--- title: A Closer Look at Green Jobs in Manufacturing description: We take a closer look at the Green Jobs in manufacturing and the future outlook for new roles that will emerge as Green Manufacturing evolves. image: https://www.manpowergroupusa.com/hubfs/mpg-woman-green-shirt-bumper-top.png --- [![ManpowerGroup Web Horizontal Logo for Light Background](https://www.manpowergroupusa.com/hs-fs/hubfs/ManpowerGroup%20Web%20Horizontal%20Logo%20for%20Light%20Background.png?width=150&height=27&name=ManpowerGroup%20Web%20Horizontal%20Logo%20for%20Light%20Background.png "ManpowerGroup Web Horizontal Logo for Light Background")](https://manpowergroup.com) [![Manpower Web Horizontal Logo for Light Background-2](https://www.manpowergroupusa.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Manpower%20Web%20Horizontal%20Logo%20for%20Light%20Background-2.png?width=150&height=28&name=Manpower%20Web%20Horizontal%20Logo%20for%20Light%20Background-2.png "Manpower Web Horizontal Logo for Light Background-2")](https://www.manpowergroupusa.com/manpower) [![Experis Logo Horizontal Transparent](https://www.manpowergroupusa.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Experis%20Logo%20Horizontal%20Transparent.png?width=100&height=37&name=Experis%20Logo%20Horizontal%20Transparent.png "Experis Logo Horizontal Transparent")](https://www.experis.com) [![ManpowerGroup Talent Solutions Reduced Size Web Horizontal Logo for Black Background](https://www.manpowergroupusa.com/hs-fs/hubfs/ManpowerGroup%20Talent%20Solutions%20Reduced%20Size%20Web%20Horizontal%20Logo%20for%20Black%20Background.png?width=150&height=31&name=ManpowerGroup%20Talent%20Solutions%20Reduced%20Size%20Web%20Horizontal%20Logo%20for%20Black%20Background.png "ManpowerGroup Talent Solutions Reduced Size Web Horizontal Logo for Black Background")](https://talentsolutions.manpowergroup.com) [![JF_BE_Logo_SS_HOR_MC_RGB_REG-4](https://www.manpowergroupusa.com/hs-fs/hubfs/JF_BE_Logo_SS_HOR_MC_RGB_REG-4.png?width=150&height=30&name=JF_BE_Logo_SS_HOR_MC_RGB_REG-4.png "JF_BE_Logo_SS_HOR_MC_RGB_REG-4")](https://www.manpowergroupusa.com/jefferson-wells) Insights # A Closer Look at Green Jobs in Manufacturing - November 2, 2020 - | - [workforce solutions](https://www.manpowergroupusa.com/insights/tag/workforce-solutions), - [Manpower](https://www.manpowergroupusa.com/insights/tag/manpower), - [Manufacturing](https://www.manpowergroupusa.com/insights/tag/manufacturing), - [Manpower Engineering](https://www.manpowergroupusa.com/insights/tag/manpower-engineering) - | - 4 min read ![Lory Antonucci, Manpower Manufacturing](https://www.manpowergroupusa.com/hubfs/Lory_Antonucci.jpg) [ Lory Antonucci, Manpower Manufacturing ](https://www.manpowergroupusa.com/insights/author/lory-antonucci) SHARE | - - - Home 1. [ManpowerGroup Insights](https://www.manpowergroupusa.com/insights) 2. A Closer Look at Green Jobs in Manufacturing With the more recent conversation about a “new” Green Jobs economy, we miss that in so many ways, “Green Jobs” are already here – especially in [Manufacturing](https://www.manpowergroupusa.com/manpower/industries/manufacturing). At the very least, Manufacturing for better or worse has been dealing with environmental compliance, health and safety and energy efficiency for decades. And in the last several years we see a bright side of the most current innovations in digital manufacturing technology: operations running more efficiently and conserving resources. Technology such as automation, AR/VR, cloud IT, and remote sensing not only significantly enhances efficiency, they also allow for cleaner operations. The global pandemic has accelerated technology uptake, giving us an even stronger platform for green manufacturing’s horizon - one that’s cleaner and more connected than ever before. So who is doing this work already and where will we see job growth? Many existing jobs – such as environmental technicians, automation technicians and solar panel technicians – are “green” because they enable greater efficiency and/or cleaner outputs. Those jobs will keep scaling plus we anticipate growth beyond conventional green manufacturing roles. We’re seeing emerging signs of a higher value, fuller life cycle, green workforce across more functions beyond