Overview

Careers in energy and environmental management combine the focus on producing and maintaining vital services like energy and water with a commitment to protecting the environment. These fields are perfect for those who want to work on renewable energy projects, manage natural resources, and ensure that our utility infrastructures operate efficiently and sustainably.

​From engineering solar panels to managing water conservation programs, these careers demand an innovative mindset and a passion for balancing human needs with ecological stewardship.

On this page you can learn more about these careers and where you can obtain training or educational experience. 

TOP RIASEC Categories: Realistic, Investigative
CTE Industry Sector(s):
​Energy, Environment and Utilities

Intro Video

NEW: Career Ideas based on RIASEC Score 

• Realistic: Solar Panel Installer, Wind Turbine Technician, Electrical Power-Line Installer, Oil Rig Worker, Refinery Operator
• Investigative: Energy Engineer, Renewable Energy Researcher, Environmental Impact Analyst, Geochemist, Energy Efficiency Auditor
• Artistic: Environmental Graphic Designer, Sustainable Design Consultant, Landscape Designer with a Focus on Sustainability, Eco-Artist, Green Building Architect
• Social: Environmental Outreach Coordinator, Energy Policy Advocate, Community Renewable Energy Project Organizer, Sustainability Educator, Energy Conservation Officer
• Enterprising: Renewable Energy Entrepreneur, Energy Sector Sales Manager, Sustainability Consultant, Environmental Compliance Manager, Green Startup Founder
• Conventional: Energy Data Analyst, Utility Compliance Specialist, Renewable Energy Project Planner, Environmental Permitting Coordinator, Power Grid Dispatcher

Career and Occupation Information

Certificate / License

• Electrical Lineworker​
• Wind Turbine Service Technicians
• Solar Photovoltaic Installers​​​​​
• Occupational Health and Safety Technicians​

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​Bachelor's Degree

• GIS Specialist / Geospatial Information Scientists and Technologists
• Petroleum Engineer​​​
• Environmental Engineer
• Water/Wastewater Engineer
• Water Resource Specialist
• Industrial Ecologist
• Environmental Scientist

More Careers to Explore

• Careers in Energy
• Careers in the Great Outdoors
• The 12 Best Jobs in the Outdoors
• ​Climbing 300-foot Wind Turbines for a Living (video)

Local / Statewide Programs

• ​Electrical Lineworker - Northwest Lineman College
• California Department of Water Resources​
• ​​Natural Resources Management - Butte College​
• Geological and Environment Sciences - CSU Chico​
• California Department of Water Resources
• ​Internships in water-service related Jobs​

Get Experience Now!

You can get experience in this field in the following ways:

• Take related CTE courses at your local high school in the Energy, Environment and Utilities career sector.
• Focus on science and math courses, especially environmental science, chemistry, and physics to build a strong foundational knowledge.
• Join or start an environmental club at school to participate in projects that promote sustainability and conservation.
• Seek internships or shadowing opportunities with local utility companies or environmental organizations.
• Engage in community service projects like tree planting, recycling drives, or local clean-up days to understand ecological impacts.
• Participate in science fairs or competitions with a focus on renewable energy projects to explore innovative energy solutions.
• Reach out to a business or organization in the career area you are interested in and ask for information on what the job is really like and what type of education or experience is recommended. 

Career Videos

Water/Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator

Solar Photovoltaic Installer

Petroleum Engineer