Careers in ecological transition: how to find a sustainable and meaningful job?
At a time when energy transition issues are becoming increasingly important, ecological and energy transition is essential for the protection of nature. In France, the impact of energy transition is creating new opportunities for sustainable jobs.
Understanding the ecological transition and its impact on the world of work
What is the ecological transition?
The ecological transition refers to all the changes needed to achieve sustainable development. The implementation of this ecological and solidarity-based transition affects all sectors of the economy.
The ecological transition involves reducing greenhouse gas emissions and focusing on renewable energy, waste management, and the circular economy. Its ultimate goal is to achieve carbon neutrality, i.e., a balance between greenhouse gas emissions and their absorption by natural ecosystems.
Why is it transforming the job market?
The challenges of the ecological transition are disrupting the job market in France and internationally. It is leading to the creation of the jobs of tomorrow, such as energy renovation, ecological transition, and renewable energy-related professions. These are jobs in high demand in all sectors.
The ecological transition is also transforming existing professions. Some jobs are evolving to incorporate more sustainable practices, becoming jobs in the energy transition. This phenomenon can be seen in construction, agriculture, transportation, industry, and many other sectors.
What are the major sectors driving the ecological transition?
Energy (renewable energy, energy efficiency, network management)
Energy production and management are at the heart of the ecological transition. With the goal of achieving carbon neutrality, France must actively develop renewable energies (solar energy, wind energy, hydraulic energy, etc.) to replace fossil fuels.
Nuclear energy, which is considered low-carbon because it emits very little greenhouse gas, is rather controversial. Some believe it is essential to accelerate the energy transition and achieve the desired carbon footprint, while others believe it carries too many risks.
Building and energy renovation
It is important to note that the building sector is one of the largest energy consumers in France. The energy renovation of housing and commercial buildings therefore plays a crucial role in the ecological transition.
The aim is to improve the thermal performance of buildings by reducing energy losses, which also helps to lower household energy bills.
This creates a high demand for qualified professionals in both diagnosis and implementation. Such work may include the installation of heat pumps and solar panels, for example. Energy audits are also carried out to assess the performance of buildings in order to determine the priority work to be carried out.
Waste management and the circular economy
In today's world, where we are producing more and more waste, sustainable resource management is an integral part of the ecological transition. The circular economy allows us to break out of the traditional waste life cycle: production, consumption, and disposal. It aims to recycle raw materials in order to reduce the extraction of new resources.
Many professions have emerged or been transformed with the development of the circular economy linked to waste management:
Green growth professions: circular economy project manager, QSE (Quality-Safety-Environment) manager;
Green professions: waste treatment technician, waste recovery engineer;
Sustainable professions: zero-waste social entrepreneur, coordinator in a company specializing in sorting;
Environmental professions: waste management research officer, waste regulation consultant.
Sustainable agriculture and biodiversity
In the face of climate change, it is urgent that agriculture undergoes a transformation. In contrast to intensive agriculture, sustainable agriculture prioritizes respect for ecosystems and consumer health. The goal is to obtain high-quality products without sacrificing biodiversity.
Sustainable agriculture is therefore a sector of the ecological transition that is actively recruiting. Here are some of the jobs available:
Agroecology jobs: organic farmer, agricultural advisor specializing in agroecological practices;
Forest management jobs: National Forestry Office (ONF) agent, wooded natural area manager;
Wildlife and plant protection jobs: biodiversity project manager, ecological inventory technician.
What are the most in-demand jobs today?
The ecological transition is transforming existing jobs, but it is also giving rise to new jobs to meet environmental challenges. These jobs require advanced technical skills to ensure the implementation of sustainable practices.
Some concrete examples of these green jobs are:
Solar energy project manager;
Hydrogen engineer;
Energy data analyst;
Ecological transition consultant;
Circular economy expert;
Energy transition expert;
Renewable energy engineer;
Photovoltaic panel installer;
Energy efficiency engineer;
Renewable energy installer.
Many existing professions are also evolving to incorporate skills related to the energy transition. These professions are referred to as “greening.” They are not new, but they are adapting to environmental and social challenges. These ecological transition professions may include:
Maintenance technician;
Urban planner;
Real estate asset manager;
Maintenance technician;
Thermal engineering specialist.
Training for careers in ecological transition
Initial training: from vocational qualifications to engineering degrees
High-quality training is essential for success in energy-related careers. Training courses are available at all levels for green and greening careers, from vocational qualifications to engineering degrees.
CAP/Bac Pro level: CAP in heating installation, Bac Pro in pollution management and environmental protection;
Bac +2/Bac +3 level: BTS in thermal engineering and energy, professional bachelor's degree in energy, environment, or energy efficiency;
Bac +5 level and above: business schools, engineering schools specializing in energy, environment, and sustainable building, MSc in Management of Energy Transitions. This MSc is a two-year program designed to train experts capable of leading local and international projects at the heart of the global energy transition. Faced with the challenges of decarbonization, electrification, and digitization, you will develop essential technological skills that deepen your understanding of energy systems, which are indispensable for managing complex and sustainable projects. This immersive program includes field assignments, internships with industry leaders, and international courses.
Key skills to acquire to work in the transition
Jobs in the ecological transition require both technical expertise and interpersonal skills. Among the skills required for jobs in the ecological transition are the use of specialized software, mastery of diagnostic tools, and expertise in renewable energies.
The soft skills that are essential for securing a position in these professions include a sense of commitment, initiative, adaptability, and communication skills.
All these skills can be acquired through initial training or continuing education. Energy transition recruitment is currently one of the most dynamic sectors of the job market. Training in transition-related professions enables people to respond to the challenges of global warming.