As the world learns more about climate change and its potential impacts, more corporations have begun to search for new and innovative ways to implement sustainable and eco-friendly practices into their work. This has created many new jobs in the “green economy” - an economy that seeks to reduce ecological risks and combat climate change. Green economy jobs are great for people that enjoy technology, design, math, and can think critically to solve both small and large-scale problems that arise in their work. If you’re curious about career opportunities in the green economy but aren't sure where to start, we got you covered. Here are 10 green economy jobs that don’t require a four-year degree!

Agricultural Technician

Agricultural technicians play an important role in bringing the best food to our grocery stores and tables. They assist scientists in their experimentation and data collection surrounding different plants and crops. They also run lab tests, keep records, and study diseases in animals. They typically work on farms or in laboratories. Agricultural technicians typically only need an associate degree. The average salary for this job is $41,760 annually.

Power Plant Operator

Power plant operators control the systems that give electricity to homes and businesses. They are good troubleshooters and have the necessary knowledge and training to fix electrical problems as they arise. Power plant operators usually only need a high school diploma, as they receive extensive training to do their job effectively. The average salary for this job is $93,060 annually.

Stationary Engineer

Stationary engineers control the stationary equipment that provides utilities to buildings. They clean, fix, and maintain essential equipment, such as boilers, motors, and generators. They typically work on their feet and must take extra safety precautions when dealing with hazardous materials. Stationary engineers typically only need a high school diploma. The average salary for this job is $67,120 annually.

Environmental Science and Protection Technician

Working to protect public health, environmental science and protection technicians study external causes of pollution. They often work for large companies, assisting them in abiding by EPA regulations and standards. Regardless of where they work, environmental science and protection technicians discover innovative ways to reduce pollution to keep the public safe and healthy. Environmental science and protection technicians typically need an associate degree. The average salary for this job is $48,380 annually.

Forest and Conservation Technician

Forest and conservation technicians study environmental resources like land, water, and soil. They collect samples of these resources to study them, run tests on them, and to come up with innovative ways to grow things while protecting natural resources, wildlife, and the environment. Forest and conservation technicians usually have associate degree. The average salary for this job is $41,520 annually.

Chemical Technician

Chemical technicians use science and research to make quality consumer products like potato chips, body wash, and medicine. They work in laboratories to test chemical products and processes and assist chemical engineers in creating products for public use and consumption. Chemical technicians typically only need an associate degree. The average salary for this job is $50,840 annually.

Robotics Technician

Robotics technicians operate heavy machinery to build, install, and test robotic equipment and automatic systems. They have good problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and are knowledgeable about math. They work across a variety of different industries– typically in energy or plastics. The average salary for this job is $60,570 annually.

Solar Thermal Technician

The work of solar thermal technicians is essential in reducing costs and energy usage for families and businesses. They install and maintain solar panels and educate users about how to operate them. Solar thermal technicians typically only need an associate degree, as they receive extensive on-the-job training. The average salary for this job is $60,090 annually.

Electrical Engineering Technologist

Using mathematical and design skills, electrical engineering technologists assist engineers in designing and building pieces of electronic equipment. They are good problem-solvers and identify design flaws to fix them efficiently. They typically work in factories or laboratories and have an associate degree. The average salary for this job is $103,320 annually.

Wind Turbine Service Technician

Wind turbine service technicians troubleshoot and resolve any problems that arise with wind turbines. They have great problem-solving skills, are cool under pressure, and don’t mind heights. They typically don’t need a degree, but usually need a certificate in wind energy from a technical school or community college. The average salary for this job is $57,320 annually.

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