Today’s employer advice is from Daniel Hayden, President and CEO of Restore America’s Estuaries.
Q: Tell us about your organization.
Founded in 1995, Restore America’s Estuaries is a national alliance of 10 coastal conservation groups dedicated to restoring and preserving America’s estuaries and coasts. Restore America’s Estuaries (RAE) is a powerful voice for coastal habitat restoration in the nation’s capital.
RAE member organizations restore coastal habitats in 11 estuaries and 16 states nationwide. Stretching from Maine to California, we have unmatched national reach and effectiveness; our local projects restore coastal wetlands, open fish passages, remove invasive species, build living shorelines, transplant seagrasses, replant salt marshes, and restore shellfish habitat.
As the leader of a national alliance, we provide a unified voice for coastal conservation in Washington D.C. and advance the science and practice of habitat restoration through on-the-ground projects, groundbreaking science, high-level meetings, and our biennial National Coastal and Estuarine Summit.
Q: What advice would you give to people in midlife who want to transition to a green job?
Switching to a green job is a great way to future-proof your career. Green jobs have been one of the fastest growing sectors in the US economy. The greening of the US labor force will happen across sectors—from traditional conservation NGOs and state agencies, to energy, to housing, to transportation, to food production and distribution. Each of these sectors has its unique needs and unique skillsets—so there is a place for everyone.
Q: What are the skills that you believe will be required most in the short-medium term in your industry?
Systems-level thinking, constructive conflict, and the ability to leverage tools and technologies to integrate and share knowledge and solutions.