Want to know what some of the best eco jobs are this year? Here are five that warranted more than just a passing glance.

Looking for the hottest career choice around? Think green: also known as eco, ecology, sustainability, or any number of other terms used to describe the growing business of looking out for the environment.

Though corporate and individual responsibility for the environment has been important to many for years, this concept has only gotten sufficient attention recently to motivate a major shift in our thinking.

But now is the time, according to figures from the U.S. Census Bureau, who suggests that the world’s population will skyrocket to over nine billion by 2050. Based on this growth, if the world’s natural resources were evenly distributed to everyone, people in 2050 would only receive 25 percent of the resources per capita that people in 1950 had.

Not so good. That’s why anyone still trying to determine what they want to do when they grow up might want to think about a green career. And to help out, here is some information about the top five green careers as presented by a recent article in The Boston Globe.

Solar Installer

For the person who likes a physical job, being part of a solar installation team typically involves working outdoors in all kinds of weather installing equipment on rooftops.

A background in construction, mechanical and/or electrical as well as roofing can be a boost. To find out more about education and training check out the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners which offers a variety of programs and resources.

Sustainable-Design Architect

Research shows that building green and sustainable designs has a positive influence on the people who inhabit the dwellings. In particular, absenteeism declines, productivity increases and test scores improve.

Just like any architectural position, college is required. And if someone is focusing on sustainable design, a master’s degree as well as the industry-standard LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) accreditation is highly recommended. The American Institute of Architects has a practice dedicated to sustainability.

Environmental Lawyer

How many lawyers does it take to change a light bulb? How many can you afford? For all the snide remarks and negative stereotypes of lawyers, here is a way they can gain brownie points.

Corporations everywhere are all seeking guidance about the ecological impact of their actions – from land use to pollution control. This field is expected to grow as much as 25 percent in the next decade.

Fuel-Cell Entrepreneur

Okay, this one is probably not high on everyone’s list of career choices. However, for the scientists out there that are considering a PhD in science or engineering, the demand is great.

For the uninitiated, unlike power sources that use fossil fuels, fuel cells generate electrical power without pollution. Instead, the by-products are heat and water. That’s why there will be an increased need in research and development as well as the manufacturing of these components.

Environmental Engineer

While environmental engineering has been around for years, it is suddenly getting a second look, so all those smart job seekers who got their undergrad or grad degree in environmental engineering are ahead of the game.

These professionals have always focused on environmental monitoring and compliance issues with an eye to maintenance of health and safety. And now with the increased focus on ecology, growth in this field is expected to jump accordingly.

So whether someone is scientifically-oriented or prefers to work with his hands, there are green-collar jobs that can help the environment, while helping job seekers to find a career with meaning.