Career clusters

Do you like science and the outdoors? A career in energy and natural resources might be a good fit for you. Think about how many of the following statements apply to you.

Things I like to do:

• Work with new and emerging technologies
• Study science or nature
• Learn how solar panels, wind turbines, or electric cars work
• Work on outdoor projects
• Help keep parks, rivers, or forests clean

Ways to describe me:

• I care about the environment
• I'm curious about how the Earth works
• I enjoy learning how systems work
• I like working outside
• I want to protect natural places

Problems I want to solve:

• How can we use energy without harming the planet?
• How do we protect animals and wild spaces?
• How do we make energy cleaner and safer?
• How can we stop pollution and waste?
• How do we balance human needs with nature?

Source: The National Career Clusters Framework Career Interest Survey from Advance CTE

Careers in this cluster relate to extracting or harnessing power from a variety of sources, refining it, then distributing it safely to homes and businesses. Whether you’re passionate about meeting current energy needs, preserving natural resources, or developing a more sustainable energy future, there are opportunities for you in this cluster.

Explore careers by their typical level of education below. When you click on a career title, you'll find an occupation profile with average pay and other details, plus links to local training programs that can help you prepare.

High school diploma or less, plus some training

A short training course or on-the-job experience can help you qualify for these jobs.

Power plant operators

Roustabouts

Derrick operators

Earth drillers

Solar panel installers

Forest and conservation workers

Short-term certificate or associate’s degree

One to two years of training can open the door to many careers.

Wind turbine technicians

Hydrologic technicians

Forest fire inspectors

Wastewater treatment plant operators

Forest and conservation technicians

Energy auditors

Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships are great ways to earn a wage while gaining recognized credentials for a career. An apprenticeship is a paid work-based training program that combines on-the-job learning with classroom instruction. Apprenticeships are often available for roles including line maintenance, electrician, power-line distribution erector, gas-main fitter, water treatment specialist, and substation operator. Visit Apprenticeship.gov and select "Energy" to learn more.

Bachelor's or graduate degree

Earning a four-year degree can qualify you for careers that offer more responsibility and higher pay.

Geological technicians

Energy engineers

Environmental scientists

Sustainability specialists

Foresters

Remote sensing technologists

Environmental economists

Climate change policy analysts

Environmental restoration planners