Utilities are essential to our daily lives. In a world where we are all connected to our technology, electricity is a necessity that people can’t seem to live without. The companies that are in this industry also provide us with gas and oil, which is necessary to keep our homes, heated and give us the ability to have hot water.

These positions can often involve long hours, safety concerns, and can be physically demanding. There are some desk positions, some positions require a person to sit at a desk. Whether working out in the field on lines and pipes or you are excellent with customer service, there are a different variety of jobs for people with different sets of skills.

For some positions, as a result of the long hours of operation, there can be some flexibility with the hours that you work. Since some shifts are long, this isn’t ideal for those who are looking for a second job. However, a lot of positions do not require previous work experience so this can be a great opportunity for first time job seekers.

This is an important job to do because people rely on this industry for basic every day needs.

Job Opportunities

Here are some job opportunities within this industry:

Logistical Planner: They have to be able to predict the supply and demand by generating forecasts based on previous statistical data. The logistics planner must track ant potential supply constraints. They should be able set supply levels and predict inventory that will be needed based on the history of usage. They need to manage the inventory to ensure that they are prepared for anything and will deal with buying back inventory that is now obsolete. They create specialize reports to show the inventory and usage to predict future consumption and to keep track of what was used. A bachelor’s degree is required for this position. They must have all proper certifications. They should have advanced knowledge of word, excel, access and power point. They can earn around $45,000 a year.

Electrical Technician: The primary purpose for this position is to repair and maintain the lines to upkeep the power to the house or neighborhoods. They must have excellent knowledge of the equipment and their purposes. They should be well aware of all the safety regulations that they must follow. There is a lot of work outdoors, including in very bad weather. This position can be very physically demanding. You will climb poles and raised ladders. The technician will help troubleshoot issues for the customers. They might need to work long hours. They also do installs for new customers or buildings from the lines. To be a technician, you need to be 18 years or older with a high school diploma or equivalent. You will need to complete any on the job training and certifications that are required by the state. It is required that they have a valid driver’s license and a clean driving record. A technician can earn around $60,000 a year.

Customer Service Representative: The customer service rep is the main source of contact between the clients and the company. They will call to gain more customers, and check in on current customers. They make phone calls after there was service to ensure the customer is satisfied with everything. They will handle customer complaints and inform people of outages if necessary. They send technicians out as needed. They will also set up new client accounts and close old ones. They handle billing issues and often receive payment for services. They might be responsible for calling customers to try and get payment for past due bills or to remind them to pay past due bills. They will file invoices and service orders in accordance with company policy. The customer service representative will also answer questions for customers about any services or programs that they are currently offering. To obtain this type of employment, you only need a high school diploma or equivalent. You must have excellent interpersonal skills and knowledge of the products and services that are offered. They can earn $10 per hour.

Distribution Manager: They will make sure that all repairs and maintenance are done according to schedule and on time. The manager is responsible for making sure that any construction is completed according to schedule and done properly. They monitor to ensure the right specifications are completed and done according to company standards and all regulations. They must train their employees and supervise them to ensure they are working efficiently and in line with the company standards. If not, they need to correct the deficiency. They will be responsible for paperwork associated with their company. They run the weekly meetings for their staff to make sure that everyone is on the same page, as far as the expectations they must meet. They regularly visit where employees are working to ensure everything is running smoothly. They should have at least a high school diploma and 5 or more years of experience. They must have a valid driver’s license and a clean driving record. A manager can earn $60,000 a year.

Job Outlook

The estimated growth for this industry is around 11%. This is right on track with the 11% average found across other industries. There are a few reasons for this. One is that there is more efficiency for customers with requires fewer workers to maintain. Another reason is with renewable energy, companies are getting incentives from the government, and the field is starting to lean more towards that way. The last reason for this is because people tend to stay within this industry, and does not have as high of a turnover rate as seen in other industries.