Career pathways for green jobs in Georgia

Career Pathways for Green Jobs in Georgia
Georgia Department of Labor
Workforce Statistics & Economic Research Division
Mark Butler, Commissioner

Energize Your Pathway to a New Green Career!
You would be surprised at what types of jobs might utilize green skills...including yours!

Renewable Energy

Renewable Energy activities related to developing and using renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, geothermal, and biomass

Environmental Compliance, Education & Training, & Public Awareness activities related to enforcing environmental regulations, providing education & training related to green technologies & practices, & increasing public awareness of environmental issues

Environmental Compliance, Education & Training, & Public Awareness

Here are five green categories that your job

Energy Efficiency

Energy Efficiency activities related to increasing energy efficiency

might fall under:

Pollution Reduction & Removal, Greenhouse

Natural Resources Conservation activities related to reducing the environmental impact of agricultural production and improving natural resources conservation

Natural Resources Conservation

Pollution Reduction & Removal, Greenhouse Gas Reduction, & Recycling
& Reuse

Gas Reduction, & Recycling & Reuse activities related to reducing or eliminating the creation or release of pollutants or hazardous waste, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, reducing or eliminating the creation of waste materials, or collecting, reusing, remanufacturing, recycling, or

composting waste materials or wastewater

To begin your path to greening your career, or to find a green job near you, visit
www.greenjobs4georgia.com.

Career Pathways for Green Jobs in Georgia was created by the Georgia Department of Labor's Workforce Statistics & Economic Research Division, with funds from a Labor Market Information Improvement Grant from the U.S. Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration. The principal component of the grant was the Green Jobs Survey, which was conducted to determine current levels of green employment in Georgia.

The survey of 10,000 Georgia businesses began in October 2010 and ended in April 2011. Businesses from nearly all major industry sectors were selected to participate. With a 78 % response rate, preliminary survey results reveal that there are currently almost 40,000 green jobs in the state. Although we are just beginning to interpret and analyze the major findings of the survey, the research has proved encouraging. We are gaining a better understanding of what "green" means for Georgia, its economy, and its workforce, and we look forward to being able to report more information as it is uncovered.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Program Auxiliary Aids and Services Available upon Request to Individuals with Disabilities


Introduction

Georgia's green economy is growing. Even though the term "green jobs" sounds like something new and mysterious, the majority of occupations likely to flourish in the green economy are already well established. The only thing that makes them green is that they are in businesses that produce goods or provide services that benefit the environment or conserve natural resources.
The growth of the green economy means the growth of green jobs. Green economy activities increase the demand for certain goods and services, alter the skill sets of existing jobs, or create completely new jobs with unique skills and tasks. For example, investment in more energy-efficient buildings creates more demand for carpenters, insulation workers, and heating & air conditioning installers. Investment in pollution reduction and recycling creates demand for the services of hazardous materials removal workers, recyclable material collectors, and environmental engineers who have acquired additional training and/or certification in "green" skills. And investment in renewable energy results in additional jobs for biomass plant technicians, solar photovoltaic installers, and wind turbine service technicians--occupations that did not exist ten years ago.
The Georgia Department of Labor's Workforce Statistics & Economic Research Division has identified five core areas of green business activities and green jobs. Green activities and jobs fall under one or more of the following five core areas:

reducing greenhouse gas emissions through methods other than renewable energy generation and energy efficiency, such as electricity generated from nuclear sources, or reusing, remanufacturing, composting, or avoiding creation of waste materials or wastewater
Natural Resources Conservation activities related to reducing the environmental impact of agricultural production and improving natural resources conservation, including the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, soil and water conservation, sustainable forestry, land management, and wildlife preservation
Environmental Compliance, Education & Training, & Public Awareness activities related to enforcing environmental regulations, providing education & training related to green technologies & practices, & increasing public awareness of environmental issues
Preliminary labor market data on green jobs in Georgia show that green jobs are accessible to a broad group of workers. These jobs range from those that do not require any education beyond high school to positions that require advanced degrees and extensive job experience. This means that workers can begin a career in a relatively semi-skilled entry-level position and have the opportunity to advance into a better-paying, more rewarding career by getting additional training or attending college at a later time.

