Green technology job opportunities: Do you know?

Green technology job opportunities are high as the whole world today is looking towards green technology to deal with various environmental challenges and is discussing how we can achieve sustainable development through green technology.

Green technology is today known by many terms such as green technology, green tech or clean technology. Built In defines it as “Greentech is also known as ‘cleantech’ or ‘environmental technology’ and these terms are often used interchangeably.”1 The point is that green technology plays a role in environmentally friendly development.

Importance of Green Technology in Context of Environment:

• Green technology reduces various environmental negative impacts and promotes sustainable development.
• Green technology prioritizes climate change, sustainable development, natural resources such as solar, wind and hydropower, energy-efficient technologies and many more.
• Today, various job opportunities are being created in the field of green technology and the demand for green technology experts is also increasing.
• Green technology today is capable of generating employment opportunities not only in India but also globally.
• Considering the potential of green technology, India Today wrote that “According to the International Labour Organization, changes in energy production and consumption can create millions of new jobs globally, with India estimated to generate 3.7 million new green jobs by 2025. With the potential to generate 35 million jobs by 2047, the Indian green economy is on the verge of transformation.”2

India’s Approach to Green Technology:

India’s approach to employment and labour is to create a workforce that can drive the country’s sustainable development.

To achieve this objective, the government has projected that green jobs could become a key part of India’s economic growth in the next five to ten years. Reflecting on the government’s approach in an article in India Today, Prakash writes “Our approach is to create a workforce that focuses on the country’s sustainable development.”3 The government further states that in the next few years, green sector jobs will contribute not only to traditional sectors but also to green sectors such as renewable energy but also to newer sectors such as sustainable construction, electric vehicles, and smart agriculture.

Referring to the potential role of green technology in the context of the Indian economy and sustainable development, Pathak writes, “In the next five to ten years, I see green jobs becoming a central pillar of India’s economic growth, in traditional sectors such as renewable energy as well as newer sectors such as sustainable construction, electric vehicles, and smart agriculture.”4

Green technology job opportunities:

Today there are innumerable employment opportunities in the field of green technology which can become the foundation of sustainable development. Various fields of green technology include fields such as energy engineer, environmental consultant, sustainable development analyst, green architect, solar PV designer and installer, wind turbine technician, climate change analyst, eco-innovator or entrepreneur, environmental scientist, environmental impact consultant, electric vehicle technician, urban producer or urban green farmer, rural green agriculture farmer and green information technology (IT). Employment opportunities in these green sectors will not only increase sensitivity towards the environment but will also help in achieving the goals of sustainable development.

Job opportunities in the renewable energy sector: 

This sector uses natural resources without harming the environment. This sector uses energy sources which are renewable and never-ending. These sources and energy types use renewable sources such as wind energy, solar energy and hydropower. The more these sources are used, the less pressure will be on fossil fuels for energy and gradually a day may come when the world will start using these renewable sources only. Because those non-renewable energy sources, like fossil money etc. are harmful to the environment. According to Coursera “79 percent of all energy sources used by 2022 are fossil fuels, but they are harmful to the environment, pumping carbon dioxide into the air and contributing to global climate change.”5

Potential jobs in this field:

Many jobs are becoming available like solar panel technician, wind energy engineer, renewable energy project manager, energy analyst, solar PV engineer, solar PV installer wind and turbine technician etc.

• Solar PV Designer/Installer: A solar PV designer can perform a variety of tasks related to photovoltaic (PV) systems. They work closely with other engineers such as architects, electrical engineers, etc. to seamlessly integrate PV systems into a building or structure. Their job is to build supporting structures for solar panels, connect the panels to the electrical system, and troubleshoot technical problems.
• Wind Turbine Technician: Wind technicians install, inspect, maintain, operate, and repair wind turbines. Their specialty is to troubleshoot and fix any problems in wind turbines. The role of wind turbine technicians is important in expanding renewable energy sources and maintaining people’s trust in it.

Note: Here the required qualifications for various jobs are given on the basis of general studies but some companies may increase or decrease the qualifications.

Eligibility for employment in renewable energy sector:

There are different eligibility and selection processes for these different types of jobs, which are as follows.

Solar Panel Technician:

Eligibility:

• Minimum 10th/12th pass (many institutes demand diploma or ITI).
• ITI diploma or certificate in electrical or electronics is required.
• Certification in solar panel installation and repair (like PMKVY or other skill development programs).
• Knowledge of basic electrical systems and mechanical skills is required.

