Want to save the planet and earn a living while you do it? Maybe it’s time to consider a career change to one of these green dream jobs.
Whether your background is in design, law, science, management, or farming, you can find ways to pivot your career to something that gives back to the world. Just be aware that you may have to invest in upskilling yourself, especially if certification or licensure is required in your new field.
But if you’re willing to make the leap, there’s a green dream job for every interest, skill set, and educational background. Best of all, many of these jobs pay quite well—some over six figures.
Chief Sustainability Officer
Westend61 / Getty Images
A chief sustainability officer serves as a corporate champion of their company’s environmental and sustainability programs. A CSO must also keep up to date on state, federal, and local laws regarding environmental requirements and ensure that the company stays in compliance with these regulations.
“Companies are monitoring the impact they’re having environmentally and on society, and the appointment of the CSO reflects an underlying need for companies to not only monitor but also improve their performance,” said Harvard Business School associate professor George Serafeim in an interview with Forbes.
LEED-Accredited Design Professional
Marcel Weber / Getty Images
LEED, which stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is the gold standard for environmental engineering and building. Architects, engineers, designers, and other professionals can take the LEED Professional Exams and become certified.
Environmental Lawyer
PhotoAlto/Eric Audras / Getty Images
Environmental law is a complex and ever-evolving sector, so attorneys who specialize in this area never need to worry about finding work.
Environmental lawyers advise clients on issues related to air and water quality, hazardous waste, sustainability, and more. These lawyers work for all levels of government as well as private law firms and non-profit organizations.
Geoscientist
Christopher Kimmel / Getty Images
Some states require licensure for this job, which involves the study of the earth’s composition, history, and natural resources.
Geoscientists may work with environmental scientists, and do their jobs both indoors (in offices and labs) and out (in the field). Travel is typically required in this job, which can take workers to both hot and cold climates.
Environmental Engineer
Hero Images / Getty Images
Environmental engineers advise governments and private companies on the best ways to minimize the environmental impact of their projects. They might work on recycling programs, public health policies, or plans to reduce air and water pollution.
Hydrologist
Ariel Skelley / Getty Images
Hydrologists study water availability and quality, collecting data and using it to formulate plans to improve resources. They might work for government agencies or private companies, and they tend to split their time between the office and the field—which for a hydrologist, might mean waist-deep in lakes, rivers, and streams.
Environmental Scientist
Dariya Angelova / EyeEm / Getty Images
Environmental scientists work for government agencies, consulting firms, or other private companies, using their knowledge of natural sciences to inform policy that protects humans, animals, and the environment.
Like many science careers, this one requires workers to split their time between the office and the field.
Urban Farmer
Westend61 / Getty Images
Love growing your own food, but can’t imagine leaving city life (or at least, town life) behind? Combine your passions with this dream green job. Urban farmers utilize (or create) green space in vacant lots, backyards, even rooftops. Stats on urban farmers are hard to come by, but anecdotal evidence suggests this occupation is becoming more popular.
In recent years, some condo developments have even hired their own on-staff urban farmer as a draw for potential buyers.
Conservation Scientist
Hero Images / Getty Images
Conservation Scientists collect and analyze data to help manage parks and forests and protect the environment. They work with governments and landowners to improve land utilization without negatively impacting soil and water.
Urban Planner
Resolution Productions / Getty Images
Urban Planner
Over two-thirds of urban and regional planners worked for local government in 2020, per the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Urban planners typically plan land use programs to help create and expand communities. This is a vital role, especially in cities and towns that are experiencing high population growth
Key Takeaways
Green jobs involve conserving, managing, or protecting natural resources.You can find green jobs in a variety of industries including engineering, science, law, management, and urban planning.Most of these jobs involve advanced education, licensure, or certification—so be prepared to invest in training.
Want to save the planet and earn a living while you do it? Maybe it’s time to consider a career change to one of these green dream jobs.
Whether your background is in design, law, science, management, or farming, you can find ways to pivot your career to something that gives back to the world. Just be aware that you may have to invest in upskilling yourself, especially if certification or licensure is required in your new field.
But if you’re willing to make the leap, there’s a green dream job for every interest, skill set, and educational background. Best of all, many of these jobs pay quite well—some over six figures.
Chief Sustainability Officer
Westend61 / Getty Images
A chief sustainability officer serves as a corporate champion of their company’s environmental and sustainability programs. A CSO must also keep up to date on state, federal, and local laws regarding environmental requirements and ensure that the company stays in compliance with these regulations.
