You’ve heard of blue-collar and white-collar jobs in New York City—manual labor and office professionals, respectively. Maybe you’ve even heard of gray-collar jobs in the information technology sector.
Now, you can add another category to your Big Apple job search—green-collar jobs, those in the environmental sector. These jobs come from a dizzying array of industries, which we will explore in the next section.
Do you find it odd to think of environmental jobs in one of the world’s largest cities? This year, New York City’s mayor expressed a commitment to cultivate 400,000 green-collar jobs and 12,000 green economy apprenticeships by 2040. You can benefit from this green revolution when you take the following steps to launch your green-collar career in NYC.
Leverage Your Past Experience
What industry are you currently working in? If you’re a student or recent graduate, what was your course of study? Odds are that no matter how you answered those questions, there is a green-collar job that is a good fit for you. Potential positions include but are not limited to:
- Ecologists
- Farm Managers
- Farm Workers
- Land Surveyors
- Solar Installers
- Sourcing Specialists
- Waste Managers
- Wind Turbine Technicians
- Architects
- Biological Systems Engineers
- Business Owners
- Civil Engineers
- Supervisors
- Conservation Movement Workers
- Construction Workers
- Designers
- Ecology Educators
- Ecotechnology Workers
- Electricians
- Energy Consultants
- Environmental Consultants
- Environmental Engineers
- Environmental Lawyers
- Geotechnical Engineers
- Landscapers
- Nuclear Engineers
- Plumbers
- Process Managers
- Recycling Center Attendants
- Sales Staff
- Solar Consultants
- Sustainability Engineer
- Vehicle Engineers
- Foodservice Workers
- Restaurant Owners
- Chefs
- IT Specialists
- Grant Writers
- HVAC Technicians
- Maintenance Workers
Have you worked in or adjacent to any of these fields? Leverage your relevant experience when applying to green-collar jobs. You may only need a certification or a bit of hands-on training to pivot to a new role. We’ll discuss this more in the next section.
What About Education?
The Green Economy Action Plan “highlights 21 occupations that provide pathways to economic mobility, many of which do not require higher education degrees.” This means that the cost and time involved in obtaining higher education need not be a barrier for you.
NYCTalent, city agencies, and private organizations aim to pilot a training program on Governors Island, followed by satellite locations in each borough of the city. There, you can master the skills needed for entry- to mid-level green-collar jobs. Included among these are certifications and hands-on training in HVAC, solar photovoltaics, sustainable construction, energy efficiency, and building operations and maintenance.
The New York City Department of Small Business Services (SBS) and the Mayor’s Office of Climate and Environmental Justice (MOCEJ) are offering a ten-week paid training course in making rooftops more energy efficient. The New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) Green City Force is providing six-month internships and fellowships designed to make sustainability programs more accessible to residents.
While higher education is not required for a green career, a degree can give you a firm foundation and increase your chances of getting an upper-level job. Consider majoring in environmental law, agriculture, environmental engineering, business management, energy, horticulture, wildlife ecology, marine sciences, or architecture.
Kick-Start Your Startup
Maybe you don’t just want a green job; maybe you dream of starting your own company and solving real-world problems as a green entrepreneur. If so, now may be the time to get started. The New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) plans to support 150 startups during the next ten years.
Funding for green startups in NYC has risen by about 400 percent in recent years. There are also many other money-saving incentives that can help get your startup off the ground. If you plan on utilizing renewable energy, such as solar panels, you can take advantage of tax incentives aimed at increasing the city’s battery storage capacity or the Clean Energy Systems Exemption, a property tax exemption for renewable energy systems.
START-UP NY grants the opportunity for businesses to operate tax-free for ten years when they are established near eligible college campuses, among other benefits. The New York State Small Business Subtraction Modification offers additional deductions, and a tax credit for federal research and development or biotechnology companies is also available.
Key Takeaways
New York’s Green Economy Action Plan is set to make the city a hub for environmental professionals—”the world’s dynamic and equitable green ecosystem,” according to Maria Torres-Springer, Deputy Mayor for Housing, Economic, and Workforce Development. It piggybacks general enthusiasm for the green economy with special training and startup initiatives.
From electric vehicles to architecture, the green economy offers something for everyone. When you opt for training, leverage your past experience, and take advantage of the benefits of this initiative, you can embark on a successful and rewarding green-collar career in the Big Apple. You might even realize the goal of starting your own business—one that could change the world and help ensure a brighter, more sustainable future for everyone.
Published by: Holy Minoza
