Appropriate Technology
Department of Technology: Appropriate Technology
Appropriate Technology reflects an approach to technological development, characterized by creative and sound engineering, that recognizes the social, environmental, political, economic, as well as, technical aspects of a proposed technological solution to a problem facing a society. Generally appropriate technologies are smaller scale technologies, that are ecologically and socially benign, affordable, and often powered by renewable energy. The field is an interdisciplinary one, drawing from the physical and social sciences, as well as engineering, architecture, and technology. Areas of interest include energy conversion systems, waste and water management, community and shelter design, technology assessment, small scale production systems and technology transfer.
The following list contains a representative sample of job titles of graduates with an Appropriate Technology major. Use this as an idea list, and remember that it represents some, but certainly not all, of the careers you might consider. Some of these jobs also require education beyond a bachelor’s degree.
| Clean Energy Sales Coordinator Climate Campaign Coordinator Climate Change Specialist Construction Manager Construction Manager, Wind Energy Custom Homes Project Manager Energy Efficiency Analyst Environmental Business Manager Environmental Materials Engineer Environmental Program Coordinator Environmental Research Assistant Facilities Manager Green Building Educator Green Building Project Coordinator Green Building Technical Advisor Landscape Designer | Marketing Analyst Materials Manager Public Relations Representative Public Utilities Analyst Recycling Campaign Manager Recycling Coordinator Regional Wind Developer Restoration Projects Manager Sales Representative Social Accountability Manager Solar Power Sales Representative Solar Project Engineer Solar Project Manager Urban/Regional Planner Wind Power Project Manager Wind Turbine Research Engineer |
| Ability to work independently Ability to work with a group Analytical Architecture Computers Construction Creativity Detail Oriented | Drafting and design Graphic arts Mechanical aptitude Problem Solving Reporting Research Verbal and written communication Wood and metal working |
Professional Organizations and Associations
American Solar Energy Association
American Wind Energy Association
Appropriate Technology Transfer for Rural Areas
ASU Sustainable Energy Society
The Center for Neighborhood Technology
Energy Efficient Building Association
Global Environment and Technology Foundation
International Solar Energy Society
National Center for Appropriate Technology
The New Building Institute
