Job fair coming, green industry booming

KINGSTON, R.I. (WPRI) - With many parts of the economy currently struggling, the green job industry continues to grow.

Getting those hands dirty in the garden is becoming more than just a hobby, there's actually a demand for people in the industry.

That's why the University of Rhode Island is holding its first ever green industry career day next week, which will focus on small farms, greenhouses, and other home grown jobs.

Event panelist Sarah Partyka said her South Kingstown business, The Farmers' Daughter, is thriving not only in plant sales but also landscaping

With roughly 3,000 new jobs in the field each year in Rhode Island, career day coordinator Brian Maynard stresses, in this case it's the jobs that sometimes can't find the people.

That's why the event is open to both URI students , and the general public.

"The industry has had trouble finding labor, skilled labor, so they come to us, they need to provide it," said Maynard.

URI Environmental Science Major Nicholas Testa hopes to rub some elbows with his next potential employer.

"I see it as a really valuable resource to network, and learn the tools I need to find a job once I graduate from here," said Testa.

Caroline Davis used to study business, but now wants to work with plants for a living.

"You're never bored, there's always something to trim, pruce, or re-pot," said Davis.

The green industry career day starts Tuesday, February 23,  from 10am to 3pm at the URI Kingston campus.