Utility Worker Career Guide

Utility workers perform many complex and challenging tasks to ensure the safe and reliable delivery of energy to their customers. Electric and natural gas utilities employ a very large and skilled workforce of electrical linemen, pipefitters, planners, inspectors, service technicians and many other skilled occupations. The work of a Utility worker is diverse and constantly changing. This career field is in high demand today due to a strong growing economy and retiring workers. Therefore, employers are constantly looking to hire workers that have a strong work ethic and are willing to learn an exciting and challenging career.

A linesmen is repairing a utility power line from a bucket truck.

Electrical lineman performing utility work.

Job that is in demand
Utility companies are constantly growing. At the same time many workers are beginning to retire. Therefore, there are many great career opportunities for people interested in a career as a Utility worker.
Interesting and Challenging
Utility workers are always learning new skills to improve their ability to solve complex problems. The work is very diverse and constantly changing.
No College Degree Required
You do not need an expensive college degree to work as a Utility worker. Many workers have acquired training through Trade schools, community colleges, the military or on the job training with an employer.

What type of work you can do at a Utility

The skills that Utility workers develop through training and experience can be applied to a wide variety of jobs. These jobs range from general maintenance to linemen.

Electrical Lineman

An electrical lineman installs, maintains, repairs and inspects power distribution systems. This involves working on overhead and underground power distribution lines.

Power Plant Operator

Power Plant Operators work in the power generating plant of a Utility. These workers monitor, repair, maintain and inspect power generating equipment and various auxiliary components. They read charts, gauges, operate computers and other instruments to monitor the operation of the power plant and properly regulate the transmission of electrical power. This position is a very diverse and challenging position. Workers are required to follow established operating and safety procedures. These workers may be required to climb ladders, interact with various employees, operate computers, have extensive knowledge of plant operating procedures, maintain boilers, turbines, pumps and other various auxiliary equipment.

Pipefitter (Gas Worker)

Pipefitters that are employed by a utility company install, repair, maintain and inspect natural gas distribution systems. These workers ensure the installation and repair of natural gas distribution systems are in compliance with applicable codes and regulations. Also, these gas pipefitters frequently respond to emergency gas leaks or suspicious gas odors. These workers typically work outdoors, perform heavy lifting, operate heavy equipment and are trained in various safety procedures. Utilities provide these workers with additional training to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the utilities natural gas piping system.

Maintenance Department

Many Utilities have a variety of facilities that require skilled tradesmen to maintain. Electricians, plumbers, carpenters, HVAC workers, boiler operators and general maintenance workers are all employed to ensure safe, efficient and reliable operation of the Utilities facilities. Because utilities are in operation 24 hours a day, many of these workers are employed on each working shift. These workers are experience in commercial and industrial facilities. Furthermore, they will typically have documented training, trades license and years of experience.

Career Progression Idea's

Here are some career progression idea's for utility workers that have several years of experience and training.

Management

Utility workers can learn valuable skills throughout their career that can help them advance to the position of Facility manager/Supervisor. Facility managers/Supervisors typically lead skilled tradesmen in the safe and efficient maintenance and repair of large facilities or provide leadership for Utility work crews. They are knowledgeable in building codes, OSHA regulations, industry practices and workforce leadership.

Engineer, Project Manager, Engineering Technician

Many Utilities employ Engineers that plan and design large complex projects, provide assistance to facility owners and assist in troubleshooting complex problems. Engineering Technicians work with and assist engineers, help to resolve problems, create blueprints, gather important data from the field and analyze various information. Project Managers oversee various projects to ensure they are completed safely, within budget and on time. They interact with facility owners, other managers, tradesmen and engineers.

These positions may require a college degree, years of experience, excellent communication skills and good computer skills.

Utility Planner

Utilities employ Planners to help coordinate the daily work activities of gas, electric and power plant personnel. These workers create schedules to efficiently and safely utilize the Utilities complex workforce. These workers typically have years of experience with the utility and a basic understanding of various work assignments. They have excellent communication skills, good computer skills and the ability to work outside at different job sites.

Corrosion Control Technician

Many Utilities, employ workers to provide corrosion protection and testing of underground piping and other various components. These workers use various field test equipment to inspect and ensure the proper corrosion protection of underground piping. Corrosion control technicians maintain logs, reports, maps and other important documentation. They have good computer skills, knowledge of electricity, the proper use of field test equipment and the ability to read blueprints. Entry level positions in corrosion control are possible, however, corrosion control technicians may need certifications to advance in this position.

How much money you can make as a Utility Worker and how to get started

Compensation

A great website to get an idea of how much money you could possibly make as a Pipefitter or Electrical Lineman is The Bureau of Labor Statistics. It provides some excellent compensation information for various occupations throughout the United States.

The Occupational Employment Statistics program provides compensation information for various occupations.

