The Environmental and Infrastructure Job Markets Are Heating Up. Are You Ready To Jump In?

I am sure that many of you have heard the political rancor over Green and Stimulus related jobs. Whether you agree or disagree with how many jobs were “saved” versus  “created” from the stimulus bill, there is a positive trend in the economy worth talking about: Environmental and Infrastructure job openings are heating up.

Different from manufacturing and other career fields, there has been acute shortage of workers in these industries for years and plenty of work to be done. (See ASCE’s Infrastructure Report Card).  The Minnesota bridge collapse; potholes in the streets; traffic congestion; dilapidated buildings and contaminated factory sites  are all reminders that our environmental and infrastructure problems must to be addressed (check out this documentary on America’s Infrastructure).

Once the money starts flowing again, these industries will go back to their “normal” short of people and overwhelmed with work.  Here are some suggestions that job seekers should consider when weighing their options:

• If you are considering going back to college for a degree consider a civil, environmental engineering or science degree.
• If a degree is out of the question and consider a class in CAD (Drafting) or becoming an environmental technician.

Here are some more fields where potential growth may occur as the economy picks up. Consider these areas as part of your career assessment.

Check out Hinton Human Capital Jobs

Green, Infrastructure and Stimulus Job Alert from Hinton Human Capital Jobs

Hinton Human Capital has a number of “Hot jobs” to fill in the first quarter of 2010. Many of these opportunities are related to stimulus or infrastructure projects around the country. Our goal is to fill all of our openings in the next 120 days.

We are asking  job seekers to do the following:

1. Subscribe to Hinton Human Capital Blog for updates on the job market and the hottest jobs.
2. Spread the word to your networks on Twitter, Facebook and Linked In and other social media sites.
3. Apply online at the link below

Hinton Human Capital Jobs.

27 Areas of Potential Job Growth In the Green Economy

People have asked me “Where do you see growth in the area of green jobs?” The United States has a shortage of technical professionals when compared to other countries due to low graduation numbers in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields. As the Climate Change, Environmental and Infrastructure industries pick up, here are the fields where I believe well paying jobs will come available:

1.  Accounting/Forensic Accounting: The critics of the cap and trade market believe that fraud and ponzi schemes could be a major problem in the new carbon market. These people will be part of the team to determine the money trail and help regulators with prosecution.
2. Alternative Energy: You have heard of this one, but the number of people going into this field is still very low because of high math and science requirements. People are needed in Biofuels/Biomass, Geothermal, Hydroelectric, Waste to Energy and Wind.

3. Architecture: Architects are responsible for designing (or redesigning) buildings to fit the new green standards and building practices. With the advent of recycled building materials and the high numbers of government buildings that will be retrofitted with green features, it will be important for architects to have the LEED certification as part of their credentials.

4. Atmospheric Sciences:Atmospheric scientists study how pollutants behave in the atmosphere. Accidental toxic releases, acid rain, carbon emissions and ozone depletion are big business in their realm. Their mission over the next few decades is to inform the general public about the effects of greenhouse gases on the weather.

5. Carbon Consulting:Eventually every company will have a department or business partner to help them deal with their GHG emissions, carbon credits and trading. There will be growth in corporate as well as consulting jobs.

6. Carbon Capture/ Sequestration:What do we do with the carbon dioxide? Good question. This industry’s job is to find innovative ways to offset, reuse and store captured GHGs. Expect a lot of smart people and money to flow into this industry over the long term.

7. Computer Aided Design: These people “draw” the construction documents for any type of construction related project. With thousands of architecture, engineering and construction projects slated to come from the ARRA, there will be plenty of work once the projects start flowing.

8. Civil Engineering: Civil engineers have a role in every infrastructure related project, whether it is airports, bridges or stormwater systems. This is a field which will have good long term growth and a shortage of workers.

9. Electrical Engineering:These are the people who design and maintain the electrical grid and power plants. There may be a shortage of these people as the design and construction of the new grid picks up.

10. Emissions Trading:These professionals will be the focal point of the new carbon trading market. They are responsible for buying and selling credits to interested parties on the exchange. Carbon is not the only market that will see growth. Look for opportunities in Nitrogen Oxide (NO_x) and Sulphur Oxide (SO_x) markets as overall greenhouse trading markets grow. Traders and brokers must complete licensing requirements in order to work in the market.

