The green sector offers bountiful prospects to jobseekers who thrive on sustainable and meaningful work. Even better, these opportunities are on the rise and scattered across nearly every type of industry. Whether you’re interested in energy, agriculture, construction, or even tourism, the environmental sector has something for you.
Whether you’re interested in energy, agriculture, construction, or even tourism, the environmental sector has something for you.
If you don’t have a college degree, there’s no need to worry. Not every job in this field requires education beyond high school. Many roles provide specialized training to prepare you for your daily duties. Read on to see our extensive list of green jobs and discover a rewarding career fit for the future.
Our List of Exciting Green Jobs That Don’t Require a College Degree
1. Ecotourism Guide
The travel industry has experienced tremendous growth over the past 20 years; however, it has also put a big strain on the environment. Economies and businesses still depend on visitors for sustainability, which is why many are turning to the planet-friendly solution of ecotourism. Eco-travel companies have different missions, from using carbon-neutral operations to promoting environmental awareness. All offer fun and adventurous jobs.
As a guide, you may work in a specific region of the world and/or with a particular cause. You lead visitors on excursions and educate them about the environment. Although experience with a foreign language may be helpful in this role, college degrees are not required.
2. Forest Worker
If you love to be outdoors and want to improve the health of forests, you may be an ideal candidate for a role as a forest and conservation worker. In this position on our list of green jobs, you can soak up knowledge from scientists and technicians as you work to cultivate, maintain, and preserve forests and open lands. Whether you work for the local government or a private nursery, you will contribute to important and necessary conservation efforts.
If you love to be outdoors and want to improve the health of forests, you may be an ideal candidate for a role as a forest and conservation worker.
3. Alternative-Fuel Vehicle Salesperson
With a pressing need to limit carbon emissions, automotive companies are increasingly focused on developing alternative-fuel vehicles. In fact, according to studies, the global market for these clean machines will grow by 13.1% through 2023. If you want to be part of an exciting and cutting-edge movement on the list of green jobs, look no further than the alternative-fuel industry.
Data on ONET shows that a college degree isn’t necessary to work in retail sales for green automobiles. You receive on-the-job training to prepare you for the role. Excellent communication skills and an outgoing personality will help you explain products to customers.
4. Fisher or Hunter
Are you an eco-minded outdoors person? You can turn that angling hobby into a paid gig as a fishing or hunting worker. In these roles on the list of green jobs, you manage ecosystems via sustainable catching and trapping practices. Both positions require knowledge of legal regulations; however, you can pick this up on the job and learn through experience. Take pride in your work knowing those ethical catches will go towards a variety of important purposes.
Both positions require knowledge of legal regulations; however, you can pick this up on the job and learn through experience.
5. Green Construction Worker
Green construction and buildings are on the rise for more than environmental reasons. Ecofriendly practices also reduce operating costs for companies. If you love to work with your hands, be part of a team, and complete exciting projects, you could be an excellent fit as a green construction worker. In addition to general building practices, you may work to optimize energy efficiency, water conservation, and indoor air quality.
No formal education is necessary for this gig on our list of green jobs, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Instead, most workers become skilled via on-the-job training and learning from more experienced colleagues. A high school diploma and any supplemental technical education make you a competitive candidate for this role.
6. Logging Worker
Although a logging job may not sound like green work, this position is critical to the responsible management of forests and resources. As a logger, you climb and cut down trees, sort timber, and operate specialized equipment among other duties. If you enjoy working as a team and spending time in nature, this could be an extremely rewarding role on our list of green jobs. No college degree is necessary. You will receive training before starting work.
Although a logging job may not sound like green work, this position is critical to the responsible management of forests and resources.
7. Farmer or Agricultural Worker
The organic and sustainable farming industry is growing at a rapid rate thanks in part to demand from consumers. You can be a vital contributor this planet-conscious trend as an agricultural worker, especially if you love to be around plants and animals. In this position, you irrigate land, harvest crops, and feed livestock. You can also assume specific roles within the organic farming industry, such as equipment operator, animal breeder, or greenhouse technician.
8. Organic Restaurant Chef
The demand for organic food isn’t going anywhere. In fact, the organic food market is the fastest growing sector of the food industry in the United States. Restaurants are hopping on the trend not only to provide healthier offerings but also boost profits. The outlook is strong for cooks and chefs who want to join this movement on the list of green jobs. As an organic food chef, you can serve up culinary creations with a planet-friendly twist.
The outlook is strong for cooks and chefs who want to join this movement on the list of green jobs.
9. Safety Inspector
Do you have unrivaled attention to detail? Do you want to protect the environment and give people safer places to work? Consider a job as an occupational health and safety technician. In this role, you use your analytical skills to evaluate places for hazards. These hazards may be dangerous materials, faulty equipment, or perilous terrain. The BLS expects the job outlook for this industry to grow by 8% through 2026.
10. Recycling Coordinator
Help create new products by reusing old materials as a recycling coordinator. In this green role, you take on the increasingly important task of reducing waste and limiting large-scale environmental impact. There are many jobs within the recycling industry that do not require a college degree. These include drivers, sorters, and route managers. If you want to make a hands-on difference in helping the planet, look no further than a fulfilling career in recycling.
In this green role, you take on the increasingly important task of reducing waste and limiting large-scale environmental impact.
