When you were younger, you may not have thought that your dream job would include advancing energy efficiency, but the booming sector-within-sectors shows that for many people, working towards an efficient future has replaced childhood dreams of becoming an astronaut. A wide range of sectors are adopting energy efficient practices and new policies are favoring energy efficiency, which is rapidly increasing the demand for EE experts. 

The growing demand for advanced energy efficiency services and technologies is expected to create more than 59,000 new jobs by 2020. Many of the technical skills required for these positions are transferable from non-energy jobs, and training is becoming increasingly available for the most specialized occupations. According to the Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy; The National Science Foundation, the Department of Labor and the Department of Energy offer job training programs across the country that cover a variety of energy efficiency project areas. Training programs through Schneider Electric’s Energy University and NYSERDA also offer professional energy manager certifications that provide marketable credentials and technical EE knowledge to help you land that energy job.

Investments in energy efficiency have resulted in more job opportunities in the construction sector, particularly for labor-intensive workers who specialize in retrofit projects. Other career specializations that are in demand as a result of efficiency efforts include energy auditors, energy engineers, sustainability officers and retro-commissioning agents.

Despite great opportunities on the technical side, you don't necessarily need a science-based degree to work in the efficiency sector. Many companies are seeking expertise in marketing, finance, operations, and strategic planning to build upon their energy efficiency initiatives. Sustainability directors and marketing outreach coordinators are examples of non-technical positions that are essential for disseminating information to industry influencers, as well as to customers, funders, and government entities. 

Whether you are interested in performing hands-on technical work or promoting energy efficiency through research, education and advocacy (shamless plug: all of which you can do at the Alliance); a diverse set of skills are in demand when it comes to the energy efficiency industry. Apply for an energy efficient job today!