Power Up Your Career Prospects: Countless Jobs in Public Utilities Await!
Public utilities employ over 980,000 people in the United States as of December 2022. The number is expected to grow as cities and populations expand. Employment in the sector grew by 5.4% in 2022.
Public utility companies serve a critical purpose by providing vital services, including water, electricity, oil, and gas. The sector is among the biggest employers since it caters to basic residential and commercial needs. The federal and state governments regulate these services to ensure equitability, reliability, and affordability. There are many public utility jobs, and the different sectors to work for are:
The electric power utility sector 
The water supply utility sector
The natural gas and oil utility sector
This guide will help you understand how many jobs are available in public utilities and the different roles.
Electric Utility
Electricity powers cities, industries, and homes. It’s among the necessities; thus, a public utility sector regulated by the government. The three main sectors in this field include:
Electricity Generation: It involves the production of electric power from other sources such as nuclear, solar, natural gas, and water.
Transmission: The electricity is transferred from the generating stations to cities and industries via high-voltage lines.
Distribution: These services ensure electricity reaches residential and commercial customers using low voltages.
Power Plant Jobs
There are a wide variety of jobs in electricity generation that mainly involve working in power stations. These include:
Plant Engineer
Power plant technicians and mechanic
Plant managers
Nuclear plant equipment dispatcher
Maintenance Engineer
Control room operator
Power plant operations supervisor
Plant accountant
Nuclear engineer
Nuclear technicians and mechanics
Environmental manager
Steam power engineer
Transmission and Distribution Jobs
Electrical power transmission and distribution is a growing field in the US.
Some of the biggest employers in the sector are:
Exelon Corporation
Edison International
Southern California Edison Company
Ameren Corporation
Oncor Inc.
Florida Power and Light Company
Fortis Inc.
Some jobs in this sector include:
Transmission engineer
Distribution engineer
Transmission technician
Electric division manager
Lineworker
Electric line assistant
Meter installer
Meter readers
Electric and solar energy installers
Powerman
Groundman
The water supply and sewage utility sector
This critical utility sector supplies clean water to households, constructs and maintains sewage treatment plants, and recycles and disposes of wastewater. The companies must meet the consumer demand for clean water and ensure proper water treatment to protect public health. Water and sewage companies collect water from natural resources and treat and supply it for residential and commercial use. The sector employs thousands of people. Some jobs include:
Wastewater operator
Wastewater treatment engineer and technician
Collection system worker
Maintenance engineer and technician
Water resource specialist
Water systems operator
Quality assurance manager
The natural gas utility sector
This sector is vital to the U.S. economy since it provides heating to residents and businesses and powers the electrical industry. The leading oil and gas producers with the best employment opportunities include ExxonMobil, B.P., Tenaska, ConocoPhillips, Shell Energy, and Direct Energy. Some of the uses of natural gas in different areas include:
Electricity generation: Steam-powered power plants can generate electricity from natural gas. This energy source contributed 38% of U.S. electricity generation in 2021.
Industrial sector: Natural gas is convenient for heating since it is clean and efficient. In addition, industries use gas to run turbines, motors, boilers, and ovens.
Commercial and residential sector. This clean-burning fuel is used to heat homes, cooking, and manufacturing.
There are many jobs in the sector, such as:
Control engineer
Control room operator
Renewable energy manager
Renewable energy engineer
NG Foreman
Natural Gas Analyst
NG Steel Inspector
Energy Analyst
Natural Gas Analyst
Marketers
Repairmen
Steamfitters
Pipeline inspectors
What are Public Utility jobs?
Public utility jobs are careers that involve the maintenance and operation of the nation’s vital infrastructure, such as electric power, natural gas, water, and telecommunication systems. Public utilities supply the basic services that citizens, organizations, and businesses use to function.
These jobs can range from highly specialized positions, such as engineers and technicians who work on new building projects, to customer service roles that help individuals manage their accounts and billing for these services. If you’re interested in a career in public utilities, there is no shortage of opportunities ranging from entry-level positions like linemen to administrative positions like managers.
No matter what kind of public utility job you’re looking for, it’s important to have a good understanding of how these services work and some experience in the industry. With the right qualifications and a desire to make an impact, you can position yourself for success in this growing sector!
What Are Some Of the On-Demand Public Utility Jobs?
When you think of on-demand public utility jobs, what comes to mind? If you’re like most people, you probably think of workers who respond to emergencies, such as gas leaks or water main breaks. And while that’s certainly a critical part of the job, it’s by no means the only one.
