Making a Living, SustainablyGreen Jobs and Sustainability Careers

Why are green jobs and sustainability careers important?Our world is facing global climate change, energy issues, food and water shortages, growing populations, increasing pollution and waste, emerging diseases, and an uncertain economy. The threats to our planet may seem daunting, but we can all take action by making sustainable choices in our daily lives and in our jobs.

Green jobs and sustainability careers, with their emphasis on renewable energy, reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, improved conservation of natural resources, increased awareness of biodiversity, and heightened social consciousness, among other goals, contribute to a more equitable and sustainable world. We need people who are trained to think about how to protect and repair our social, economic, and environmental systems. We need to develop a workforce that can fill the new and existing jobs required for a sustainable future.

This educational resource for students and educators was produced by Manitoba Education, in partnership with the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD), to help youth in Manitoba explore sustainability career options and practices and prepare to live and work for a more sustainable future.

No matter where you start your career in Manitoba, you’ll probably be working to make this province “one of the most sustainable places to live on earth” (Manitoba Conservation and Water Stewardship, Tomorrow Now 4).

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Manitoba Education Cataloguing in Publication Data

Making a living, sustainably [electronic resource] : green jobs and sustainability careers

Includes bibliographical references.ISBN: 978-0-7711-5381-5

1. Environmental protection—Vocational guidance. 2. Green movement—Vocational guidance. 3. Occupations—Environmental aspects. 4. Environmental protection—Vocational guidance—Manitoba. 5. Environmental sciences—Vocational guidance—Manitoba. 6. Green movement—Vocational guidance—Manitoba. I. Manitoba. Manitoba Education. 363.70023

Copyright © 2012, the Government of Manitoba, represented by the Minister of Education.

Manitoba Education School Programs Division Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

Every effort has been made to acknowledge original sources and to comply with copyright law. If cases are identified where this has not been done, please notify Manitoba Education. Errors or omissions will be corrected in a future edition. Sincere thanks to the authors, artists, and publishers who allowed their original material to be used.

All images found in this document are copyright protected and should not be extracted, accessed, or reproduced for any purpose other than for their intended educational use in this document.

Any websites referenced in this document are subject to change. Educators are advised to preview and evaluate websites and online resources before recommending them for student use.

This resource is available on the Manitoba Education website at <www.edu.gov.mb.ca/k12/esd/resources.html>.

Available in alternate formats upon request.

Green Jobs

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) defines green jobs as “work in agriculture, manufacturing, research and development, [and] administrative and service activities that contribute substantially to preserving or restoring environmental quality” (Green Jobs 3).

Most green jobs are not new jobs, but rather, are based on existing occupations that become, in a sense, “greener” as they build environmental skills and tasks into their everyday duties. This includes jobs that directly or indirectly “help to protect ecosystems and biodiversity; reduce energy, materials, and water consumption through high-efficiency strategies; de-carbonize the economy; and minimize or altogether avoid waste and pollution” (UNEP, Green Jobs 3).

Workforce needs and opportunities are changing in a wide range of sectorsEmployment patterns are changing. According to Environmental Careers Organization (ECO) Canada, the demand for employees with environment-related skills and knowledge continues to grow across a wide range of labour market sectors (The Green Jobs Map 5). Employment opportunities are opening up in traditional sectors such as agriculture, construction, manufacturing, hospitality, and financial services where actions need to become more socially responsible and environmentally friendly. Jobs are also being created in new industries that focus directly on environmental technologies, renewable energy systems, pollution control and remediation, and other types of “green” services.

Green jobs can

• contributedirectlyorindirectlytothewell-being of the planet

• befoundinawidevarietyofsectorsandoccupations

• bebothtechnicallyandnon-technicallyoriented

• requireacombinationofskillsandknowledge

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Manitoba youth can help build a green economy at home and around the worldThe Manitoba government has launched an eight-year strategic action plan to ensure a prosperous and environmentally conscious economy. Tomorrow Now: Manitoba’s Green Plan highlights the importance of instilling green skills, knowledge, and values in young people, the workforce of the future, thereby enabling Manitoba youth to make this province “one of the most sustainable places to live on earth” (Manitoba Conservation and Water Stewardship 4). As global citizens, Manitoba youth can also take their sustainability skills and knowledge wherever they go, making a difference at home and in every corner of the world.

Every job can contribute to sustainabilityEvery job and every career can have a green or sustainability element to it. Young people can bring to their work their knowledge and attitudes about sustainable development, along with their actions. If, in their daily work, young people are making decisions that

consider social and environmental outcomes as well as economic ones, they are making a contribution to a better quality of life, for themselves, their co-workers, their employers, or investors. Integration of sustainable development into education and training at all levels, starting from early childhood education, is essential to every job becoming greener.

