The importance of energy translates into millions of jobs researching more efficient and effective energy forms, better methods of delivering energy to developed and undeveloped lands, and solving problems that are by-products of energy production and use. Scientists, engineers, and science and engineering technicians are the key players in each of these processes.
Our nation uses a variety of energy forms. Fossil fuels, coal, and petroleum have been the traditional forms of energy on which our country has relied. Older forms of energy supplies-solar, wind, and water-are being researched again in earnest as we search for safer energy systems that are less harmful to the environment and in plentiful supply. All phases of nuclear energy generation, with the prospects and problems they have created, are under constant research and development. Major programs of cleanup and decontamination test the skills of scientists, engineers, and technicians.
This chapter reviews the major fields of opportunity in energy development and use from research to the development of the raw materials of energy production to the delivery of the energy supply to homes and other users.
MINING AND QUARRYING OPERATIONS
Not all mining and quarrying operations are related to the energy industry. Mining and quarrying industries include the mining of coal, metals, and nonmetallic minerals. Metallic minerals include copper, lead, iron, silver, zinc, and ores such as bauxite, from which aluminum is extracted. The nonmetallic minerals include stone, sand, gravel, clay, and minerals such as soda ash, and lime, which are used to make chemicals. However, because the largest number of people employed in this category is working in coal mining, and mining and quarrying are considered together by the Department of Labor as an occupational group, they will be reviewed together here.
The processes of mining and quarrying have been traditionally very labor intensive. Underground mining involves digging shafts beneath the earth in which workers use cutting and drilling equipment to extract the metals or minerals from the earth. Surface mining and quarrying are similar and are used when the material mined is close to the earth's surface. In these cases the earth covering the minerals can be stripped away by huge power shovels and the exposed minerals dug out with smaller truck-mounted power shovels. Surface or "strip" mining is a less labor intensive operation.
Employment Outlook
During the 1980s mining of metals, nonmetallic minerals, and coal increased. However, due to improvements in mining equipment, techniques, and technology, and the development of large surface mines, employment in mining has been decreasing. However, as in other industries where technology plays a larger role, decreases in unskilled and semiskilled occupations are accompanied by increases in employment of scientists, engineers, technicians who create and test new technologies, and skilled labor who are capable of operating sophisticated equipment.
Another factor influencing increases in employment for technicians is the increase in environmental awareness and the stringent controls placed on mining operations. Professional environmental engineers and technicians are among the few categories of mining occupations where employment increases are expected between 1992 and 2005. This is giving rise to a new breed of specialist who combines knowledge of the engineer or science technician with mining. It is interesting to note the dramatic increase for jobs in geology and oceanography, which reflects the increasing search for raw materials and processing research. These scientists will be accompanied and assisted in their work by science technicians.
Geographic Distribution of Employment Opportunities
Mining operations are widespread across the nation, although certain types of mining may be limited to specific geographic areas. Coal mining, which employs the greatest number of workers, is concentrated in the three states-Kentucky, West Virginia, and Wyoming-that produce 50 percent of the nation's coal. Nonmetallic mining of materials such as sandstone, limestone, clay, sand, and gravel is spread throughout the country and employs about one-third of the workers in the industry. Metal mining, which employs about one-sixth of the workers, is concentrated in the Southwest.
Although coal mines remain the largest mining employers, job opportunities in the coal sector are expected to decline. In contrast, opportunities in metal and nonmetallic mining are expected to increase.
Technician Jobs in Mining and Quarrying
In mining and quarrying, technicians work in support of scientists and engineers and in supervisory capacities. With a high school diploma, technicians may enter mining work in equipment operation or in a skilled craft or repair position. They will be given specific training for their position in classrooms or in training mines by the mining operation before they begin. Advancement to a technician position would come after years of experience, on-the-job training, and perhaps formal college preparation. Companies prefer to hire high school graduates with vocational course work in mining or technical school or junior college degreed graduates in a mining or related science and technology program. Entry-level positions as a technician would depend on the completion of a one-year certificate or two-year associate degree program in science technology, environmental technology, or a related engineering or science program. Some colleges also are offering specialized mine technology programs leading to the certificate or associate's degree.
