Understanding: finance, energy efficiency principles, and an understanding of renewable energy technologies and government policies.
Skills: problem solving, decision-making, organization, research, report writing, analysis, computers, communication, English
Relationships: Most communication is done with clients, though as part of a large bank, you may also meet with other loan officers and employees of the institution.
Atmosphere: Your time is spent almost entirely in an office. You may be required to travel to conventions or conferences to maintain skills and connections.
Understanding: knowledge of different renewable energy types and energy markets, knowledge of applicable green energy regulations (eg. the Feed-in-Tariff program)
Skills: communication, decision making, sales, project management, business
Relationships: You will likely be working closely with clients, investors, and senior members of your company. You may also be managing a sales team and working with other business partners and consultants.
Atmosphere: You will spend most of your time in an office environment but may be required to travel for meetings or presentations.
Understanding: broad knowledge of environmental processes and economic principles, including life cycle analysis.
Skills: mathematics, research, analysis, communication, decision-making, organization, critical thinking.
Relationships: Working with government officials, other economists, or corporate officers, you will be conducting analyses, assessing costs, and making recommendations on a variety of environmental issues.
Atmosphere: Most of your time will be spent in an office, though some travel may be required for meetings. Opportunities may present themselves to also teach the skills and methods you have learned in a university setting.
Understanding: energy efficiency and LEED principles, renewable energy sources, energy costs in the region, electrical and mechanical equipment (operations and maintenance), and power transmission principles.
Skills: mathematics, communication, technical language understanding, problem solving, critical thinking, decision-making.
Relationships: You may be managing a small team and communicating with various other departments in your organization.
Atmosphere: You will mostly be working in an office but may be required to do on-site monitoring and surveying.
Understanding: broad understanding of environmental issues, though specializing in one area may be beneficial
Skills: communication, critical thinking, research, writing, and statistical analysis
Relationships: You will be required to develop many different types of relationships, with government officials, businesses, NGOs, and members of the public, among others.
Atmosphere: You may find yourself working at any level of government, for a private company, or a non-governmental organization.
Understanding: LEED and energy efficiency principles, efficient and sustainable resource use
Skills: design principles, attention to detail, communication, computers, English, report writing, research
Relationships: You will be working closely with a variety of professionals such as other architects and building contractors, government agencies, and consultants. You will also be communicating frequently with clients.
Atmosphere: Office work and on site assessments are a regular part of the job. You will also be making presentations to clients, which may require some travel.
Energy manager, installation/renovation specialist, energy auditor, policy analyst, communications officer
Understanding: energy efficiency and power transmission principles, energy management, computer programming languages and applications.
Skills: critical thinking, decision-making, analysis, and technical knowledge.
Relationships: You may be working as part of a small team and have regular meetings with engineers and researchers to assess their needs.
Atmosphere: Most of your time will be spent in an office.
Computer programmer, IT specialist, software engineer, energy manager, energy auditor, sustainability manager
Understanding: energy efficiency and design principles.
Skills: problem solving, decision-making, critical thinking, organization, English, research, report writing, communication, analysis, and attention to detail.
Relationships: You will be interacting with a variety of people such as contractors, construction managers, building inspectors, architects, and industry professionals.
Atmosphere: Travel between an office, construction site, permit offices, and various other agencies will be required.
Sustainable architect (LEED AP), energy auditor, policy analyst, communications officer, energy educator, social marketer, environmental manager, environmental economist, energy manager
Understanding: life cycle analysis, air quality, pollution prevention, sustainable design, energy efficiency.
Skills: problem solving, decision making, critical thinking, technical programs, organization, English, management, report writing, research, communication, analysis, attention to detail.
Relationships: You will manage or work with a team and should be able to communicate your creative ideas effectively. You may also be interacting with suppliers and clients. Atmosphere: You will work indoors, splitting your time between the office and a lab or factory.
Understanding: energy efficiency principles, thermodynamics, pollution reduction, climate change
Skills: problem solving, organization, critical thinking, innovation, report writing, technical knowledge, complex tools, computers, mathematics, English, communication, attention to detail, analysis
Relationships: Daily interaction with technicians and technologists, as well as other engineers, will be necessary. Some meetings with energy policy planners may occur.
Atmosphere: You will often be working out in the field, taking measurements and ensuring operations are running smoothly.
Energy manager, renewable energy researcher, electrical engineer, biofuel/bioenergy researcher, industrial design/engineer
Understanding: wind energy technology, electrical engineering, energy efficiency principles.
Skills: report writing, mathematics, attention to detail, problem solving, communication, technical language, computer.
Relationships: You will likely work as part of a small team. You may also be communicating with clients or suppliers.
Atmosphere: You will mostly be working outdoors, on high platforms so you will have to get used to working at heights.
Understanding: solar energy technology, electrical engineering, energy efficiency principles, health and safety regulations.
Skills: mathematics, computers, communication, technical language, problem solving, attention to detail.
Relationships: You will likely work as part of a small team of installers and contractors. Your work will be supervised by a Master Electrician. You may also be communicating with clients or suppliers.
Atmosphere: You will mostly be working outdoors, on rooftops or ladders.
Wind turbine technician, solar panel installer, HVAC technician, energy retrofitter, electrical engineer, green roof installer, lighting specialist, industrial retrofit designer, renewable energy sales representative
Understanding: solar and wind energy technology, electrical engineering, Ontario Electrical Safety Code, building code regulations, health and safety regulations.
Skills: mathematics, computers, communication, technical language, problem solving, attention to detail.
Relationships: You will be overseeing a small team of installers and electrical contractors. You may also be communicating with engineers, clients or suppliers.
Atmosphere: Your work will include both indoor and outdoor work (which may include being on rooftops or ladders) and may involve some heavy lifting. You should also be comfortable dealing with electrical hazards, as you will face the risk of electrical shock.
Understanding: health and safety standards; general understanding of environmental concerns, though specialized education may be beneficial; LEED certification an asset, though strong knowledge of energy efficiency and green building principles may suffice.
Skills: interpersonal, communication, computer skills, writing, leadership, project management, attention to detail.
Relationships: As a crucial member of a team, you will both supervise staff and work with other projects leads, such as consultants, municipal officials, and contractors.
Atmosphere: Generally outdoors, though travel may likely be required depending on the location of the job site.
Understanding: energy-saving practices, familiarity with HVAC systems and building sciences, understanding of LEED principles an asset.
Skills: report writing, communication, critical thinking, problem solving, organization, mathematics, materials and technical language knowledge.
Relationships: You will work closely with energy retrofitters, clients (who may be home owners), business representatives, or government employees.
Atmosphere: You may find yourself working for a consulting firm or NGO, a government office, or any other number of other organizations. Your work will take you to a variety of sites including homes, businesses, schools, government buildings, institutions, and manufacturing facilities.
Environmental consultant, energy adviser, energy retrofitter, energy manager
Understanding: knowledge of energy generation and transmission principles, knowledge of renewable alternatives to traditional energy sources.
Skills: attention to detail, communication, project management, computers, technical understanding.
Relationships: You may work with or oversee other engineers and/or technicians; you may be communicating with outside consultants and other professionals.
Atmosphere: Working both on-site and in an office environment, either for a private company or government.
