Is public utilities a good career path? Are you looking for the best paying career? In recent years, competitive salaries and growing demand have made a job in public utilities a financially attractive proposition for many people. On top of it, public utilities can offer rewarding work that improves the quality of life for many people. Therefore, a career in this industry can offer lots of career advancement opportunities.
This article looks at why public utilities and some of the available job opportunities in the field. So, you will have a better idea of if this type of job interests you.
What Are the Roles of a Public Utility Worker?
Firstly, public utilities work to make a community more organized. They provide the tools that allow people to clean, transport, as well as to store their water and electricity for them. Employees who work in a public utility company or municipality usually do such jobs. Public utility workers play an important role in society. This is because they help maintain these services and ensure the safety of their communities.
Public utility workers are also the people who ensure the safety of their communities. They ensure that the water runs in homes and businesses without any problems. They also maintain electrical grids so that their customers can have electricity and have a reliable source of it.
Many people associate public utility workers with water supply or power network maintenance or repair. However, there is much more to being a public utility worker than meets the eye. These workers provide for every need one could have. From an office to medical conditions to even a grocery store.
What Types of Duties Do Utility Managers Typically Carry Out?
Secondly, utility managers are responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of municipal power, water, or sewer treatment plants. They are typically accountable for the day-to-day running of the plant; investigating and resolving customer complaints; as well as ensuring that the entire operation follows local regulations. Utility managers may also help to create policies that guide operations during crises such as natural disasters or power outages.
In many cases, utility managers are also responsible for responding to community requests for service improvement and expansion. A municipality is trying to achieve sustainability goals by reducing the amount of energy or becoming more self-sufficient. Then incorporating new technologies can become an important part of a utility manager’s role.
What Are the Requirements to Get a Job in The Utility Industry?
Finally, the Utility Industry is always looking for new employees. Those in the industry believe that the more workers they have, better their services are. If you want a career in the Utility Industry, then you should meet several requirements. Such as for example relevant education, training experience, and past work experience. Here are some conditions that you might want to know about before applying for a position.
- Firstly, you need a high school diploma or equivalent to start working as a utility worker; these jobs do not require additional qualifications.
- Also, you need a certain amount of training before working any position within the utility industry; however, an experience and educational background can substitute for this requirement if satisfied.
- Finally, for some positions, you are going to need a background in the utility industry. Some parts may prefer that the person works for another company within the same industry. Or a parent or subsidiary business.
- Gender and age do not play a role as long as you can do the job, you are qualified to be hired.
- Many jobs offer flexible shifts to employees. They can work whatever hours they want as long as their work gets done on time and right.
Is Public Utilities A Good Career Path?
Public Utilities combines the skills, knowledge and personal qualities of many different jobs. It employs a wide range of professionals including engineers, electricians, carpenters, plumbers and contractors.
Careers such as these have a variety of statistics to show what they deal with on a day-to-day basis. And the issues they need to overcome. These interesting facts can be found below. Many different careers are involved in the field of Public Utilities. These include positions such as:
- A Public Utilities Technician or Field Service Manager
- Energy Auditor
- Program Manager
- Power Engineer
- Utility Planner
- Utility Worker
- A Utility Construction Foreman
- A Utility Construction Superintendent
- A Water Treatment Plant Operator
Is The Public Utilities Industry A Good Career Path In Terms Of Salary?
Electricity, gas and water companies are currently facing many challenges. Some of which are expected to continue into the foreseeable future. These include increased demand; increased energy efficiency and renewable energy use; changes in consumer behavior; global economic and policy uncertainty; the continued rollout of smart meters in public utility companies’ networks, and more.
As a result, changes to utility business models are being examined and new technologies are being used. To optimize the performance of the networks and forecast large-scale developments. For example, gas companies are evolving in operating their networks. Innovative practices have been adopted by many public utility companies. Such as the use of demand-side management programs for energy efficiency. And demand response programs that reduce peak demand.
The previous year’s total earn was 3.2% of reported revenues with a monthly average of $40 million. The increased need for efficiency-reduced costs. As well as new solutions. This is to meet growing demand in recent years affected the public utility industry. The public utilities industry had to implement changes. Such as installing smart meters and new operational strategies. This is to reduce costs; increase service quality and improve customer satisfaction.
Best Government Positions in The Public Utility Sector
The importance of the public utility sector is at an all-time high. The United States has seen the demand for these types of jobs grow exponentially in recent years. And it is expected that over half a million people will be employed in this sector by 2022. To help you decide which position will be right for you; here are some of the best government positions in the public utility sector.
Public Utility Meter Reader
Utility meter readers typically have to read and record electricity, gas and water meters. It can be done at homes or businesses. Some utility meter reader jobs include reading water meters by boat; or other water vehicles and checking rental properties. To ensure that landlords adequately provide their tenants with electricity; as well as heat and hot water. Meter readers usually do not have to have a high school degree. But most employers prefer candidates who have experience working with electrical or mechanical equipment.
Power Line Technician
Power-line technicians read, inspect and repair electric power transmission lines and transformers. About half of power-line technician jobs require at least a high school diploma. These positions can be found in the private sector but are most common in the public sector.
Electrical Power Distribution Engineer
Electrical power distribution engineers install and maintain electric power distribution systems. They do this while working with people in a wide range of industries. They are responsible for performing inspections, testing, fault finding and planning new electric power distribution systems. Some electrical power distribution engineer jobs require a high school diploma. But some require an associate’s degree or even a bachelor’s degree. Most employers prefer candidates with at least three to four years of experience.
Telecommunication Line Technician
Telecommunications line technicians install, maintain and repair telephone and cable lines. Some of the tasks they perform include installing and repairing cables; pulling new wires through walls and ceilings; repairing existing lines; maintaining existing networks and troubleshooting problems. Telecommunication line technicians usually have to have at least a high school diploma; or a technical school certificate and at least two years of experience in the field. Most employers prefer candidates with at least one to three years of experience.
Utility Meter Technician
Utility meter technicians typically do on-site meter reading or meter maintenance and repair. A high school diploma is often a minimum requirement for some of these jobs. But most employers prefer candidates who have at least some college courses; or experience in the field. Most utility meter technicians have experience working with electrical or mechanical equipment.
Power Plant Operator
Power plant operators work in nuclear, coal-fired, gas-fired, hydroelectric, solar, and geothermal plants. Many of these plants are environmentally friendly. Power plant operators are responsible for ensuring that they run efficiently and safely. Power plant operators usually need at least a high school diploma; or GED and one to three years of experience in the field.
Conclusion
Public utilities are a great career path if you have the passion and dedication. There are many opportunities to grow and develop your skills; and with a little hard work, you can enjoy a rewarding career. If you’re interested in pursuing a career in this field, explore all your options and find the right path for you. Ask yourself what interests you. Then find out what kind of job will allow you to use your skills and passions to the fullest. Then take the next step and apply.
