Energy innovation creates new career opportunities
October 2024
Electric co-ops tend to be some of the community’s most stable employers, and they typically provide plenty of opportunities for personal and professional growth, such as access to specialized training or classes.
by Scott Flood, Contributing Columnist
You may never have heard of an energy storage specialist or a smart grid engineer, but you’ll want to know that some brilliant people are currently serving in those roles. Their jobs are all about making your electricity even more reliable and affordable — and they are careers that didn’t even exist a decade or two ago.
This month, electric co-ops across America will recognize Careers in Energy Week, Oct. 21-25. This industry-wide initiative connects today’s energy workforce with tomorrow’s by making people aware of important and rewarding career opportunities.
For example, more environmental scientists are needed to help energy producers better understand how to meet the demands of consumers while protecting local and global ecosystems. It also takes skilled energy policy analysts to analyze data, evaluate the impacts of proposed policies, and advise governments and organizations on energy-related issues.
Co-op careers offer both stability and growth, and job opportunities in member services, engineering, construction, science and financial management. (photo courtesy Meridian Cooperative)
GETTING IN ON THE GROUND FLOOR
Many of these new positions require extensive education, but others provide entry-level opportunities. For example, as more homeowners want to use new technologies like solar panels, they need trained technicians to install them. Another growing opportunity is for energy advisors, who have the skills to examine homes and businesses to identify changes that could lead to lower energy bills.
While opportunities abound throughout the energy industry, people who have an interest in energy often find work environments they enjoy at local electric cooperatives. There are many reasons for that, and one that’s particularly important is that co-ops play a critical role in the safety and well-being of the communities they serve. People who are proud of the places they call home are eager to give back, and knowing you play a role in keeping your neighbors’ lights on and making your community economically stronger can be quite satisfying.
In this era of job-hopping, a surprising number of co-op employees spend most or all of their careers there. Co-ops tend to be some of the community’s most stable employers, and they typically provide plenty of opportunities for personal and professional growth, such as access to specialized training or classes. While co-ops are not-for-profit organizations, that doesn’t mean they’re skimpy when it comes to pay. Both wages and benefits tend to be competitive.
Whether you’re a student getting ready to pursue that first “real” job or an individual who feels ready for a career change, the energy industry is definitely worth exploring. It offers both stability and growth, and opportunities that run the gamut from member services to engineering to construction, science and financial management. Your local co-op also gives you the chance to be the person your neighbors know they can depend upon. That’s a benefit that’s tough to beat.
Scott Flood writes on a variety of energy-related topics for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.