From San Francisco to New York City, utility projects always need qualified specialists. If you go to any job recruitment website and set the search terms to obtain results in your area, you can discover the demand for skilled professionals near you. Whether they promise part or full-time work, utility project jobs play a vital role in keeping our country’s electrical and telecommunication infrastructures operational.
The following utility project jobs, which are in no particular order, are projected to be in high demand in 2022.
1. Utility Contractor
Utility contractors can offer complete site work that encompasses many tasks. Their multi-purpose nature means they can be expected to do any of the following and more:
Clearing land.
Installing underground utilities.
Paving.
Pipe desilting and inspecting.
Job requirements depend on the project. For example, an underground utility project would need contractors to know how to install and repair sewer and water lines. Utility contracting is a wide field but one that calls for technical and mechanical expertise.
The average base salary of a utility contractor is $73,000 per year.
2. Lineworker
A lineworker, or lineman, installs and maintains electrical power or telecommunication systems and their relevant parts. This position might work below and above ground. Some projects might see lineworkers work well above ground when they climb poles.
Lineworkers are typically expected to be able to lift heavy equipment, set up transformers, write comprehensive reports, and more. Since lineworkers usually work outdoors, they must be able to work in all types of weather conditions. They are also sometimes needed at any time of day to repair downed lines, etc.
General qualifications for lineworker positions include a high school diploma, completed an apprenticeship, and Department of Labor Journeyman certification.
Lineworkers can earn between $77,000 and $85,000 annually.
3. Utility Project Manager
A utility project manager is responsible for seeing a public works, electrical, or telecommunication project completed on time and within budget. They must supervise a long list of aspects. Their project management responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Confer with contractors and engineers.
Determine resource needs.
Examine and mitigate project risks.
Organize staffing and operational activities.
Resolve any problems during construction.
Most project manager jobs require candidates to have a Bachelor’s degree and experience relevant to the specific duties. For instance, an electrical project manager might have to possess an electrical engineering degree. Project management experience is a must for nearly all of these jobs. Some jobs call for OSP project management expertise. A candidate’s best chances rest on their educational and professional background. The more credentials they have, the more likely they will get the job.
A utility project manager’s salary can range from $68,000 to $89,000 a year, depending on the candidate’s education, certifications, skills, and experience.
4. Rigger
Riggers are utility project workhorses. They’re tasked with moving heavy materials and equipment around worksites using cranes, pulleys, and winches they install. They also set up scaffolding.
Additionally, riggers hook up loads and move them along on flatbeds. Sometimes they must unload utility poles, which requires them to secure the poles with straps. Theirs is a risky job because they will be the closest to large items that could severely injure or kill them if anything goes wrong. Fortunately, companies like Blackwood Resources eliminate the need for riggers because they employ self-unloading trucks, saving project managers money and reducing job-site risk.
Riggers are expected to:
Decide on the appropriate equipment to be used.
Estimate the size and weight of objects to be moved.
Follow workplace safety procedures.
Inspect and repair equipment.
Successful riggers should have detailed knowledge of rigging equipment and effective communication skills. They must also be aware of safety on their job site. Other general requirements for rigger positions include:
Ability to work at heights and in noisy environments.
Ability to work outside in severe weather conditions.
Excellent hearing and vision.
Familiarity with OSHA safety standards.
High school diploma or GED.
High-level mathematical skills.
Multiple years of experience working as a rigger.
Physical fitness/strength.
Riggers can earn, on average, $50,000 a year in the United States. The more experienced riggers can earn closer to $98,000 a year.
5. Utility Hauling Truck Driver
Utility equipment and materials have to arrive at worksites somehow. Utility hauling truck drivers are tasked with transporting cargo.
Safety is paramount in utility hauling. They must be able to follow regulations that govern the loading, driving, and unloading of cargo. They must also be cognizant of other vehicles they share the road with at all times.
Drivers might also be expected to have a certain degree of mechanical knowledge. They should know enough about their trucks to either repair them or tell a technician what seems to be the problem. Like most jobs, employers look for candidates with good communication skills. Conveying messages is important so drivers know where they are going and how they will get there.
A commercial driver’s license is the most important qualification of all. It shows competency to potential employers. To get one, a driver must:
Be at least 21 years old.
Understand some English.
Practice with a licensed driver.
Pass several tests.
Submit to a driving record check
Undergo a physical.
The average utility hauling truck driver can make between $41,000 and $54,000 a year.
Blackwood Resources for Utility Hauling
The United States runs on electricity and information. Electrical and communication services must continue to align with demand. Utility project laborers are necessary to keep our infrastructures working.
Blackwood Resources is proud to play a vital role in the utility industry. We can take care of utility equipment transportation, including loading and unloading cargo. Our team of skilled professionals operates a fleet of modern specialized equipment. We recruit drivers with fantastic histories of safety.
Why?
To achieve our goal of standing out from our competitors.
We want to provide you with the best possible experience that lets you promptly finish your project. Our team strives to reach and surpass this standard with every transport. We want to be the first and only company you think of when you need poles, transformers, spools, and other equipment to arrive at your location.
Our specialties include:
Pole Transport: Our trucks can transport materials up to 90 feet long.
Relocation Services: Our fleet of pole haulers can support your temporary contractor-yard set-ups and non-permanent distribution centers.
Railcar Unloading: Our self-unloading trucks can move materials from railcars to job sites.
Storm Response: We can help restore electricity fast with our emergency response service.
As a trusted utility hauling company since 2017, we can worry about load calculations, permits, routes, and more so you don’t have to. You can cross off tracking down the right people and trucks from your to-do list.
If you need utility equipment transported, please contact us today.
