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Energy Careers
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Two secondary source of energy are Steam & electricity while Primary source are those that are used to generate these secondary source. Which can include Non-Renewable Source derived, natural gas , nuclear , and renewable energy fields derived. Jobs within the industry include careers at full-service utility companies, electric generation companies, and operating companies. In addition, there are related employers including fuel mining, fabrication and enrichment companies, as well as architectural, engineering, and construction firms that contribute to the design and development of power plants. There are also research positions available through organizations such as the U.S. Department of Energy & also through Bureau of energy Efficiency India. There are four primary reasons why the energy field might be an attractive career choice. # There is already a shortage of energy personnel and, therefore, there is greater job security in the field. Many people are not aware of the benefits of working in this field and so these jobs are often overlooked. Though a higher pay-package is a concern including contratual nature of jobs. # One can begin working in this industry directly after high school since it provides a wide range of job levels. None of these jobs will be outsourced since the U.S. government considers the energy industry to be a critical asset. # Most energy companies provide educational assistance for those interested in pursuing higher degrees while one works. It is a great benefit to be able to have a company assist in paying for continued education. # On-the-job training is provided for many well-paying positions, regardless of having a college degree. Skill Sets & Career Shortages There are core knowledge and skill sets needed for energy jobs, from basic academic and writing skills, to professionalism and flexibility. The Competency building blocks for the industry are below. File:pyramid energy new.jpg While energy careers cross into many fields such as engineering, marketing, and accounting, there are serious shortages in the areas of Lineworker, Pipefitter/Pipelayer, Plant/Field, Operator, and Technician. Lineworker :Overall, Lineworkers install and repair cables, wires and other equipment one typically sees on electrical poles and transmission towers. :Job-specific Knowledge and Skill Sets: :* Install equipment needed on poles. :* Climb poles or use truck-mounted buckets to reach equipment. :* Identify defective devises such as fuses, switches, and wires. :* Be safe and use safety equipment. The poles and towers have very high voltages of electricity. :* Inspect and test power lines and other equipment using special reading and testing devices. :* Lay underground cables. :One also needs to: :* Show a good natured, cooperative attitude. :* Work well with others. :* Listen and understand customer needs and how to meet them. :* Be able to be on your feet for a long time. :* Not mind heights or working outdoors. :For more details on lineworkers, including career tests, videos, and salary information, go to http://www.getintoenergy.com Pipefitter/Pipelayer :Overall, Pipefitters/Pipelayers lay pipe for steam (electricity can be generated from steam) or gas mains. :Job-specific Knowledge and Skill Sets: :* Follow the directions of others or written instructions to lay out pipe routes. :* Cut pipes to required size. :* Position pipes to prepare them for welding or sealing. :* Connect pipe pieces and joints using welding equipment, cement or glue. :* Cover pipes with earth or other materials. :* Find pipes in need of repair or replacing using special magnetic or radio indicators. :* Be safe and use safety equipment. :One also needs to: :* Work by him or herself with little or no supervision. :* Be patient and willing to stick it out when things go wrong. :* Listen and understand customer needs and how to meet them. :* Not mind working outdovors. :* Get a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). :For more details on pipefitters/pipelayers, including career tests, videos, and salary information, go to http://www.getintoenergy.com Plant/Field Operator :Plant/Field Operators are in charge of operating and controlling the machines that generate power. :Job-specific Knowledge and Skill Sets: :* Use your hands to run generation machinery. :* Be safe and use safety equipment. :* Use special testing tools to test generation machinery. :* Do preventative maintenance ("check ups") on generation equipment and repair, if necessary. :* Keep track of the work you’ve done. :* Adjust the control on the generation equipment as power usage changes. :One also needs to: :* Be curious about how things work, solve problems, and not be afraid to ask questions. :* Concentrate on doing one thing for a long period of time without being distracted. :* Be able to be on your feet for long periods of time. :* Work under noisy conditions (hearing protection provided). :For more details on plant/field operators, including career tests, videos, and salary information, go to http://www.getintoenergy.com Technician :Technicians are in charge of making sure machines, mechanical equipment, and buildings are working properly and in good condition. :Job-specific Knowledge and Skill Sets: :* Inspect things like motors and belts, fluid levels, and filters, similar to parts you might find under the hood of your car. :* Take-apart machines, then repair and replace parts using hand or power tools. These tools include hammers, saws, drill, wrenches, and measuring instruments. In some cases, you may use large equipment such as hoists and cranes. :* Use repair manuals to determine problems, and then fix them. :* Keep track of the work you’ve done. :* Do preventative maintenance ("check ups") on machines, mechanical equipment and on buildings, including inspection and testing. :* In addition to checking and repairing, you might install new wiring, electrical components, piping and plumbing, machinery and equipment. :One also needs to: :* Be a good listener. :* Be curious about how things work, solve problems, and not be afraid to ask questions. :* Concentrate on doing one thing for a long period of time without being distracted. :* Know how to manage your time. :* Be able to stand and kneel in small places. :* Get your Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). :For more details on technicians, including career tests, videos, and salary information, go to http://www.getintoenergy.com All knowledge and skill sets outlined are based on the Department of Labor’s Competency Model. The Employment and Training Administration (ETA) has collaborated with industry leaders to develop a comprehensive competency model framework for the Generation, Transmission and Distribution sector of the Energy Industry. The model is designed to evolve along with changing skill requirements. Other Energy Careers Besides the four highest priority jobs, there are numerous other opportunities at energy companies. Examples of jobs that require a high school diploma and possibly some technical school training include: :* Surveyors locate underground gas and electric equipment. :* CAD Operators prepare gas and electric system maps. :* Service Equipment Installers hook up and repair energy-related equipment such as furnaces and air conditioners. :* Administrative Assistants handle requests for electric and gas service and dispatch field personnel. :* Customer Service Representatives talk to customers on the phone, handling requests for service, answering questions and helping solve problems. There are also jobs in the field that require a college degree. These jobs include: :* Information Systems Specialists design and implement systems that help manage business and customer information. :* Engineers (electrical, mechanical and industrial) plan, design and manage generation and distribution facilities. :* Business Analysts help management understand business information. :* Environmentalists protect the area surrounding our electric and gas systems: air, water, land and animals. :* Accountants keep financial records and do analyses of business transactions. :* Energy Marketing Specialists work with customers to provide information about energy-related products and services. Salaries Energy jobs pay excellent salaries. In fact, a lineworkers make a higher salary than most jobs that do not require a college degree. To give you an example of average salaries, a mid-level plant/field operator earns an average $62,000 and a mid-level technician brings in $70,000. "It's not uncommon for someone with our two-year Associate's degree in energy technology to earn up to $15 an hour in their first job and $25 an hour within three or four years," says Barbara Hins-Turner, executive director of the Center of Excellence for Energy Technology at Centralia College, a community college in Centralia, Washington. Benefits In addition to good paying jobs, the industry offers comprehensive benefits for its employees. Examples of the types of benefits one may be eligible to receive include: :* Health coverage :* Dental coverage :* Vision coverage :* Educational assistance :* 401(k) retirement savings plan :* Paid vacations and holidays :* Paid sick leave or short-term disability :* Life insurance :* Long-term disability :* Post-retirement medical account :* Flexible spending accounts Energy Companies Find energy jobs or training programs by address or zip code using the Google Map Training and Job Locator at http://www.getintoenergy.com/careerResources.asp See Also
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