Energy Careers

Chemist or Materials Scientist
Develops processes such as improved oil refining and petrochemical processing that save energy and reduce pollution.

Construction Manager
Works on building utility systems or making commercial and residential buildings more energy efficient. Includes urban and regional planners and architects.

Engineer
Connects scientific discoveries with societal and consumer needs. Develops new products. Works in a high-tech industry. A good fit for those who like to build things from scratch, analyze information, and solve problems and are self-directed and quick to learn new technologies.

Engineering Technician
Many different types of technicians are needed in power generation: mechanical, electrical, instrumentation and control, and, in the nuclear field, chemistry and radiation protection. Work involves applying the principles and theories of science, engineering, and math to solve technical problems.

Environmental Scientist
Uses knowledge of the physical makeup and history of the Earth to protect the environment, locate water and other energy resources, predict geologic hazards, and provide environmental site assessments and advice on air quality and hazardous waste site remediation.

Geoscientist
Includes careers such as those of petroleum geologists, who map the subsurface of the ocean or land while exploring the terrain for oil and gas deposits.

Heating and Air-Conditioning Mechanic
Often specializes in either installation or maintenance and repair of heating and air conditioning systems, although they are trained to do both. Some specialize in one type of equipment—for example, hydroponics (water-based heating systems), solar panels, or commercial refrigeration.

Line Worker
Installs and repairs electrical power lines. Often works outdoors, in potentially hazardous conditions. Constructs and maintains lines by installing utility poles and towers—or digging underground trenches—to carry the wires and cables. May use a variety of construction equipment. Work is very physical (climbing, lifting, digging, etc.).

Photogrammetrist
Responsible for measuring and mapping the Earth’s surface. Collects, analyzes, interprets, and maps geographic information using data from surveys and photographs.

Power Plant Operator
Controls the machinery that generates electricity. Other related jobs involve controlling the flow of electricity from the power plant over a network of transmission lines to industrial plants and substations and finally to consumers. Familiarity with computers and a basic understanding of science and math are helpful. Requires constant attention. Can be dangerous if working outside the control room.

Jobs in Green Energy Industries:

Geothermal Power
Needs heating engineers, mechanical engineers, geologists, drilling crews, and HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) contractors to manufacture and install geothermal heat pumps.

Hydropower
Needs recreation planners and resource managers to manage reservoirs and surrounding land; environmental scientists to assess the environmental impact of their operations; and biologists, hydrologists, ecologists, and wildlife habitat specialists to assess and address environmental remediation.

Solar Power
Needs electrical, mechanical, and chemical engineers to research and develop solar technologies; and electricians, engineers, technicians, and technical managers to sell, manufacture, design, install, and maintain equipment.

Wind Energy
Requires meteorologists to help engineers identify suitable sites for wind power. Mechanical engineers or electricians called “windsmiths” are needed to operate and maintain wind turbines.