Geology technicians help to find new mineral and ore locations, assess the quantity of materials present, and develop plans or prospective to determine if extraction is warranted.
Mining engineering technicians help to determine the type of mine to be constructed and help to plan and oversee its construction, maintenance, and operation.
Mechanical and electrical engineering technicians help to install and maintain heating, water, and electrical systems.
Safety technicians assist in health and safety programs.
Environmental technicians ensure that environmental rules and regulations relating to mining operations are strictly followed. (The environmental technician is discussed further in Chapter 3.)
Salary Expectations
Generally coal mining technician occupations are high-paying technician jobs. The entry-level technician can expect to earn from $18,000 to $24,000. With five years of experience and a good work record, the coal mining technician may earn from $32,000 to $40,000. Managers and consultants may earn well over $40,000 annually. For example, in Pennsylvania many of the experienced mining positions command salaries at the 7th pay scale step, in contrast to steps 4, 5, and 6 outlined in Chapter 1. In 1995 this pay scale step began at $30,377 and ended at $49,239. This pay scale step would apply to the mine inspector position outlined below.
Working Conditions
Although the picture of unsafe mines and horrible working conditions has been widespread, work in the mining industry is now safer than in the private sector of the economy as a whole. The rate of safety, however, differs by type of mine. In 1992 the rate of worker injury in metal mining was 6.1 per 100 workers; in non-metallic mineral mining it was 6.5 per 100 workers. In coal mining, however, it was 12.9. This compares to a rate of 8.9 in the private sector as a whole.
Work for scientists and science technicians in the mining industry will be primarily office and laboratory work. Mining engineers and engineering technicians, as well as electrical and machinery technicians, will be required to work within the mines. Silicosis, a lung disease from breathing rock dust, and pneumoconiosis (black lung disease) from breathing coal dust, continue to pose health risks.
Mine Inspector: Sample Job Description (from the Dictionary of Occupational Titles)
Inspects underground or open pit mines to ascertain compliance with contractual agreements and with health and safety laws. Inspects for rotted or incorrectly placed timbers, dangerously placed or defective electrical and mechanical equipment, improperly stored explosives, and other hazardous conditions. Tests air quality to detect toxic or explosive gas or dust, using portable gas analysis equipment, in order to control health hazards and to reduce injuries and fatalities. Observes mine activities to detect violations of federal and state health safety standards. Inspects mine workings to verify compliance with contractual agreements concerning production rates or mining within specified limits. May instruct mine workers in safety and first aid procedures. May be designated according to type of mine inspected as Coal Mine Inspector or Metal Mine Inspector. May specialize in inspection of specific conditions and be designated Gas Inspector (mine and quarry). When employed by governmental agency (instead of mine operator), conducts periodic mine inspections specifically to enforce federal or state mining laws and is known as Mine Inspector, Federal or State.
The educational requirements for this specific occupation in the environmental field stress the role of on-the-job experience as well as having an educational component. For example the job specific description for the Anthracite Underground Mine Inspector for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania states that the minimum requirements for the job include:
Ten years of experience in underground anthracite coal mines, with five years immediately preceding the examination being in the underground anthracite coal mines of Pennsylvania: and graduation from high school or any equivalent combination of experience and training.
The job bulletin clarifies that related advanced, college level education may be substituted for part of the experience requirement, but not for the five years of experience in the underground anthracite coal mines of Pennsylvania.
OIL AND GAS EXTRACTION
Two-thirds of our energy needs are met through oil and natural gas. By-products of oil and gas refineries contribute raw materials to the plastics, chemical, textile, and drug industries. Oil and gas are both fossil fuels, formed during processes of organic decay, and are most often found together, with natural gas having risen out of the oil and found just above it or mixed in with the oil. The industry as a whole fluctuates widely and experienced its peak in 1982. As oil prices rise, employment in the industry does as well. When prices drop, so does employment.
