Green Transportation Careers

Work environments vary for green transportation workers by occupation. Engineers and scientists typically work in climate-controlled offices and laboratories, but they may visit manufacturing plants to observe production.

Employment as a production worker in an automotive plant can be stressful. Line workers must keep up a steady rate of production so that the entire manufacturing process is not slowed. Noise levels can also be a concern. Production lines, with all their moving machinery, can be dangerous. Automotive production workers must follow safety precautions every day, including wearing protective gear (such as earplugs) and undergoing safety training throughout their careers.

Most automotive repair shops are well lighted and ventilated. They can frequently be noisy with running cars and power tools. Minor hand and back injuries are the most common problems of technicians. When reaching in hard-to-get-at places or loosening tight bolts, technicians often bruise, cut, or burn their hands. With caution and experience most technicians learn to avoid hand injuries. Working for long periods of time in cramped or bent positions often results in a stiff back or neck. Technicians also lift many heavy objects that can cause injury if not handled carefully; however, this is becoming less of a problem with new cars, as automakers design smaller and lighter parts to improve fuel economy.

Transportation planners spend a considerable amount of time in an office setting. However, in order to gather data, planners also spend much of their time outdoors examining roads and highways or areas for potential bike lanes or bus routes. Most planners work standard 40-hour weeks, but they also attend evening or weekend council meetings or public forums to share upcoming development proposals.

Support workers such as advertising and marketing professionals, secretaries, receptionists, lawyers, and computer professionals work in climate-controlled offices. They typically work 40 hours a week.