The topics of climate change and global warming are often surrounded by heated debate. Most of us are aware that large, more frequent and catastrophic weather events are occurring. The reasons why may be argued about all day long, but the byproduct of this changing weather scene is a need for an increasing number of skilled workers in specific career fields.
Many of these growing career fields are well-established, but offer opportunities with changed focuses. Some career fields, especially in areas that work heavily with technology, are relatively new. Either way, climate change (or whatever the increasingly wacky weather can be attributed to) is driving future-shaping career opportunities in the following job sectors:
Lobbyists, Fundraisers, and Organizational Membership Specialists-A number of lobbying and fundraising positions and member growth and cultivation jobs are being created in established and emerging environmental and climate change-focused organizations. Examples of job titles include Climate Organizer, Development Officer, Field Canvasser, Fundraising Manager, Grant Writer/Program Associate, Political Organizer/Environmental Advocate, and Prospect Research Officer.
Marketing, Media, and Public Relations Specialists-Both environmental advocacy groups and for-profit companies are hiring these professionals to convey their points of view and values to hosts of different people. In the for-profit world (especially at energy companies), you are beginning to see more positions such as Corporate Sustainability Representatives created. These individuals are responsible for communicating the stories of their companies sustainability efforts and how they are working to minimize their environmental impacts.
Computer Gurus and Data Analysts-Many organizations are looking to run increasingly sophisticated computer programs to crunch climate data and to evaluate companies’ environmental risks and climate change. Also, they are looking for individuals who can help create computer networks that are more natural disaster resistant and remotely accessible. Currently, job openings are advertised for positions such as Data Integration Coordinator, Disaster Recovery Architect, Global Services Continuity Manager, Online Data Tool Manager and Technical Resilience Manager.
Environmental Scientists and Technicians-These individuals use their education and experience to measure, evaluate, and provide recommendations related to environmental conditions and patterns. For example, climatologists apply their knowledge of meteorology to provide solutions in areas such as agriculture, global warming, pollution control, and water management (EnvironmentalScience.org). Environmental Chemists monitor how chemicals enter the air, water, and soil and what effects these chemicals have on the environment and animals and plants (American Chemical Society).
Other scientifically-related positions include Air Pollution Analysts, Environmental Toxocologists, Entomologists (insects and their interactions and effects), Epidemiologists (study patterns and causes of diseases), Groundwater Protection Specialists, Hydrologists, Soil Conservation Technicians, and Wetlands Specialists.
Engineers-With changes in energy consumption, population size, and climate patterns, comes the need for a variety of types of engineering services. Agricultural, Chemical, Civil, Environmental, Industrial Materials, Mechanical, Transportation, Water Resource and Wind Engineers are needed to come up with innovative solutions to changing conditions.
Emergency Management Specialists-With major weather events occurring with greater frequency, the need for all sorts of individuals on the ground to handle whatever may arise before, during and after storms is growing. Emergency Management Directors are necessary to oversee evacuations, shelter activation, and make a whole host of hard calls in stressful situations. Logistics Specialists are needed to work hand-in-hand with Emergency Management Directors to ensure placement of materials and manpower where needed.
Emergency Response Coordinators help individual home and businesses owners navigate the process of disaster recovery and get insurance process started. Claims adjusters evaluate insurance holders’ damages and determine reimbursements and restoration. And fire and water cleanup specialists, along with skilled building trades, help rebuild.
With a changing world, definitely comes evolving career opportunities.
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