Selection Process:

• Completion of certification courses conducted by skill training institutes or companies.
• Institutes or companies make selection through written test and practical tests.
• Candidates with experience are given direct job.

Wind Energy Engineer:

Eligibility:

• BE/B.Tech (Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, or Renewable Energy) degree is required.
• Master’s degree in Energy Systems or Renewable Energy (optional).
• Knowledge of CAD software, analytical modeling, and technical aspects of wind energy.
• Strong command over mathematics, physics, and environmental sciences is required.

Selection Process:

• Campus placements, job portals, or entrance exams are conducted.
• Companies conduct technical interviews and group discussions.
• Experience and project work are preferred.

Renewable Energy Project Manager:

Qualification:

• BE/B.Tech (in any field of engineering) + MBA (Project Management/Energy Management).
• Experience and certifications in renewable energy (PMP, PRINCE2, etc.).
• Strong communication, leadership, and project planning skills are required.
• Proficiency in project software (such as MS Project, Primavera) is required.

Selection Process:

• Campus placements are done during the MBA/Management course.
• Direct interviews are conducted for those with experience in the relevant field.
• Understanding of project management and leadership ability are assessed.

Energy Analyst:

Qualification:

• BE/B.Tech (Electrical/Electronics/Mechanical/Energy Engineering) degree is required.
• Master’s degree in Energy Management or Data Analytics.
• Knowledge of data analysis software (such as Python, MATLAB, or Excel) is also required.
• Knowledge of energy policy, consumption patterns and energy sustainability is also required.

Selection Process:

• Companies conduct written tests (technical and aptitude).
• Experience of projects related to data analysis is asked.
• Selection is done on the basis of technical and HR interviews.

Means of employment:

• Jobs under government schemes which are recruited by the government.
• Private companies (such as Tata Power, Suzlon, Adani Green)
• These jobs can also be obtained through job portals and employment fairs.

Career opportunities in the field of environmental scientist:

These scientists play a very important role in environmental protection and sustainable development. Environmental scientists analyze and research various elements, causes and effects of the environment to detect potential threats. Their aim is to adopt sustainable practices and reduce environmental damage. The employment rate in this field is increasing and is likely to increase in the future. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Employment of environmental scientists and specialists is projected to grow by 7 percent from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all occupations.”6 There are numerous employment opportunities in this field.

Potential Employment:

This field can emerge with great prospects in the future. There are many jobs available in this field like Environmental Scientist Ecology Consultant, Afforestation Specialist, Climate Change Analyst, Environmental Trainer, Awareness Campaign Coordinator, Sustainable Development Consultant, Environment Teacher, Environmental Policy Consultant, Green Law Consultant NGO Project Coordinator, Environmental Lawyer etc.

Eligibility and selection process for Environmental Scientist and jobs related to this field:

In the field of environmental education and awareness, the following general qualifications are required for all these posts like Environmental Trainer, Awareness Campaign Coordinator, Sustainable Development Consultant, Environment Teacher in school/college.

Educational Qualification:

• Graduate (B.Sc) or Postgraduate (M.Sc) in Environmental Science, Ecology, Biodiversity, or related subjects.
• B.Ed or special course in Environmental Education is desirable for teaching.

Experience:

• Experience of participation or leadership in awareness campaigns.
• Teaching experience is essential for school/college.

Skills:

• Communication skills, presentation and project management.
• Knowledge of local languages ​​(useful in campaigns).

Selection Process:

• Written test (if applying for a government institution or big NGO).
• Interview, in which the focus will be on subject expertise and ways of spreading awareness.
• Practical demo (for school/college teaching).

There are many positions available in environmental policy and law related positions like Environmental Policy Specialist, Green Law Consultant, NGO Project Coordinator, Environmental Lawyer etc. Qualifications:

Educational Qualification:

• Master’s degree in Environmental Science/Policy Studies (Environmental Policy, Public Policy, or Sustainable Development).
• Law degree (LL.B or LL.M) required for specialization in Environmental Law.

Experience:

• Experience in policy analysis, project coordination or as a legal consultant.

Skills:

• Policy writing, data analysis and advocacy.
• Knowledge of research and interpretation for legal matters.

Selection Process:

• Written exam (especially for legal positions).
• Subject specific interview, in which policy making and law are discussed.
• Practical case study or project presentation.

General Qualifications and Skills:

All these positions also require some general qualifications and skills such as knowledge of computers and data analysis (GIS, MS Office, etc.), report writing and presentation skills, ability to work in a team, knowledge of modern trends in environmental law, policies and sustainability.