Sustainability at Work

Every person, in every job or business, can contribute to sustainability practices by supporting local charities or awareness-raising campaigns, such as EcoChallenge or Earth Day, by initiating composting and recycling programs, and by promoting more sustainable commuting practices.

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Making a living, sustainably, requires key attributesGreen jobs and sustainability careers require not only academic and technical credentials, but also a mindset and a skill set that can be applied across all fields of endeavour. Young people working in sustainable development have identified certain values and aptitudes and general skills and abilities, such as the following, that they consider to be necessary for making a living, sustainably, and for ensuring a sustainable future (Timmer, Creech, and Buckler). Employers are increasingly seeking employees with these attributes.

Values and Aptitudes Skills and Abilities

» Bridging and combining disciplines and skills

» Planning with a long-term outlook

» Communicating and networking

» Managing people and projects

» Implementing financial planning (preparing budgets, monitoring costs)

» Dealing with uncertainty and unpredictability

» Applying a systems approach

» Translating complex ideas

» Global mindset

» Rootedness in community

» Concern for equity and human rights

» Respect for diversity

» Sense of urgency

» Capacity for innovation and new ideas

» Integrated thinking

» Respect for science as part of the solution

» Personal commitment to a sustainable lifestyle

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Manitobans are choosing green careers in various sectorsMany people in Manitoba are already working in green jobs and sustainability careers.

Job ProfilesThe individuals profiled below describe their jobs and the education requirements for those jobs and share tips for students considering a sustainability career.

My typical job duties include habitat restoration, project management, providing expert advice on issues related to natural areas, and developing management plans for natural areas. A high school student considering a career in this line of work might have strong marks or an interest in botany, ecology, biology, urban planning, or management, and then complete a Bachelor of Science degree in ecology, zoology, botany, forestry, or natural resource management. It would be a good idea to begin by volunteering in nature-related activities, and take summer jobs in the environment or landscaping industry when possible. A student could study biology in high school and aim to spend four years or more at university.

Winnipeg City Naturalist

Self-Employed Drywall Installer

My typical job duties include installation of insulation for soundproofing and/or heat retention, installation of vapour barrier, and installation of drywall/gypsumboard. I chose this line of work because installing insulation and vapour barrier correctly is the most important element to keeping houses energy efficient. We’re also now increasingly required to find sustainable products, use recycling facilities where available, and find builders committed to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) building standards. A high school student considering a career in this line of work would need a high school diploma and might be interested in mathematics courses with practical hands-on applications, such as carpentry. Other relevant training includes journeyperson construction and safety training. Finding a company with a conscience is key, as well as keeping an open mind to new ideas and concepts.

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Demand for Sustainability Knowledge and Skills Growing

ECO Canada resources emphasize that, in the near future, we can expect to see more jobs being created or existing jobs being retooled for sustainability (these jobs could be categorized as green jobs, sustainability jobs, or environmental jobs) and the demand for sustainability-related knowledge and skills will continue to grow. One of the most critical issues facing Canada is a shortage of skilled labour in green jobs and sustainability careers.

My typical job duties include assessing the environmental impacts of planned hydroelectric developments, working with First Nations community members on various environmental studies, reviewing and approving work plans and budgets for environmental studies, and working with engineers to design projects in a way that minimizes environmental effects. A high school student considering a career in this line of work might have interests in biology, environmental science, or social studies, and then seek a master’s degree in environmental science, biology, or natural resource management.

Biophysical Analyst, Manitoba Hydro

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Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore saves approximately 1.5 million tons of garbage from being sent to landfills every year. My typical job duties include working with clients and potential donors from the business community in Winnipeg and surrounding area who are looking to donate home-improvement items to the ReStore, meeting with companies to inform them of the benefits of working with the ReStore and how it can help their business and image, managing events, and performing administrative duties (giving tax receipts for donations, keeping track of calls made, mileage, and expenses). A high school student considering a career in this line of work might be a self-starter or self-motivated (enjoying the feeling of accomplishment without specific direction) and have an interest in helping the less fortunate, giving back to the community, helping reduce waste (lower carbon footprints), redirecting garbage from landfills to be reused, or being part of an organization that gives room to grow within a position. For this job, some secondary education is helpful, along with knowledge of the business world, mostly through work experience and life experience, and skills such as time-management, staying organized, customer service, negotiating, and light accounting.

Procurement Representative, Habitat for Humanity

Green jobs and sustainability careers can be found in all levels of government, in the private sector (ranging from sole proprietorships and micro-enterprises to multinational corporations), in non-governmental organizations, in non-profit and charitable enterprises, and in schools, universities, and think tanks. In Manitoba, hundreds of companies are operating in the environmental sector, many of them providing goods and services related to prevention and remediation of environmental damage to

water, air, and soil. In addition, many firms in this province are centred on the development of new technologies that reduce energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, and waste (Ruehlicke). Provincial environmental standards for publicly funded buildings and retrofits are in place and new and enhanced ecotourism opportunities are being promoted in the province.

