The job market is continually reinventing itself. Your current profession probably did not exist a century ago, unless of course, you are an undertaker or a tax collector.
Economists often use the term creative destruction 
(attributed to Joseph Schumpter) to describe the constant evolution of businesses and jobs. Just as Henry Ford’s assembly lines KO’d the wheelwrights and blacksmiths, many jobs we thought permanent are disappearing. Fortunately, the discomfort is softened by a surge of job opportunities in green industries and in clean energy production.
“Green” sells, so many not-so-green businesses and jobs are intentionally mislabeled. Finding environmentally conscious businesses and jobs can be like looking for the pony in the piles. To help define green jobs, CareerBuilder.com editor, Kate Lorenz, provided a list of many green jobs, industries, and businesses. The list not only includes renewable energy, but also food production, green building, landscaping, waste composting, and whole home performance (HVAC). Also, the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of EERE (Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy) made available a list and description of careers in renewable energy.
Job training and investment tax incentives for many of these green businesses and industries will be funded though H.R. 6049, the Renewable Energy and Job Creation Act of 2008 A report released in November, 2007 by the Blue-Green Alliance of Illinois estimated that renewable energy could create 57,000 new jobs in Illinois.
As shown in the previously mentioned occupational listings, renewable energy is not the only area to receive green funding. With its great history as an agricultural giant, Illinois offers many possibilities in the area of eco-landscaping technology. An interesting example of an eco-landscaping project can be seen on the roof of Chicago City Hall The rooftop has been transformed into a green oasis which reduces interior temperatures while improving air quality.
Many Illinois communities offer opportunities for individuals to explore their interest in eco-friendly landscaping practices at local arboretums and botanical gardens. The Chicago Botanic Garden for example, offers many classes in horticulture, green landscaping practices, ecology, etc., for both beginners and professional gardeners. Certificate programs are also available. Opportunities for students interested in environmental internships can be found at emagazine.com .
New green jobs are also emerging in corporate America and in institutions of higher education. An article appearing in CNN.Money provided five examples of new green corporate careers. In Welcome to Green-Collar America, emagazine.com editors discussed how to use your current skills in 10 new green careers. Also included are web contacts for more information about the 10 career areas.
Illinois workNet can help you explore many green occupations and learn about availability of training.
Job boards listing green job openings: