SERINO EVENT HIGHLIGHTS ‘GREEN JOB’ OPPORTUNITIES

HYDE PARK, NY – The Hudson Valley is home to countless environmental career opportunities, and with a growing interest in this field, Senator Serino celebrated Earth Day by hosting a virtual ‘Green Jobs’ Panel Discussion featuring Hudson Valley environmental experts. Geared toward local students and those who may be looking for a career change, the goal of the event was to help raise awareness for, and spark interest in, opportunities in this unique sector.  

“We know that green jobs will help shape the future of our community and our state, and we want to give our next generation the leg up they need by giving them opportunities to learn more about the types of careers available in our local area,” said Senator Serino. “By introducing event participants to some amazing area experts who work in everything from fields to fashion, our hope is to spark passion among our neighbors who are considering their next steps. I cannot thank our speakers enough for sharing their unique experiences!”

This virtual event featured presentations from:

·      Chris Bowser, Education Coordinator, NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC);

·      Cameron Sweeney, Forest Ranger, NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC);

·      Scott Keller, Executive Director, Hudson River Valley Greenway;

·      Adele Ferranti, Program Manager, NYS Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA);

·      Greg Dean, Manager of Field Services, Quality Environmental Solutions and Technologies, Inc.;

·      Ashley Alred, Education Program Leader, Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies; and

·      Jamie Ross, Visiting Teaching Associate of Fashion, Marist College. 

Presenters spoke about their own paths to landing their ‘green job’ and provided an overview of their industry or organization, and discussed education and training requirements for their unique fields. Presenters also answered questions and gave advice to students looking to learn more or get involved in the green economy.

A common theme highlighted by all presenters was the connection to environmental jobs from virtually any background. Professor Jamie Ross discussed how various skills from policy work and law, to virtual design and biology, could all impact the new and growing field of sustainable fashion, while Ashley Alred discussed how her background in science and interest in education connected her to her position as Education Program Leader at the Cary Institute.

In that regard, Chris Bowser, Education Coordinator for the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, said “The great thing about environmental conservation as a career choice is that it connects to so many skills and topics. Maybe you are interested in science, or policy, or communication, or being outside. There is likely something with the DEC that will appeal to you.”

Professor Jamie Ross said, “In the Marist Fashion Program, we recognize sustainability is changing the future of fashion jobs. The curriculum and campus culture are integrating sustainable learning opportunities and initiatives into nearly every course/concentration.”

Another common point of discussion was the innovation involved in growing all of these unique fields and the opportunity job seekers have to become a part of it. Adele Ferranti discussed how NYSERDA is looking for creative technologies and solutions to help individuals and businesses save and create clean energy, while Greg Dean from Quality Environmental Solutions and Technologies, Inc., elaborated on how his organization is constantly looking for ways to help businesses become more efficient. Students interested in learning more or to apply for an internship should contact these organizations directly.

“Supporting the next generation of environmental stewards starts with connecting kids with their local ecosystem. As an environmental educator, it is so rewarding to curate student experiences with nature, to help them begin to understand and appreciate the natural world at an early age. Plus, there are always opportunities to learn new things, combine science with education in creative ways, and give back to your community. Cary Institute is currently accepting applications for the Mid-Hudson Young Environmental Scientists (MH-YES) program – a paid opportunity for high school students to engage in hands-on research about their local watershed. We are also looking for an undergraduate intern to support the MH-YES program this summer.” – Ashley Alred, Education Program Leader at Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies

Adele Ferranti, Program Manager, New York State Energy Research and Development Authority said: “As New York State transitions to a clean energy economy, workforce development will be key to that success. Helping to create job opportunities for New Yorkers within the clean energy space is rewarding work and what motivates me every day. I am proud of NYSERDA’s work partnering with organizations at the state, federal and local levels to implement creative workforce training opportunities that will produce a talented workforce pipeline to support New York’s innovative and growing clean energy industry.”

Scott Keller, Executive Director of the Hudson River Valley Greenway said, "Senator Serino's Green Jobs Panel Discussion was an innovative way for the Greenway to reach young environmentalists and explore some careers not typically seen as being Green Jobs, such as Land Use Planners."

This event is part of an ongoing series titled “Plan for a Future that Works,” which Senator Serino launched in 2020 as part of an effort to encourage students to consider ‘out of the box’ career opportunities. To learn more about the effort, click here. Local business leaders and organizations looking to get involved should call Senator Serino’s Hyde Park Office at 845-229-0106 or email serino@nysenate.gov. 

To view a full recording of the event, click here.

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