5 of Atlanta's hottest green gigs to snag this summer

ajc.com

Credit: GOTCREDIT / CC BY 2.0

Credit: GOTCREDIT / CC BY 2.0

Conserve energy, develop alternative ones and put some serious cash in your pocket with "green" gigs open across the Atlanta area right now.

Working in the following environmentally friendly professions means fast job growth, above average wages and at least 100 expected annual job openings by the year 2022, according to the Workforce Statistics & Economic Research division of the Georgia Department of Labor.

These conservation-centered career choices are projected to become hot job topics in the years ahead while continuing to protect the environment and conserve natural resources:

1. Electronics engineer

Green goal: Electronics engineers research, develop and test electronic systems and components for scientific, military, commercial and industrial use. Today's design knowledge in this field requires engineers to place sustainability in the forefront while getting technology projects off the ground.

Georgia annual median wage: $89,800

Who's hiring: Roper Laser Co.

2. Environmental engineer

Green goal: Environmental engineers research, plan, design and perform engineering assignments to prevent, control and remedy environmental hazards. Expertise in this field ranges from pollution control technology to waste treatment.

Georgia annual median wage: $69,090

Who's hiring: Lockheed Martin and Amec Foster Wheeler Environment & Infrastructure

3. Landscape architect

Green goal: Landscape architects plan and design outdoor spaces for recreational, commercial, industrial and residential use. Today's landscape architects think sustainability — creating more health-conscious areas for communities.

Georgia annual median wage: $68,590

Who's hiring: Engineering Design Technologies

4. Mechanical engineer

Green goal: Mechanical engineers plan, design, install, maintain and repair machines, engines, tools and other functioning equipment. In the current renewable energy industry, these specific type of engineers often work on the newest industrial pursuits — remanufacturing goods for new purposes.

Georgia annual median wage: $81,470

Who's hiring: WSP and Parsons Brinckerhoff

5. Urban, regional planner

Green goal: Urban and regional planners create comprehensive programs and plans for towns, counties, cities and metropolitan areas. In the present climate, planners are implementing sustainability plans that increase comfort, safety and health for community members while minimizing use of nonrenewable energy, the production of pollution and wastes and cost of energy dollars.

Georgia annual median wage: $55,810

Who's hiring: Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA)