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Individuals, businesses, and communities rely on the public utilities industry to provide basic services such as electricity, water, and natural gas. Because of technology improvements and increasing customer expectations, the industry has seen major changes in recent years. Because there is still a great demand for qualified workers in numerous areas, it is vital to understand what these occupations entail.
In this post, we will look at how many positions are available in public utilities, as well as their typical duties and average wages.
What exactly are public utilities?
Public utilities are organizations that provide critical public services. These may include:
Electricity
Gaseous natural gas
Water Sewage Telecommunications
Public utilities are vital to society’s functioning and are controlled by government authorities to guarantee that they deliver a safe, dependable, and economical service. In general, public utilities are in charge of generating, distributing, and transmitting these services to homes, companies, and government organizations. They play an important role in ensuring that communities have access to the fundamental requirements of life.
How many career opportunities are there in public utilities?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the public utilities business employed roughly 558,000 individuals in the United States as of May 2020. This comprises people who work in the following fields:
Generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity
The distribution of natural gas
Water, sewage, and other related systems
Telecommunications
According to the BLS, employment in the public utilities industry will rise at about the same rate as the overall average from 2019 to 2029. Increased demand for electricity and natural gas, as well as the need to replace old infrastructure, are likely to boost growth. However, the industry faces difficulties from the growing use of renewable energy sources, which may lower demand for traditional utility services in the long run.
Jobs in the public sector
The public utilities industry offers a wide range of work opportunities, from entry-level positions to highly specialized professional professions. Here are some examples of common jobs in the public utilities sector:
The meter reader
The national average annual wage is $37,507
Primary responsibilities: In public utilities, a meter reader reads and records the usage of utility services such as electricity, gas, and water. Their key responsibilities include visiting residential and business locations to precisely read and record meter readings. In addition, they may be expected to inspect and report any meter-related issues or concerns, such as inaccurate readings or damaged equipment.
Operator of a power plant
Average annual wage in the United States: $41,906
Primary responsibilities: Power plant operators are responsible for monitoring and maintaining the operations of a power producing facility. They operate and regulate electricity-generating equipment and systems such as boilers, turbines, and generators. They monitor equipment performance, modify controls and settings, and execute routine maintenance chores to ensure that the power plant runs efficiently and safely. They respond rapidly in the case of an emergency or equipment breakdown to reduce downtime and prevent damage to the facility or the surrounding environment.
Information technology expert
The national average annual wage is $49,495
Primary responsibilities: In public utilities, an information technology (IT) specialist maintains and assures the seamless operation of the organization’s IT systems and infrastructure. Their principal responsibilities include planning, deploying, and managing the utility company’s technological systems, networks, and databases. They may also design and deploy cybersecurity safeguards to safeguard sensitive information and data. IT specialists in public utilities also provide technical assistance to employees, as well as troubleshoot and fix issues any issues that happen with hardware, software or networks.
engineer’s assistant
The national average annual wage is $55,748.
Primary responsibilities: Engineers and other professionals involved in the design, installation, and maintenance of utility systems and infrastructure rely on engineering technicians for technical support and assistance. Their key responsibilities include assisting in the preparation of technical drawings, plans, and specifications for utility projects, as well as ensuring that projects meet regulatory and safety standards. They may also assist in the performance of field surveys and investigations, the testing and analysis of materials and equipment, and the computation and measurement of utility systems.
Representative of customer service
The national average annual wage is $57,115.
Primary responsibilities: A public utility customer care professional provides customer support and help with utility services such as electricity, gas, and water. Their key responsibilities include responding to customer enquiries, resolving problems, and giving information about utility services like billing, service outages, and account changes. They may also handle service requests and manage customer accounts, such as opening new accounts, moving service, and disconnecting service.
an environmental scientist
The national average annual pay is $60,157.
Primary responsibilities: Environmental scientists examine the environmental impact of utility operations and devise measures to offset any negative impacts. Their key responsibilities include conducting research and analyzing data on the environmental impact of utility operations such as wastewater treatment, air pollution, and land usage. They create and implement environmental management strategies to guarantee that local, state, and federal standards are followed. Environmental scientists in public utilities may also monitor and analyse water and soil quality, identifying potential threats to public health and safety.
Coordinator of Safety
The national average annual pay is $62,760.
Primary responsibilities: Public utility safety coordinators create and administer safety strategies to protect staff and consumers from hazards related with utility operations. Their key responsibilities include detecting possible safety risks and hazards, evaluating the effectiveness of current safety programs, and establishing and implementing new safety procedures and protocols. They may also provide employee safety training and education, as well as safety audits and inspections of utility facilities and equipment.
What qualifications are required for a position in public utilities?
Jobs in public utilities necessitate a diverse set of skills and talents, depending on the role and duties. Some of the most common key abilities required in public utilities include:
Analytical abilities: Many public utility professions require the ability to analyze data and information relevant to utility operations, detect trends and patterns, and propose solutions to problems.
Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, are required in professions that entail interacting with clients, stakeholders, and other industry professionals.
Problem-solving abilities: In public utilities, the ability to identify and solve problems, think critically, and generate creative solutions is essential.