New green job initiatives make training for energy conservation careers more valuable than ever before. Most jobs related to energy conservation are with government agencies, but nonprofit agencies and the private sector are also looking for professionals trained in energy efficiency. Not only are there jobs in the field as technicians, but law and business are also fields that need the expertise of an energy conservationist.

Training for energy conservation employment usually means two- or four-year college degrees and beyond, but some other important qualifications are leadership and a desire to find and implement new alternatives to energy overconsumption. Opportunities abound for further energy conservation jobs education and training. Here are a few options for training in the field of energy conservation:

1. Go to a brick and mortar college program and major in energy conservation.

2. Get an online degree to increase your energy conservation employment opportunities.

3. Seek out alternative training programs that provide real world experience in energy efficiency.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Seek a traditional college program that focuses on energy conservation careers

While some jobs in energy conservation won't require a degree, many will. There are a variety of options to advance your career with a college degree in energy conservation.

I recommend: While the basic ideas of conservation aren't new, degree programs in conservation are a more recent trend. The University of Montana College of Forestry and Conservation has nationally respected degree programs. The University of Michigan School of Natural Resources and Environment provides information on its graduate and undergraduate degree options and covers what the programs entail.

Search for online training for energy efficiency jobs

As energy conservation employment opportunities increase, colleges are responding with more diverse programs to meet the needs of busy students. Attending class online rather than driving to campus is a great way to conserve energy. Plus, you'll be able to work around other obligations.

I recommend: Ashworth College offers a general studies diploma in conservation. American Public University offers both bachelors and masters degrees in environmental studies online. Those more interested in business and management should check out the University of Phoenix for its Bachelor of Science in Business/Green and Sustainable Enterprise Management program.

Learn about alternative training programs that lead to rewarding jobs in energy efficiency

Alternative training programs generally focus on field work and on-the-job experiences. With stipends, financial aid or other incentives, training for a variety of energy conservation job opportunities could be free for you.

I recommend: Green Corps offers field and classroom training options through its prestigious Field School for Environmental Organizing. This program for college graduates takes you to the areas of the United States that have the most need for environmental conservation experts. A great option for military veterans is Veterans Green Jobs academy. Energy conservation training programs for veterans are available in several states.

As natural resources begin to dwindle, energy conservation careers become a particularly good choice for those with a scientific mind who want to help. The forecast for jobs in energy conservation is bright.

Energy conservation employment opportunities exist in a variety of forms. You could work on developing alternative energy sources, or you could act as a consultant, helping teach business owners the things that they could do to increase energy conservation within the office.

In order to secure the best energy efficiency jobs:

1. Earn a college degree that relates to energy conservation. A college degree is practically required for energy conservation employment.

2. Have a professional resume writer give you a hand with your resume. They will help you tailor your resume to say the things that a hiring manager wants to hear.

3. Don't be afraid to network with other professionals. Many people learn about energy conservation job opportunities through their professional contacts.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Use job boards to find energy efficiency jobs

It easy to search for jobs on the Internet. Most job boards allow you to contact the company with your resume directly through the site, making them one of the most convenient ways to find a great job.

I recommend: It's often best to use job boards that focus on the type of job you are interested in. The Cyber-Sierra Natural Resources Job Search is an excellent place to start. Read their tips, and then look for jobs using the menu on the left. Environmental Career Opportunities is another great resource.

Contact a professional recruiter to help you gain energy conservation employment

A recruiter has contacts to help you get the job that you want. Simply by interviewing with a recruiter, you'll be able to connect with several companies that have job openings.

I recommend: Environmental Recruiting Services helps place people into environmental and energy conservation jobs. RSMR Global Resources offers environmental and sustainability positions in addition to other industries. These services may be just what you need to find the perfect job.

Break out on your own with freelance energy efficiency consultant jobs

Once you have the experience, you can set your own hours by working as a freelance consultant. This is an ideal situation for many people.

I recommend: If you want to go freelance, you need to have a steady source of clients. You have to advertise so that others know that you offer energy consulting services. Try placing an ad in popular eco-friendly magazines such as Conservation Magazine. Additionally, craigslist is increasingly popular among businesses and consumers. You can easily place an ad in your city for no cost.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Stay up-to-date with the changing technology by subscribing to energy conservationist magazines and joining professional organizations.
• •  Have a professional resume writer with experience in energy conservation jobs look over your resume and give you pointers.

Searching for the right job in energy conservation is well worth a little extra effort. New initiatives in renewable energy make energy conservation jobs more rewarding than ever. As concern for the environment grows, energy conservation leaders are emerging from many different occupations. Many companies are creating new green collar jobs for both entry-level workers and seasoned professionals. Certifications such as CEM and LEED can help those looking for top-level positions.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Green collar jobs

Energy conservation jobs key terms often include the green collar jobs. These jobs relate to environmental protection and management, including energy conservation. They can be blue collar (in the mainstream workforce), or white collar (professional or office positions).

I recommend: Read more about green collar jobs in Time. Also, check out more green job information and resources at Green for All.

CEE

The Consortium for Energy Efficiency, or CEE, is a consortium of many different energy efficiency programs. The CEE plays an active role in the well-known Energy Star rating system. Being involved in and aware of CEE initiatives is a big step forward on the path to a professional energy efficiency career.

I recommend: Read more about the CEE and the industries it represents.

LEED

The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, or LEED, is a nationally recognized standard rating system for safe and sustainable building. Professional positions in construction, design and government building projects may require LEED certification.

I recommend: Learn all about LEED certification and how you can use it at the U.S. Green Building Council.

CEM

Certified Energy Manager, or CEM, designates a widely recognized professional certification in the field of energy management. Obtaining CEM certification requires different levels of college and field experience, and you must pass an official exam.

I recommend: Learn what it takes to get CEM certified and how it benefits your career at the Association of Energy Engineers.

Ecosystem

Energy conservationists work to protect ecosystems. An ecosystem is a complex, interdependent group of living and nonliving things. It can be a tiny puddle or miles of ocean.

I recommend: For more information on ecosystems, visit The Franklin Institute.

Renewable energy

Energy conservation jobs often involve working with renewable energy, such as wind, solar, biomass, geothermal, tidal and hydropower. Companies are constantly exploring and developing renewable energy technologies.

I recommend: Discover renewable energy basics at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory.