Green jobs provide healthy environments for workers while helping build a clean economy. These are good jobs involving work that is often familiar. Plumbers, welders, carpenters and others continue to use their skills, but in fields like renewable energy, sustainable agriculture or green building. They install solar energy panels on rooftops, build wind turbines, retrofit homes for energy efficiency, and much more.
These aren’t jobs that might exist some day in the distant future; they exist today, and represent a true bright spot in the American economy. With smart government policies, we can actively grow this sector – to boost our economy and protect our climate.
Brandi Smith
Rochester, MN
Apprentice Millwright
Mortensen Construction
Brandi assembles wind turbines in her job in Rochester, MN. As a union millwright, she helps maintain the mill’s machinery.
"I decided to work as a millwright because I wanted the air where I work to be cleaner because it’s safer for me. I also get to help produce clean energy, and that is cleaner, and safer, for everyone else. Changing the way we do things when it comes to energy is important, and we can create jobs and help fix the environment at the same time."
Tim Eraker
Tulsa, OK
Production Supervisor
DMI Industries
Tim is the Production Supervisor for three departments at a wind tower manufacturing plant in Tulsa, OK. After returning from a deployment to Iraq, he worked sandblasting tower sections on the night shift while attending North Dakota State University during the day. He was soon transferred to operating heavy equipment in the yard, and later became a foreman for the weekend shift. When his company acquired a facility in Tulsa, he was a stand-out choice for his current role.
"My job is to oversee the staffing of these areas over three shifts and to manage the day to day implementation of our processes to ensure maximum efficiency and productivity. What I like about working for a clean or green energy company is knowing that the people guiding my organization care enough about the energy crisis to do something about it. I think that all of us who work here can take even greater pride in knowing that we not only work for a company that cares about the environment, but a company that produces a product that is part of the solution to the energy crisis.”
Betsy Burns
Canton, OH
Precision Grinder
The Timken Company
Betsy makes bearings and specialty metal that is used for many purposes, including wind energy products.
Betsy is excited to be a part of the green economy. "Everyone should try to do more green work. Our world is changing, with global warming and a struggling economy. We have to get everything straightened out for our children and our grandchildren. And by creating more green jobs, we can both fight global warming and improve the economy. It seems like a no-brainer to me."
Jamey Flannery
St. Paul, MN
Project Manager, LEED AP
Flannery Construction
Jamey is a project manager for Flannery Construction, where she manages the LEED certification requirements and other green building aspects of Flannery's projects. This includes educating employees and subcontractors about green building technology, products, and materials. Jamey says that "Green building makes business sense for owners and contractors. The owner will see a reduction in energy costs and increased employee productivity due to a cleaner and healthier indoor environment. Green building also creates a less toxic work environment for trades-people during the construction process."
Jamey’s job is important to her because, "it's about sustainability and protecting our environment and communities for future generations. This is the mark that our generation is going to leave on society. Are we going to address the environmental and health problems in the world or not? This is going to be our legacy. Future generations will remember us for addressing--or not--the health and well being of our environment and our communities."
Nick Valgren
Rochester, MN
Welding Foreman
DMI Industries
Nick supervises welders who are helping to build America’s wind energy industry. With each weld being critical to the structural integrity of a wind tower, workers like Nick play an essential role. “It’s my job to make sure everything in my area is completed in a timely manner and is done correctly. I always make sure my guys have everything they need to do their job accurately and on time. It’s rewarding to work in a field where we are doing something to help the global warming crisis,” says Nick.
Joel Marleau
St. Paul, MN
Construction Superintendent
Flannery Construction
Joel has worked for Flannery Construction for the past nine years and recently completed work as a superintendent on the LEED certified building of the Western District Police Station in St. Paul, Minnesota. Joel managed each facet of the project in St. Paul, including scheduling, company manpower, and subcontractors. Joel said that he believes it makes good business sense to do LEED certified construction because it gives the company a competitive advantage over other contractors. "With energy costs rising, it only makes sense to consider green building. Not only are you at an advantage business-wise, you are contributing to the energy-efficient economy of the future."
Joel also says he is excited about the prospect of energy-efficient building because it pays back in the long run. "If we can minimize cost, conserve, and renew resources for the future, we are doing what we can to improve our economy and our environment, and that is the least we can do for future generations."
Randy Teigen - West Fargo, ND
Welder
DMI Industries
Randy joined DMI in the weld shop 16 years ago and is now a valuable member of the facility’s Special Projects Department. With 30 years of welding experience, he has found his time with DMI the most rewarding.
"I love working with wind towers at DMI because we’re helping the environment. The future is all about clean energy," says Randy.