In 1992, 350,000 workers were employed in oil and gas extraction. This industry is expected to decline significantly by 14.3 percent between 1992 and 2005. These declines will be spread throughout the industry, including in the scientific and engineering occupations. Technicians will still be needed as technical competence is extremely important in exploration drilling and production phases of the industry. The oil and gas industry is a large employer and offers many exciting and rewarding work opportunities for the science or engineering technician.
The main phases of gas and oil extraction are scientific exploration, looking for gas and oil fields, study of the fields to determine their feasibility for extraction, drilling for extraction, and the transportation by truck or pipeline of the gas and oil to refineries. Technicians assist scientists and engineers in all phases of this work.
Geological or earth science technicians assist geologists and seismologists in searching for oil and gas deposits. Technicians maintain equipment and assist in taking measurements and in drilling of and recording results from test holes. Exploration activities can occur on land or water with seismographic equipment measuring sound waves or viboseis equipment, which produces shock waves. Exploration may also be conducted from the air using infrared color photography, which gives a graphic representation of variations in heat on the ground. Technicians may also become involved in mapping potential sites and writing reports of findings.
Laboratory technicians (from the Dictionary of Occupational Titles) test sand, shale, and other earth materials to determine mineral and petroleum content and physical characteristics. They perform routine physical or chemical tests of earth samples in the field or laboratory to determine the content of hydrocarbon or other minerals indicating the presence of petroleum and mineral deposits. They also test core samples brought up during well drilling to determine permeability and porosity of the sample, the fluid content of sand and shale, the salinity of drilling mud, and other conditions affecting oil well drilling operations.
Drilling crew technicians have a variety of jobs. Technicians are needed to operate the sophisticated electronic and computerized equipment that records the progress of the drill through the earth and the kinds of minerals, soils, and metals that are encountered. Careful logs are kept of these data and the technician must record and interpret the information. Technicians assist derrick operators in keeping the drilling unit cool by mixing and controlling a specially prepared flow of mud into the well. They also regulate the flow of gas and oil from the well when the well strikes oil. They help connect and disconnect the drilling equipment and maintain it as needed.
Production technicians help to get the maximum amount of oil and gas from the well. They must become proficient in highly specialized techniques that involve injecting nitroglycerin, viscous fluids, or hydrochloric acid into the well to release or force out more oils and gas.
Geological aides (from the Dictionary of Occupational Titles) examine and compile geological information to provide technical data to the geologist using surface and subsurface maps, oil and gas well activity reports, and sand and core analysis studies. They study geological reports to extract well data and post these data to maps and logs; draw subsurface formation contours on charts to lay out and prepare geological cross-section charts; compile information regarding well tests, completion, and formation tops to prepare oil or gas well records; and record net sand and sand percentage counts and calculate isopachous values to compile sand analysis data. They also study directional logs and surveys to calculate plot formation tops; read well activity reports and record key well locations in the drilling activity book; assemble and distribute prepared charts, maps, and reports to the geologist re-questing the material; and maintain file record systems and the geological library. Finally, geological aides attend "scout" meetings to compile information on well activity; contact competitors to acquire oil and gas samples from wells; and operate the computer terminal for input and retrieval of geological data.
As each of these processes continues to become more computerized and technologically advanced, the work of the petroleum technicians will become increasingly important.
Working Conditions
Working conditions in oil and gas extraction are rugged, whether on or offshore. Drilling usually continues twenty-four hours a day, and measurements are taken constantly. This means that technicians will have to work shifts. Exploration and drilling occur in any type of weather, and they occur outside. This also contributes to the rugged nature of the work. Exploration and drilling activities frequently occur in remote areas, which means that workers in the oil and gas industry must be willing to travel for extended periods and from site to site as new wells are developed.
