Today’s employer advice is from Carrie Speckart, VP, Director of Human Resources, at The Trust for Public Land.
Q: Tell us about your organization.
The Trust for Public Land was founded in 1972 on the conviction that all people need and deserve access to nature and the outdoors, close to home, in the cities and communities where they live, as a matter of health, equity, and justice. While many conservation organizations set aside wildlands for biodiversity or habitat restoration, our founders sought to bring the benefits of parks and nature to the places, people, and communities that needed them most.
Q: What advice would you give to people in midlife who want to transition to a green job?
There are many, many jobs in the green movement that don’t require prior experience in a green/environmental organization! Every organization needs passionate, skilled professionals to do a variety of jobs. I would encourage mid-career professionals who are interested in green jobs to take extra time on their cover letters—many green organizations will read a cover letter carefully to determine an individual’s interest in their organization.
It also helps if you are willing to be flexible on salary and benefits. Green organizations are doing everything they can to be competitive from a compensation and pay perspective, but we encourage individuals new to the sector to think as broadly as possible about all the benefits—including perks like making a difference and truly thriving in your day job.
Q: What are the skills that you believe will be required most in the short-medium term in your industry?
The critical skills are project management and effective communication/relationship-building skills. If you have the core skillset and are organized, can work collaboratively with others, and have a passion for the mission then you can be successful.