Current workforce

Section I: Green Infrastructure Up Close

Current workforce

Green infrastructure-based work is distributed across occupations within several interconnected industries, including architecture, forestry, construction, and transportation. A 2017 report by economic nonprofit Jobs for the Future (JFF) identified 30 “core” green infrastructure occupations across these industries.7 It found that traditionally, jobs related to green infrastructure only represented a small portion of each industry. Recently, however, many jobs within these industries have expanded to include tasks connected to green infrastructure, and a growing number are devoted completely to green infrastructure, indicating a growing and emerging economy.

The management of green infrastructure is determined by the location of projects and installations. Green infrastructure on public land, for example, is usually managed by local government employees, whereas green infrastructure on private land is managed by property owners who hire private contractors or property management firms. Furthermore, in some communities, the maintenance and management of green infrastructure may fall to volunteers. In terms of wages, workers in this industry are generally paid less and are less likely to be female workers.8 The green infrastructure industry’s employer base includes both private businesses and municipal governments.