A utility worker performs various tasks that help people get through the day. Though often overlooked, everyday tasks like turning on the lights and flushing the toilet are made possible because of the craft of utility workers. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, some utility workers are employed by the utility industry.
Duties
According to Career Planner, the duties of a utility worker include cutting and shaping wood and metal parts, installing parts in mobile homes and other households, installing utilities in buildings and vehicles and using handheld tools.
Education
According to BLS, utilities provide positions to various levels of education. High school graduates are usually placed in entry-level positions and persons with a degree from a technical college, community college or university may obtain positions that require more training and education. Entry-level positions include working as production, maintenance or installation workers, while positions requiring more training might work as an electrician, a technician or an engineer.
Environment/Considerations
Utility workers are employed in various environments. Some of the most common settings include in sewages, natural gases and mining industries and electric companies. According to BLS, working in the utilities industry may pose hazards like the possibility of electrocution, falling from a ladder or electrical fires. These dangers can be avoided if the proper safety procedures are followed. Prospective candidates should consider the conditions a utility worker may be faced with at work. These conditions include working in cold weather and working night shifts to help in a natural disaster situation.
Salary
According to BLS, earnings vary. The earnings vary according to what field of utilities a utility worker is in such as natural gases, water and sewage, power generation and supply and non-government utilities, but earnings are usually higher for those in natural gases and power generation. The average weekly earnings are approximately $1,230.
Future
The future for utility workers is expected to decline. According to BLS, the employment of utility workers will decrease by 11 percent through 2018. Though the decrease will be present, some jobs will still be available because of workers that move toward retirement will need to be replaced.
