Green Collar Workforce Continues to Grow

Are you looking for a job? Who isn't these days. Thankfully, President Obama has increased employment opportunities for people interested in entering the green economy, by pouring millions of dollars into green-training programs and clean-energy development, as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. If you're looking for a job, this law is your new best friend. Check out these green-collar jobs:

Building Performance Institute (BPI) analysts ensure that buildings operate properly. These energy-efficiency professionals conduct tests and evaluate methods for retrofitting and remodeling existing structures. BPI analysts understand how building systems interact, and use diagnostic tools and measures to stop moisture damage, prevent heath hazards, improve insulation, conduct energy audits, and check heating and cooling systems for energy efficiency and safety. All of these steps help reduce a building's carbon footprint.

Green Infrastructure specialists understand the connection between construction and the environment. They're knowledgeable about best management practices for site assessment, streetscape, utilities, stormwater management, and landscape and construction practices.

Hazardous materials removal workers undergo HAZWOPER training to be certified for the important task of cleaning up toxic sites. These workers identify, remove, package, transport and dispose of asbestos, radioactive and nuclear waste, arsenic, lead, mercury and other toxic materials found on brownfields and Superfund sites. These workers held more than 42,000 jobs in 2008, and employment is expected to increase by 15 percent by 2018. This is faster than the average for all other occupations, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.

LEED Accredited Professionals are renowned sustainability experts who contribute to the rating of buildings with various electrician leeds systems and mentor their fellow team members. By obtaining LEED AP designation, you are not only making a wise career investment, you are also taking an essential step to remain competitive in a rapidly changing industry and positioning yourself for the high demand green-job market.

Residential green building specialists assist homeowners and builders in creating eco-friendly houses. These specialists understand green-building design, construction and operations; materials and product selection; waste management; building commissioning; site planning; building-energy use and more. Green residential specialists comprise a critical part of the current green-construction industry, which supports roughly 2 million jobs. The U.S. Green Building Council predicts that green building will support 8 million jobs by the year 2013.

Solar thermal/photovoltaic professionals include contractors, engineers, architects and others who understand how solar technologies capture, convert and distribute solar energy. They're trained in photovoltaic theory and applications; systems design; customer financing and return on investment; regulations; site evaluation; and installation of residential and commercial solar rooftop panels. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that solar energy could create more than 1 million new jobs by the year 2030.

Thermographers used infrared cameras and thermal imaging to identify potential problems with a building's operation. These trained professionals inspect roofing systems and building envelopes for moisture infiltration. They use thermal imaging to detect heat loss from windows and doors, and to inspect thermal-heated floor slabs for system leakage. Ultimately, the collected data is used to diagnose problems with a building's performance, and determine methods for improvement.

Weatherization specialists make sure a house or office building is adequately protected from outside elements. They seal cracks, gaps, holes, leaky air ducts and other bypasses around doors, windows and pipes. These specialists identify steps for better weatherproofing, which might involve installing storm doors and double-glazed windows, or replacing old heating and cooling equipment with updated, energy-saving models. The U.S. Department of Energy recently received $5 billion in economic-stimulus money to expand its weatherization-assistance programs, which means more weatherization specialists will soon be needed.

Wind energy specialists install, operate and maintain wind-related technologies. These professionals-engineers, electricians leeds, contractors, architects and others-understand the design, installation and electrical integration of small and large wind systems. They undergo training in site assessment, industry regulations, wind-turbine operation and maintenance, wind measurements and instrumentation, economics of wind energy, safety practices and more.