JUMP TO: Benefits | Climate Career Examples | Featured Programs | Resources
You can make a difference in your community
Did you know that Vermont does not have enough people working in jobs that fight climate change?
If you care about climate change, think about how your skills could apply to a climate career in Vermont!
What is a climate career?
Jobs in renewable energy, weatherization, clean heat, clean transportation, and agriculture and forestry that support the climate.
These are jobs that:
More and more workers are needed to help fight climate change each year, even in Vermont. These jobs pay well because they need people with special skills and training, and there are usually many job openings available.
There is a lot of variety within climate careers! In Vermont, jobs related to the environment are found in many different areas. Jobs cover a wide range of fields like energy, technology, farming, policy-making, research, and more.
This means people with different backgrounds and interests can find exciting and fulfilling careers in these fields.
Because employers are having trouble finding enough workers, they are making benefits better. Benefits often include things like health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and more.
Employers also know how important it is to balance work and life, so they might let you choose a schedule that works best for you when possible.
As more climate jobs open up, there are more chances to move up in your career and get better at what you do.
Climate careers in Vermont contribute positively to the local community and economy. As these roles focus on sustainable practices, renewable energy projects, conservation efforts, and eco-friendly businesses, they generate more and more job opportunities. This leads to economic growth and local development, helping to strengthen Vermont’s communities.
There are many different types of education and training options offered in Vermont that will prepare you for a climate career. Many of them are short-term credentials like certifications that will help you get started sooner.
Many of these education programs will pay you while you learn, too!
Though Vermont is often thought of as being shielded from many of the effects of the climate crisis, it has seen historic high temperatures, flooding, low air quality from wildfires, and more.
Working in climate careers will help Vermont be more prepared to deal with these challenges.
It may go without being said, but working in a climate career directly contributes to protecting the environment and the earth for years to come.
Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, conserving natural resources, promoting eco-friendly practices, and implementing renewable energy solutions are all things that climate careers focus on.
Climate careers can look like jobs you already know about
Electricians
Electricians install solar panels, prepare homes for electric heating/cooling and for electric vehicle charging.
Plumbers
Plumbers install and maintain high efficiency water boilers, and the plumbing to support efficient heat pumps for home heating and cooling.
HVAC Technicians
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) technicians replace fossil fuel systems with cleaner alternatives, and maintain those systems for greatest efficiency.
Carpenters & Insulators
Carpenters and weatherization technicians create buildings that are more efficient, and retrofit older buildings to use less energy and be more comfortable and healthy.
Foresters
Foresters manage lands sustainably and maximize carbon sinks.
Conservation Scientists
Conservation scientists manage, improve, and protect natural resources to maximize their use without damaging the environment.
Featured Education Programs
-
Offered by ReSource Construction 101 | Certification
Construction 101 prepares trainees for entry-level work in the construction trades. Students practice being on a construction crew, working collaboratively with their fellow trainees. They work on construction projects as they would on an actual job site.
-
Offered by Vermont State University Renewable Energy | Bachelor’s Degree
As a student in this program, you will gain real-world, hands-on experience in designing, building, and implementing renewable energy sources like solar, wind, water, and geothermal heat. Graduates of this program are ideal candidates for jobs as solar installers, wind turbine technicians, sustainability specialists, and more.
Resources for Exploration
Nearly 75% of Vermont’s greenhouse gas emissions come from the transportation and the building/thermal sectors. That means we especially need more workers focusing on electric vehicles, weatherization efforts, and clean heating.
The Energy Action Network published its latest progress report in 2022. You can view more information about the climate workforce here!
Check out Vermont Energy Education Program for professional training, workshops, and curricula you can use in your classroom!