- CAREERS
Green Jobs & Skills
What are they?
Green jobs can be found in traditional sectors, such as manufacturing, construction and transport, and in newer sectors such as energy efficiency, waste use, recycling, low-carbon transport, buildings and renewable energy.
They are jobs that might involve, for example:
- increasing the energy efficiency of existing and new-build housing
- the provision of public transport, electric vehicles and their charging infrastructure
- support for recycling, the reuse and reduction of waste materials
- managing corporate responsibility for the environment
- auditing carbon footprint for companies
Furthermore, improving resource efficiency and reducing waste can generate savings that can be invested back into employment.
Research & Reports
Free Whitepaper
Mind the gap: Why Gen Z talent is crucial in addressing the looming green skills shortfall.
Green jobs directory
We have listed a selection of green jobs below, but it is in no way exhaustive. It’s worth remembering that all skills can be applied in the work towards decarbonising and supporting nature!
Agronomist
Duties: advise farmers on soil health and help to produce crops in a more efficient sustainable way
Anaerobic Digestion - Engineer / Project Manager
Duties: managing farm and food waste using microorganisms to break down this biodegradable material to create a fuel which produces renewable energy
Aboriculture Officer
Duties: manage and maintain trees for local councils and arboricultural contractors
Carbon Accountant / Consultant
Duties: Assists businesses to understand and measure the carbon emissions of all their activities. Enables them to report these emissions and implement plans to reduce them as far as possible
Climate Scientist
Duties: study changes in the Earth’s climate over time and how they might affect the planet in the future
Countryside Officer / Ranger
Duties: look after green spaces and can work on tree planting schemes to help reduce effects of flooding. Manage protect and improve the rural environment.
Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability Practitioner
Duties: make sure that businesses work in an ethical way
Ecologist
Duties: study and help to restore environments such as woodlands, plants and animals
EV Mechanic
Duties: repair EV cars
Environmental Specialist
Duties: monitor how humans affect the environment. They identify environmental hazards, recommend ways to reduce impact, oversee field examinations and create reports on hazardous materials or locations
Electrician
Duties: Design, install, maintain, and repair electrical systems and components. Read technical diagrams and blueprints and follow wiring plans. Troubleshoot and test electrical problems and ensure safety and compliance with regulations.
Energy Consultant
Duties: work with people who are interested in installing renewable energy systems like solar panels. The goal of an energy consultant is to help clients find the best renewable energy system for their needs while also mitigating the environmental impact of the installation
Energy Adviser
Duties: offer energy services and assist clients with a variety of energy needs. They might help clients choose the right energy-efficient product for their needs and preferences, schedule energy equipment installations and educate clients on available energy products and their benefits. They also perform energy audits
Engineer
Duties: work on systems to support renewable technologies: solar, wind, tidal, hydrogen
Environmental Manager
Duties: ensure companies comply with environmental regulations and promote sustainable development
Environmental Technician
Duties: monitor the environment and identify ways to reduce contamination or pollution. Their responsibilities may include collecting and analysing soil samples, performing environmental impact studies to determine how various human activities affect the environment and cleaning up contaminated sites
Forestry Worker
Duties: plant, manage and harvest trees and care for the environment in forests and woodland
Hydrologist
Duties: study rainfall, rivers and groundwater systems to help develop sustainable ways of managing water
Insulation Installer
Duties: add and replace insulation material in homes, buildings and mechanical systems, which helps to save energy and reduce noise
Peatlands (various)
Duties: protect and restore our peatlands
Recycling Officer
Duties: work in one of 3 sites in Cumbria where building materials are recycled
Retrofit of buildings
Duties: carrying out carbon audit then installation of intervention measures i.e. windows, insulation in housing
Recycling Engagement Officer
Duties: run local recycling schemes and explain the benefits of recycling to the public
Smart Meter Installer
Duties: fit meters in customer homes which help people to monitor and reduce the energy they use
Solar Engineer / Technician / Installer
Duties: work with solar panels. They assemble solar modules, apply sealant, determine how to lay out panels and identify any hazards that would interfere with photovoltaic installations
Tree Surgeon
Duties: work in towns and the countryside, assessing tree health, removing branches, planting new stock and felling unsafe trees
Wind Turbine Technician
Duties: install, repair, operate and maintain the wind turbines that produce renewable energy on land and at sea
Jobs in Low Energy Building and Retrofit / Refurbishment
This diagram shows where some of the jobs above can be found throughout the building/retrofit process. Each project starts with an energy model, then moves onto surveying, then designing, then building, and finally monitoring and evaluation.
Energy Model
Energy / Retrofit Advisor
Retrofit Assessor
Retrofit Coordinator
Energy / Retrofit Consultant
Survey
Structural Engineer
Chartered Surveyor
Thermographer
Air Tightness tester
Other consultants
Design
Retrofit Designer
Architect
Architectural Technologist
Building Energy Consultant
Designer/ Engineer in:
Heat Pumps
Ventilation Systems
Renewable Technologies
Build
Quantity Surveyor
Project Manager
Clerk of Works
Air Tightness Tester
Bricklayer
Joiner
Plasterer
Roofer
Insulation Installer
Air Tightness Champion / . Installer
Retrofit Installer
Ventilation System Installer
Heat Pump Installer
Solar PV Installer
Electrician
Plumber
Monitor and Evaluate
Retrofit Evaluator
Data Analyst
Thermographer
Air Tightness Tester