“Companies are monitoring the impact they’re having environmentally and on society, and the appointment of the CSO reflects an underlying need for companies to not only monitor but also improve their performance,” said Harvard Business School associate professor George Serafeim in an interview with Forbes.
LEED-Accredited Design Professional
Marcel Weber / Getty Images
LEED, which stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is the gold standard for environmental engineering and building. Architects, engineers, designers, and other professionals can take the LEED Professional Exams and become certified.
Environmental Lawyer
PhotoAlto/Eric Audras / Getty Images
Environmental law is a complex and ever-evolving sector, so attorneys who specialize in this area never need to worry about finding work.
Environmental lawyers advise clients on issues related to air and water quality, hazardous waste, sustainability, and more. These lawyers work for all levels of government as well as private law firms and non-profit organizations.
Geoscientist
Christopher Kimmel / Getty Images
Some states require licensure for this job, which involves the study of the earth’s composition, history, and natural resources.
Geoscientists may work with environmental scientists, and do their jobs both indoors (in offices and labs) and out (in the field). Travel is typically required in this job, which can take workers to both hot and cold climates.
Environmental Engineer
Hero Images / Getty Images
Environmental engineers advise governments and private companies on the best ways to minimize the environmental impact of their projects. They might work on recycling programs, public health policies, or plans to reduce air and water pollution.
Hydrologist
Ariel Skelley / Getty Images
Hydrologists study water availability and quality, collecting data and using it to formulate plans to improve resources. They might work for government agencies or private companies, and they tend to split their time between the office and the field—which for a hydrologist, might mean waist-deep in lakes, rivers, and streams.
Environmental Scientist
Dariya Angelova / EyeEm / Getty Images
Environmental scientists work for government agencies, consulting firms, or other private companies, using their knowledge of natural sciences to inform policy that protects humans, animals, and the environment.
Like many science careers, this one requires workers to split their time between the office and the field.
Urban Farmer
Westend61 / Getty Images
Love growing your own food, but can’t imagine leaving city life (or at least, town life) behind? Combine your passions with this dream green job. Urban farmers utilize (or create) green space in vacant lots, backyards, even rooftops. Stats on urban farmers are hard to come by, but anecdotal evidence suggests this occupation is becoming more popular.
In recent years, some condo developments have even hired their own on-staff urban farmer as a draw for potential buyers.
Conservation Scientist
Hero Images / Getty Images
Conservation Scientists collect and analyze data to help manage parks and forests and protect the environment. They work with governments and landowners to improve land utilization without negatively impacting soil and water.
Urban Planner
Resolution Productions / Getty Images
Urban Planner
Over two-thirds of urban and regional planners worked for local government in 2020, per the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Urban planners typically plan land use programs to help create and expand communities. This is a vital role, especially in cities and towns that are experiencing high population growth
Key Takeaways
Green jobs involve conserving, managing, or protecting natural resources.You can find green jobs in a variety of industries including engineering, science, law, management, and urban planning.Most of these jobs involve advanced education, licensure, or certification—so be prepared to invest in training.
Want to save the planet and earn a living while you do it? Maybe it’s time to consider a career change to one of these green dream jobs.
Whether your background is in design, law, science, management, or farming, you can find ways to pivot your career to something that gives back to the world. Just be aware that you may have to invest in upskilling yourself, especially if certification or licensure is required in your new field.
But if you’re willing to make the leap, there’s a green dream job for every interest, skill set, and educational background. Best of all, many of these jobs pay quite well—some over six figures.
Chief Sustainability Officer
Westend61 / Getty Images
A chief sustainability officer serves as a corporate champion of their company’s environmental and sustainability programs. A CSO must also keep up to date on state, federal, and local laws regarding environmental requirements and ensure that the company stays in compliance with these regulations.
“Companies are monitoring the impact they’re having environmentally and on society, and the appointment of the CSO reflects an underlying need for companies to not only monitor but also improve their performance,” said Harvard Business School associate professor George Serafeim in an interview with Forbes.
LEED-Accredited Design Professional
Marcel Weber / Getty Images
LEED, which stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is the gold standard for environmental engineering and building. Architects, engineers, designers, and other professionals can take the LEED Professional Exams and become certified.
Environmental Lawyer
PhotoAlto/Eric Audras / Getty Images
Environmental law is a complex and ever-evolving sector, so attorneys who specialize in this area never need to worry about finding work.
Environmental lawyers advise clients on issues related to air and water quality, hazardous waste, sustainability, and more. These lawyers work for all levels of government as well as private law firms and non-profit organizations.