Click here for more information on compensation for Pipefitters- https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472152.htm

Click here for more information on compensation for Electrical Lineman-https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes499051.htm

Apprenticeships

A great way to get started working for a Utility is an Apprenticeship program through a local Union or the utility itself. As an apprentice you will work for a union contractor that performs work on gas or electric utilities, or possibly work for the utility directly and attend classes at a training facility. Apprenticeship programs typically last 4-5 years and apprentices receive pay increase as they progress throughout the program. Contact your local gas and electric Utility for more information on Apprenticeship programs for Utility workers. Also, check out the following Unions for more information regarding Apprenticeship programs for utilities in your area.

United Association Union of Plumbers, Fitters, Welders and Service Techs. -https://ua.org/
Contact your local IBEW Union for more information on Utility Lineman Apprenticeships-International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers-http://www.ibew.org/

Another good website to check out for information regarding apprenticeship programs is ResumeBuilder.com. Not only do they have great information on creating resumes they also have apprenticeship information for each state. Visit https://www.resumebuilder.com/apprenticeship-resources-by-state/

Community College/Trade School

Community College:

Many Community Colleges have Electrical and Pipefitting programs that teach service, maintenance and installation of Electrical and Piping systems and equipment. Students in these programs typically earn a certificate or an Associates degree upon completion. Some Community College's, may also help students connect with employers. Check with your local Community College on what programs may be available.

Trade Schools:

There are many schools that specialize in training Electricians and Pipefitters. Many areas across the country have trades schools that teach Skilled Trades careers. Students in these programs typically earn a certificate upon completion. However, its important to research the training quality and how successful previous students have been at finding jobs. It's important to talk to local contractors and Utilities on what their experience has been with students from a local trade school.

In short, Community Colleges and trade schools are a great way to get started in the Skilled Trades field. However, it's important to research the quality of training and how successful previous students have been at finding and retaining jobs. Some Community Colleges and trade Schools may have programs to connect students with employers. Talk to local contractors and Utilities on what their experience has been with these schools. Many Utilities employ union workers and may prefer workers that complete apprenticeship programs. Contact your local gas or electric utility human resources department to help determine the best path to get started in a career as a Utility Worker.

Military

There are many skilled trades and construction occupations throughout the United States Armed Forces. Each military branch has personnel that are highly trained to service, maintain and install anything that exist on a military base. Enlisted members of the Armed Forces, complete a basic training course then they must complete additional training before they begin working in their occupation. Members of the Armed Forces get 30 days of vacation each year, food and housing, medical, dental and many other important benefits. Educational benefits are available during your enlistment period and upon completion. Joining the military can be a great way to learn a skilled trade or construction occupation.

Always contact a Military Recruiter to learn more detailed information on job opportunities, training, benefits and other important information for employment within the Armed Forces.

Air Force:

Click here for more information on Plumbers employed by the Air Force-https://www.airforce.com/careers/detail/water-and-fuel-systems-maintenance

Navy:

Click here for more information on Hull Maintenance Technicians employed by the Navy to service, maintain and operate Plumbing equipment on ships-https://www.navy.com/careers/mechanical-industrial-technology

Click here for more information on Seabees employed by the Navy to install, service, maintain and operate land based Plumbing equipment-https://www.navy.com/careers/construction

Coast Guard:

Click here for more information on Damage Controlman employed by the Coast Guard-https://www.gocoastguard.com/reserve-careers/enlisted-careers/view-job-descriptions/dc

Army:

Click here for more information on Plumbers employed by the Army-https://www.goarmy.com/careers-and-jobs/browse-career-and-job-categories/construction-engineering/plumber.html

Marine Corp:

Contact a recruiter for additional information on Water Support Technicians (MOS 1171). Click here for more information-https://www.marines.com/

Explore our career resources for other Skilled Trades jobs that are in demand today

The Trades are in demand and hiring today! View our career resources for other skilled trade careers and learn how to get started in a rewarding skilled trade job. Learn what trades are most in demand today, how to get started and how much money you can make in the trades. It's a great time to Go Skilled Trades!

Skilled Trades Career Resources

Many Skilled Tradesmen have acquired their training through an apprenticeship program, trade school, the military or while working on the job. You do not need an expensive college degree to work in the Skilled Trades, facility maintenance or Construction field.

No College Degree Required

You do not need an expensive college degree to work in the skilled trades field. Many skilled tradesmen today, have acquired their training through apprenticeships, military, trade schools or working on the job.

No Expensive Student Loans

The average college student today graduates with a significant amount of debt due to their expensive student loans. On the other hand, an apprentice gets paid while completing their training program.

Great Rewarding Careers

There are many Skilled Trades and Construction career opportunities available today. Employers are constantly looking for workers with a good work ethic and the ability to learn new skills.