In fact, a variety of on-demand public utility jobs are just as important—and just as in-demand. For example, take a look at these positions:
- Meter reader: This person reads and records the data on water and gas meters.
- Customer service representative: This person helps customers resolve billing issues or get information about their service.
- Lineworker: This person installs and repairs the physical infrastructure of a public utility system.
Do any of these jobs appeal to you? If so, now is a great time to explore your career options in public utilities.
Educational Qualifications For Jobs In Public Utilities
The jobs available in public utilities require specific academic qualifications. For instance, engineering and plant operator positions require a university degree. Some companies demand a Master’s or Ph.D. and work experience for managerial roles. Entry-level technician, welding, and installer roles usually require a high-school diploma. In most public utility jobs, you’ll undergo specialized training to familiarize yourself with the functions and requirements.
Also, some jobs, such as engineering, require certification from relevant authorities.
Average earnings for public utility jobs
Jobs in public utilities are well compensated. The pay depends on the job position, where the employee can qualify for medical insurance, union membership, and retirement benefits. Here is some average remuneration:
Electric utility: Entry level $40,000 to $58,000 and $65,000 to $95,000 for senior levels.
Water and sewage utility: Entry level $39,000 to $47,000 and $55,000 to $85,000 for higher levels.
Natural gas utility: Entry level $40,000 to $63,000 and $70,000 to $95,000 for more skilled professionals.
Some of the best-paying jobs are:
Power Plant Engineer: $83,000 to $110,500
The engineers oversee the safe operation of the power plant. They monitor electricity generation and fix any issues within the generating station.
Radiation Engineer: $80,000 to $120,033
These engineers work in nuclear power plants and water companies to ensure radiation safety. They train employees on radiation safety and ensure government radiation precautions are upheld.
Pipeline Controller: $75,000 to $88,461
Pipeline controllers ensure the efficient and safe operation of the pipeline system. They monitor the daily process to ensure regulatory standards are met.
Water Resource Specialist: $65,000 to $85,030
A water specialist protects water by overseeing water conservation plans, testing water quality, and monitoring water safety in the working environment.
Power Transmission Engineer: $69,600 to $83,600
The engineer analyzes, designs, and operates the electrical grid. They also develop new electrical transmission technologies for improved efficiency and reliability.
Nuclear safety engineer: $80,000 to $115,000
They ensure nuclear power plants work efficiently to protect workers from harmful radiation. Nuclear safety engineers oversee the safe construction of nuclear facilities to avoid catastrophic failures of power plants.
Benefits of working in public utility
The advantages of working in the public utility sector include the following:
Good pay
Public utility jobs are well compensated. Most positions require specialized training and expertise and thus pay well. Also, since most public utility companies are big successful organizations, they can manage to compensate handsomely.
Job security
The public utility offers essential services, so people will always need them. Therefore, it provides high job security.
Extra Benefits
Most public utility jobs offer additional benefits such as medical and retirement packages.
Impacts Of Technology On Job Availability In Public Utilities
Technology has revolutionized the way many public utilities operate. Automated systems and sensors have replaced many human-operated tasks, decreasing the number of available jobs in the field.
While this may seem like a bad thing at first, it’s actually positively impacted the industry. First, automation has led to increased efficiency and accuracy in many tasks. This has resulted in fewer errors and reduced the amount of time and resources needed to complete a task.
Second, automation has allowed utilities to offer new services that would have been cost-prohibitive with a human workforce. For example, many water utilities can now monitor and adjust water pressure remotely, leading to a more consistent water supply for their customers.
How Many Jobs Are Available In Public Utilities
Many jobs are available in public utilities; therefore, depending on your skills and education, you will find a comfortable position. These jobs are high-paying and guarantee security, and can offer retirement benefits. Open positions are usually advertised on companies’ websites and online job sites.
Conclusion
When it comes to public utilities, there are a variety of jobs available for people of all backgrounds and interests. No matter your qualifications, a job in public utilities is likely perfect for you.
So if you’re interested in working in public utilities, be sure to explore all of your options. There are a variety of jobs available, and you’re sure to find the perfect fit for you.
Many jobs are available in public utilities; therefore, depending on your skills and education, you will find a comfortable position. These jobs are high-paying and guarantee security, and can offer retirement benefits. Open positions are usually advertised on companies’ websites and online job sites.
There has been an increased demand for public utility workers in recent years. This is likely due to the growing popularity of renewable energy sources like solar and wind power. As more and more people become interested in renewable energy, the demand for public utility workers will likely continue to grow.
If you’re interested in a career in public utilities, now is a great time to start exploring your options. With various jobs available, you’re sure to find the perfect fit for you.
