Oil spill cleanup is only one of a broad array of environmental job opportunities in the oil industry.
Statistics on the growth of green jobs vary from resource to resource but all experts seem to agree that the green jobs market is growing rapidly. While the focus on renewable energy has become strong, humans will continue to use oil for a long time. Growing demand for environmental responsibility is creating new opportunities throughout the oil industry in the 21st century.
Job Types
Environmental jobs usually require education, training, field experience or a combination of these qualifiers. Environmental workers deal with all aspects of the oil company's existence as a business and part of the ecosystem. Companies must work to stay compliant with emerging environmental laws. They look for renewable sources of energy to keep their own energy costs low. They assess ecosystems and work to prevent damage or repair habitats as they build facilities. They must also watch their air emissions and their water usage and pollution levels. They need cleanup crews when accidents happen. There is no type of environmental work that is beyond the scope of an oil company.
Clean Up Jobs
Oil spill cleanup workers need to acquire Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response certification, which is required by OSHA. The certification for cleanup workers is a 40-hour course and costs $349.95 as of time of publication. There are two additional requirements of the course for certification. The first is 40 hours of field training by an approved supervisor, and the other is training in the use of personal protection equipment. These jobs may require moving location to location and working in hazardous conditions. The jobs pay better than the average blue collar jobs, between $15 and $20 hour being standard for Katrina workers, but they are temporary. Certified personnel may work for independent companies that use workers for other industry cleanup services, too.
Upper Level Jobs
At the top level of environmental jobs in oil are geologists, environmental scientists and environmental lawyers. These jobs require advanced degrees and often some related work experience. The salary for these jobs start in the high five figures to low six figures. Geologists and geophysicists can earn between $60,000 and $200,000 a year. Environmental engineers need at least a four-year degree in relevant areas of work. Relevant experience and industry specific certifications can help engineers without post-graduate degrees obtain work. They can expect pay starting in the mid-five figures depending on their experience and education levels.
Benefits
Benefits offered to employees differ depending on the employer. Most employers give a full range of traditional benefits such as health, dental, life insurance and retirement. Companies spend a good deal of time and money training employees and offer perks to make quality of work life aesthetically pleasing to encourage them to stay with the company. Many companies offer day care benefits and gym memberships. Some companies offer compressed work weeks or rotating schedules. Continuing education is a plus for both employees and companies so they often will pay for employees to take classes so they can better meet their ultimate career goals.
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