My husband and I are considering relocating from FL to OH, specifically somewhere in commuting distance to Kent.  He is originally from the Cleveland area, and still has family in Ohio, so we don't need advice on where to live, necessarily, however my question is about the job market for me.  I am an Environmental Scientist/Biologist (wetlands, wildlife, etc.) and was wondering if anyone could tell me what the prospects would be for me to find a job in my field in the area.  Here in FL it's not difficult (when the economy isn't sinking at least), but lots of things are different here.  Also, what are peoples' general attitudes towards environmental issues or "green" projects in NE OH?  I wouldn't consider myself a tree-hugger or anything, but I'm hoping to find some like-minded people if we make the move  :-)

 

Any input would be appreciated!  Thanks in advance!

What about looking into state parks?? Here's a website w/some job listings: http://www.dnr.state.oh.us/parks/careerhome/tabid/221/Default.aspx

 

You might also look into working for the EPA or something of that nature. There are plenty of rivers and brownfields that still need cleaned up. Also, since you are looking towards Kent you might be able to find work at Kent State or Akron U or even Cleveland or Youngstown State. Maybe the Cleveland Metroparks would need someone like yourself.

 

I think you'll fnd that there are plenty of people that are into "green" projects here. Granted, not everyone has jumped on the bandwagon, but there are people out there.

 

 

What area are you looking to live?

nevermind  :-[  :-[  :-[

Hey MTS try reading the post before you respond.  "we don't need advice on where to live, necessarily, however my question is about the job market for me"

Hey MTS try reading the post before you respond.  "we don't need advice on where to live, necessarily, however my question is about the job market for me"

 

I could have sworn it said "do"

There's also the Cuyahoga Valley National Park- http://www.nps.gov/cuva/

 

Although I'm not in your field (but I am in the sciences,) and don't have any numbers to back it up, I don't think you'll have an exceptionally difficult time finding a job, especially if you look at government jobs. 

 

As far as attitude towards environmental issues, I get the sense that people in the area are getting more interested, especially when it comes to our waterways.  There was a lot of dialog surrounding the Great Lakes Compact that was recently passed, and the Cuyahoga River was effectively cleaned up through a grass-roots effort.  There's also a pretty big interest in LEED building standards.  I'm sure you'll find like-minded people with little difficulty.

 

Now that I've said all that, welcome to the area, and to the forum!

http://www.gcbl.org/

 

Greencitybluelake might have some resources. welcome and good luck!

You might be able to get a job with a little company in Kent called Davey Tree since that's their headquarters.. 

Kent and the immediate surrounding areas are a little more "green" than some areas of Cleveland, depending on where you end up.  You might see what opportunities are available at KSU proper, or in Akron as that's fairly close.  The cuyahoga valley national park system may have something for you.

 

I suggest you get in touch with our Sierra Club chapter ex com chair, our local club's members are very much "in the know" about environmental issues and local companies and might be able to not only make some recommendations but give you some contacts at particular companies.

 

http://ohio.sierraclub.org/northeast/contact.asp

Wow, thanks for the quick responses everyone!  Great resources and advice :)  Once we know for sure what's happening with my husband's job, I'll start pounding the pavement... 

 

 

You also might check into local EPA offices or the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District (NEORSD), which has new leadership focusing on green infrastructure and watershed planning, which might be of interest to you.

In addition to all of the above good ideas.....

 

My neighbor works for the Cleveland Metroparks.  I believe she is a park ranger and gets to work with wildlife alot.  Google the metroparks to learns more about them as they are one of greater Cleveland's best aspects.  You could also try places like Holden Arboretum, which has the feel of a Thoreau book.

 

Then there is the Great Lakes Science center and the Natural History Museaum.  Not sure if either are hiring but your knowledge would certainly be welcome if they were.

 

GOOD LUCK and welcome!

I know you want to be fairly close to Kent, but if you do end up around Cleveland, the Shaker Lakes Nature Center is another place to look.  And I think you'd find MANY like-minded people in the Heights area.

Thanks again everyone for your tips.  Just a little update: we have decided to make the move to Ohio :clap: I'm keeping my fingers crossed that we will be able to sell our home in the next couple of months...anyone want to buy a house in Florida?  :wink:

 

Because we are coming from so far away, we will be in need of a realtor to help us find a home up there.  If it's not against the rules on this forum, can anyone recommend any reputable realtors for the Portage/Geauga/Summit/Cuyahoga County area?

 

 

Luckily we have a realtor on the board!

 

 

"If it's not against the rules on this forum, can anyone recommend any reputable realtors for the Portage/Geauga/Summit/Cuyahoga County area?"

 

A specific request like yours (asking for realtor recommendations) is not against the rules; nor is a realtor asking if they can help as long as there is a specific request like yours. :-)

 

In this case, I believe the forumer "carolecohen" can help you.