Al Gore says “Go Vote for the Environment!”

Former Vice President Al Gore sat down in a live webcast with PowerVote.org to talk about the importance of getting out the “climate vote” in this election. Power Vote, a national non-partisan effort spearheaded by the Energy Action Coalition, is encouraging voters to go to the polls with energy and the environment on their minds. Sign the pledge to make clean, just energy a top priority in your vote this election.

Forbes: America’s Hottest Green Job Markets

Amidst all of the gloomy news out of Wall Street lately, Forbes.com is offering up a beacon of hope: the green job market.  Green jobs will be available by the millions in the coming years, and if you’re wondering where the best places to snag them are, check out Forbes.com’s new list of the hottest green job markets.  Unsurprisingly, big cities claim most of the spots on the list.

From Forbes.com:

No. 1: New York, N.Y.

The looming prospect of layoffs on Wall Street could be a blessing in disguise for the nation’s largest green jobs market–New York City. The Big Apple reported more than 25,000 green jobs in 2006. By 2038, New York’s green economy could generate nearly 200,000 jobs, many in architecture, engineering and design. If a lot of super-ambitious, ultra hard-working investment bankers suddenly find themselves out of work, odds are they’ll reinvent themselves in the green space.

No. 2: Washington, D.C.

In January, the CIA opened the first of two new buildings designed to comply with green building standards. Interestingly, the CIA is a relative latecomer to the green game in the nation’s capital. In the past two years, the nation’s largest landlord–the U.S. government–has put energy efficiency high on its list of priorities. Ultimately, the investment could generate substantial returns the federal government in the form of lower energy costs for the more than half-million buildings it oversees. It can add sparking the growth of a green jobs market in the capital to the list.

Check out the rest of the list at Forbes.com.

If the future for your job market is looking decidedly bleak, now’s a great time to start thinking about how you can parlay your skills in the green market.  Everyone from salespeople and factory workers to engineers and marketing experts will be able to make the shift to a more secure future.  Watch for EarthFirst’s ‘great green job of the week’ every week, and check out the job board at Treehugger.com.

Link [Forbes] + [Treehugger]

Green Oil Recycling Plant Opens in Ohio

Northeast Ohio is now home to America’s first oil recycling plant, which removes contaminants from used transformer oil so that it can be re-used.  The Hydrodec plant has brought dozens of new green jobs to the Cleveland area, helping to replace lost manufacturing jobs.

From The Washington Post:

The plant removes contaminants in a process with virtually zero emissions from oil that otherwise would be burned off and generate carbon dioxide, he said.

Transformer oil generally lasts about 10 years and Cowan estimates that U.S. utilities annually discard about 120 million gallons.

One advantage Hydrodec’s recycled oil offers is price stability, Cowan said. Transformer oil is made from crude oil and therefore linked to its price fluctuations.

It’s a small step, but it’s important. Not only do companies like these address important environmental issues like carbon emissions and oil usage, they add to the green revolution that’s gaining steam across the country. We definitely need more green jobs like these!

Link [The Washington Post]

Van Jones: A Green Bailout Would be Twice the Bang for Half the Bucks

The historic $700 billion bailout package might – might – avert a total economic meltdown.  But, it’s probably not going to stop America from going into a recession.  So believes Van Jones, and he’s taken to The Huffington Post to explain why a ‘green bailout’ would be a better idea.  A $350 billion investment in green energy could provide millions of new jobs, boost the economy and help us move forward into clean energy independence.

From The Huffington Post:

A new report just released by the U.S. Conference of Mayors says that we can create over 4 million green jobs if we aggressively shift away from traditional fossil fuels toward alternative energy and a significant improvement in energy efficiency.

Another report just released by the Political Economy Research Institute and the Center for American Progress shows that the U.S. can create two million jobs over two years by investing $100 billion in a green economic recovery plan. The report also shows that this investment would create four times more jobs than spending the same amount of money within the oil industry.

Green For All and its partners are proposing a Clean Energy Corps that includes a revolving loan fund to finance the ambitious retrofitting of the nation’s building stock. An investment of less than $3 billion per year would provide financing and can be expected to create close to 120,000 green jobs a year and 600,000 over five years, while also lowering home heating and electricity bills for homeowners and small businesses.

As Jones points out, a green economic package like this would be expensive up front but would pay for itself in energy savings and in tax dollars generated by new jobs and businesses.  Read more about the Clean Energy Corps proposal at the Green for All website.  Jones also goes into greater detail of his vision for a better future in his new book, The Green Collar Economy: How One Solution Can Fix Our Two Biggest Problems.