11. Energy Management: Also called Resource Efficiency Managers, the professionals in this field not only understand engineering and construction but monitor utility rates to find cost savings. They ensure that energy consumption and costs stay within acceptable limits.

12. Environmental Engineering:These are the people who design water and wastewater treatment systems. Many cities like Atlanta, DC and Portland,OR have multi-billion water infrastructure upgrade programs underway which will receive federal funding.

13. Environmental Information Systems:Industrial facilities must monitor all their equipment, facilities and waste products to ensure the safety of their employees, the environment and the public. The specialized computer systems, software and the people who design and maintain them will have a big job to do in the “green economy”.

14. Environmental Scientists:These are the people who do the environmental investigations and write the environmental permits and reports for construction, industry and climate change. These people will be especially important to the smart grid, rural broadband and environmental clean-up and restoration projects.

15. Forestry:I am sure you were scratching your head about this choice. Here is my reason: Forests absorb carbon dioxide and will be used as offsets in carbon trading. Someone has to look after the trees because planting trees could become more lucrative than cutting them down.

16. Geographic Information Systems/Remote Sensing:The Smart grid and other infrastructure will be on a highly specialized network of sensors using different technologies to monitor power flow and report data.

17. Greenhouse Gas Auditing/Compliance:Every facility that has a smoke stack or produces gaseous byproducts will be inspected and monitored for compliance with greenhouse gas regulations. These professionals will work for environmental consulting firms, the government, non-profits and private investors to make sure GHG emissions stay in range.

18. Geotechnical Engineering:Geotechnical engineers have a key role in the design and construction of dams, foundations, levees, tunnels and underground remediation systems. As the alternate energy, infrastructure and environmental projects heat up, the need for these professionals will go off the chart.

19. Industrial Waste Treatment/Solid Waste/Hazardous Waste Managers:Before any industrial waste product can be reused or returned to the environment it must recycled, treated or put into long term storage. These professionals are at the front line dealing with contaminated water, E-waste, household trash and nuclear waste.  

20. Landscape Architecture/Horticulture:Ever heard of a green roof or eaten organic vegetables or Xeriscaping? The natural activities of plants are important to the green jobs industry. Plants will be used to conserve water, clean up environmental spills and many other things.

21. Mechanical Engineering (HVAC):Green buildings need high climate controls to monitor energy consumption and the indoor environment. Mechanical engineers will be responsible in designing the next generation of indoor climate controls.

22. Nuclear Engineering:I know. I know. You think this is a stretch, right? Well, the French have come up with a way to reuse spent nuclear fuel rods and return them into service. If the department of energy approves the process, it is possible thousands of spent fuel rods could be returned to service and limit the need for new manufacturing.

23. Recycling:Recycling companies will gain a huge benefit in the green economy. Watch for some of them to have strong business in scrap metals and recycled materials markets.

24. Regulatory/Government compliance:The EPA and a number of other government agencies will have to expand their staffs to stay on top of new companies and regulations.

25. Risk Management/Insurance:All businesses need insurance and risk management services. The green industry will be no different.

26. Structural Engineering:Do you remember the bridge that collapsed in Minnesota or how about the Dallas Cowboys practice facility? Structural Engineers not only design structural framework of building and bridges, they also investigate structural failures.

27. Transit /Light Rail:The ARRA has a lot of money committed to transit projects. This field has a large number of people retiring over the next few years and a large influx of new people will be needed.

  

Talking Green Jobs With The Career Engineer

The green job market has a number of well paying job opportunities that general public does not know about. In the conversation with The Career Engineer, Francina Harrison, Stephen Hinton expounds on the opportunities coming available in the water treatment, environmental  and other industries. 

5 Things Women Need to Know To Win in the Green or Stem Job Market”

“5 Things Women Need to Know To Win in the Green or Stem Job Market” With Special Guests Francina Harrison “The Career Engineer”, Roxanne Ravenel “The Savvy Jobseeker” and Adrienne Graham “The Talent Diva”

 

 Francina Harrison  Roxanne Ravenel  Adrienne Graham

Women are a very important part of the US workforce. Now that we are moving into the era of Green and STEM jobs, which have been male dominated fields throughout history, the movement of women into these fields will be critical to the our country’s  long term economic growth. This show shares important strategies that women need to land a successful job and manage their careers.   

