Green jobs expected to grow as interest in environment increases

One of the fastest-growing segments of the job market is environmentally friendly careers, or green jobs. As the number of people interested in protecting the environment continues to grow, so does an industry devoted to going green.

While certain sectors may be cutting back on hiring, companies that focus around environmental issues, saving energy and green manufacturing are booming. Here are some predicted green job statistics, courtesy of Build Baby Build.

n Advanced biofuels: 29,000 new jobs by 2012; 190,000 jobs by 2022

n Energy-efficient infrastructure: 280,000 jobs, nearly half of which would be created in the next 12 months

n Solar energy: 110,000 new jobs by the end of 2010 in the U.S., plus solar job growth of 100 percent in Canada

n Renewal energy: Overall 37 million jobs by the year 2030, which would be 17 percent of all U.S. employment

n Wind energy: 185,000 new jobs in the next 12 months

Searching for green jobs is easier now than in years past. Companies everywhere are creating positions to bridge the transition between traditional ways of doing business and new, environmentally friendly options. Anyone with a good work ethic can get into a green career, especially where a specific skill set (such as crafting solar panels) is not required. Here are some of the up-and-coming green jobs.

n Land-use planners: Individuals who plan land use to reduce carbon footprints.

n Green hospitality: Individuals who specialize in hotels and the travel industry that support green initiatives.

n Alternative care: Many people want to go beyond traditional medicine to cure what ails them. Alternative treatments, such as the use of herbs, is quite popular, as is acupuncture treatment.

n Green attorneys: Lawyers who specialize in environmental issues are in high demand.

n IT professionals: Green companies need individuals to maintain computer systems, websites and provide employee support.

Courtesy Metro Creative Connection