Link [The Huffington Post] + [Green for All]

Great Green Job of the Week: Wind Power Project Engineer at Global Energy Concepts

Global Energy Concepts (GES) is seeking a Wind Power Project Engineer to work in either Lowell, Massachusetts or Seattle, Washington. Global Energy Concepts (GEC) is one of the leading wind energy consulting firms in the U.S. As a result of an increasing demand for their services worldwide, GES is recruiting talented individuals to join their dedicated team of 90+ engineers, analysts, scientists, and support staff.

Position Overview:

We have a current opening for a Wind Power Project Engineer (IE02).  Participate in and lead due diligence assessments of proposed and existing wind power facilities for potential investors.

Responsibilities:

Responsibilities include reviewing and assessing technical risk in commercial contracts for the supply of wind turbines and operation and maintenance services, evaluating historic project energy and equipment availability data, evaluating projected operations and maintenance costs over the facility life, assessing turbine suitability to a particular site, and coordinating team inputs to reports.

Other responsibilities include assessing and reporting on conditions at existing projects, visiting and evaluating proposed sites for projects in development, and helping with other assigned tasks. A successful candidate will be able to communicate with clients on the impacts of various terms and risks of the contracts and site conditions. Some overnight travel is required.

Qualifications:

B.S. in Engineering or related field and 3 years of experience required. Demonstrated experience in the energy industry, particularly with contract review, is desired. Experience with wind turbine technology and pro forma model review are also desired. Excellent oral/written communication skills and computer skills required. The ability to write clear and accurate reports is essential.

Compensation: Our compensation package reflects the respect we have for our employees as well as the company’s commitment to a renewable lifestyle.

Benefits include medical, dental, vision, flexible holidays, 401(k) match, support for green purchases or heath club memberships, charitable contribution match, and public transportation subsidies.

To Apply:

Please email your cover letter and resume as a single e-mail attachment in either PDF or Microsoft Word 2003 format. Both the file name and e-mail subject line must adhere to the following format: Job Code, Job Title, Last Name, First Name. The job code is IE02.  Submissions not adhering to these requirements will not be reviewed.

Due to the large volume of resumes we receive we are unable to respond to telephone inquiries.

Link [Green Dream Jobs] + [GES]

Great Green Job of the Week: Fight Dirty Coal for the Sierra Club

The Sierra Club is seeking an Associate Regional Representative in Little Rock, Arkansas to focus mainly on stopping dirty coal-fired power plants in Arkansas and promote clean energy alternatives.  The Sierra Club is the nation’s oldest and largest grassroots environmental organization with chapters around the United States, and has hundreds of thousands of members.

Job Title: Associate Regional Representative

Reports to: Regional Staff Director, Southern Region

Context: Carries out the strategies and activities for the National Coal Campaign in Arkansas. Participates in the development of strategies and priorities for the National Coal Campaign, and for the Arkansas Chapter.

Scope: The Associate Regional Representative coordinates with chapter and national staff and volunteers on a broad, education effort on coal and related energy and conservation issues throughout the Southern Region.

Job Activities:

• Works to develop and/or support strong Sierra Club committees and presence in the state on issues of coal and related energy and conservation issues.
• Collaborates in development of campaign strategy and implementation, including developing strong grassroots networks.
• Represents Sierra Club to the public and in the media, including developing public education and media strategy, in coordination with staff and volunteers.
• Develops positive working relationships with existing coalitions on coal and related energy and conservation issues; works to build and sustain issue coalitions.
• Educates and trains volunteer leaders, including writing training materials.
• Lobbies public officials on issues of importance to Sierra Club.
• Coordinates preparation of special reports and other publications and alerts.
• Participates in political campaign strategy and works on electoral campaigns.
• Participates in various issue committee and conservation meetings.
• Monitors or participates in public meetings and local activities around the state related to coal development and related energy and conservation issues.
• Performs miscellaneous duties as directed. Seasonal Activities:
• Heavier seasonal workloads may occur as a result of project deadlines, staff absences and vacancies, and during peak activity periods.  Frequent weekend and/or evening work required.

For a list of knowledge & skills required, see the ‘Help Wanted’ section on the Arkansas Sierra Club website.  Apply via email to Jim.Price@SierraClub.org.

Link [Arkansas Sierra Club] via [Treehugger Job Board]
Image credit: Arkansas Sierra Club & Wikimedia Commons

Great Green Job of the Week: Center Director for the National Renewable Energy Laboratory

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), located in Golden, Colorado, is seeking a full-time Center Director with experience in engineering, science or a related discipline.  The NREL is a leader in the U.S. Department of Energy’s effort to secure a green, economically sustainable energy future for America.  The NREL mission is to develop renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies and practices, advance related science and engineering and transfer knowledge and innovations to address the nation’s energy and environmental goals.