“Social Media and The Technical Job Seeker: What You Need To Know” With Special Guest Jeff Lipschulz

“Social Media and The Technical Job Seeker: What You Need To Know” With  Special Guest Jeff Lipschulz

Now that the stimulus package has begun to show some tangible results. JobTalk With Hinton Human Capital is now focusing on helping job seekers in the green and STEM job markets to position themselves for new job opportunities.  This interview with Social Media expert and Recruiter Jeff Lipschultz will new and social media savvy job seekers get the most out of their efforts. Jeff also lays out a strategy for job seekers to use Linked In, Twitter, Facebook and other social media sites as a system for personal branding, networking and referrals

About Jeff Lipschultz

Jeff Lipschultz is a founding partner and Principal at A-List Solutions, a Dallas-based recruiting and employment consulting company. Jeff has worked at companies such as Motorola and BNSF Railway, and smaller companies specializing in manufacturing and software. While at these companies and as a recruiter at A-List Solutions, Jeff has hired or recruited engineers, IT and finance professionals, sales and marketing professionals, Six Sigma and Lean experts, and managers of many talents. Additionally, he has recruited at universities all over the country. Jeff has presented and written a great deal on Career and Employer Branding leveraging Social Media and tips on interviewing and resume writing techniques.

 Jeff ’s Interview:Listen Here

Connect With Jeff on his Blog

Green Certifications Can Pay Off In Great Jobs

Many people who have read my articles about Certifications and Licenses wonder if getting them really pays off.  Let me assuage your doubt and/ or skepticism. With the prospects of a ”Jobless” recovery over the next year to 18 months, now is a good time to invest in some new skills and education to put yourself in position to prosper.

The most important thing to remember in your job search is to position yourself in the path of investment dollars are flowing. In plain english: Money always flows toward opportunity.  One of the big areas of investment for the Federal government is Energy Management. Energy Management uses technology, best practices and green construction to help buildings or types of facilities maximize their energy usage. Many EM positions require the LEED AP certification.

If you are undecided if this certification is worth it, here is some evidence that the LEED AP certification can pay off. Here is a job posting from one of Hinton Human Capital’s business partners that will get your attention. Check it out. Don’t forget to make sure your resume ready.

Energy Management Job: Shipboard REM/Energy Manager Services Job, 8A Energy Services Company – TCEJobStop.

Hot Environmental Engineering Job From Hinton Human Capital

Hinton Human Capital, an emerging leader in executive search in Climate Change, Environmental and Infrastructure markets is now searching for Environmental Remediation Consultant for a national engineering consulting firm. Ideal candidate will have at least 10 years of demonstrated experience in environmental consulting plus the following skills and abilities:

• A “Seller/Doer” track record of business development, project management and technical accomplishments in environmental soil & groundwater remediation for private and public sectors
• Ability to build and maintain relationships clients, regulators and stake holders
• Ability to communicate in depth knowledge of EPA and state regulations
• Oversee the work of technical specialists and junior staff
• Knowledge of latest remedial technologies is required

Requirements

BS degree in Environmental, Chemical Engineering or Environmental sciences is required.

PE license is strong plus

CPEA, REM or other certifications are a strong plus

Apply here

Job Market Update- Free Clean Tech Job Trends 2009 Report

Are you looking for a job in Clean Energy Technology, Energy Efficiency or just something new?  In this free report, authors Ron Pernick, Clint Wilder, Dexter Gauntlett and Trevor Winnie of Clean Edge walk the reader through the top job sectors and where they are headed over the foreseeable future.

Filled with in depth analysis, the reader walks away with a clear understanding of compensation, where the investment money is flowing; colleges who offer training and much more. I highly recommend you read this free report

Reports – Clean Edge – Clean Tech Job Trends 2009

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Recession-Proof Jobs in Infrastructure – Careers Articles

Did you know that it will take decades to update America’s infrastructure? Think about the hundreds of thousands of jobs and investment opportunities an infrastructure overhaul could bring.  As the recession wanes and the stimulus takes hold, there will an increasing demand for infrastructure professionals listed in this article by Carol Tice.

Recession-Proof Jobs in Infrastructure – Careers Articles

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