efficiency and basic compliance. Almost every social, economic, technical and natural stakeholder is driving good green jobs: - **Industry** – demands a need for resource efficiencies, sources of innovation from nature’s genius (materials, process, design) and better stewardship strategies. - **Workforce** – desires jobs that have a mix of commerce, science, social and connected business. - **Educators** – strive to deliver education for “ready to work” skills with longer shelf lives that are connected to the needs of both business and society. - **Communities** – are under pressure to reinvent, reclaim, grow and secure sustainable community life including the natural, human, and social systems. - **Government** – needs to answer how and where to regulate, to invest in new research, to fund conversion of communities, to invest in upskilling and of course to build more sustainable infrastructures. ## The Job Generators Here are some of my favorite and industry’s emerging areas of focus and practice that I believe will drive business and social value and major green job generation: Biomimicry, Materials Innovation, Green Chemistry, Renewable Energy Management, Lifecycle Management, Lean Manufacturing, Organizational Resilience, Adaptive Leadership, Equity, and Regenerative Capitalism. Even this partial list of skill arenas that most of us have heard about may not have been counted is as increasing business value, accelerating green job generation, and creating fabulously attractive careers. So what are some future green jobs in Manufacturing? Well, first, let’s look beyond the traditional definition of “green jobs” as those working to directly impact the environment or perform “clean” jobs (clean processes, clean manufacturing, etc.). A fuller landscape would include jobs in Clean Process & Product Innovation, Resource Alternatives and Conservation and, critically, Connecting the Systems. Many of the roles sitting just around the corner are fairly novel, but many are focused on connecting conventional work and processes to the new, expanding green horizon. Without those connector roles, the social, economic and natural ecosystem won’t be fully functional. Let’s bring it back to the beginning of this blog where I mentioned that new era of Digital makes Green more possible and practical than ever before. My colleague, Rebekah Kowalski, described [10 Digital Era Job Design Changes](https://www.manpowergroupusa.com/insights/top-10-job-design-changes-in-the-digital-era-for-manufacturing-and-beyond) to apply and reap results. This is also a great starting place for the connection between future work and Green. Here are a few jobs that highlight each job design change: 1. **Quantitative** – Bio Statistician; Energy, Water & Material Balance Planner 2. **Integrative & Cross-Functional** – Organizational Biologist; Chief Sustainability Officer; Supply Network Manager 3. **Optimization-Focused** – Biomimicry Manufacturing Specialist; Materials Scientist; Campus Energy Optimization Manager 4. **Mobile/Virtual/Remote** – Solar System Installer; Remote Inspections Drone Pilot 5. **Commercial** – Environmental Accountant; Brand Manager; Community Impact Analyst 6. **Predictive** – Smart Factories Architect; Workforce Planner; Validation Engineer 7. **Sustainable Solution-Focused** – Industry Segment Futurist; Business Impact Analyst; Design Engineer 8. **Partner-Network Dependent** – Urban Planner; Business Ethicist; Supply Chain Transparency Auditor 9. **Mission & Stakeholder-Focused** – Community Network Coordinator; Product Innovation Strategist 10. **Tech-Assisted** – Robotics Technician; Green Automation Technician More organizations are including broader Green commitments not only in their CSR strategy but in their business strategy overall. More are seeing that innovation is accelerated by nature’s genius as well as green interests are serving to attract our mission-oriented younger workforce. So I encourage my clients to take a 5P mindset; consider People, Planet, Products and Profit, anchored by Purpose. This mindset gives us a more realistic and holistic understanding of how to change and improve, make sustainability work, and incorporate resilience and adaptability into our businesses and communities. Not