Job Title: Center Director
Job Status: Full Time
Location: Golden, Colorado

Job Summary:

Provide technical vision, strategic leadership and guidance, capability and intellectual asset stewardship, and management and direction for the National Wind Technology Center (NWTC). Provide leadership to develop the strategic direction of the NWTC to be relevant to the evolving needs of the wind industry, to the accomplishment of Department of Energy (DOE) Wind and Hydropower Program and national energy goals. Develop and enhance technical capabilities relevant to advancing wind energy while delivering world-class, quality research, development, validation, and testing results. Represent NREL’s efforts in wind technology R&D at technical, business, and stakeholder events, both nationally and internationally.

Duties:

• Manage assigned facility resources to ensure safe and effective operations. Manages and follows all ES&H programs, policies, and procedures applicable to center to ensure and maintain a safe work environment.
• Manage staff resources, including: hiring, coaching, counseling, motivating, and evaluating performance. Ensure staff understands and are compliant with policies and procedures, creating a supportive work environment that encourages innovation and entrepreneurship and that enables staff to reach their full potential. Manages the implementation of equal employment opportunity, affirmative action, and sexual harassment programs, policies and procedures within the center.
• Lead and guide the execution of research, development, testing, and demonstration programs ensuring the delivery of quality products. Oversee center planning and budgeting to ensure fiscal responsibility.
• Participate as a member of the Renewable Electricity and End Use Systems Directorate leadership team and on NREL’s senior leadership team to contribute to business strategy development, new initiatives, and integrated capability and program development.
• Engage with DOE to understand strategic directions and to serve as a technical advisor on science and technology issues. Develop opportunities for collaboration that will advance DOE’s strategic goals.
• Engage with the wind and utility industries and with a representative advisory panel to stay current with market trends and seek feedback on NREL’s wind efforts.
• Partner with NREL’s Laboratory Program Manager and with other center directors supporting the Wind and Hydropower Program to help assure sponsor satisfaction.

For requirements and preferred qualifications, see the job listing at GreenJobs.com.  Prospective candidates can apply online at www.nrel.gov/employment/.

Great Green Job of the Week: Director of Operations at the Nature Conservancy

The Nature Conservancy is seeking a Director of Operations to work from its Portland, Oregon offices.  The Nature Conservancy is the world’s leading conservation organization, working in all 50 states and more than 33 countries. Founded in 1951, the mission of The Nature Conservancy is to preserve the plants, animals and natural communities that represent the diversity of life on Earth by protecting the lands and waters they need to survive.

Position Title: Director of Operations

Skill Level: Senior Level

Position Type: Full Time

Position Overview:

The Director of Operations (DOO) has responsibility and authority for directing the financial activity, operations, information systems, facilities management, safety, human resources, volunteer, grants and contracts administration for the Oregon state program.

The DOO ensures compliance with Conservancy administrative policies, pertinent IRS regulations, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, and FASB requirements and is principal liaison with the national and regional offices in these matters.

The position requires a broad knowledge of the technical aspects of finance and human resource administration, and experience in management. The DOO is a member of the executive management team and provides administrative leadership and direction to the Oregon program.

The DOO reports directly to the state director, and supervises the Human Resources Generalist, Information Systems Manager, Finance Assistant, Grants Specialist, Director of Volunteer Programs, and two administrative support staff.

Compensation: The Nature Conservancy offers competitive compensation, excellent benefits, flexible work policies and a collaborative work environment. We also provide professional development opportunities and promote from within. As a result, you will find a culture that supports and inspires conservation achievement and personal development, both within the workplace and beyond.

To Apply:

Please go to www.nature.org/careers and submit an online application.  The full job description with more explanation of duties is posted.

You are required to complete the full application including preferences, education and work experience, application questionnaire, and referral information.  In addition to the online application, please attach a resume and cover letter as one document.

All application materials must be received by Monday, September 22, 2008. Local candidates strongly encouraged to apply!

Please see Green Dream Jobs for responsibilities and basic qualifications.

Link [Green Dream Jobs]

Great Green Job of the Week: Transportation and Climate Policy Analyst

The Center for Clean Air Policy in Washington, DC is seeking a Transportation and Climate Policy Analyst.  The Center for Clean Air Policy has been a leader for over two decades in the global climate change policy arena, and is currently growing as awareness of climate change spreads across the country.  CCAP is renowned for its analytical and consensus building leadership.  The new climate policy analyst will join the team working on effective policy making solutions through CCAP’s policy programs.

