Careers and Opportunities
While at Western Illinois University…
The Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs (IIRA) is an on campus agency working to assist rural communities through technical support, applied research, and policy evaluation. This statewide leader in supporting wind and biofuel technology will give students real world experience and offer valuable networking opportunities through its Value-Added Sustainable Development Center.
Sustainability Brownbaggers Series – Weekly presentations that offer, “…conversations for the natural and social sciences, business and the arts and humanities.” Students can attend these presentations either in person or through live web streaming.
Sustainability Committee – Help implements sustainable practices on campus to promote awareness among WIU students, faculty, and staff; as well as throughout the broader community. They offer Student Sustainability Fund Awards for independent projects.
After College
WIU offers several career fairs to connect students with potential employers. The Career Development Center will prepare students for interviews and their web site offers specific green jobs web sites. Each year WIU holds an Environmental Summit; this event not only includes speakers but an environmental expo that brings together employers, vendors, and local organizations.
Job & Internship Boards
Illinois Solar Energy Association: Green Jobs and Opportunities
The Illinois Solar Energy Association (ISEA) is a non-profit organization that promotes the widespread application of solar and other forms of renewable energy through our mission of education and advocacy. ISEA is the state resource for renewable energy related policy developments, educational classes, events and access to local renewable energy businesses.
Environmental Law & Policy Center: Jobs & Internships
The Environmental Law and Policy Center is headquartered in downtown Chicago, with staff across many Midwestern states. Our staff consists of attorneys, policy analysts, MBAs, communications specialists, grassroots organizers, and support staff.
American Wind Energy Association: Careers In Wind
Careers In Wind is a job board that posts jobs at the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA), as well as jobs throughout the wind energy industry. Careers In
Wind connects wind energy companies with experienced, capable wind professionals who want to use their expertise to advance business, technology, and the industry.
SOLAR TODAY: GreenStart Job Board
To help you find interesting job opportunities, the American Solar Energy Society has created this GreenStart Job Board to introduce you to some of the organizations in the green economy and to provide an easy way to browse current job openings at each company.
Solar Energy Industries Association: Solar Job Board
The solar industry is one of the fastest-growing industries in the nation, and offers tremendous opportunities for workers from all backgrounds. SEIA provides guidance and information to members regarding solar training opportunities, certifications, and training program accreditations. Additionally, SEIA coordinates with training providers and certification organizations to provide information and guidance to members.
Renewable Energy Companies’ Career Posts:
Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp.
Archer Daniels Midland Company
Association for Illinois Electric Cooperatives
Career Resources & Guides
ILLINOIS – THE STATE OF INNOVATION “From Batteries to Biomass” (p. 29-33)
With its $670 billion economy, Illinois is an international center of global commerce. The state has leveraged its world-class transportation and logistics infrastructure, major research and higher education assets, and legacy of innovation to create a dynamic and growing economy with major segments that include advanced manufacturing, life sciences, clean energy, banking and finance, and information technology.
“Find Out Where the Green Jobs Are in Illinois”
by Chris de Morsella, Green Economy Post Chris is the co-editor of The Green Executive Recruiter Directory. Major Green Industries with a significant presence in the state are: green building, wind, biofuel, solar, energy efficiency, environmental remediation. The Pew Charitable Trusts “Clean Energy Economy Report“ found that in 2007 Illinois reported 2,176 cleantech businesses that provided 28,395 green jobs. Over the decade 1998-2007 employment in the Illinois cleantech sector dropped by 2.5%, which was the same result for the overall employment figures, which also shrank by 2.5% over the same period. Over the two year period (2006-2008) Illinois saw around $109 million of venture capital invested in its cleantech sector.
Most of the world has finally gotten to the point where they understand it is imperative for humans to reduce their impact on the planet. This is obvious by the simple fact that the act of recycling has been increasing for decades. Entire companies are also being created that do nothing more than create methods of renewable energy. Whether people use these methods to help the environment or just save money doesn’t matter, as long as they are doing it. There are several careers that a person can get into if they are interested in working in the green industry.
U.S. Department of Energy Solar Career Map
This solar career map explores an expanding universe of solar-energy occupations, describing diverse jobs across the industry, charting possible progression between them, and identifying the high-quality training necessary to do them well.
U.S. Department of Energy Wind Career Map
This wind career map explores an expanding universe of wind-energy occupations, describing diverse jobs across the industry, charting possible progression between them, and identifying the high-quality training necessary to do them well.
The Daily Biofuels News Digest is the most widely-read biofuels daily in the world (sources: Alexa, Quantcast). 62 percent of subscribers call it “the best online biofuels media”. The Digest has more than 100,000 references in Google and readers in every UN-recognized country countries.
Biodiesel Magazine is a trade journal dedicated to objective, independent coverage of biodiesel news, events and information relevant to the global industry. With editorial focus on U.S. and international methyl ester manufacturing, trade, distribution and markets, Biodiesel Magazine also provides valuable insight into feedstock and market share competition from the non-ester renewable diesel sector.
Ethanol Producer Magazine Since 1995, Ethanol Producer Magazine is the ethanol industry’s premier trade journal. With its commitment to editorial excellence and high-quality print production and distribution, it is widely recognized as the business-to-business publication of note throughout the global ethanol industry. With compelling profiles, insightful news and commentary, and engaging features on plant optimization, research, science, technology, equipment, environmental health and safety, compliance, marketing, policy and industry events, Ethanol Producer Magazine is the magazine ethanol producers turn to.
Since 1981, the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) has been the authoritative voice of the U.S. ethanol industry. Our members are committed to helping our country become cleaner, safer, and more energy independent. In creating a forum for ethanol producers and industry stakeholders, RFA has achieved an unequaled record of results through action, advocacy and analysis.
We represent the producers and supporters of ethanol, who feed the world and fuel America in ways that achieve energy independence, improve economic well-being, and create a healthier environment for all Americans now.
Illinois Sustainable Technology Center
Our Mission is to encourage and assist citizens, businesses, and government agencies to prevent pollution, conserve natural resources, and reduce waste to protect human health and the environment of Illinois and beyond.
U.S. Department of Energy Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy
We are looking for people who can help us to formulate and direct programs designed to increase the production and utilization of renewable energy and improve energy efficiency through support of research, development, and technology transfer. Ideal applicants will help us to administer statutorily mandated assistance programs and ensure the implementation of energy efficiency measures required by legislation and Executive Orders.
Illinois Green Business Association
The Illinois Green Business Association is always seeking to provide experiential learning opportunities for students. We want to help students delve into the green field, no matter what their major may be!