If you have a passion for working in public utilities and you wish to build a stable career path in this sector, you are in the right place.
Public utilities are social services that provide utilities like gas, water, electricity and others to the general public. Services in this sector are regulated by the state and federal offices. Additionally, they ensure the quality of life for billions of people across the globe.
Is Public Utilities a Good Career Path?-Public Utilities Job Opportunities and Growth Prospects
In this article, we would take you through the various prospects, the things you stand to gain as an employee in this field. Explore a rewarding career path in public utilities, offering impactful opportunities for community service and sustainable development. Read on!
What Are Public Utilities?
Public utilities are services or companies that ensure the public enjoys uninterrupted access to essential utilities. Common services include:
Electricity
Some companies focus on the generation, transmission and distribution of electricity to homes, institutions and businesses.
Water
Water is a basic need. Some institutions are tasked with the collection, treatment and distribution of water to housing areas, businesses and other facilities.
Gas
Gas is needed for a range of activities in homes, businesses and institutions. Certain businesses focus on ensuring natural gas is accessible to the public for use.
Waste management
Waste management is an essential factor in environmental sustainability. Public utilities are responsible for managing waste disposal and recycling.
Regulation of these services by the state and federal agencies guarantees the affordability and reliability of services provided.
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Benefits of Working in Public Utilities
Some of the benefits of working in public utilities include:
Job stability
The services rendered by public utilities will always be in demand even during economic recessions, as such, jobs in this industry offer job stability.
Competitive pay and perks
Jobs in this industry come with highly competitive salaries, perks, health benefits and in some cases retirement plans. This is often done with the goal of retaining talents.
Opportunities for growth
Most roles in the public utilities sector provide room for career growth along with training and career advancement programs.
Making a difference
Roles in public utilities are highly fulfilling as you get to play a key role in maintaining the quality of life of many people. This by extension promotes health and safety.
Types of Jobs in Public Utilities
There are a range of job options in the public utilities sector. Some of the most common roles include:
Engineers
Engineers are responsible for designing, building, and managing the infrastructure of a public utility. This includes water treatment plants, power plants and gas pipelines.
Technicians
Technicians carry out the installation, maintenance and repair of equipment owned by public utilities. These include pumps, meters and transformers.
Operations and maintenance staff
These professionals manage the daily operations carried out in public utilities. They are tasked with guaranteeing the safety and efficiency of the various processes.
Customer service representatives
Customer service representatives attend to customers and assist them in resolving issues relating to service. They also entertain questions and provide relevant answers.
Environmental specialists
In this role, the major responsibility is the detection and management of correlating impact of the various public utilities like air emissions and water quality.
Growth Prospects for Public Utilities
The public utilities industry is expected to grow and demand for labor is bound to increase due to the continuous demand for daily essentials. The US Bureau for Labor Statistics says the percentage growth projection rate between 2019 and 2029 in this industry is 4%. This from calculations will give rise to thousands of jobs.
Due to the clamour for sustainability, the public utilities industry is expected to undergo a series of transformations in the coming years and this shift will lead to the creation of newer roles. Expected transformations include the acceptance of renewable energy sources, energy storage systems and lots more.
What are the Highest paying occupations in the public utilities sector
The salaries earned by professionals in this sector is generally high. However, the roles below earn the highest in the industry.
Electrical engineers
In public utilities, electrical engineers handle the designing, creation and maintenance of systems that help enable function. Their services can be employed in various organisations like power plants. The average salary of an electrical engineer is about $99, 000 yearly.
Power plant operators
These operators ensure the smooth running of power generation facilities. Moreover, common tasks include monitoring systems and equipment for proper functioning, as well as handling troubleshooting needs and more. Average salary is $79,500 per year.
Natural gas distribution workers
Natural gas distribution workers install and maintain gas lines and equipment. They also handle inspections and attend to emergencies. The average natural gas distribution worker earns $68,820 yearly.
Telecommunications equipment installers
These professionals install, maintain, and handle troubleshooting for equipment used in the telecommunications field, including telephone lines and cables. The average salary for this role is $61,000 yearly.
Water treatment plant operators
Water treatment plant operators work in water quality and ensure the water supplied to residents is safe for drinking after it has been subjected to chemical treatments. They may also handle equipment and systems monitoring to ensure smooth functioning. The average salary for a water treatment plant operator is $58,890.
Chief Executive Officer
The chief executive office or the CEO is the highest employee role in a public utility and they manage the general operation in the company to ensure the laid down goals are met and that the operations are profitable. The average salary for a public utility CEO is $659,000 per year.
General Manager
In public utilities, general managers supervise the daily operations in the facility, from routine operations to budgeting and staffing. On average, a general manager in this setting earns $200,000 yearly.
Environmental Engineer
Environmental engineers have a background in engineering or environmental science. They are responsible for guaranteeing that the operations in the facility are in line with regulations. They also seek out ways to minimise the negative impact of operations on the environment. The average salary of an environmental engineer is $90,000 per year.
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Conclusion on: Is Public Utilities a Good Career Path?
Public utilities can be a good career path for anyone with a passion for it. All you need to do is decide the area in this sector you would like to work in and work towards it. Many roles would require that you have a bachelor’s degree or higher while some may only demand a high school diploma and related certification. Most roles in this sector have a clear career advancement path.