President Obama has said he wants to “make government cool again.” So, the federal government’s HR directors are studying a plan to boost the starting pay of college grads by $8,000 a year—to $41,210. The Office of Personnel Management proposal needs approval from the federal agencies. The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) proposes to change the grade level for individuals who hold a bachelor’s degree from GS-5 grade (or equivalent) level to GS-7 grade (or equivalent) level.
The U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) recently selected 33 Colorado community leaders to participate in its 2009 Executive Energy Leadership program (Energy Execs). The leadership program is focused on educating business and government leaders about clean energy solutions that can boost the local economy. The six-month leadership program gives executives from Colorado-based businesses, government entities, universities, and economic development and non-profit organizations an in-depth look at solar and wind power, biofuels and transportation, and energy efficient building technologies. Briefings by technology experts, research laboratory tours and visits to field applications are part of the monthly classroom experience.
The first team of veteran energy efficiency professionals will graduate from the Veterans Green Jobs Academy™ Home Energy Auditor Training (HEAT) Program today at a celebration event to be held at the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) in Golden, Colorado. In his Commencement Address, the Honorable Colorado Governor Bill Ritter will congratulate the Veterans Green Jobs Academy participants on their dedication to moving our country toward energy independence through the pursuit of ‘green’ careers that will benefit all Americans.
Dr. Gabriel Alvarez from King Juan Carlos University authored a May 2009 study entitled “Study of the effects on employment of public aid to renewable energy sources” (KJCU Study). Dr. Alvarez has tried repeatedly to correlate the Spanish investment and experience with Renewable Energy technologies (RETs) with that of the U.S. However, even cursory analyses of the Spanish public policies that have been employed over the past decade reveal significant and dramatic differences from the current and proposed domestic (U.S.) approach to RET deployment, and thereby obviate any implied correlation between the negative conclusions of the KJCU Study and the impact of the domestic RET investment. Additionally, included within the KJCU Study are several assumptions with respect to the economics of the U.S. investment inRETs that are fundamentally incorrect.
Build demand for green power at the grassroots level!We are looking for an energetic, articulate, highly organized person who is ready to take on a leadership role within our fast growing start-up. If you’re willing to take a chance with us, and like to work in an entrepreneurial atmosphere, we’d love to hear from you. We look for people who share our passions and understand the opportunities available to an emerging business. We welcome resumes from qualified people ready to assist us in growing a new kind of energy company. Clean Currents is involved in green power sales, solar installations, LEED and energy efficiency consulting, and other green energy ventures. Chesapeake Green is our program for residential green power. We that believes businesses have a responsibility to protect and hopefully improve our natural environment while conducting their operations.
Stephen Hinton, of Hinton Human Capitol has compiled a list 12 licenses and certifications that he thinks will be in demand as the green initiatives in the stimulus start to be implemented and cleantech investments increase. See his list.
How to Find a Job In This Crap Economy. Allison Hemming, author of Work it! How to Get Ahead, Save your Ass and Land a Job in any Economy!. and owner of Hired Guns, a talent agency that places creative professionals in high profile positions recently gave some career advice for Flavorwire, How to Find a Job In This Crap Economy [Ask an Expert]. She gave lots of great advice. However, the tip she provided that will stand out for people looking to making a move to a green career covers the issue of relocating to find working in a green field.
The Kresge Foundation has announced a new comprehensive grantmaking programs: The Environment Program. With the announcement of this new program, the foundation is expanding its commitment and narrowing its focus in each field for maximum long-term impact in its strategic areas of interest. The Environment Program addresses environment-related social issues, particularly those affecting minority, low-income, and other underserved communities. The Environment Program seeks to have tangible effects on the practices and policies associated with climate change and environmental sustainability. The programs are in the development stage; program teams will be refining their grantmaking focus and strategy over the next year.
