Understanding: alternative energy sources, conservation, climate change issues, sustainability, ecology.
Skills: public speaking, leadership, creativity, innovation, communication, organization, adaptability.
Relationships: You will have frequent interactions with other staff/volunteers and the general public (all age groups). At times, you may be required to work alone or in a team.
Atmosphere: You may find yourself in a classroom, at a national or provincial park, or at an outdoor field centre. As some activities will be outdoors, you must be able to work in a variety of different conditions.
Understanding: energy efficiency and pollution prevention principles, environmental law, and broad knowledge of environmental issues.
Skills: problem solving, critical thinking, organization, research, English (both official languages an asset), report writing, communication, attention to detail, analysis.
Relationships: You will be working with other members of government as well as sector councils and companies to develop compliance strategies.
Atmosphere: Your time will be split between being on site and in the office, travel to conferences or meetings may be required.
Environmental impact assessor, environmental consultant, engineer/project manager, energy auditor, policy advocate, policy analyst, environmental lawyer
Understanding: broad understanding of environmental laws and issues, though specialization in a specific area is beneficial.
Skills: problem solving, public speaking, critical thinking, organization, research, negotiation, report writing.
Relationships: Connections will be made with a number of other lawyers, government agencies, NGOs (non-governmental organizations), and businesses.
Atmosphere: Work will be in an office, in a courtroom, in a boardroom negotiating settlements, in the field interviewing witnesses, and visiting sites. Lawyers are often required to work very long hours.
Policy advocate, policy analyst, policy maker, green business adviser/consultant
Understanding: familiarity with air/soil/water contaminants, chemical processes, and applicable regulations.
Skills: analytical, attention to detail, communication, report writing, English, technical language, computers, research.
Relationships: You may find yourself conducting meetings with local residents and businesses or in discussions with government offices. You will often work alone or as part of a small team and sometimes meet with other experts in the field.
Atmosphere: You will either be in an office or outdoors. Some travel may be necessary.
Environmental auditor, energy auditor, energy educator, social marketer, policy advocate, policy analyst
Understanding: broad knowledge of environmental policies and heath and safety regulations, with specific expertise in areas that include biology, waste and water management, pollution, energy efficiency, ecosystem and habitat assessment.
Skills: critical thinking, analysis, organization, communication, decision-making, attention to detail, report writing.
Relationships: You will constantly be working for new clients, but may also spend time working alone or with a small team.
Atmosphere: As a consultant, you may work from home or in a small office, with frequent trips on-site.
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 thermodynamics principles, climate change, mechanical or electrical engineering.
Skills: innovation, report writing, technical knowledge, computers, mathematics, English, communication, attention to detail, analysis.
Relationships: Working as part of a team, you will be in communication with other researchers, interested stakeholders, clients, and colleagues.
Atmosphere: You may find yourself in a lab, in an office, or in the field. Your employer may be the government, a private company, or a university.
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: Research, communication, technical language, computer, report writing, attention to detail, mathematics.
Skills: Climate change, energy efficiency, pollution prevention, biological and chemical processes.
Relationships: You will work mainly with other scientists, engineers, educators, and professionals.
Atmosphere: You will likely spend most of your time in a lab, though at times you may be presenting your findings at conferences or universities. You may find yourself working for private agencies, governments, engineering firms, or universities.
Understanding: fuel economy and emissions, transmission and engine systems, vehicle dynamics.
Skills: problem solving, critical thinking, organization, research, report writing, computers, analysis, mechanical and electrical engineering.
Relationships: As part of a team, you will be reporting to a supervisor and communicating with other engineers and researchers. As you advance, you may make presentations to potential clients, become a supervisor yourself, or manage the design of an entire project.
Atmosphere: You may be working in a laboratory, out in the field, or in a manufacturing plant.
Biofuel/bioenergy researcher, renewable energy researcher, geothermal engineer, industrial engineer, electrical 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: 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.
