find a Green Collar Job

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JOB CENTER REPORT: Find Green Jobs
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Are you looking for a greener way to earn your green? Check out JobMonkey's newest job board for Green Collar & Environmental Jobs. You can also search for Environmental Jobs at the JobMonkey Job Center. Both of these outstanding job search resources are free for job seekers to use, so be sure to check them out frequently.

 

 

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