green-collar worker

Someone who is employed in industries related to the environment, especially environmental protection, conservation, and sustainability. The term is a play on "green" (a common shorthand for environmental issues) and the terms "blue-collar" and "white-collar." A recent surge in demand for solar energy panels has led to a huge hiring spree for green-collar workers. Our state boasts the highest number of green-collar workers per capita devoted to putting in place key environmental protections across all areas of society. When I was growing up, a train derailment polluted my hometown's water supply. That's what motivated me to become a green-collar worker.