Renewable Energy activities related to developing and using renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, geothermal, and biomass, as well as traditional, non-renewable sources of energy undergoing significant green technological changes (e.g., oil, coal, gas, and nuclear)
Energy Efficiency activities related to increasing energy efficiency (broadly defined), making energy demand response more effective, constructing "smart grids", and other energy efficient activities
Pollution Reduction & Removal, Greenhouse Gas Reduction, & Recycling & Reuse activities related to reducing or eliminating the creation or release of pollutants or hazardous waste from the environment,

Subsequent pages of this brochure present the most common green jobs in each of the five core green economic areas. They are arranged by Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code within the job preparation level (education/training/experience) usually required for employment. Each core area also includes an example of a viable career pathway in the green workforce. For example, if you are interested in the energy efficiency field, you might start off as an electrician, and later train to become an electrical engineering technician, before going to college and studying to become an electrical engineer.
Start planning your green career path today by exploring the green jobs and sample career pathways shown within this brochure.

3

Green Career Pathways in Renewable Energy

SOC Code Occupation

Job Preparation Level

Annual Openings

Now requires on-the-job training, work experience, and/or a high school diploma or less

2011 Hourly Wages

11-3051

Industrial Production Managers

Work Exp in a Related job

130

$40.26

11-3071

Transportation, Storage, & Distribution Managers

Work Exp in a Related job

120

$41.41

41-4011

Sales Reps, Wholesale & Manufacturing, Technical & Scientific Products

Work Exp in a Related Job

500

$38.08

47-2211

Sheet Metal Workers

Long-term O-J-T

150

$19.71

49-9071

Maintenance & Repair Workers, General

Moderate-term O-J-T

610

$17.17

51-4041

Machinists

Long-term O-J-T

140

$18.44

51-8011

Nuclear Power Reactor Operators

Long-term O-J-T

*

*

51-8012

Power Distributors and Dispatchers

Long-term O-J-T

10

$31.80

51-8013

Power Plant Operators

51-9012

Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, & Still Machine Setters,

Operators, & Tenders

Next requires an associate's degree or postsecondary vocational training

Long-term O-J-T Moderate-term O-J-T

60

$28.74

20

$16.00

19-4041 Geological & Petroleum Technicians

Associate's Degree

0

$23.15

19-4051 Nuclear Technicians

Associate's Degree

0

*

Later requires a bachelor's degree or more

11-9041

Engineering Managers

Bachelor's or Higher + Work Exp

100

$53.60

17-2051

Civil Engineers

Bachelor's or Higher + Work Exp

130

$35.45

17-2071 17-2141

Electrical Engineers Mechanical Engineers

Bachelor's or Higher + Work Exp Bachelor's or Higher + Work Exp

80

$40.69

100

$37.55

4

* Data Suppressed

Sample Green Career Pathway: Renewable Energy

51-9012 Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, & Still Machine Setter, Operator, or Tender
2010 Employment: 760 2018 Projected Employment: 740 2011 Mean Hourly wage: $16.00
Annual Job Openings: 20
Job Preparation Level Moderate-term on-the-job Training

51-4041 Machinist
2010 Employment: 6,190 2018 Projected Employment: 6,580
2011 Mean Hourly wage: $18.44 Annual Job Openings: 140
Job Preparation Level Long-term on-the-job Training

17-2051 Civil Engineer
2010 Employment: 4,000 2018 Projected Employment: 4,270
2011 Mean Hourly wage: $35.45 Annual Job Openings: 130
Job Preparation Level Bachelor's Degree

5

Green Career Pathways in Energy Efficiency

SOC Code Occupation

Job Preparation Level

Annual Openings

Now requires on-the-job training, work experience, and/or a high school diploma or less