only is this healthier for humans and the planet, it also drives an exciting new horizon in commercial and social value with related jobs that we are only just starting to imagine. Everybody looks good in green if you ask me! I welcome the opportunity to discuss any and all green manufacturing workforce topics with you. [Reach out to me and my team here.](https://www.manpowergroupusa.com/manpower/contact-us) - [workforce solutions](https://www.manpowergroupusa.com/insights/tag/workforce-solutions), - [Manpower](https://www.manpowergroupusa.com/insights/tag/manpower), - [Manufacturing](https://www.manpowergroupusa.com/insights/tag/manufacturing), - [Manpower Engineering](https://www.manpowergroupusa.com/insights/tag/manpower-engineering) With the more recent conversation about a “new” Green Jobs economy, we miss that in so many ways, “Green Jobs” are already here – especially in Manufacturing. At the very least, Manufacturing for better or worse has been dealing with environmental compliance, health and safety and energy efficiency for decades. And in the last several years we see a bright side of the most current innovations in digital manufacturing technology: operations running more efficiently and conserving resources. Technology such as automation, AR/VR, cloud IT, and remote sensing not only significantly enhances efficiency, they also allow for cleaner operations. The global pandemic has accelerated technology uptake, giving us an even stronger platform for green manufacturing’s horizon - one that’s cleaner and more connected than ever before. So who is doing this work already and where will we see job growth? Many existing jobs – such as environmental technicians, automation technicians and solar panel technicians – are “green” because they enable greater efficiency and/or cleaner outputs. Those jobs will keep scaling plus we anticipate growth beyond conventional green manufacturing roles. We’re seeing emerging signs of a higher value, fuller life cycle, green workforce across more functions beyond efficiency and basic compliance. Almost every social, economic, technical and natural stakeholder is driving good green jobs: Industry – demands a need for resource efficiencies, sources of innovation from nature’s genius (materials, process, design) and better stewardship strategies. Workforce – desires jobs that have a mix of commerce, science, social and connected business. Educators – strive to deliver education for “ready to work” skills with longer shelf lives that are connected to the needs of both business and society. Communities – are under pressure to reinvent, reclaim, grow and secure sustainable community life including the natural, human, and social systems. Government – needs to answer how and where to regulate, to invest in new research, to fund conversion of communities, to invest in upskilling and of course to build more sustainable infrastructures. The Job Generators Here are some of my favorite and industry’s emerging areas of focus and practice that I believe will drive business and social value and major green job generation: Biomimicry, Materials Innovation, Green Chemistry, Renewable Energy Management, Lifecycle Management, Lean Manufacturing, Organizational Resilience, Adaptive Leadership, Equity, and Regenerative Capitalism. Even this partial list of skill arenas that most of us have heard about may not have been counted is as increasing business value, accelerating green job generation, and creating fabulously attractive careers. So what are some future green jobs in Manufacturing? Well, first, let’s look beyond the traditional definition of “green jobs” as those working to directly impact the environment or perform “clean” jobs (clean processes, clean manufacturing, etc.). A fuller landscape would include jobs in Clean Process & Product Innovation, Resource Alternatives and Conservation and, critically, Connecting the Systems. Many of the roles sitting just around the corner are fairly novel, but many are focused on connecting conventional work and processes to the new, expanding green horizon. Without those connector roles, the social, economic and natural ecosystem won’t be fully functional. Let’s bring it back to the beginning of this blog where I mentioned