Bioenergy/Biofuels Workers

With the government's interest in funding bioenergy and biofuels research and increasing the supply of biofuels, environmental science and research jobs in this field are expected to be on the rise in the years to come.

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) predicts that employment for environmental scientists will grow faster than the average for all careers through 2032, with private sector consulting firms offering the most job opportunities. Stricter environmental laws and regulations will increase the need for scientists and researchers working in the bioenergy and biofuels arena.

Biological scientists and technicians will both experience faster-than-average employment growth through 2032, according to the DOL, with especially good opportunities in biological and medical research. The need for alternative fuel will also increase the demand for biological scientists and technicians who specialize in biotechnology and biofuels production (e.g., using ethanol for transportation fuel) and harnessing better and more efficient sources of renewable biomass.

Employment for agricultural engineers is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through 2032. They will be needed to research and develop biofuels and biotechnology, and to create more efficient crops dedicated to biofuels production and renewable energy sources. Employment of industrial production managers is expected to grow about as fast as the average through 2032. Construction managers, on the other hand, are expected to have faster-than-average employment growth through 2032. Those with bachelor's degrees, or higher, in construction science, construction management, or civil engineering, along with practical, related work experience will have the advantage in the job market.