Green guide a link to jobs in the field
A guide for young people who want to work in the environment sector has been released by the Conservation Council of SA.
The council’s Youth and Business Roundtable saw the need for a “comprehensive register” of SA environmental organisations, the first of its kind.
Roundtable member Sam Taylor said there were plenty of “real jobs” in the environment sector but it could be difficult for young people to know where to start.
“We hope that The Green Guide will be a starting point for many young people to access valuable opportunities in the environmental sector,” he said.
The guide profiles nine people who gained paid employment through work as volunteers. Rebecca Rubenhold worked as a volunteer with Conservation Volunteers Australia for seven months before securing a paid position as a programs support officer.
Ms Rubenhold said she liked the “sense of achievement” and purpose associated with environmental projects. “By working outdoors you can go to places you have never been, while making a difference,” she said. “You gain team skills and feel happy and healthy while keeping motivated.”
Ben Pickard, 16, chose to spend a week with CVA for “valuable work experience” after a staff member visited his school.
“I’m interested in animals and the environment,” he said. “I just like to be outdoors as well.”
David Mussared, from internet business NRMjobs, said there was a “quiet boom” in the number of high-quality, genuine environmental jobs and pay rates had increased accordingly.
“It is a boom that young people should know about,” he said. “There are now many career choices available in which you can help shape a better world, and be paid a decent salary into the bargain.”
The 84-page guide will be sent to schools, universities and libraries across the state.
