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Archived News Release--Caution: information may be out of date.

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

OPA Press Release: 'Work Green/Earn Green' Showcases Diversity Of Environmental Jobs U.S. Labor Secretary Highlights Green Jobs For Earth Day 2000 [04/18/2000]

For more information call: (202) 693-4650

"You can work green . . . and earn green. Environmental jobs are in demand, and with so many different types of jobs, there's one for almost anyone interested in having Mother Earth for a boss." That's the message from U.S. Labor Secretary Alexis M. Herman who is using the first Earth Day of the new millennium to shine a spotlight on environmental jobs.

For Earth Day 2000, Secretary Herman - often called the nation's top job counselor is releasing "Work Green and Earn Green," a list of 10 environmental jobs designed to showcase the broad array of "green occupations" available in today's job market.

Making the "Work Green and Earn Green" list are jobs that require advanced degrees and jobs that require only a high school diploma and associate's degree: biological scientist, chemical engineer, civil engineering technician, environmental engineer, environmental technician, hazardous materials removal worker, park ranger, soil conservationist, urban planner and wastewater treatment plant operator.

The list includes the diverse skills and education requirements, responsibilities, earnings and projected job growth for each job. Five of the jobs require a high school diploma and usually an associate's degree and five jobs require at least a bachelor's or master's degree. "It's not enough to love nature and enjoy working outdoors," according to Herman. "Today's environmental jobs demand skills including good mathematics skills, computer literacy and job specific training. Most of these occupations have been transformed by computer technology."

Besides traditional environmental jobs like biological scientist, environmental engineer and park ranger, the list also emphasizes jobs that are not typically considered "green," like chemical engineer and urban planner. "Some chemical engineers specialize in a particular environmental area, such as pollution control," Herman said, "and urban planners are involved in environmental issues ranging from pollution control to wetland preservation, forest conservation or the location of landfills."

To draw additional attention to environmental careers, Herman will don a hazardous remediation "space suit" and get first-hand "hazmat" skills training at the Laborers' Joint Training Fund facility in Cheverly, Md., at 11 a.m. today. She will learn how to safely and correctly obtain hazardous soil and water samples, as well as search and identify buried drums that contain hazardous materials.

To learn more about these and other green jobs, the labor secretary suggests the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook. The 2000-2001 edition is available on the Internet at stats.bls.gov/ocohome.htm. Another resource she recommends is the Environmental Careers Organization at www.eco.org . Environmental jobs are listed on the Labor Departments America's Job Bank, which may be accessed at www.dol.gov .

The "Work Green and Earn Green" list is attached

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U.S. Labor Department news releases are accessible on the Internet at: www.dol.gov. The information in this news release will be made available to sensory impaired individuals upon request. Voice phone: (202)219-7773 or TTY (202) 501-3915.

"Work Green and Earn Green"
U.S. Labor Secretary Alexis Herman-the ultimate job counselor-
highlights ten environmental jobs for Earth Day 2000

Biological Scientists study living organisms and their relationship to their environment. Specific jobs include: aquatic biologists, botanists, microbiologists, physiologists and ecologists. Some biological scientists work for federal, state and local governments; others work in research or testing labs. In addition, many hold faculty positions at universities. Education requirements: PhD degree necessary for independent research and administrative positions. Master's degree required for jobs in applied research/ product development. Bachelor's degree is adequate for some non-research jobs.

Chemical Engineers apply the principles of chemistry and engineering to solve problems involving the production or use of chemicals. Some chemical engineers specialize in a particular area such as pollution control. Chemical engineers are increasingly using computer technology to optimize all phases of research and production. Education requirements: Bachelor's degree is generally required for entry-level engineering jobs.

Civil Engineering Technicians help civil engineers plan and build highways, buildings, bridges, dams, wastewater treatment systems and other structures. They also perform related surveys and studies. Some inspect water and wastewater treatment systems to ensure pollution control requirements are met. Most work in labs, offices, manufacturing/industrial plants or on construction sites. Education requirements: Most employers prefer to hire someone with at least an Associate degree.

Environmental Engineers belong to a specialized field of civil engineering. These workers take environmental concerns into account when designing and supervising the construction of roads, buildings, airports, tunnels, dams, bridges and water supply and sewage systems. Education requirements: Bachelor's degree is generally required for entry-level engineering jobs.

Environmental Technicians perform lab/field tests to monitor environmental resources and determine the contaminants/sources of pollution. They may collect samples for testing or be involved in abating or controlling sources of environmental pollutants. Some are responsible for waste management operations, control and management of hazardous materials inventory or regulatory compliance. There is a growing emphasis on pollution prevention activities. Education requirements: Many employers prefer applicants who have at least an Associate degree or specialized training.

Hazardous Materials Removal Workers identify, remove, package, transport and dispose of various hazardous materials, including asbestos, lead, and radioactive and nuclear materials. The removal of hazardous materials, or "hazmat" from public places is also called abatement, remediation and decontamination. Education requirements: Formal education beyond high school is not required. Most employers provide technical training on the job. Math skills are important to job performance.

Park Rangers enforce laws and regulations in state and national parks, and protect natural, cultural and human resources. They also implement wilderness management plans, monitor grazing and mining activities, perform a variety of resource activities, lead guided tours and conduct community outreach and environmental education programs. Education requirements: Specialized training past high school.

Soil Conservationists provide technical assistance to farmers, ranchers, state and local governments, and others concerned with the conservation of soil, water and related natural resources. They develop programs designed to get the most productive use of land without damaging it. Education requirements: Most soil conservationists have degrees in environmental studies, agronomy, general agriculture, hydrology or crop/soil science.

Urban Planners promote the best use of a community's land and resources for residential, commercial, institutional and recreational purposes. They address issues such as traffic congestion and air pollution and are involved in environmental issues ranging from pollution control to wetlands preservation, forest conservation, or the location of new landfills. Most new jobs will arise in rapidly growing urban and suburban communities. Education requirements: Entry-level jobs require a master's degree, although a bachelor's degree and related work experience is sufficient for some positions.

Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators ensure clean water that is essential for good health, recreation, fish and wildlife. They remove harmful pollutants from domestic and industrial wastewater so that it is safe to return to the environment. Employment is concentrated in local government and sanitary services companies. Education requirements: Although completion of high school continues to be sufficient for most jobs, postsecondary training is increasingly an asset as new water pollution control standards make treatment plants more complex.

Archived News Release--Caution: information may be out of date.