While a new liquefied natural gas facility could create new Maryland construction jobs, the idea of such a plant is already causing controversy throughout the state.

The U.S. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission recently issued a conditional approval of an application for a liquefied natural gas facility and pipeline in Sparrow’s Point, Md. The move not only could create several Maryland construction jobs, but also some other permanent jobs at the plant. However, the state’s government feels the plant will only cause trouble.

Governor Martin O’Malley issued a press release stating that the construction of the plant could have catastrophic security and environmental implications for the entire state, including potentially severe impacts to the Chesepeake Bay area and the fishermen and boaters who use it.

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Some Maryland healthcare jobs will soon be cut as one company plans to reduce its workforce by more than half.

EntreMed recently announced its plan to cut 60 percent of its workers, which will allow the company to focus on its development activities and support research for the next 18 months. According to an article by FierceBiotech, the company hopes to reduce its research activities to a minimal level and find third parties to help keep costs low.

As part of the layoffs, CEO Jim Burns and CFO Dane Saglio’s jobs will be cut. Kenneth Bair, senior vice president of research and development and Thomas Bliss, senior vice president of corporate and business development, also are looking at job cuts. Chief Medical Officer Carolyn Sidor will oversee clinical development and Mark Bray, vice president of research, will lead the research support for clinical activities.

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People in Maryland are focusing on green energy, something that could create many new Maryland construction jobs.

The largest solar manufacturing assembly plant, owned by BP Solar, is located in Frederick, Maryland. The plant provides plenty of skilled jobs for workers, and the further development of alternative energy could provide millions more jobs while at the same time increase the country’s independence on foreign energy.

According to an article by the Baltimore Sun, newly-elect President Barack Obama has promised to invest in alternative fuels. However, as the economy has made the cost of oil and natural gas lower as of late, that goal might be harder to reach.

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Many people are still looking for Maryland jobs.

In August, Maryland had an unemployment rate of 4.5 percent, up from 4.3 percent in July. Currently, more than 135,000 Maryland residents are looking for jobs they can’t find, 30 percent more than this time last year. This news comes despite the fact that Maryland employers are adding jobs. The state added 1,800 jobs during August, mostly from the private sector, according to an article by the Baltimore Sun.

Many industries are losing jobs as the housing market continues to plummet and credit crunch worsens. While Baltimore-based Constellation Energy Group recently had to sell itself, some businesses are continuing to thrive.

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While the nation is facing an increase in unemployment, more Maryland jobs were created during July.

The state’s unemployment rate increased from 4 percent in June to 4.4 percent. According to the United States Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics, Maryland’s non-farm employment came in at 2,637,600, an increase of 1 percent from last year.

Maryland’s industries that increased include:

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With a shortage of teachers, the state is looking for people to fill Maryland education jobs.

Maryland has a yearly average shortage of 6,000 teachers. The state’s education and health services industry employed 383,900 in July 2008, according to the United States Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics, an increase of 2.8 percent from last year.

Possible careers in the education industry include:

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Baltimore job seekers unsure of what direction to go might have luck with the city’s healthcare or business industries.

Baltimore healthcare jobs and Baltimore business jobs are on the rise. The Economic Alliance of Greater Baltimore notes education and health services accounts for 17 percent of the city’s economy, while professional and business services accounts for 15 percent.

According to the United States Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics, the education and health services industry employed 383,700 people in June 2008, a 2.7 percent increase over the previous year.

The Baltimore Workforce Investment Board states the healthcare and life sciences sector is the largest in Baltimore.

“The healthcare and social assistance sector employss 67,200 alone or 17.34% of the workforce,” the site notes. “In Maryland, the industry grew 23.3% from 1990-1999. The industry is one of only three Baltimore city sectors to grow (9.3%) from 1990 to 2002. The industry has high vacancy rates. From 1990 to 1999, wages in this industry have grown 32% after inflation (26%). There are easily identifiable career ladders in this industry and local Baltimore employers have been receptive to further development of career pipeline strategies. There are high-demand, low skill/education jobs with good wages in this industry.”

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