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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