Sectors in Manitoba’s green economy include clean energy, energy efficiency, and waste management, as well as bio-product development and production. Growing concentrations of green jobs in Canada can be found in the sectors identified in the following table.

Growing Concentrations of Green Jobs and Sustainability Careers in Canada

SECTOR FOCUS EXAMPLES OF WORK AREAS

» Sustainable generation, transmission, distribution, storage, and use of energy

» Engineering and technical support

» Energy auditing» Manufacturing and marketing

of alternative and renewable energy components and systemsGR

EEN

ENER

GYKey sectors

in Manitoba and Canada

are advancing the green economy

Green Economy

UNEP defines a green economy as one that “results in improved human well-being and social equity, while significantly reducing environmental risks and ecological scarcities. In its simplest expression, a green economy can be thought of as one which is low carbon, resource efficient and socially inclusive” (UNEP, Green Economy).

» Manufacturing methods that reduce waste and pollution

» Skilled trades» Business sales » Management services» Environmental monitoring

GREE

N

MAN

UFAC

TURI

NG

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Growing Concentrations of Green Jobs and Sustainability Careers in Canada

SECTOR FOCUS EXAMPLES OF WORK AREAS

» Construction methods that reduce waste and improve energy and water efficiency

» Systems for transporting people and goods in environmentally responsible ways

» Green construction» Landscape design and

gardening» Architecture» Urban and rural planning

» Management of land, water, and natural resources in responsible, sustainable ways

» Sustainable farming, fisheries, forestry, and mining

» Environmental monitoring

GREE

N BU

ILDI

NG an

d TR

ANSP

ORTA

TION

AGRI

CULT

URE a

nd

NATU

RAL R

ESOU

RCE

MAN

AGEM

ENT

» Ecotourism and the promotion of locally produced foods and services

» Sustainable tourism » Restaurant management

and culinary arts

GREE

N

HOSP

ITAL

ITY

» Educating, inspiring, and persuading people to become more responsible citizens

» Education and training» Advertising and marketing» Research» Arts and culture » Journalism and media relations» Public awareness» Social media communicationCO

MM

UNIC

ATIO

NS

and E

NGAG

EMEN

T

» Shaping policies, laws, regulations, and financial instruments that contribute proactively to developing a responsible, sustainable economy

» Policy analysis» Law and politics» Investment portfolio

management» Accounting (socially

responsible investing, full-cost accounting)GR

EEN

ECON

OMIC

DE

VELO

PMEN

T

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PROVINCIAL RESOURCES

Manitoba Government Resources

Manitoba Advanced Education and Literacy. Post-Secondary Education. <www.edu.gov.mb.ca/ael/unicoll/index.html>.

Manitoba Children and Youth Opportunities. Urban/Hometown Green Team. <www.gov.mb.ca/cyo/youth/employers/ greenteam.html>.

Manitoba Conservation and Water Stewardship. Tomorrow Now: Manitoba’s Green Plan. Winnipeg, MB: Manitoba Conservation and Water Stewardship, n.d. Available online at <http://gov.mb.ca/conservation/tomorrow nowgreenplan/pdf/tomorrowNowBook.pdf>.

Manitoba Education. Education for Sustainable Development. <www.edu.gov.mb.ca/k12/esd/>.

Manitoba Entrepreneurship, Training and Trade. Apprenticeship. <www.gov.mb.ca/tce/apprent/index.html>.

———. Employment and Workforce Development. <www.gov.mb.ca/tce/emp_work/index.html>.

———. Manitoba Labour Market Information (LMI) and Labour Mobility Website. <www.gov.mb.ca/tce/lmi/index.html>.

———. Manitoba Prospects Career Planning Pull Out Guide, 2012. Winnipeg, MB: Manitoba Entrepreneurship, Training and Trade, 2012. Available online at <www.gov.mb.ca/tce/lmi/pdf/career.pdf>.

Manitoba Technical Vocational Initiative. <www.edu.gov.mb.ca/tvi/index.html>.

Gateways and PortalsManitoba Career Development Gateway.

<www.manitobacareerdevelopment.ca/CDI/>.

Manitoba Non-Profit Organization (NPO) Portal. <www.gov.mb.ca/npo/>.

Manitoba Social Enterprise Portal. <www.gov.mb.ca/ctt/social_enterprise/>.

Other ResourcesManitoba Environmental Industries Association (MEIA).

Home Page. <www.meia.mb.ca/>.