Work in exploration and drilling also may be physically challenging and dangerous. It is an exciting field for the adventurous, physically strong technician.
Laboratory technicians may work exclusively in company offices and laboratories from a centralized location, where they may spend their career. Still other laboratory technicians may have to perform laboratory analysis on site at exploration and drilling locations.
Locating Job Opportunities
Oil and gas production facilities exist in thirty-eight states. But 80 percent of all workers are employed in just four states: California, Louisiana, Texas, and Oklahoma. Most workers are employed in onshore facilities. There also are many opportunities for technicians in other countries in the Far East, Middle East, Africa, South America, and the North Sea. (These workers are not included in the employment figures quoted here for the U.S. population.)
Educational Requirements
Like mining, companies do hire and train high school graduates for entry-level positions. However, advancing to technicians' jobs depends on further education with at least one-year or certificate training. Entrants with the technological degree may begin working as technicians and will advance more rapidly. Technicians may be hired with degrees related to petroleum and earth sciences and engineering degrees. Knowledge for specialization may occur on the job or through additional formal study.
There are a variety of associate and certificate degrees that can prepare technicians for work in the energy field. Programs in the physical sciences, such as geology, hydrology, and materials or metallurgy, are all good preparation. Descriptions of some of these programs are included in Chapter 7 of this book. Other general programs such as laboratory technician, quality control technician, nondestructive testing, and science and engineering technician programs are all good beginnings, especially when combined with coursework, internships, or summer and part-time jobs in the field. These programs are all described in other chapters in this book.
Salary Expectations
Pay ranges for the petroleum technician vary depending upon the specific type of job and its demands. The range for technicians with a two-year degree is about $14,000 to $27,000 annually. There is opportunity for advancement with the technical degree, and good technicians who steadily improve their work skills and knowledge and can take on additional responsibilities successfully can expect to increase their salary by 50 percent in five years. In other words, if you were hired at $20,000 and performed well on the job, you could be making from $30,000 to $35,000 in five years.
ENERGY UTILITIES
There are many jobs for technicians in the public utilities. There are four main types of public utilities: those that supply electricity, gas, a combination of electricity and gas, and water and sanitation facilities. (Water and sanitation facilities are discussed in Chapter 3.) The energy utilities are discussed in this chapter, although some of the labor statistics cited will combine all four utilities as noted. Many of the utilities in the United States are owned by municipalities. Those utilities that serve large metropolitan areas tend to be privately owned because economy of scale makes it cheaper per person to provide utility to a large number of people than to a smaller one. Because there is a profit to be made, this is left to private enterprise. In areas of smaller population, providing utilities would be cost prohibitive for a private corporation, so state and local governments have taken on the responsibility for funding the utility, often hiring a private contractor to operate it.
Of the utility industries, the electric is the largest, employing 442,000 persons or 46.3 percent of the utility workforce. The second largest is the combination utility, which supplies both electricity and gas and employs 192,000 persons or 20.1 percent of the utility workforce. These are followed by the gas production and distribution utility, which employs 164,000 workers or 17.1 percent of the utility workforce; and the water supply and sanitation industry, which together employ 157,000 or 16.5 percent of the utility workforce.
In addition to the public utilities, which supply services directly to the public, there are many smaller companies producing energy and services and competing with the utilities for industrial users. This is particularly significant in the electric industry, where smaller companies have grown by generating electricity from nontraditional sources, such as geo-thermal, and selling energy they have produced not only to industry, but to the utilities themselves.
Salary Expectations
The electric utilities technicians have high paying jobs. In general, technicians working in the nuclear powered electric utilities are paid higher than those working in the conventional electric utilities. For example, the nuclear power plant operator averaged $960 weekly in 1992. The conventional plant operator averaged $750 weekly. The nuclear operator trainee will earn about $15,000 to $17,000 annually. A nuclear technology or related program graduate can expect a higher starting salary of about $19,000. An experienced nuclear reactor operator can expect to earn from $30,000 to $35,000.
