Most of the world has finally gotten to the point where they understand it is imperative for humans to reduce their impact on the planet. This is obvious by the simple fact that the act of recycling has been increasing for decades. Entire companies are also being created that do nothing more than create methods of renewable energy. Whether people use these methods to help the environment or just save money doesn’t matter, as long as they are doing it. There are several careers that a person can get into if they are interested in working in the green industry. There are six careers that many sources agree are the best green careers available today.

Forester

Working as a forester is often a physically demanding job. Foresters can take part in ecological restoration, timber harvesting and managing protected areas. When they engage in timber harvesting they focus on the sustainable management of the forest. This career is best suited for people interested in biology and the forest who are not afraid of a little hard work. There are several ways to get into forestry including working for a degree in forestry or biology. Forestry is basically biology with an interest in forests. Few individuals have been able to secure enough experience to become a forester without a four-year degree, but it is possible. Foresters make between $45,000 and $65,000 a year, with a median income of $53,750. People interested in forestry can work in one of the aforementioned areas or become industrial foresters or consulting foresters, just to name a few. Click for full job description of a Forester.

Solar Power Installer

Solar power installation can also be a very demanding job. It often requires long hours working on rooftops in direct sunlight. This is necessary because the solar panels will need to be in direct sunlight most of the day for them to do their job. This job is best suited for people with construction skills who want to help the environment. There are several ways to become a solar power installer. A person can take a one or two year program in renewable energy, take a solar power installer certification course at a tech school, gain four years of experience helping install these systems or some combination of this experience and education. Solar power installers get paid anywhere from $15 to $35 an hour. This of course will vary greatly based on education and experience. People taking up this career path may also be called PV (Photovoltaic) installers and solar technicians. Click for full description of a Solar Power Installer.

Wind Turbine Fabricator

Wind turbine fabrication involves two separate jobs. These jobs include the people who actually manufacture the parts used in wind turbines and then the people who work in the field to put them together. This job can be difficult and somewhat dangerous if a person is the one out in the field constructing the actual turbine. Turbine fabrication is best suited for people with engineering experience. There is no mandatory education for working in this field, but an engineering degree will be highly valued if a person is working in factories producing the wind turbine parts. Those out in the field will usually receive on the job training, but having at least a two-year engineering degree doesn’t hurt either. A background in engineering, auto work and other manufacturing jobs is beneficial. The average salary for a wind turbine fabricator is around $62,000. People in this field may also be referred to as a wind turbine technicians or associate wind turbine fabricators. Click for full description of a Wind Turbine Fabricator.

Farmer

Being a farmer is hard work. It often requires early mornings and back breaking work. Farmers have to know exactly when to plant specific crops so that they will grow to their full potential and not be destroyed by inclement weather. This career is best suited for those who are not afraid of hard work and have an interest in sustainable agriculture. Several degrees can be beneficial to a person interested in going into farming. These degrees include sustainable agriculture and agricultural science. Completing a Master’s degree in either of these will usually allow a person to get first-hand experience on a farm through internships. The current average salary of farmers is between $50,000 and $60,000. Farmers may also be referred to as agricultural managers. There are several jobs related to farming including urban gardening and farmer’s market coordinator. Click for full job description of a Farmer.

Conservation Biologist

A conservation biologist doesn’t face many of the physical strains that the people in the previously mentioned green jobs do. A conservation biologist studies and analyzes ways to protect the biological diversity on planet Earth. They also work with fellow scientists to come up with plans to conserve specific aspects of nature. This career is best suited for those interested in conservation and biology. A person can get into this career field with a degree in conservation (preferably Master’s or higher), conservation biology or biology. Conservation biologists can expect to earn anywhere between $45,000 and $65,000 a year performing their duties. There are several fields related to conservation biology including applied ecology, environmental science, wildlife biology and marine biology. In many cases, working as a conservation biologist will lead a person into one of these subsets of the field. Click for full job description of Conservation Biologist.

Urban Planner

Urban planners also have a job that is less physically demanding than the first few careers on this list. They engage in field investigations, surveys and other research methodology to determine the best way to put a city’s resources and land to good use. This job has an important environmental undertone due to the fact that they also strengthen and plan mass transit, encourage bicycle use and limit sprawl within the city. This career is for people highly interested in research, community planning and who don’t have a problem speaking with community members. The most common doorways into urban planning are Master’s degrees in environmental planning, urban planning, regional planning, urban design and even geography. It is also possible to break into the field by getting a Bachelor’s degree in urban planning, but this route is far less common. The average annual salary for an urban planner is around $60,000. Related fields include regional planning, urban design, metropolitan planning and even sociology. Click for full description of an Urban Planner.