Public demand has surged for “green” innovations that make cities more environmentally friendly and more pleasant places to live. JFF examined the workforce needed to keep up with demand for green infrastructure systems and found that projected employment growth provides valuable opportunities for low-income, low-skilled workers to earn competitive wages. Our research found good entry-level jobs with some advancement potential, ranging from maintenance of urban gardens to installation of natural systems that manage stormwater flooding. Industry-led efforts to develop the first national green infrastructure certification program may professionalize the field and accelerate job growth. This report is part of NatureWORKS, a national initiative to understand the skills, credentials, and potential of the U.S. green infrastructure workforce.

We also produced a video about the findings of this report:

This work is generously funded by The Kresge Foundation and the U.S. Forest Service’s National Urban and Community Forestry Grant Program as recommended by the National Urban and Community Forestry Advisory Council, NUCFAC.

Read a press release about the release of this report and video.