ABOUT THE TRANSPORTATION & CLIMATE POLICY ANALYST

The Policy Analyst will apply research and analytical skills to the development of transportation and climate change policy. The ideal candidate will bring at least four years of relevant experience and an ability to work with a diverse group of stakeholders to craft practical policy solutions. Knowledge of smart growth, travel demand management and vehicle miles traveled (VMT) is required, but is only relevant if it comes with the capacity and humility to explain the issues in clear and compelling terms.

While this position will initially focus on supporting the VMT & Climate Policy dialogue and associated issues, transportation and climate change is an area development for CCAP. Expansion will likely come in the form of technical assistance and training about smart growth policies for states and municipalities. While the role will have a diverse set of tasks, examples include quantitative analysis on GHG reduction, research on federal climate and transportation legislation and policy, technical and policy assistance to governments, economic analysis of smart growth policies, assessment of data improvement needs, and development of performance metrics. This position affords tremendous opportunity to participate in the development of cutting edge climate change policy work.

QUALIFICATIONS

The successful candidate will:

• Be an articulate professional with sophistication, intelligence, drive and experience in environmental policy;
• Preferably hold a Master’s degree in Transportation Planning, Public Policy or a related field and have substantive knowledge of transportation policy and planning processes;
• Have superb quantitative skills and the ability to understand and articulate sophisticated technical, policy and economic analysis;
• Have demonstrated project management skills and the capacity to synthesize complex materials; and
• Be able to analyze data and communicate concepts to myriad audiences.

APPLICATION AND NOMINATION INFORMATION

Nominations and applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Due to the pace of the search, candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Applications including a cover letter describing your interest and qualifications, your resume (in Word or pdf format), where you learned of the position and a salary history should be sent to: recruitment[at]ccap.org. To expedite the internal sorting and reviewing process, please type “Transportation” and your name (Last, First) as the only contents in the subject line of your e-mail.

Get more information about CCAP at CCAP.org.

Link [Treehugger Jobs] + [CCAP]

Great Green Job of the Week – Junior Electric Engineer at Solar Design Associates

Solar Design Associates of the Greater Boston Area are seeking a Junior Electric Engineer.  Solar Design Associates is a leading renewable energy firm, specializing in renewable energy systems for buildings. The 25-year-old company has earned an international reputation for the pioneering integration of renewable energy systems, especially photovoltaics, with buildings.  Past projects include the first solar powered Olympics, the US Mission to the UN, the SF Giants AT&T Park Stadium and the first solar powered neighborhood.

Job Description:

SDA offers motivated Electrical Engineers the opportunity to join a fast-paced, creatively challenging design team in the rapidly growing field of renewable energy. Responsibilities will depend upon skill level and may include design/engineering of solar electric and wind energy systems, engineering calculations, production of detailed construction documents, field assessments, feasibility reports, installation oversight, and systems commissioning. In addition, you may interface with clients, architects, utility representatives and code officials, as well as hardware suppliers and installation contractors. Project involvement will include the design of building integrated and non-integrated photovoltaic systems for residential, commercial, institutional and retail projects. Travel opportunities may arise within and outside the US.

We offer competitive compensation and benefits, a stimulating work environment that is smoke-free, team-oriented, and committed to client satisfaction.

Qualifications:

You’ve earned an Electrical Engineering Bachelor’s or Master’s degree and have coursework or professional experience in the design of building power or renewable energy systems. You have a high level of computer skills and CAD capabilities as well as accomplished communications skills - written and verbal. Direct experience with renewable energy systems and knowledge of National Electrical Code are a strong plus. Professional registration is not required, but desirable. US citizenship is required. You thrive on making a contribution and taking on responsibility, while learning and employing new skills.

Apply for this job at the Treehugger jobs board, or get more information about Solar Design Associates at SolarDesign.com.

Link [Treehugger Jobs] + [Solar Design]

Great Green Jobs of the Week – WWF, Pew Environment Group

This week, we’ve got two great green job announcements for you – they were just too good to choose between! The Pew Environment Group is hiring a full time web intern, and the World Wildlife Fund is seeking an online marketing associate.  Now’s your chance to grab a great opportunity in the world of green collar jobs.

Online Marketing Associate – World Wildlife Fund

Job Type: Full Time
Location: Washington, D.C.

Job Description:

We are seeking an online marketing associate to perform a variety of tasks to assist the on-line marketing team with meeting its fundraising goals in the areas of email marketing and online projects. This is an exceptional opportunity to gain online marketing skills and contribute to the growth of the world’s leading conservation organization.