Who can provide employment and application process:

• Government departments: State/national level exams like UPSC, SSC, State Service Commission.
• NGOs and private institutions: Direct application, opportunities through workshops/training.
• Educational institutions: Educational institutions recruit for qualified candidates.
• Online platforms: LinkedIn, Naukri, and other job portals.

Various types of job opportunities in Green Building Architect:

Today we need environmentally friendly and energy-efficient buildings. This need can be fulfilled by a Green Building Architect. This is also an emerging field where many employment opportunities are available. With the advice of such experts, we can reduce water consumption, minimize waste and pollution and design comfortable buildings. The aim of Green Building Architecture is not only environmental protection but also to improve the quality of life of the people living in it.

Types of Jobs: There are many job opportunities available in this field like Green Architect, Energy Efficiency Consultant, Sustainable Construction Manager, Eco-Friendly Material Specialist.

Educational Qualifications and Selection Process in this field:

Green Architect:

Educational Qualification:

• Bachelor degree in Architecture (B.Arch) is required.
• It is beneficial to have a specialization course (Master’s degree or diploma) in green building design or sustainable architecture.

Skills:

• Knowledge of energy efficiency technology, green building certification (LEED, GRIHA).
• Knowledge of AutoCAD, BIM, and other design software.
• Experience with eco-friendly building materials.

Selection Process:

• Evaluation of portfolio and design projects.
• Technical interview.
• Tests or projects by companies for green building certification.

Energy Efficiency Consultant:

Educational Qualification:

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or energy management.
• Certificate or diploma course in energy audit, sustainable energy, or climate studies.

Skills:

• Ability to analyze energy consumption.
• Knowledge of solar energy, wind turbines, and other renewable energy sources.
• Experience with specific software such as RETScreen, HOMER Pro.

Selection Process:

• Interview based on practical test or case study.
• Presentation of energy audit project.
• Demand for government or private energy efficiency certification.

Sustainable Construction Manager:

Educational Qualification:

• Degree in Civil Engineering or Construction Management.
• Certificate course in Sustainable Construction and Environmental Management.

Skills:

• Knowledge of green construction technology, waste management, and energy efficiency processes.
• Knowledge of project management software (MS Project, Primavera).
• Understanding of government guidelines and sustainable standards (LEED, BREEAM).

Selection Process:

• Presentation of project report or management case study.
• Interview based on practical experience in green construction.
• Assessment of leadership and technical aptitude.

Eco-Friendly Material Specialist:

Educational Qualification:

• Bachelor’s/Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Material Science, or Environmental Science.
• Certification or training in Sustainable Material Technology.

Skills:

• In-depth knowledge of eco-friendly materials and their use.
• Understanding of recycling and upcycling processes.
• Experience in product development and material testing.

Selection Process:

• Evaluation based on practical samples or testing projects.
• Evaluation of research work related to materials.
• Experience in related industry.

General suggestion: Candidates who want to make a career in this field should do certification courses: LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), GRIHA (Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment), certification in Energy Efficiency and Sustainability Management. Internship and experience: Internship in green construction projects, working with environmental organizations. Networking: Attend green architecture and sustainability conferences, join professional organizations (IGBC, USGBC). If one gets certifications, then the chances of getting employment increase even more.

Job Opportunities in Sustainability Consultant:

Sustainability consultants advise various organizations on adopting sustainable practices. Their role is crucial as businesses strive to meet their sustainability goals. According to Verdantix “The demand for ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) and sustainability consulting services has grown significantly over the past two years. The market is estimated to be worth $14 billion in 2023 and reach over $48 billion by 2028.”7 There are many entry-level to high-level jobs available in this sector such as Junior Sustainability Consultant, Sustainability Analyst, Sustainability Manager, Environmental Consultant, Sustainability Director, Chief Sustainability Officer – CSO, Green Building Consultant, ESG Consultant, etc.

Educational Qualification and Selection Process:

Junior Sustainability Consultant:

Qualification:

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Sustainability, Engineering, or related field is required.
• Must have basic understanding of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance).
• Experience in data analysis and reporting (must have knowledge of MS Excel, Power BI etc.).

Selection Process:

• Applications are made with resume and cover letter.
• Technical test for writing or data analysis is conducted.
• Personal interview is taken.

Sustainability Analyst:

Qualification:

• Basic knowledge in data monitoring, reporting, and eco-friendly project planning is required.
• Certification: Certifications such as LEED Green Associate or GRI (Global Reporting Initiative) may be helpful.

Selection Process:

• Selection is done on the basis of qualification and experience.
• Analytical testing and presentation skills are assessed.

