The United States Department of Labor (DOL) released an informative overview about jobs in the clean energy sector for women. The nine chapter guide titled Why Green is Your Color: A Woman's Guide to a Sustainable Career is available in downloadable formats on the DOL website and was produced by the the DOL’s Women’s Bureau (WB). The WB was created in 1920 and a federal agency dedicated empowering and protecting working women and their families.

"Many occupations in the clean energy economy remain virtually untapped by women," said Sara Manzano-Dias, director of the Women's Bureau.  "This guide is an invaluable resource that workforce professionals can use to help women transition into higher paying jobs that serve as a pathway into the middle class.  It is also a tool to help fight job segregation."

The guide describes a selection of green jobs but unfortunately they picked a few in fields we hear too much about: wind turbine service technician, solar photovoltaic installer, and recycling coordinator. It also includes worksheets and tips for green job-seekers.

Seven women currently working in green occupations provide their story and advice including: Tara Webb, an electrician who said, ““The idea of a female in the trades. ... In high school, we were never told about that. They never told you it was a possibility.”  The myth that trades in the green sector are too strenuous for women is one the guide wants to dispel saying: “Many traditional women’s jobs, such as nursing and waitressing, are just as physically demanding as some nontraditional jobs. Other green jobs are less physically demanding than housework.” It’s hard to believe that in 2012 myths about women not being to do a job traditionally held by men could still exist but they must in some form because the WB chose to address the myths in their guide.

Entrepreneurialism is growing trend in the green industry between consulting or creating a product that fills a need. Starting a business is sometimes the answer for women looking for flexibility in their occupation but the guide warns it can be stressful and time-consuming without the right tools.

Natalya Calleja is President and CEO of The Green Consulting Firm that assists schools and businesses with reducing their carbon footprint and making sure they are being as environmentally-friendly as they can be.

“Women should definitely be considering this type of career. It’s a great career. It’s satisfying,” she stated. “People in this field are passionate, they are open to networking, and they support and help each other. This is by far the best of anything I’ve done in my life.”