What is a green job and how do I get one?

You might envision a green job as swinging a hammer to build solar panels on the roof of a building, or adjusting the arms of a wind turbine in the middle of the desert.

It’s that, but it’s so much more.

President Obama estimates we can create 5 million new, green jobs in the United States over the next few years. Believe it or not, we're talking about quality jobs, some that can be online in just months.

What is a green job? Here are some examples:

* SOLAR AND WIND PROJECTS: Exploring solar and wind power available in Nevada could put mechanics, welders, metal fabricators, laborers and construction managers to work.

* MAKING OUR BUILDINGS MORE ENERGY EFFICIENT: About a third of potential green jobs could come from weatherization -- simply making our buildings and homes more energy efficient. This would put electricians, carpenters, equipment operators, roofers, insulation workers, truck drivers, building inspectors and more back to work. The recovery passed by Congress contains $38.8 million alone for a Weatherization Assistance Program in Nevada.

* TRANSMITTING ENERGY IN MORE EFFICIENT WAYS: Another third of potential "green jobs" would come from making our transmission lines more efficient and maintaining those lines. A "smart grid" would help employ machinists, equipment technicians, laborers and electrical power line installers and repairers.

This doesn't even include related jobs -- accountants, office clerks, human resource managers -- that would be created in a clean-energy economy.

Read more about these potential green jobs in a column by Clark County Commissioner Rory Reid.

HOW DO I GET A GREEN JOB?

BPI Building Analyst Training, a 5-day intensive course that includes classroom and field instruction (minimum of 3 field homes), training materials and written and field exam fees. With successful completion of this course, individuals will be qualified to conduct comprehensive home energy audits, making recommendations for energy efficiency improvements. Click here to Register Online. For more info: Call 702-438-0036

BREAKING NEWS! UNLV introduces new green solar energy minor! Watch more here.

There are many programs that can help you learn how to enter the clean energy economy:

UNLV’s new solar class includes introductions to the potential, building applications, PV, solar thermal power, hydrogen, biomass, wind, electrical power generation, fuel cells, political issues, environmental motivations, commercial products, etc of the solar industry. For more information: bob.boehm@unlv.edu.

CSN's School of Advanced and Applied Technologies is adding programs and classes on alternatives fuels and more.

The IBEW JATC program trains apprentices to install solar panels, wind turbines and more. To read more, click here.