47-2031

Carpenters

Long-term O-J-T

610

2011 Hourly Wages
$17.17

47-2061

Construction Laborers

Moderate-term O-J-T

560

$13.10

47-2111

Electricians

Long-term O-J-T

310

$20.85

47-2131

Insulation Workers, Floor, Ceiling, & Wall

Moderate-term O-J-T

30

$12.54

47-2152

Plumbers, Pipefitters, & Steamfitters

Long-term O-J-T

190

$20.63

47-3012

Helpers--Carpenters

Short-term O-J-T

60

$13.05

47-4011

Construction & Building Inspectors

Work Exp in a Related Job

70

$22.94

49-9051

Electrical Power-Line Installers & Repairers

Long-term O-J-T

120

$23.07

49-9071

Maintenance & Repair Workers, General

Moderate-term O-J-T

610

$17.17

49-9098 Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, & Repair Workers

Short-term O-J-T

140

$11.64

51-2022

Electrical & Electronic Equipment Assemblers

Short-term O-J-T

50

$16.87

51-4041

Machinists

Long-term O-J-T

140

$18.44

53-3021

Bus Drivers, Transit & Intercity

Moderate-term O-J-T

90

$14.43

53-7051

Industrial Truck & Tractor Forklift Operators

Short-term O-J-T

770

$13.79

Next requires an associate's degree or postsecondary vocational training

17-3011

Architectural & Civil Drafters

Postsec Voc-Tech Training

40

$22.90

17-3023

Electrical & Electronic Engineering Technicians

Associate's Degree

80

$28.35

17-3024

Electro-Mechanical Technicians

Associate's Degree

10

$27.07

17-3026

Industrial Engineering Technicians

Associate's Degree

50

$24.48

17-3027

Mechanical Engineering Technicians

Associate's Degree

10

$22.82

6

SOC Code Occupation

Job Preparation Level

Next requires an associate's degree or postsecondary vocational training (Contined)

49-2094

Electrical & Electronics Repairers, Commercial & Industrial Equipment

Postsec Voc-Tech Training

49-3023

Automotive Service Technicians & Mechanics

Postsec Voc-Tech Training

49-9021

Heating, Air Conditioning, & Refrigeration Mechanics & Installers

Postsec Voc-Tech Training

51-4121

Welders, Cutters, Solderers, & Brazers

Later requires a bachelor's degree or more

Postsec Voc-Tech Training

11-9021

Construction Managers

Bachelor's Degree

13-1151

Training & Development Specialists

Bachelor's Degree

17-1011

Architects, Except Landscape & Naval

Bachelor's Degree

17-2051

Civil Engineers

Bachelor's Degree

17-2071

Electrical Engineers

Bachelor's Degree

17-2072

Electronics Engineers, Except Computer

Bachelor's Degree

17-2141

Mechanical Engineers

Bachelor's Degree

19-2032

Materials Scientists

Bachelor's Degree

Annual 2011 Hourly

Openings

Wages

130

$23.35

520

$17.40

130

$19.13

430

$16.20

450

$44.76

390

$27.56

40

$36.34

130

$35.45

80

$40.69

140

$40.21

100

$37.55

30

$43.26

7

Sample Green Career Pathway: Energy Efficiency

49-9098 Installation, Maintenance, & Repair Workers' Helper
2010 Employment: 4,730 2018 Projected Employment: 4,960
2011 Mean Hourly wage: $11.64 Annual Job Openings: 140
Job Preparation Level Short-term on-the-job Training

49-9071 General Maintenance & Repair Worker
2010 Employment: 50,130 2018 Projected Employment: 54,070
2011 Mean Hourly wage: $17.17 Annual Job Openings: 610
Job Preparation Level Moderate-term on-the-job Training

17-3027 Mechanical Engineering Technicians
2010 Employment: 350 2018 Projected Employment: 370 2011 Mean Hourly wage: $22.82
Annual Job Openings: 10
Job Preparation Level Associate's Degree

8

Green Career Pathways in Pollution Reduction & Removal, Greenhouse Gas Reduction, and Recycling & Reuse

