According to Sustainable Westchester and Westchester County’s Office of Economic Development, there were nearly 10,000 clean energy jobs in Westchester as of 2022. Jobs in clean energy encompass a variety of other sectors that contribute to making a more sustainable future, including construction, repair and installation, manufacturing, wholesale trade, agriculture, and more. The broader umbrella of sustainability also includes fields like environmental science and forestry.
Read on for more detail on jobs, trainings, and opportunities in this sector.
3 Important Jobs
These jobs pay well and are set to grow between 2020 and 2030 in the Hudson Valley (Source: NYS Department of Labor)
1. Electrical and Electronics Engineers
What do they do? Electrical and electronics engineers work in industries including research and development, engineering services, manufacturing, telecommunications, and the federal government.
- Required education: Bachelor’s degree
- Projected growth: 14.8% (electrical engineers), 19.0% (electronics engineers)
- Entry-level salary: $83,203 (electrical), $76,672 (electronics)
- Median salary: $131,522 (electrical), $99,337 (electronics)
2. Environmental Science and Protection Technicians
What do they do? Environmental science and protection technicians monitor the environment and investigate sources of pollution and contamination.
- Required education: Associate’s degree
- Projected growth: 18.2%
- Entry-level salary: $38,754
- Median salary: $58,127
3. Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers
What do they do? Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers work on heating, ventilation, cooling, and refrigeration systems.
- Required education: Postsecondary non-degree award
- Projected growth: 19.2%
- Entry-level salary: $49,134
- Median salary: $66,070
Q&A: Thom Kleiner, Executive Director, and Liz Oliveto, Program Administrator for Youth Services, Westchester-Putnam Workforce Development Board
The Westchester-Putnam Workforce Development Board is using a $250,000 grant from New York State to train workers for clean energy jobs. We spoke to Thom Kleiner and Liz Oliveto about the program.
What will this grant fund?
TK: The Renewable Energy Training Initiative grant aims to equip young individuals with the skills necessary to enter the green energy field. Specifically, it targets individuals aged 18 to 24. The program not only serves as an entry point into the sector but also includes opportunities for upskilling — helping those transitioning from fossil fuel industries to clean energy careers.
How will you use the funds?
LO: We’ve partnered with Soulful Synergy to design a comprehensive training course. The curriculum will ensure that participants gain the foundational knowledge and certifications needed to succeed in the clean energy sector. This includes training on [work safety and environmental] regulations, principles of refrigeration and HVAC systems, as well as the building science behind energy-efficient construction practices. The course is designed to cover all areas of construction while focusing on green energy. Upon completion, participants will have the essential certifications required to enter the field and understand how to navigate clean energy job sites.
What opportunities are there for these trainees?
TK: Westchester County is experiencing significant growth in green development, with strong support from state, county, and private organizations. Many new construction projects in the region incorporate sustainable practices, ranging from energy-efficient insulation to solar energy. This trend presents a tremendous opportunity for individuals trained in clean energy, as the demand for skilled workers in this field continues to grow.
LO: Moreover, young people are genuinely interested in green energy. When we engage 18-to 24-year-olds in this field, they are motivated by the sense of purpose. They are acutely aware of the climate crisis and are eager to contribute to solutions.
Will the Trump administration’s shift away from clean energy affect this field here?
TK: There may be some retrenchment on the part of the federal government with green energy initiatives, but the county and state are fully committed to clean energy transition and a clean energy future.
This Southern Westchester BOCES HVAC Program Prepares Graduates for Success
A push for green energy is revitalizing the HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) space, leading to increased opportunities. Scan to learn more about a Westchester training program that serves as a springboard into the trade.
Links and Resources
NY NJ Offshore Wind Training
Explore career pathways in offshore wind, find training opportunities, and learn about upcoming events.
Soulful Synergy
This Westchester-based training provider offers classes in transportation electrification for those interested in working in the growing electric vehicle (EV) field.
Southern Westchester BOCES/Putnam-Northern Westchester BOCES
BOCES offers career and technical education in a variety of in-demand fields, including HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning).
Sustainable Westchester
This page includes facts about working in clean energy, as well as a jobs board and (coming soon at the time of writing) a resume builder.
Westchester Catalyst
Westchester County’s Clean Energy Job and Resource Fair is a free event to connect interested jobseekers with local employers. It takes place in the spring and fall.
Willdan Clean Energy Academy
Created by training provider Soulful Synergy in partnership with Willdan Energy Solutions, ConEdison, and the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, this workforce training program serves as an on-ramp for those looking to enter the clean energy field. It also offers upskilling for existing workers.
Related: A Look Into the Construction Industry in Westchester County