Technicians and related support groups averaged $32,800 annually in 1992. Some technician opportunities are also found in the precision production craft and repair category, whose workers averaged $37,900. Power plant operators earned from $510 to $802 weekly; senior operators earned from $565 to $910.
Employment Opportunities
Employment opportunities for technicians in the public utilities are expected to increase by 13.4 percent from 1992-2005. There are many opportunities for technicians in the utilities. In traditional plants, producing electricity from coal or nuclear sources, increasing productivity and efficiency, and finding less harmful ways of generation remain challenges. Many very exciting opportunities in using renewable resources like solar energy, hydraulic energy, wind and geothermal energy for large-scale and site specific production of electricity, are gaining momentum and adding impetus for the demand for skilled and knowledgeable technicians.
The future of the nuclear powered plant is unclear. Although no new plants are being built, increased care and caution is exercised in the plants that remain in operation. This means that job opportunities for skilled technicians will exist into the future. Research into fusion rather than fission-driven plants may reopen the nuclear powered plant for development once again.
Waste disposal is an increasing concern as our national population continues to grow and we recognize this as a threat to our environmental quality. Hazardous waste management, coming under increasing governmental regulation, is creating jobs in all occupational segments from the scientists and technicians involved in researching methods of energy production that create less waste to crews assigned the difficult job of cleaning sites that have already been contaminated. Waste management and sanitation are discussed in Chapter 3, but growth in those areas is reflected in the employment outlook figures for public utilities.
The largest growth expected among occupational groups in the public utilities is in the professional specialty occupations: the scientists, computer systems analysts, and engineers. The 29 percent growth in these jobs is expected because of the emphasis on improving plant productivity and marketing utility services to expand customer bases, both driven by competition spawned by the deregulation of the utilities. Technicians working in support of these personnel will find increasing job opportunities as well as possible advancement into the professional category with increased experience and knowledge.
The employment outlook for the utilities varies by industry. However, because of the ever-increasing need to boost productivity, science and engineering positions in research and development in particular will continue to grow. A review of each of the major utilities and job opportunities for technicians within each follows.
ELECTRIC UTILITIES
Electric utilities and independent power producers that sell electricity employ technicians in all phases of their work: electricity generation, transmission, and distribution. There are many ways of generating electricity. Usually they are categorized by the source of energy for generation of electricity, renewable and nonrenewable resources. Traditionally our nation has relied on the fossil fuels for most of its electricity. Coal is still by far the largest energy source for electricity plants. Nuclear plants, the second largest method of generating electricity, were once thought of as the answer to dwindling supplies of fossil fuels. However, serious problems of environmental contamination and personal health hazards to workers and communities have halted the building of new nuclear power plants. Natural gas is the third largest energy supply to electric utilities. Hydro or water power is the fourth. A growing number of independent companies are experiencing tremendous success developing the renewable energy sources of solar, wind, water, and geothermal as supplemental energy sources and for smaller scale generation. Public utilities are also giving the renewable resources a new look.
Electric utilities employed 46.3 percent of the workers in utilities in 1992. This represents 442,000 jobs. The electric utilities are expected to grow by 7.6 percent during the years 1992-2005.
Production plants operate with sophisticated technology and equipment and employ many technicians. Although some positions can be obtained with a high school degree, the candidate will undergo a longer apprenticeship and work period in an entry-level position. Advancing into a better paying job, with the title "technician," is sometimes only possible with the two-year technical degree. Each company and utility has its own criteria for entry into a position and for advancement. Some of the positions listed here are common to electric utilities, regardless of how their electricity is generated, because distribution remains basically the same. Other positions are specific to particular forms of electricity generation, such as nuclear, solar, fossil fuel, and so forth. These are self evident.
Generating plant operators operate machinery generating electricity, often using control boards and automatic equipment. They help to regulate the flow of energy being produced.
Power-line installers and repairers work on the lines and transformers, maintaining wires and troubleshooting when the power supply fails. With experience and/or education, the line installer can advance to a supervisory or dispatching position.
