Public utilities are companies that provide essential services to the public, such as water, gas, electricity, and telecommunications. These companies are often owned or regulated by the government, and they play a critical role in ensuring that basic needs are met. If you’re interested in working in the public utilities sector, you may be wondering how many job opportunities are available. In this article, we’ll explore the different types of jobs available in public utilities and provide some insights into the job market.
Types of Jobs in Public Utilities
Public utilities offer a variety of job opportunities in different fields. Some of the most common types of jobs in public utilities include:
- Engineering: Public utilities require engineers to design and maintain their infrastructure, such as power plants, pipelines, and water treatment facilities.
- Operations and Maintenance: These positions involve operating and maintaining the infrastructure of public utilities. This includes tasks such as inspecting equipment, repairing leaks, and responding to emergencies.
- Customer Service: Public utilities need employees to handle customer inquiries, billing, and service requests.
- Administration and Management: These positions involve overseeing the operations of public utilities, managing budgets, and developing policies.
Job Market in Public Utilities
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there were approximately 545,600 jobs in the utilities sector in 2020. The largest subsector within utilities was electric power generation, transmission, and distribution, with approximately 334,000 jobs. Gas distribution and water, sewage, and other systems were the other significant subsectors.
The BLS predicts that employment in the utilities sector will decline slightly over the next decade due to increasing automation and energy efficiency measures. However, there will still be job opportunities available in the sector, particularly in engineering and operations.
Conclusion
In summary, public utilities offer a variety of job opportunities in fields such as engineering, operations, customer service, and administration. While the job market in public utilities is expected to decline slightly over the next decade, there will still be opportunities available for those interested in the sector. If you’re interested in pursuing a career in public utilities, it’s a good idea to research the different types of jobs available and the skills and qualifications required for each position.