SOC Code Occupation

Job Preparation Level

Annual Openings

Now requires on-the-job training, work experience, and/or a high school diploma or less

2011 Hourly Wages

45-1011

Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, & Forestry Workers

Work Exp in a related Job

60

$23.64

45-4011 Forest & Conservation Workers

Moderate-term O-J-T

20

$11.97

47-4041

Hazardous Materials Removal Workers

Moderate-term O-J-T

20

$13.71

49-9071

Maintenance & Repair Workers, General

Moderate-term O-J-T

610

$17.17

53-1021

Supervisors of Helpers, Laborers, & Material Movers, Hand

Work Exp in a related Job

250

$22.10

53-7081

Refuse & Recyclable Material Collectors

Short-term O-J-T

120

$13.32

Next requires an associate's degree or postsecondary vocational training

17-3025

Environmental Engineering Technicians

Associate's Degree

30

$19.56

19-4091 Environmental Science & Protection Technicians, Incl Health

Associate's Degree

30

$20.71

19-4093 Forest & Conservation Technicians

Associate's Degree

10

$20.07

29-9012 Occupational Health & Safety Technicians

Associate's Degree

0

$20.06

33-3031

Fish & Game Wardens

Later requires a bachelor's degree or more

Associate's Degree

20

$16.08

17-1012

Landscape Architects

Bachelor's Degree

10

$26.45

17-2051

Civil Engineers

Bachelor's Degree

130

$35.45

17-2081

Environmental Engineers

Bachelor's Degree

60

$38.10

19-1031

Conservation Scientists

Bachelor's Degree

10

$29.90

19-2041

Environmental Scientists & Specialists, Incl Health

Master's Degree

60

$27.17

29-9011

Occupational Health & Safety Specialists

Bachelor's Degree

20

$32.19

9

Sample Green Career Pathway: Pollution Reduction & Removal, Greenhouse
Gas Reduction, and Recycling & Reuse

47-4041 Hazardous Materials Removal Worker
2010 Employment: 670 2018 Projected Employment: 670 2011 Mean Hourly wage: $13.71
Annual Job Openings: 20
Job Preparation Level Moderate-term on-the-job Training

19-4091 Environmental Science & Protection Technician, Including Health
2010 Employment: 580 2018 Projected Employment: 670 2011 Mean Hourly wage: $20.71
Annual Job Openings: 30
Job Preparation Level Associate's Degree

19-2041 Environmental Scientist or Specialist, Including Health
2010 Employment: 1,530 2018 Projected Employment: 1,650
2011 Mean Hourly wage: $27.17 Annual Job Openings: 60
Job Preparation Level Master's Degree

10

Green Career Pathways in Natural Resources Conservation

SOC Code Occupation

Job Preparation Level

Annual 2011 Hourly

Openings

Wages

Now requires on-the-job training, work experience, and/or a high school diploma or less

13-1021

Purchasing Agents & Buyers, Farm Products

Long-term O-J-T

0

$30.78

45-1011

Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, & Forestry Workers

Work Exp in a Related Job

60

$23.64

45-2011

Agricultural Inspectors

Work Exp in a Related Job

20

$19.08

45-4011 Forest & Conservation Workers
Next requires an associate's degree or postsecondary vocational training

Moderate-term O-J-T

20

$11.97

19-4011 Agricultural & Food Science Technicians

Associate's Degree

20

$15.70

19-4093 Forest & Conservation Technicians

Associate's Degree

10

$20.07

Later requires a bachelor's degree or more

11-1021

General & Operations Managers

Bachelor's or Higher + Work Exp

2,090

$49.72

11-9013

Farm, Ranch, & Other Agricultural Managers

Bachelor's or Higher + Work Exp

180

$28.20

17-1012

Landscape Architects

Bachelor's Degree

10

$26.45

19-1031

Conservation Scientists

Bachelor's Degree

10

$29.90

25-9021

Farm & Home Management Advisors

Bachelor's Degree

20

*

* Data Suppressed

11

Sample Green Career Pathway: Natural Resources Conservation

45-4011 Forest & Conservation Worker
2010 Employment: 480 2018 Projected Employment: 510 2011 Mean Hourly wage: $11.97
Annual Job Openings: 20
Job Preparation Level Moderate-term on-the-job Training