Sustainability Manager:

Qualifications:

• Expertise in environmental management, energy efficiency, or green building design is required.
• Minimum 3-5 years of experience is required.
• Knowledge of GRI, ISO 14001, or other sustainability-related standards is required.
• Experience in preparing sustainability reports is also required.

Selection Process:

• Professional experience is reviewed.
• Interviews (based on project management and leadership ability) is taken.

Environmental Consultant:

Qualifications:

• Should have a deep understanding of environmental laws and policies.
• Experience in Environmental Impact Assessment is required.
• Master’s degree in civil engineering or environmental science may be helpful.

Selection Process:

• Professional experience and technical interview are taken.
• Information may be taken in the context of project case study or portfolio.

Sustainability Director:

Qualification:

• 10+ years of experience in strategic management of sustainability is required.
• Experience in ESG policy making and implementation is required.
• MBA or advanced degree in environmental science is required.

Selection Process:

• Board level interview is conducted.
• Demonstration of strategic vision and team leadership is observed.

Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO)

Qualification:

• Extensive experience in sustainability management, corporate social responsibility (CSR), and energy policies is required.
• Understanding of latest industry standards and international guidelines is required.
• Ability to lead large projects is tested.

Selection Process:

• Interview with CEO/Board is conducted.
• Presentation of sustainability vision and strategies is observed.

Green Building Consultant:

Qualification:

• Expertise in architecture or civil engineering is required.
• LEED AP, BREEAM or WELL certification is required.
• Experience in green building design and energy efficiency is required.

Selection Process:

• Project portfolio is reviewed.
• Technical interview is taken.

ESG Consultant:

Qualification:

• Understanding of ESG reporting frameworks such as SASB, GRI or TCFD is required.
• Expertise in finance or data science is beneficial.
• Certification: CFA ESG certification is required.

Selection Process:

• Data analysis test and interview are taken.

This field also has a common selection process in which online application is made with a resume and cover letter. Technical test: This is based on analysis, reporting or project presentation. Interview: This can be a personal or panel interview or both. Practical case studies and strategic thinking can be tested. Experience: Specialized experience is tested if experience is required for a particular position.

Job opportunities in the field of Electric Vehicle Technician:

With the growing number of electric vehicles, the need for technicians skilled in EV technology is increasing. These technicians check, repair and perform regular maintenance of EVs. The industry is estimated to generate 5 million direct and 30 million indirect jobs by 2030. According to the Economic Times, “India’s electric vehicle (EV) boom is driving employment growth, with 5 million direct and 30 million indirect jobs projected by 2030.” [6] There are various types of jobs available in this sector from low to high level such as EV service technician, battery technician, charging station technician, EV system engineer, battery management system (BMS) engineer, EV diagnostic specialist, EV project manager, chief battery engineer, EV charging infrastructure manager, EV research scientist, automotive software engineer, power electronics engineer, EV operations head, chief technology officer, head of production etc.

Urban Grower/Urban Farmer:

Today there is a need to use green technologies like hydroponics and aquaponics to promote sustainable agriculture. We need such professionals to make this initiative successful. By using this technology we can reduce water wastage. This sector can play an important role in reducing carbon footprint, conserving resources and increasing urban biodiversity by using renewable energy. By working in this direction, we can ensure an environmentally friendly lifestyle and food security.

Employment availability in Green Information Technology sector (Green IT):

It is also called Green Computing or Sustainable IT. This field is a sustainable talent of designing, manufacturing, using and destroying computing resources in an environmentally friendly manner. Green IT aims to reduce the use of harmful materials, maximize energy efficiency and promote biodegradability of unused or old products. This is a broad field where there are immense employment opportunities such as Green IT Consultant, Sustainability Analyst, Energy-Efficient IT Specialist, Green IT Project Manager, Sustainable IT Infrastructure Architect, Eco-Friendly Data Center Manager, IT Sustainability Officer, Cloud Sustainability Specialist, Renewable Energy IT Coordinator, Green Software Developer, Carbon Footprint Analyst (IT), Sustainable Network Engineer, Environmental Compliance Specialist (IT), Sustainable Systems Analyst, Green Technology Strategist etc. Today there is an urgent need to expand this sector.

