Best Paying Jobs in Public Utilities
Whether you’re looking to jump-start your career in the public utilities industry or take your current job to new heights, you may be wondering which positions offer the best compensation package and why.
When it comes to salary, bonuses, stock options, and other benefits, the amount you earn can vary wildly depending on the nature of your position and the company in question.
Read also: Best Paying Jobs in Oil and Gas Production
1) GIS Specialist
A GIS specialist is a geographer, cartographer, or computer scientist that creates maps, charts and 3D visualizations of data.
A job as a GIS specialist can be highly rewarding because you are involved in the mapping of new and exciting places all around the world.
You will often work closely with engineers and other specialists to create these beautiful images. The average salary for a GIS Specialist is $66,000 per year.
2) Environmental Engineer
Environmental engineers are responsible for the design, construction and maintenance of natural resources, such as lakes and wetlands.
They use their knowledge of biology, chemistry and physics to control the pollution that can harm the environment.
Environmental engineers typically earn a bachelor’s degree followed by a professional engineering license. They then complete an internship with a public agency or private company.
The median annual wage for environmental engineers was $84,990 in May 2012.
3) Hydro-Meter Reader
Hydro-Meter Readers are responsible for the daily gathering of water and sewerage readings from residential and commercial meters.
Hydro-Meter Readers typically work outside, so they need to be prepared for all types of weather. This can include anything from a scorching heatwave to a blizzard or monsoon.
Hydro-Meter Readers also need to be organized and have excellent math skills because they will be working with numbers every day.
They must be able to perform calculations quickly and accurately. Additionally, Hydro-Meter Readers should enjoy being outdoors as this job requires them to spend hours collecting data in any type of weather condition.
4) Air Quality Assessor
Air Quality Assessor – This is one of the most specialized jobs in the industry because it requires a person to have an understanding of physical and chemical properties that are related to air quality.
They also need to be knowledgeable about environmental laws and how they relate to air quality, which includes the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations.
As an Air Quality Assessor, your job will consist of gathering data to help determine compliance with air quality standards.
5) Operations Supervisor
The operations supervisor is responsible for monitoring the performance of plant operations, trouble-shooting problems and coordinating maintenance work.
The salary can range from $70,000 to $85,000. It’s also possible to make up to $105,000 a year with bonuses.
Power System Maintenance: As a power system maintenance worker, you will be required to maintain high voltage electric power systems while being knowledgeable about generators and motors used in plants.
Water Treatment Plant Manager: In this role, you will be overseeing the daily operation of water treatment facilities. You will monitor chemical inventories as well as staffing levels and ensuring compliance with federal regulations.
6) Water Distribution Operator
The top 10 best paying jobs in public utilities are as follows:
1. Water Distribution Operator
2. Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator.
3. Transmission Line Worker.
4. Gas Plant Worker.
5. Wind Turbine Technician.
6. Sewer Line Cleaner.
7. Pipeline & Lining Specialist.
8. Power Plant Technician.
9. Gas Plant Mechanic.
10. Hydroelectricity Project Manager.
7) Research and Development Director
The Research and Development Director will oversee all the research and development activities for the company.
They will do everything from analyzing trends to create new products, to developing new processes that make better use of existing materials or manufacturing techniques.
The average annual salary for a Research and Development Director is $138,000. There are more than 1,300 jobs currently available with this title.
8) Senior Mechanical Engineer
Senior Mechanical Engineers are responsible for designing, estimating, and overseeing the construction of major mechanical and architectural projects.
They may be required to work with a team or oversee many different aspects of a project at once. These professionals need to have excellent leadership skills and be able to coordinate various tasks. They should also be able to make decisions quickly when needed.
Senior Mechanical Engineers are expected to have a bachelor’s degree and 10 years of experience working as an engineer for this position.
9) Electrical Engineer I/II, Research, Development and Testing
As an Electrical Engineer, your job will involve the design, development and testing of electrical equipment.
You’ll be responsible for everything from determining the type of material to be used to handling the product manufacturing.
Salaries for this position typically range from $75k – $100k annually.
This is a very competitive job market, with salaries ranging anywhere from $75k – 100k annually.
10) Construction Project Manager, Water Works and Sewer System Construction
Water Works and Sewer System Construction workers design, construct, and maintain public water supply and sewage disposal systems.
They perform a variety of tasks from operating equipment to repairing or replacing pipes, valves, and pumps. They sometimes work long hours on call 24 hours a day. Workers are often required to have some college experience.