that new era of Digital makes Green more possible and practical than ever before. My colleague, Rebekah Kowalski, described 10 Digital Era Job Design Changes to apply and reap results. This is also a great starting place for the connection between future work and Green. Here are a few jobs that highlight each job design change: Quantitative – Bio Statistician; Energy, Water & Material Balance Planner Integrative & Cross-Functional – Organizational Biologist; Chief Sustainability Officer; Supply Network Manager Optimization-Focused – Biomimicry Manufacturing Specialist; Materials Scientist; Campus Energy Optimization Manager Mobile/Virtual/Remote – Solar System Installer; Remote Inspections Drone Pilot Commercial – Environmental Accountant; Brand Manager; Community Impact Analyst Predictive – Smart Factories Architect; Workforce Planner; Validation Engineer Sustainable Solution-Focused – Industry Segment Futurist; Business Impact Analyst; Design Engineer Partner-Network Dependent – Urban Planner; Business Ethicist; Supply Chain Transparency Auditor Mission & Stakeholder-Focused – Community Network Coordinator; Product Innovation Strategist Tech-Assisted – Robotics Technician; Green Automation Technician More organizations are including broader Green commitments not only in their CSR strategy but in their business strategy overall. More are seeing that innovation is accelerated by nature’s genius as well as green interests are serving to attract our mission-oriented younger workforce. So I encourage my clients to take a 5P mindset; consider People, Planet, Products and Profit, anchored by Purpose. This mindset gives us a more realistic and holistic understanding of how to change and improve, make sustainability work, and incorporate resilience and adaptability into our businesses and communities. Not only is this healthier for humans and the planet, it also drives an exciting new horizon in commercial and social value with related jobs that we are only just starting to imagine. Everybody looks good in green if you ask me! I welcome the opportunity to discuss any and all green manufacturing workforce topics with you. Reach out to me and my team here. ** ** ![](https://www.manpowergroupusa.com/hubfs/Social%20Media/Q1-LI-TW-Gen-1-Social-factory-worker.jpg) ## Sign-Up Today Subscribe to our Manufacturing newsletter for the latest research, upcoming events, and more. [![Subscribe](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/5087845/d2e49c09-faa3-41be-95e2-422c01ec17df.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/5087845/d2e49c09-faa3-41be-95e2-422c01ec17df) --- ###### PREVIOUS STORY [** Cracking the Code: How to Successfully Recruit and Retain Women in the Manufacturing Sector ](https://www.manpowergroupusa.com/insights/cracking-the-code-how-to-successfully-recruit-and-retain-women-in-the-manufacturing-sector) [**](https://www.manpowergroupusa.com/insights) ###### NEXT STORY [Veterans Find Meaningful Careers in Manufacturing ** ](https://www.manpowergroupusa.com/insights/veterans-find-meaningful-careers) ## You May Also Like These Stories on Manpower [![Women in Manufacturing Leadership Webinar Series](https://www.manpowergroupusa.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Web/Manpower/Images/ALL_green_sweater_woman_rgb_150.jpg?length=800&name=ALL_green_sweater_woman_rgb_150.jpg) ](https://www.manpowergroupusa.com/insights/women-in-manufacturing-leadership-series) [Manpower](https://www.manpowergroupusa.com/insights/tag/manpower), [webinar](https://www.manpowergroupusa.com/insights/tag/webinar), [Manufacturing](https://www.manpowergroupusa.com/insights/tag/manufacturing) ### [ Women in Manufacturing Leadership Webinar Series ](https://www.manpowergroupusa.com/insights/women-in-manufacturing-leadership-series) September 29, 2020 For our 4th annual Women in Manufacturing Leadership event, we moved from an in-person, Milwaukee-based event to a... [![Powering Sustainable Manufacturing: Three Strategic Insights and Workforce Trends](https://www.manpowergroupusa.com/hs-fs/hubfs/ALL_solar_energy_rgb_150%20(1)%20(1).jpg?length=800&name=ALL_solar_energy_rgb_150%20(1)%20(1).jpg) ](https://www.manpowergroupusa.com/insights/powering-sustainable-manufacturing-insights) [Emerging