Geoscientist
Christopher Kimmel / Getty Images
Some states require licensure for this job, which involves the study of the earth’s composition, history, and natural resources.
Geoscientists may work with environmental scientists, and do their jobs both indoors (in offices and labs) and out (in the field). Travel is typically required in this job, which can take workers to both hot and cold climates.
Environmental Engineer
Hero Images / Getty Images
Environmental engineers advise governments and private companies on the best ways to minimize the environmental impact of their projects. They might work on recycling programs, public health policies, or plans to reduce air and water pollution.
Hydrologist
Ariel Skelley / Getty Images
Hydrologists study water availability and quality, collecting data and using it to formulate plans to improve resources. They might work for government agencies or private companies, and they tend to split their time between the office and the field—which for a hydrologist, might mean waist-deep in lakes, rivers, and streams.
Environmental Scientist
Dariya Angelova / EyeEm / Getty Images
Environmental scientists work for government agencies, consulting firms, or other private companies, using their knowledge of natural sciences to inform policy that protects humans, animals, and the environment.
Like many science careers, this one requires workers to split their time between the office and the field.
Urban Farmer
Westend61 / Getty Images
Love growing your own food, but can’t imagine leaving city life (or at least, town life) behind? Combine your passions with this dream green job. Urban farmers utilize (or create) green space in vacant lots, backyards, even rooftops. Stats on urban farmers are hard to come by, but anecdotal evidence suggests this occupation is becoming more popular.
In recent years, some condo developments have even hired their own on-staff urban farmer as a draw for potential buyers.
Conservation Scientist
Hero Images / Getty Images
Conservation Scientists collect and analyze data to help manage parks and forests and protect the environment. They work with governments and landowners to improve land utilization without negatively impacting soil and water.
Urban Planner
Resolution Productions / Getty Images
Urban Planner
Over two-thirds of urban and regional planners worked for local government in 2020, per the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Urban planners typically plan land use programs to help create and expand communities. This is a vital role, especially in cities and towns that are experiencing high population growth
Key Takeaways
Green jobs involve conserving, managing, or protecting natural resources.You can find green jobs in a variety of industries including engineering, science, law, management, and urban planning.Most of these jobs involve advanced education, licensure, or certification—so be prepared to invest in training.
Want to save the planet and earn a living while you do it? Maybe it’s time to consider a career change to one of these green dream jobs.
Whether your background is in design, law, science, management, or farming, you can find ways to pivot your career to something that gives back to the world. Just be aware that you may have to invest in upskilling yourself, especially if certification or licensure is required in your new field.
But if you’re willing to make the leap, there’s a green dream job for every interest, skill set, and educational background. Best of all, many of these jobs pay quite well—some over six figures.
Chief Sustainability Officer
Westend61 / Getty Images
A chief sustainability officer serves as a corporate champion of their company’s environmental and sustainability programs. A CSO must also keep up to date on state, federal, and local laws regarding environmental requirements and ensure that the company stays in compliance with these regulations.
“Companies are monitoring the impact they’re having environmentally and on society, and the appointment of the CSO reflects an underlying need for companies to not only monitor but also improve their performance,” said Harvard Business School associate professor George Serafeim in an interview with Forbes.
LEED-Accredited Design Professional
Marcel Weber / Getty Images
LEED, which stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is the gold standard for environmental engineering and building. Architects, engineers, designers, and other professionals can take the LEED Professional Exams and become certified.
Environmental Lawyer
PhotoAlto/Eric Audras / Getty Images
Environmental law is a complex and ever-evolving sector, so attorneys who specialize in this area never need to worry about finding work.
Environmental lawyers advise clients on issues related to air and water quality, hazardous waste, sustainability, and more. These lawyers work for all levels of government as well as private law firms and non-profit organizations.
Geoscientist
Christopher Kimmel / Getty Images
Some states require licensure for this job, which involves the study of the earth’s composition, history, and natural resources.
Geoscientists may work with environmental scientists, and do their jobs both indoors (in offices and labs) and out (in the field). Travel is typically required in this job, which can take workers to both hot and cold climates.
Environmental Engineer
Hero Images / Getty Images
Environmental engineers advise governments and private companies on the best ways to minimize the environmental impact of their projects. They might work on recycling programs, public health policies, or plans to reduce air and water pollution.
Hydrologist
Ariel Skelley / Getty Images
Hydrologists study water availability and quality, collecting data and using it to formulate plans to improve resources. They might work for government agencies or private companies, and they tend to split their time between the office and the field—which for a hydrologist, might mean waist-deep in lakes, rivers, and streams.
