Today’s employer advice is from Jim Bonesteel, Executive Director at Rensselaer Plateau Alliance.
Q: Tell us about your organization.
The Rensselaer Plateau Alliance conserves the forests and other ecologically important areas in Rensselaer County, NY for all of the benefits they provide; clean water, clean air, flood mitigation, resilience to climate change, carbon sequestration, and public access for recreation and health family activities. In addition we work closely with the community to find ways that land conservation can help with other social issues.
Q: What advice would you give to people in midlife who want to transition to a green job?
It’s great that you want to work at something that will improve the world. Make sure the specifics of the job are something you are passionate about.
Q: What are the skills that you believe will be required most in the short-medium term in your industry?
At RPA, we hire for attitude (a combination of a passion for our mission, wanting to work as part of a team, fitting in with our culture, eager to learn) and some innate abilities (good with people, team player, writing ability (for some positions)). After that, we train specific skills.