It’s A Green World After All

You’ve always wanted to be a superhero. The only thing holding you back is your lack of super power. You can’t fly. You’re barely faster than an idle bullet. And, you wonder if opening a jam jar counts as a feat of strength.

But don’t hang up your cape just yet. There may be a way for you to save the world and earn superhero status. Yes, by unleashing your power to protect humanity from environmental degradation, you can carve out an awesome career and become a “super” person in your own right.

Here are a few promising green careers that can help you put that cape and–if you insist–those tights to good use.

The Green Builder

If the field of construction appeals to you, you may enjoy a career as a green builder. With the goal of creating structures with small carbon footprints, green construction workers must use resources more responsibly to fabricate homes and offices that are more energy efficient, create less waste, offer better air quality, and have little impact on the surrounding environment. This sounds like a job for “Super (Insert Name Here).”

Thankfully, there are many on-campus and online courses that support green building that can earn you the requisite qualifications.

The Green Lawyer

If you are an undefeated debate club champ who longs to take center stage in a court of law, you may enjoy becoming an environmental lawyer. As Forbes‘ “Six-Figure Green Jobs“–yes, six figures–states, these individuals represent environmental groups or, conversely, oil companies that need to comply with regulations set by the US Environmental Protection Agency. And this sector of the legal field is expected to grow, making it a viable career move.

The Green Recycler

Are you an avid recycler who has taken on the job of self-appointed “recycle police?” If so, you may enjoy a career in recycling or waste management.

According to National Geographic, in 2011, two-thirds of all the paper consumed in the U.S. was recovered rather than dumped into landfills. This accomplishment has not only lead to a substantial increase in the number of recycling jobs needed, but it has also made a huge contribution to saving the environment. This is an act worthy of any superhero.

The Green Director

Are you a natural-born leader with a heart for environmental issues? You may find fulfillment in the leading role within an environmental non-profit organization. According to Bloomberg, the median annual salary for an Executive Director position within one of these not-for-profit companies is $66,200 (that’ll buy a lot of capes) and involves tackling many issues including education, legislation, sustainability, wetlands, climate change and more. And, with a super person like you at the helm, they can’t go wrong.

The Green Meteorologist

Do you have a Weather Channel addiction and a knack for predicting rain? You may enjoy a career as a meteorologist. While many in this field become local weather announcers, if you want to have a considerable impact on the environment, you may want to consider veering off into research. As “The Five Top-Paying Green-Collar Jobs” reports, the private sector has commissioned studies on issues such as climate change and its effect on crops and livestock, plus there are many high paying jobs within the federal government.

Green Planner

As an environmental planner, you will have a huge impact on how land is developed in the future. Yes, you will be entrusted with meeting the need for human expansion without sacrificing the natural environment and displacing wildlife. If you would enjoy meeting with planners, developers, and other interest groups, and coming up with creative ways to make the best use of land, this would be an ideal career path for you.

You have what it takes to become a caped crusader in your own right. So grab that cape and squeeze into those tights. And come up with your own magnificent moniker. Just remember–the names Green Hornet and Green Lantern have already been taken.

What super power would you most like to have? Why?