Environmental Scientist
Dariya Angelova / EyeEm / Getty Images
Environmental scientists work for government agencies, consulting firms, or other private companies, using their knowledge of natural sciences to inform policy that protects humans, animals, and the environment.
Like many science careers, this one requires workers to split their time between the office and the field.
Urban Farmer
Westend61 / Getty Images
Love growing your own food, but can’t imagine leaving city life (or at least, town life) behind? Combine your passions with this dream green job. Urban farmers utilize (or create) green space in vacant lots, backyards, even rooftops. Stats on urban farmers are hard to come by, but anecdotal evidence suggests this occupation is becoming more popular.
In recent years, some condo developments have even hired their own on-staff urban farmer as a draw for potential buyers.
Conservation Scientist
Hero Images / Getty Images
Conservation Scientists collect and analyze data to help manage parks and forests and protect the environment. They work with governments and landowners to improve land utilization without negatively impacting soil and water.
Urban Planner
Resolution Productions / Getty Images
Urban Planner
Over two-thirds of urban and regional planners worked for local government in 2020, per the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Urban planners typically plan land use programs to help create and expand communities. This is a vital role, especially in cities and towns that are experiencing high population growth
Chief Sustainability Officer
A chief sustainability officer serves as a corporate champion of their company’s environmental and sustainability programs. A CSO must also keep up to date on state, federal, and local laws regarding environmental requirements and ensure that the company stays in compliance with these regulations.
“Companies are monitoring the impact they’re having environmentally and on society, and the appointment of the CSO reflects an underlying need for companies to not only monitor but also improve their performance,” said Harvard Business School associate professor George Serafeim in an interview with Forbes.
LEED-Accredited Design Professional
LEED, which stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is the gold standard for environmental engineering and building. Architects, engineers, designers, and other professionals can take the LEED Professional Exams and become certified.
Environmental Lawyer
Environmental law is a complex and ever-evolving sector, so attorneys who specialize in this area never need to worry about finding work.
Environmental lawyers advise clients on issues related to air and water quality, hazardous waste, sustainability, and more. These lawyers work for all levels of government as well as private law firms and non-profit organizations.
Geoscientist
Some states require licensure for this job, which involves the study of the earth’s composition, history, and natural resources.
Geoscientists may work with environmental scientists, and do their jobs both indoors (in offices and labs) and out (in the field). Travel is typically required in this job, which can take workers to both hot and cold climates.
Environmental Engineer
Environmental engineers advise governments and private companies on the best ways to minimize the environmental impact of their projects. They might work on recycling programs, public health policies, or plans to reduce air and water pollution.
Hydrologist
Hydrologists study water availability and quality, collecting data and using it to formulate plans to improve resources. They might work for government agencies or private companies, and they tend to split their time between the office and the field—which for a hydrologist, might mean waist-deep in lakes, rivers, and streams.
Environmental Scientist
Environmental scientists work for government agencies, consulting firms, or other private companies, using their knowledge of natural sciences to inform policy that protects humans, animals, and the environment.
Like many science careers, this one requires workers to split their time between the office and the field.
Urban Farmer
Love growing your own food, but can’t imagine leaving city life (or at least, town life) behind? Combine your passions with this dream green job. Urban farmers utilize (or create) green space in vacant lots, backyards, even rooftops. Stats on urban farmers are hard to come by, but anecdotal evidence suggests this occupation is becoming more popular.
In recent years, some condo developments have even hired their own on-staff urban farmer as a draw for potential buyers.
Conservation Scientist
Conservation Scientists collect and analyze data to help manage parks and forests and protect the environment. They work with governments and landowners to improve land utilization without negatively impacting soil and water.
Urban Planner
Over two-thirds of urban and regional planners worked for local government in 2020, per the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Urban planners typically plan land use programs to help create and expand communities. This is a vital role, especially in cities and towns that are experiencing high population growth
Key Takeaways
Green jobs involve conserving, managing, or protecting natural resources.You can find green jobs in a variety of industries including engineering, science, law, management, and urban planning.Most of these jobs involve advanced education, licensure, or certification—so be prepared to invest in training.
Key Takeaways
Green jobs involve conserving, managing, or protecting natural resources.You can find green jobs in a variety of industries including engineering, science, law, management, and urban planning.Most of these jobs involve advanced education, licensure, or certification—so be prepared to invest in training.
- Green jobs involve conserving, managing, or protecting natural resources.You can find green jobs in a variety of industries including engineering, science, law, management, and urban planning.Most of these jobs involve advanced education, licensure, or certification—so be prepared to invest in training.