Basic Requirements:

The ideal candidate should possess a bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience. One to three years of online, web design or experience in a related field is required. Excellent project management skills, the ability to work independently, superior verbal and written communication skills, and proficiency with MS Office suite are necessary. Experience with HTML, Photoshop and Convio are preferred.

The closing date for posting resumes to this position is August 15, 2008.  Visit the WWF website’s jobs page and enter ‘29049’ as the requisition number to apply.

Intern – Pew Charitable Trusts

Department: Pew Environment Group
Location: Washington, D.C.

Responsibilities:

Web Internship, Pew Environment Group

The Pew Environment Group is seeking an online communications intern for the fall semester. This full-time job with the Web and Communications team is a great opportunity for somebody who is just starting out in the field.

Duties and responsibilities include online work on multiple campaign websites and support in developing potential new sites. PEG web interns typically work on dozens of different projects as well as participate in communications strategy discussions, planning meetings, brainstorming sessions and occasional training workshops. We’re looking for somebody who’s quick on his or her feet, adaptable, learns fast and has good attention to detail. Specific skills (html, design, etc.) are useful but not essential; some can be learned on the job. What’s more important is a positive attitude and strong initiative.

We offer a competitive internship hourly rate. Apply at the Pew Charitable Trusts website.

Link [WWF] + [Pew Environment Group]

Great Green Job of the Week: National Wildlife Federation

Earthfirst.com’s great green job of the week is located in Washington, D.C.  Do you have the credentials and drive to be the National Wildlife Federation’s next Global Warming Policy Director?

Title: Global Warming Policy Director
Position Type: Full Time
Salary Range: Based on Qualifications
Education: Must have an undergraduate degree in government relations, or related field required. Advanced degree preferred.

Required Skills: At least 10 years experience developing and passing legislation at the national level required. Additional international experience desired. At least some of the experience must be directly related to global warming, greenhouse gas reduction, energy policy, or energy conservation legislation. Specific experience with cap and trade legislation and/or natural resource conservation is highly desirable. Must also demonstrate ability to manage projects and supervise staff.

Benefits: NWF offers an excellent benefits package. NWF is an equal opportunity employer committed to workplace diversity. Cover Letter and Resume are required.

Description: National Wildlife Federation (NWF), the nation’s largest member-supported conservation organization, is mobilizing Americans to solve global warming and achieve a cleaner energy future. NWF is seeking a dynamic, results-oriented individual to take up the reins of its global warming policy program and provide policy guidance and leadership throughout the organization.

National Wildlife Federation has identified global warming as the greatest threat to wildlife, nature and our children’s future. To effectively solve global warming, legislation is needed in the United States and a new treaty is needed to fully engage the international community of nations. NWF takes a pragmatic approach to solving global warming. The solution must reduce greenhouse gas emissions and address the impacts of global warming in ways that protect natural resources, the economy, and people. Success solving global warming will provide Americans a new energy future of real choices and new economic opportunity.

The Director, Global Warming Policy will develop and implement programs and lead a team of six legislative and policy professionals to enable NWF to provide strong leadership in the process of developing and implementing new global warming policies. The Director will cultivate effective partnerships, including the U.S. Climate Action Partnership and the Climate Action Network and build coalitions with a wide variety of organizations that can recognize the benefits of solving global warming.

The Director, Global Warming Policy will be the point person for decisions on global warming policy positions and tactics to achieve NWF’s objectives. The Director will supervise NWF’s national and international policy staff and will assist in fundraising and program development.

To learn more about the NWF and apply for this position, see the National Wildlife Federation website.

Link [NWF] via [Treehugger]

EarthFirst.com Threw Down For The Sierra Club and Lightbulbs to Leadership

Last week thousands of people got together in over 300 homes, businesses, and at least one tipi (mine, as seen above) to help the Sierra Club bring awareness to the need for direct action on fighting Global Warming.

We need renewable energy, increased gas mileage standards, and more green industries jobs and the Sierra Club’s Lightbulbs to Leadership campaign used a series of videos to call out the politicians who are increasingly falling behind with the will of the people (that’s us).

We joined those hundreds of party hosts and our friends at Ecorazzi, who had a dinner party in Miami (seen in the photo above), and threw two events- one in Chicago and another here at my house and tipi in Maine. The night started off with a presentation about Global Warming, green jobs, and mileage standards, moved into a conference call with Sierra Club Executive Director Carl Pope and activist (and EarthFirst.com official Hot Guy in Green) Van Jones and wrapped up when thousands of letters to Governors demanding action on these issues were written and an unknown number of beers and sodas were consumed (and hopefully recycled).

Check out the Lightbulbs to Leaderships website and the Sierra Club’ s Flickr account to see more photos.

Nicely done Sierra Club.