Careers Finding a Job Top 10 Green Dream Jobs Share PINTEREST Email Print Westend61 / Getty Images Finding a Job Job Searching Best Jobs Skills & Keywords Resumes Salary & Benefits Letters & Emails Job Listings Job Interviews Cover Letters Career Advice Work-From-Home Jobs Internships By Jen Hubley Luckwaldt Updated on 07/25/22 Want to save the planet and earn a living while you do it? Maybe it’s time to consider a career change to one of these green dream jobs. Whether your background is in design, law, science, management, or farming, you can find ways to pivot your career to something that gives back to the world. Just be aware that you may have to invest in upskilling yourself, especially if certification or licensure is required in your new field. But if you’re willing to make the leap, there’s a green dream job for every interest, skill set, and educational background. Best of all, many of these jobs pay quite well—some over six figures. Chief Sustainability Officer Westend61 / Getty Images A chief sustainability officer serves as a corporate champion of their company’s environmental and sustainability programs. A CSO must also keep up to date on state, federal, and local laws regarding environmental requirements and ensure that the company stays in compliance with these regulations. "Companies are monitoring the impact they're having environmentally and on society, and the appointment of the CSO reflects an underlying need for companies to not only monitor but also improve their performance," said Harvard Business School associate professor George Serafeim in an interview with Forbes. LEED-Accredited Design Professional Marcel Weber / Getty Images LEED, which stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is the gold standard for environmental engineering and building. Architects, engineers, designers, and other professionals can take the LEED Professional Exams and become certified. Environmental Lawyer PhotoAlto/Eric Audras / Getty Images Environmental law is a complex and ever-evolving sector, so attorneys who specialize in this area never need to worry about finding work. Environmental lawyers advise clients on issues related to air and water quality, hazardous waste, sustainability, and more. These lawyers work for all levels of government as well as private law firms and non-profit organizations. Geoscientist Christopher Kimmel / Getty Images Some states require licensure for this job, which involves the study of the earth’s composition, history, and natural resources. Geoscientists may work with environmental scientists, and do their jobs both indoors (in offices and labs) and out (in the field). Travel is typically required in this job, which can take workers to both hot and cold climates. Environmental Engineer Hero Images / Getty Images Environmental engineers advise governments and private companies on the best ways to minimize the environmental impact of their projects. They might work on recycling programs, public health policies, or plans to reduce air and water pollution. Hydrologist Ariel Skelley / Getty Images Hydrologists study water availability and quality, collecting data and using it to formulate plans to improve resources. They might work for government agencies or private companies, and they tend to split their time between the office and the field—which for a hydrologist, might mean waist-deep in lakes, rivers, and streams. Environmental Scientist Dariya Angelova / EyeEm / Getty Images Environmental scientists work for government agencies, consulting firms, or other private companies, using their knowledge of natural sciences to inform policy that protects humans, animals, and the environment. Like many science careers, this one requires workers to split their time between the office and the field. Urban Farmer Westend61 / Getty Images Love growing your own food, but can’t imagine leaving city life (or at least, town life) behind? Combine your passions with this dream green job. Urban farmers utilize (or create) green space in vacant lots, backyards, even rooftops. Stats on urban farmers are hard to come by, but anecdotal evidence suggests this occupation is becoming more popular. In recent years, some condo developments have even hired their own on-staff urban farmer as a draw for potential buyers. Conservation Scientist Hero Images / Getty Images Conservation Scientists collect and analyze data to help manage parks and forests and protect the environment. They work with governments and landowners to improve land utilization without negatively impacting soil and water. Urban Planner Resolution Productions / Getty Images Urban Planner Over two-thirds of urban and regional planners worked for local government in 2020, per the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Urban planners typically plan land use programs to help create and expand communities. This is a vital role, especially in cities and towns that are experiencing high population growth Key Takeaways Green jobs involve conserving, managing, or protecting natural resources.You can find green jobs in a variety of industries including engineering, science, law, management, and urban planning.Most of these jobs involve advanced education, licensure, or certification—so be prepared to invest in training. Featured Video