19-4093 Forest & Conservation Technician
2010 Employment: 290 2018 Projected Employment: 310 2011 Mean Hourly wage: $20.07
Annual Job Openings: 10
Job Preparation Level Associate's Degree

19-1031 Conservation Scientist
2010 Employment: 270 2018 Projected Employment: 290 2011 Mean Hourly wage: $29.90
Annual Job Openings: 10
Job Preparation Level Bachelor's Degree

12

Green Career Pathways in Environmental Compliance, Education & Training, and Public Awareness

SOC Code Occupation

Job Preparation Level

Annual Openings

Now requires on-the-job training, work experience, and/or a high school diploma or less

2011 Hourly Wages

13-1041

Compliance Officers

Long-term O-J-T

80

$29.70

43-4051 Customer Service Representatives

Moderate-term O-J-T

4,620

$15.94

43-5071

Shipping, Receiving, and Traffic Clerks

Short-term O-J-T

600

$14.49

45-2011

Agricultural Inspectors

Work Exp in a Related Job

20

$19.08

47-4011

Construction and Building Inspectors

Work Exp in a Related Job

70

$22.94

51-9061

Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers

Moderate-term O-J-T

200

$15.37

53-6051

Transportation Inspectors

Work Exp in a Related Job

60

$33.34

Next requires an associate's degree or postsecondary vocational training

17-3024

Electro-Mechanical Technicians

Associate's Degree

10

$27.07

19-4041 Geological and Petroleum Technicians

Associate's Degree

0

$23.15

29-9012 Occupational Health and Safety Technicians

Associate's Degree

0

$20.06

49-2094

Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment

Later requires a bachelor's degree or more

Postsec Voc-Tech Training

130

$23.35

13-1151

Training and Development Specialists

Bachelor's Degree

390

$27.56

17-2041

Chemical Engineers

Bachelor's Degree

10

$39.31

17-2081

Environmental Engineers

Bachelor's Degree

60

$38.10

17-2111

Health and Safety Engineers, Except Mining Safety Engineers and Inspectors

Bachelor's Degree

20

$35.03

17-2161

Nuclear Engineers

Bachelor's Degree

10

*

* Data Suppressed

13

SOC Code Occupation
Later requires a bachelor's degree or more (Continued)

19-1031

Conservation Scientists

19-2031

Chemists

19-2042

Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers

19-3051

Urban and Regional Planners

27-1021

Commercial and Industrial Designers

27-3031

Public Relations Specialists

29-9011

Occupational Health and Safety Specialists

Job Preparation Level
Bachelor's Degree Bachelor's Degree Bachelor's Degree Bachelor's Degree Bachelor's Degree Bachelor's Degree Bachelor's Degree

Annual 2011 Hourly

Openings

Wages

10

$29.90

40

$35.07

0

$30.73

20

$28.01

30

$28.49

260

$26.67

20

$32.19

14

Sample Green Career Pathway: Environmental Compliance,
Education & Training, and Public Awareness

13-1041 Compliance Officer, Exc Agriculture, Construction, Health
& Safety, and Transportation
2010 Employment: 6,670 2018 Projected Employment: 6,650
2011 Mean Hourly wage: $29.70 Annual Job Openings: 80
Job Preparation Level Long-term on-the-job Training

53-6051 Transportation Inspector
2010 Employment: 1,180 2018 Projected Employment: 1,360
2011 Mean Hourly wage: $33.34 Annual Job Openings: 60
Job Preparation Level Work Experience in a Related Occupation

17-2111 Health & Safety Engineers
2010 Employment: 730 2018 Projected Employment: 740 2011 Mean Hourly wage: $35.03
Annual Job Openings: 20
Job Preparation Level Bachelor's Degree

15

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