Insights](https://www.manpowergroupusa.com/insights/tag/emerging-insights), [workforce solutions](https://www.manpowergroupusa.com/insights/tag/workforce-solutions), [Manpower](https://www.manpowergroupusa.com/insights/tag/manpower), [Manufacturing](https://www.manpowergroupusa.com/insights/tag/manufacturing), [Manpower Engineering](https://www.manpowergroupusa.com/insights/tag/manpower-engineering), [Green Manufacturing](https://www.manpowergroupusa.com/insights/tag/green-manufacturing) ### [ Powering Sustainable Manufacturing: Three Strategic Insights and Workforce Trends ](https://www.manpowergroupusa.com/insights/powering-sustainable-manufacturing-insights) June 10, 2021 [![Women Welcome to Succeed Here: Manufacturing a Culture of Inclusion](https://www.manpowergroupusa.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Web/Manpower/Gradients/MP_1200x400Masthd9_18_20_VertLozngDrkBluGrn.jpg?length=800&name=MP_1200x400Masthd9_18_20_VertLozngDrkBluGrn.jpg) ](https://www.manpowergroupusa.com/insights/women-manufacturing-a-culture-of-inclusion-webinar) [Manpower](https://www.manpowergroupusa.com/insights/tag/manpower), [webinar](https://www.manpowergroupusa.com/insights/tag/webinar), [Manufacturing](https://www.manpowergroupusa.com/insights/tag/manufacturing) ### [ Women Welcome to Succeed Here: Manufacturing a Culture of Inclusion ](https://www.manpowergroupusa.com/insights/women-manufacturing-a-culture-of-inclusion-webinar) September 29, 2020 Webinar Details: Women Welcome to Succeed Here: Manufacturing a Culture of Inclusion Date: Thursday, October 29th Time:... ManpowerGroup Insights ### Subscribe by Email ## Comments [![ManpowerGroup](https://www.manpowergroupusa.com/hubfs/DMP_CA/footer-manpowergroup-logo.svg "ManpowerGroup")](https://manpowergroup.com/) [![Manpower](https://www.manpowergroupusa.com/hubfs/DMP_CA/footer-manpower-logo.svg "Manpower")](https://www.manpowergroupusa.com/manpower) [![Experis](https://www.manpowergroupusa.com/hubfs/DMP_CA/footer-experis-logo.svg "Experis")](https://www.experis.com) [![TS](https://www.manpowergroupusa.com/hs-fs/hubfs/TS_Logo_RGB_STK_dark_bkgrnd-1.png?width=1028&height=1335&name=TS_Logo_RGB_STK_dark_bkgrnd-1.png "TS")](https://talentsolutions.manpowergroup.com/) ManpowerGroup® (NYSE: MAN), the leading global workforce solutions company, helps organizations transform in a fast-changing world of work by sourcing, assessing, developing and managing the talent that enables them to win. We develop innovative solutions for hundreds of thousands of organizations every year, providing them with skilled talent while finding meaningful, sustainable employment for millions of people across a wide range of industries and skills. Our expert family of brands – Manpower, Experis and Talent Solutions – creates substantial value for candidates and clients across more than 75 countries and territories and has done so for over 70 years. We are recognized consistently for our diversity – as a best place to work for Women, Inclusion, Equality and Disability and in 2026 ManpowerGroup was named one of the World's Most Ethical Companies for the 15th year – all confirming our position as the brand of choice for in-demand talent. By using this website, you consent to the real-time collection, storage, use and sharing of information on your device or provided by you (such as mouse movements and clicks) by ManpowerGroup Inc. and/or its third-party providers. © 2026 ManpowerGroup - all rights reserved. | [Terms of Use ](https://www.manpowergroupusa.com/terms-of-use)   |    [Accessibility Policy ](https://www.manpowergroupusa.com/accessibility-policy)   |    [Cookie Policy](https://www.manpowergroupusa.com/cookie-policy)   |    [Privacy Policy ](https://www.manpowergroupusa.com/privacy-policy?hsLang=en) |  [North America Privacy Policy](https://www.manpowergroupusa.com/policies/north-america) [![TRUSTe](https://privacy-policy.truste.com/privacy-seal/seal?rid=e835f694-01d1-4f5a-8afc-92a721acff1d)](https://privacy.truste.com/privacy-seal/validation?rid=e835f694-01d1-4f5a-8afc-92a721acff1d) [Follow us on Facebook ](https://www.facebook.com/256121737834) [Follow us on Linkedin ](https://www.linkedin.com/company/2312083) [Follow us on Instagram ](https://instagram.com/manpowerus)