Job prospects as a Climate Change Analyst:

Today, there is a great need for these analysts to protect our environment and the earth. Climate change analysts study scientific data and research done on climate to create models and predictions about the earth’s future climate. They use this information to advise government agencies and environmental groups, support climate change policies, and develop educational programs. This is not an ordinary field but a field that shapes the present and the future; there are numerous jobs available in this field too. Climate Change Analyst, Environmental Data Analyst, Climate Policy Advisor, Sustainability Specialist, Carbon Emissions Analyst, Energy and Climate Analyst, Environmental Risk Analyst, Climate Adaptation Specialist, Climate Scientist, Resilience and Sustainability Consultant, Environmental Planner, Renewable Energy Analyst, Carbon Footprint Consultant, Climate Researcher, Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Analyst, Sustainability Analyst, Climate Risk Consultant, Environmental Policy Analyst, Climate Modeling Specialist, Adaptation and Mitigation Consultant After understanding these wide job availability, we should know how vast this field is. 

Global trends and employment impact in the context of green technology:

The field of green technology is a new emerging field globally, but this field is bringing with it innumerable employment opportunities. In this direction, Irena writes in her study that “There were 13.7 million global renewable energy jobs in 2022, up from 12.7 million in 2021. About two-thirds of these jobs are in Asia, where China alone contributes 41% of the global total. There were 4.9 million solar photovoltaic (PV) jobs in 2022; among renewable energy technologies, solar PV is the fastest growing sector, accounting for more than one-third of the total renewable energy workforce. 40% of these jobs are women. There were 2.5 million direct jobs in hydropower in 2022, up 2.3% compared to 2021. About two-thirds of direct jobs are in operation and maintenance, 30% of jobs are related to construction and installation, and about 6% are component manufacturing. There were 2.5 million jobs in biofuels in 2022, mostly in the agricultural supply chain. There were 1.4 million jobs in wind energy in 2022. China and Europe lead the way in this sector, although geographic diversification of component production is increasing.”8

Green technology sector has huge employment potential in India:

India has a huge potential in this sector as its geographical location offers huge potential for green energy. There are continuous efforts by the government to make this potential a reality. The sector is poised to double itself as highlighted by the Economic Times “India’s green industry is expected to double its current employment of 18.52 million green jobs to 35 million by 2047, according to TeamLease Digital’s Green Industry Outlook report.”9

India is witnessing various government initiatives such as Smart City Mission, Make in India, National Solar Mission, Green India Mission, National Water Mission and Swachh Bharat Mission, which will drive the demand for jobs and career opportunities in this sector.

Conclusion:

The green technology sector offers a wide vista for career opportunities. Global efforts are being made to move towards sustainable practices, providing immense opportunities for individuals to advance in their careers. Professionals who have the relevant experience, skills, and qualifications will play a vital role in environmental innovation and contribute to building a sustainable future. We need to make extensive efforts to achieve successful results in this field so that the current generation can pursue a career. A career in green technology generally requires a strong foundation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). In addition, specialized training in environmental science, renewable energy systems, or sustainable design is needed. As the industry evolves, people’s behavior has changed and the trend of continuous learning has developed. Yet we need to place more emphasis on interdisciplinary skills that include an understanding of environmental policies and sustainability practices along with technical expertise.

 Reference: 

1. Builtin – https://builtin.com/greentech
2. India Today – https://bestcolleges.indiatoday.in/news-detail/the-rise-of-green-jobs-in-india-a-pathway-to-sustainable-employment#:~:text=%2D%20Renewable%20Energy%3A%20Roles%20such%20as,the%20demand%20for%20related%20jobs.
3. India Today – https://bestcolleges.indiatoday.in/news-detail/the-rise-of-green-jobs-in-india-a-pathway-to-sustainable-employment#:~:text=%2D%20Renewable%20Energy%3A%20Roles%20such%20as,the%20demand%20for%20related%20jobs.
4. India Today – https://bestcolleges.indiatoday.in/news-detail/the-rise-of-green-jobs-in-india-a-pathway-to-sustainable-employment#:~:text=%2D%20Renewable%20Energy%3A%20Roles%20such%20as,the%20demand%20for%20related%20jobs.
5. Coursera – https://www.coursera.org/articles/renewable-engergy-engineer
6. US Bureau of Labor Statistics – https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/environmental-scientists-and-specialists.htm#tab-6
7. Verdantix – https://www.verdantix.com/insights/blogs/the-esg-and-sustainability-consulting-market-the-road-ahead#:~:text=The%20demand%20for%20ESG%20and,2022%2D2028%20(Global)).
8. Irena – https://www.irena.org/Digital-Report/Renewable-energy-and-jobs-Annual-review-2023
9. https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/jobs/mid-career/green-careers-report-understanding-green-jobs-and-their-increasing-demand/articleshow/109617277.cms?from=mdr