Dispatchers send crews out for maintenance work, scheduling the interruption of power supplies for minimal disruption. In emergency situations they determine where the source of a power outage is likely to be found, what its cause is likely to be, and what crew to send to correct it.
Power distributors regulate the flow of electricity through lines to substations and transformers to consumers.
Nuclear reactor operator technicians have to complete formal programs of study to become licensed by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission as nuclear power plant operators. These operators play the most pivotal role in ensuring the safety of plant operations by controlling and regulating the nuclear reactor. They must understand all of the control systems of the nuclear reactor and all of the instruments and equipment that monitor the reactor. Operators become senior nuclear reactor operators with excellent service and experience. They then are responsible for overseeing and helping to train reactor operators. They also may find opportunities to serve as consultants or work in research and development.
Nuclear power plant radiation control technicians monitor the level of radiation in the work areas of the power plant and the surrounding environment. They use very highly technical equipment to collect air, water, soil, plant, nuclear waste shipments, and other materials and test the materials for levels of radiation. They must keep their instruments very precisely calibrated to ensure accurate readings.
Some institutes offer specialized training for radiation control technicians. Other technicians begin work after obtaining related nuclear technology or other technology degrees with extensive on-the-job training. There is no license required for this position. A graduate technician can expect to earn about $20,000 per year. Salary advances within three to five years could bring this to $25,000. Opportunities in consulting and research may provide additional income.
Nuclear materials handling technicians have a variety of job opportunities starting from when the uranium ore to be used in nuclear power plants is mined to the point of disposal of nuclear waste. They assist in the process of "enriching" uranium ore, which transforms ore using chemical and physical means from a relatively low concentration of radioactive materials into a highly concentrated pellet to be packaged into special alloy tubes and used in fuel assemblies. Many manipulate radioactive materials in enclosed areas using remote control. This specialty is called a "hot cell" technician. Nuclear materials handling technicians also help with nuclear waste disposal, decontaminating leaked materials, or compressing and packaging waste. Most nuclear materials handling technicians are not required to be licensed by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, although certain responsibilities may require licensure or security clearance.
Technicians with two-year degrees can expect to earn from $16,000 to $27,000 annually. The average beginning salary is about $20,000. Experienced technicians can earn from $28,000 to $32,000.
Quality assurance and quality control technicians are found in most energy and other plants. In nuclear power plants, the risk of disaster with lapses in quality makes the QA/QC technician even more valuable. QA/QC technicians maintain a consistent schedule of inspecting, testing, and recording the processes and products of the plant to safeguard the reliability of the product and integrity of the process of generating and distributing power. The technician follows precisely written procedures to conduct regular audits. This position does not require licensing, but like other nuclear fields, it requires rigorous technical school training and on-the-job experience. There are not many nuclear power plant quality assurance and quality control programs. Supplementing a standard QA/ QC program with coursework in the nuclear field is the route most technicians have taken. Nuclear power plant QA/QC technicians start working at about $18,000 and average $25,000 to $35,000 as experienced technicians. (Please refer to the quality technology associate degree program and appropriate job descriptions found in Chapter 1 for more information.)
Nuclear instrumentation and instrumentation test technicians are two closely related jobs. Nuclear plant instrumentation technicians repair, calibrate, inspect, and maintain the instruments used to monitor and control the equipment and processes in nuclear plants. They ensure that all of the instruments are measuring and controlling accurately. The nuclear operators and radiation control technicians depend on them to do their job well, so that they can do theirs.
Instrumentation test technicians help build and develop test systems to test the nuclear plant equipment and machinery. They install the test machinery and sometimes the systems that it is testing. They help determine if a test is feasible or how it might be done better. They may build parts for test equipment or supervise workers who do the building of the equipment. Currently neither of these positions requires a license. Their salaries are comparable to other nuclear technicians, with beginning salaries averaging around $20,000 and experienced technicians working at $28,000 to $32,000.