Timmer, Dagmar, Heather Creech, and Carolee Buckler. Becoming a Sustainability Leader: IISD’s Role in Shaping the Next Generation of Sustainable Development Leadership. Winnipeg, MB: International Institute for Sustainable Development, 2007. Available online at <www.iisd.org/pdf/2007/sustainability_leader.pdf>.

We can all take action towards responsible living and workingAll of us can commit to living a more sustainable lifestyle, at home, in our schools, and in our jobs. The choices we make regarding the work we do and how we spend and invest our income all have an impact on the future of our planet. Let’s take action now and make choices for a sustainable future.

References and Further Reading

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NATIONAL RESOURCES

Canadian Labour Congress. “Green Jobs.” Environmental Issues. <www.canadianlabour.ca/issues/green-jobs>.

Environmental Careers Organization (ECO) Canada. 2010 Profile of Canadian Environmental Employment. Calgary, AB: ECO Canada, 2010. Available online at <www.eco.ca/pdf/Profile-Of-Canadian-Environmental-Employment-ECO-Canada-2010.pdf>.

———. Defining the Green Economy. Calgary, AB: ECO Canada, 2010. Available online at <www.eco.ca/pdf/Defining-the-Green-Economy-2010.pdf>.

———. The Green Jobs Map: Tracking Employment through Canada’s Green Economy. Calgary, AB: ECO Canada, 2012. Available online at <www.eco.ca/publications/pdf/Employment-in-Canada-Green-Economy-2012-final.pdf>.

First Work—Green Skills Network, and Canadian Education and Research Institute for Counselling (CERIC). Emerging Green Jobs in Canada: Insights for Employment Counsellors into the Changing Labour Market and Its Potential for Entry-Level Employment. Available online at <http://ceric.ca/files/PDFs/Emerging%20Green %20Jobs%20in%20Canada.pdf> and at <www.firstwork.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/ 2012/06/Emerging-Green-Jobs-in-Canada.pdf>.

First Work: The Ontario Association of Youth Employment Centres. Green Skills Network. <www.greenskillsnetwork.ca/>.

Ruehlicke, Leah. “Green Careers with Growth in Western Canada.” 7 Sept. 2012. TalentEgg.ca. <http://talentegg.ca/incubator/2012/09/07/ green-western-canada/>.

INTERNATIONAL RESOURCES

Strietska-Ilina, Olga, Christine Hofmann, Mercedes Durán Haro, and Shinyoung Jeon. Skills for Green Jobs: A Global View: Synthesis Report Based on 21 Country Studies. Geneva, Switzerland: International Labour Office, 2011. Available online at <www.ilo.org/public/libdoc/ilo/2011/111B09_234_engl.pdf>.

United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). “About GEI.” Green Economy. <www.unep.org/greeneconomy/ AboutGEI/WhatisGEI/tabid/29784/Default.aspx>.

United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), International Labour Organization (ILO), International Organization of Employers (IOE), and International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC). Green Jobs: Towards Decent Work in a Sustainable, Low-Carbon World. Sept. 2008. <www.unep.org/labour_environment/PDFs/Greenjobs/UNEP-Green-Jobs-Report.pdf>.

———. The UNEP – ILO – IEO – ITUC Green Jobs Initiative. <www.unep.org/labour_environment/features/greenjobs-initiative.asp>.

JOB SEARCH RESOURCES

Environmental Career Opportunities

Environmental Careers Organization (ECO) Canada. Aboriginal Resources. <www.eco.ca/public/services/professional/aboriginal-resources/492/>.

———. ECO Job Board. <www.eco.ca/public/services/professional/eco-job-board/365/>.

GoodWork Canada. <www.goodworkcanada.ca/>.

Manitoba Eco-Network. Green Jobs. <http://mbeconetwork.org/resources/green-jobs>.

Mainstream Job Boards

Manitoba WorkinfoNET. <www.mb.workinfonet.ca>.

Monster. <www.monster.ca>.

Workopolis. <www.workopolis.com>.

Industry-Specific Job Postings

Parks Canada. Jobs at Parks Canada. <www.pc.gc.ca/agen/empl/index_e.asp>.

Replant. <www.replant.ca/>.

International Resource for Young Entrepreneurs

Entrepreneur’s Toolkit. <www.entrepreneurstoolkit.org>.

The websites cited above were accessed in October 2012.

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Contact

Carolee BucklerSustainable Development CoordinatorManitoba EducationTelephone: 204-945-1924Fax: 204-945-1704Email: carolee.buckler@gov.mb.ca

For further information on education for sustainable development, refer to the Manitoba Education website at <www.edu.gov.mb.ca/k12/esd/>.

This booklet is available at <www.edu.gov.mb.ca/k12/esd/resources.html>.

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