7 Jobs that Make the World a Better Place

The following story was provided by AOLJobs.com  By: Debra Auerbach for CareerBuilder Have you ever had an itch to quit your job and instead do work that makes a real difference in the world? In honor of Earth Day on April 22, we’ve compiled a list of seven jobs that help people live a better life – from the buildings they work and live in, to the energy that fuels their homes, to the air they breathe.  1. Conservation scientist: Conservation scientists are hired to help preserve and protect natural habitats. They usually work with landowners and federal, state and local governments to find the best ways to use and improve the land while conserving the environment.* How to become one: Conservation scientists typically need a bachelor’s degree in forestry or a related field. It helps job prospects to have a degree from programs that are accredited by the Society of American Foresters and other similar organizations. Pay: According to Economic Modeling Specialists International, conservation scientists earn a median hourly income of $ 28.28. If you’re looking for a green job in the South End, check out our jobs page.  2. Energy auditor: When a building is cooled or heated, it uses energy. Buildings often leak energy, so they produce extra heat or air to compensate, which wastes more energy. Energy auditors help curb energy waste by inspecting buildings to find areas of air leakage and advising customers on how to fix and prevent leaks. How to become one: There are no nationwide education or training requirements for energy auditors, but some states require auditors to take courses or earn a certification. Certification is available through organizations such as the Building Performance Institute, the Residential Energy Services Network and the Association of Energy Engineers. Some local technical and community colleges also offer energy auditing courses. Pay: Since it’s such a new field, national wage information is currently unavailable. If you’re looking for a green job in the South End, check out our jobs page. More: How To Find A Job That Is A Good ‘Fit’ 3. Green construction manager: Construction is another area that has seen an emergence of green jobs. As interest for environmental protection increases, the demand for green buildings grows with it. Construction managers that specialize in green buildings plan, direct, coordinate and budget construction projects, ensuring that onsite processes are environmentally friendly. This could mean setting up a recycling plan for unused construction materials or protecting environmentally sensitive areas of the site. They’re also responsible for choosing contractors who have knowledge of green building techniques. How to become one: Most construction managers come to the job with experience working on other similar projects. Most also hold a bachelor’s degree […]

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