Solar energy system installers install, maintain, and repair solar heating systems for commercial, residential, and industrial use. These technicians may build the entire system or supervise its building and test the component parts as they are assembled and after they are installed. Preparation as an engineering technician with on-the-job or classroom training in solar energy is good preparation for this occupation.
Solar fabrication technicians custom build solar collectors, following blueprints and guidelines and using power tools. This position requires less training than many of the technician opportunities working in the sciences. A basic technician program, emphasizing blueprint reading and handling tools, is effective preparation. There is advancement opportunity in this field to supervisory positions or into research with further study and experience.
Electricity Generation Opportunities outside of the Utilities
The generation of energy from solar and other alternate sources is now experiencing growth as there is more research and development into generating alternate power supplies and increasing competition following the Energy Policy Act of 1992, which allowed independent power producers that build their own plants and large industries that generate their own electricity to sell excess energy to utilities. Many large corporations that sell energy generating equipment are researching alternate forms of energy production and even entering into energy producing contracts with foreign governments to supply electricity to remote and developing parts of the world. This deregulation of the industry is in part responsible for the growth in opportunities for technicians who help develop innovative and more effective utility processes and products.
Combination Gas and Electric Utilities
Combination gas and electric utilities are those that produce and distribute both gas and electricity or gas or electricity and some other utility. They may be classified as either gas combined or electric combined, which is determined by the utility that comprises the major portion of their business. Other utilities would include generation and distribution of steam, purification and distribution of water, refuse collection, and sanitation.
These utilities employed 167,000 workers in 1992 and are expected to increase their employment by 17.1 percent by 2005.
Gas Production and Distribution Utilities
This is the only segment of the utility industry that is expected to decline in employment opportunities. Ironically this is happening at a time when gas utilities are becoming an increasingly popular choice for homeowners and commercial industries. The cause for the drop in employment is the efficiency of natural gas furnaces and the increasing automation of metering and billing of gas consumption. Whereas gas production and distribution utilities employed 164,000 workers in 1992, this is expected to decline by 10.1 percent by 2005.
There are still many employment opportunities for the skilled technician in gas utilities and combination gas and electric utilities.
Job opportunities in the processing and distribution of natural gas are similar to those found in the generation and distribution of electricity in that they require the operation of sophisticated and computerized equipment that must be calibrated precisely to regulate the flow and distribution patterns of the energy source. Included among these jobs are dispatchers, operators, laboratory technicians, quality control technicians, inspectors, and supervisors.
Liquefaction and the gasification plant operators (from the Dictionary of Occupational Titles) control the operation of compressors, scrubbers, evaporators, and refrigeration equipment to liquefy and regasify natural gas. They turn valves to admit the flow of natural gas through scrubbers that remove harmful gases and water and start compressors and refrigeration units that liquefy and transfer gas to storage tanks; start pumps and adjust the controls of auxiliary equipment to transfer liquid gas from storage tanks and to regulate temperature and pressure of units that regasify liquid gas into distribution lines; and signal workers engaged in tending auxiliary equipment, such as pumps and cooling towers. These operators also repair equipment using hand-tools and may post meter and gauge readings in the logbook.
Pressure controllers (from the Dictionary of Occupational Titles) control the volume of gas in city distribution mains to ensure adequate gas supply according to consumer demand. They determine the required governor adjustments to maintain specified gas pressure and volume according to consumer-demand estimates, based on weather conditions and time of day or night, or receive governor adjustment instructions from the pressure supervisor; change the position or number of weights on the balance lever or turn valves to adjust governors located at various regulating stations within city; and operate the switchboard to adjust governors that are remotely controlled by electric tele-metering equipment. Pressure controllers may overhaul gas governors, change charts in recording meters, clean pits housing governors using a suction cup and shovel, and determine the causes of abnormal pressure variances and make corrective recommendations, such as the installation of pipe to relieve overloads.
