Over and over, we see the same headlines in the news: New Energy Budget will create More Solar Jobs in the US. These promises of green jobs and a growing solar industry sound great; but where can you find these jobs, and better yet, how do you educate yourself enough to actually land the position? For those of you still searching, here are some simple steps you can take to find, prepare and land that ultimate solar job.

Step 1- Search Online
Starting your search online? Go to the California Energy Commissions Green Jobs site . Here you will find links to tons of statewide job postings – all sorted by city. Another option is to search on green jobs sites: Tree Hugger, Green Jobs, Solar Jobs or the SEIA (Solar Energy Industries Associations).  These sites are geared toward finding the qualified candidates in the solar green industry. Also, let’s not forget your typical job sites like Monster or Craigslist. Try even checking the solar groups on LinkedIn. Sure, these sites hold some generic position outside of the budding green industry, but if you look hard you can find some gems. Even looking around on manufacturers websites, where job postings are usually updated weekly on the careers page.

Step 2 – Get Involved
If you can’t find that dream job right away, don’t wait around for another job to be posted. Take this downtime to make a name for yourself amongst the pros in the solar industry.  Get involved locally and sign up in local chapters and organizations, like the US Green Building Council. When you become a council member, you’re given the opportunity to get involved with solar/green professionals and understand solar’s role in the LEED Certification process (The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Green Building Rating System. Connecting with others in the industry is the quickest way you can familiarize yourself with current issues, technologies and job opportunities.

Step 3 – Learn the Trade
Ok – so you’ve made some connections, but do you know enough about the industry? Can you explain the concept of an energy grid or the financial and environmental benefits of going solar? Are you familiar with technical jargon in both Solar Photovoltaic and Solar Thermal industry? Do you even know the difference between the two? Have these last few questions made you curl up and ball under your desk and wave a white flag? Regardless of whether or not you answered ‘yes’ to the last question, you need to set aside some time to do some research on solar. No, this doesn’t mean one day on Google. This means applying yourself for a few weeks. Sign up for a class. Contact a local Solar Installer and ask for hints and tips on how to learn more about the industry. Even create a twitter account and immerse yourself with the online social community.

Step 4 – Apply Yourself
You made the connections, you’ve learned the trade and you are confident enough in your knowledge to apply for the job. Remember when applying to keep your original professional mentality and know that solar jobs are not some secret that only YOU know about! This is a growing industry, which means solar manufacturers and installers are probably getting resumes by the truckload. Set yourself apart from the other 2,500 by gaining some experience when applying for the solar job.

Step 5 – Work in the Field
For those looking to work as an installer – you can still get in on the ground level, so long as you have some contracting experience (electrical, plumbing, HVAC). Most importantly, look towards getting a certified license  through training. This can be done either by enrolling in a class or having a solar manufacturer train you.

Good Luck!

Greg Brandmeier
Marketing Coordinator