Summary of Ten Occupations in the Energy Field
DEMAND SIDE
Customer Service: The Customer Service Representative at a utility company is typically an entry
level position employed directly by the utility. In some cases, a utility company will outsource this
function. At this time, the CSR function for utility companies occurs only in the US and has not been
outsourced overseas for functional and security reasons. While this is an entry level position, and
employee turnover is often high compared to other occupations, hiring is competitive. Employers
expect candidates to have prior customer service experience, and employers typically require
candidates to take tests which assess for computer and math skills and to participate in individual or
group interviews which assess for interpersonal or “people” skills. While in the CSR role, incumbents
receive training on a myriad of topics that the utility determines are likely to come up in
communication with customers. Training often includes billing issues, seasonal issues such as power
outages, information specific to the utility, and vendor information. Since the CSR is exposed to a
broad cross section of situations, issues and training in their role, this is considered to be a
foundational position that is good training for a variety of roles within the utility. CSRs can and do
often move into a variety of roles within the utility including advanced positions within the Customer
Service Department or into other departments and positions such as corporate communications,
billing, advanced clerical positions or supervisory roles.
Sample job description
Energy Auditors: Energy Auditors are employed by larger utilities, private contractors and are often
in business for themselves. Contractors or independent operators may conduct audits for utilities,
government funded programs such as those run by the Department of Housing, for individual
homeowners or for developers of multi-family or commercial properties. Energy Auditors are likely to
have construction and/or weatherization experience. There is currently a large pool of candidates for
this position who have the BPI Certified Building Auditor certification or previous experience.
Sometimes called Customer Relations Advisors, people in this role within a utility are focused on
customer issues that have been referred on from the Customer Service Representatives. Energy
Auditors within a utility must be able to work effectively across departments to implement changes
recommended by the audit. Energy Auditors employed by contractors or working independently are
likely to be visiting residential and commercial sites to conduct basic audits and make
recommendations to increase energy efficiency.
Sample job description
Resource Conservation Manager: Resource Conservation Managers (RCMs) are typically
employed by large organizations such as school districts, cities, and big box stores. Often, the local
utility company will share the expense for hiring this position. Employers consistently cite relationship
building skills as essential to an RCM’s effectiveness. An RCM develops programs and policies
within an organization that will result in energy and resource savings. Achieving these savings
requires behavior changes so the RCM needs to be able to get buy-in for their programs. While there
are several established education programs for RCMs, there are also opportunities for individuals
within an organization to move into these roles. The RCM role is a relatively new position which is
predicted to grow due to coming regulations which will require more emphasis on conservation for
large energy using organizations. Career progression for an RCM may involve expanding
responsibility to more or larger organizations. Also, an RCM could transition from implementing a
conservation program for an organization such as a school or city to managing an similar program
from within a utility.
Sample job description
Meter Tech: Sometimes called Meter Reader, this is often an entry level position employed directly
by a utility company. Because many utilities are moving to Automated Meter Readers, this position is
likely to be phased out in the near future. People in this position are preparing to transition into other
roles with utilities. Since traditional Meter Readers have been the “face” of the utility company to the
customers, they are likely to be prepared to move into customer service roles or can obtain additional
technical training in order to move into another role. Note: There is also an apprenticeable trade
called Meter Tech which is Supply Side occupation.
Sample job description
Energy Conservation Program Manager: People in this position are typically employed by the
utility. Their role is to manage a conservation program that the utility company has put in place for
their customers. Energy Conservation Program Managers may specialize in commercial or
residential programs. A strong technical background is not required but the manager must be able to
serve as the central point of contact for the customer and then effectively work across departments to
implement the program. This position resembles that of an Account Executive. Someone in this
position may need to become a Certified Energy Manager in order to progress into a supervisory or
specialist role within the utility company.
Sample job description
SUPPLY SIDE
Ground Crew: This position varies greatly depending on the employing utility. In most cases this is
an entry level position sometimes also called Groundman, Helper, Station Utilityman, Utility
Construction Worker, or Materials Handler. In some cases the Ground Crew position is a precursor to
an apprenticeship, sometimes it is part of an apprenticeship and occasionally, it is a seasonal
position that is staffed differently each year. Working in a Ground Crew position allows one to see
apprentices and journey level workers in action in the field. Experience in this position can help an
individual to decide which apprenticeship program will be a good fit for their skills and abilities.
Sample job description
Line Worker: The Line Worker or Lineman has a unique role within a utility. Responsible for building
and maintaining power lines, someone considering becoming a Line Worker needs to have some
electrical background, a fairly high level of fitness, ability to learn to climb poles and comfort with
working mostly outside in all kinds of weather. Apprenticeship programs for Line Workers are
competitive to get into and sometimes require up to six months of pre-apprenticeship work. Typically,
once a Line Worker is a journey level worker they will stay in the Line Worker craft. Because of the
distinct role of the Line Worker, moving to another craft would require participating in another
apprenticeship program. Progression in this craft is usually defined by increased expertise within the
role but may also include moving into a foreman role to oversee the technical work of other Line
Workers.
Sample job description
Substation Operator: The Substation Operator is a journey level craft which is employed directly by
a utility and is also called Hydro Substation Operator and Distribution Operator. People who excel in
this craft have a high level of technical expertise along with the ability to solve problems, demonstrate
leadership and work efficiently in emergency situations. For this reason, this craft is often
recommended for people with military experience. Typically, an Operator will stay in this position
throughout their career but it is possible to move into a foreman and then station leader role. Moving
into a Dispatch role is also possible.
Sample job description
Wireman: Also called Sub Station Electrician, Electrical Mechanic, and Electrician Constructor, the
Wireman position is a journey level craft which overlaps with the Sub Station Operator role at some
utilities. This position is responsible for switching, mechanical operations and breakers. A journey
level Wireman may move into the Dispatch role. With additional training, a journey level Wireman can
move into the Relay Control Technician position.
Sample job description
Relay Control Technician: In many utilities, the Relay Control Technician is considered to be an
advanced position. Individuals in this role need advanced technical ability along with the flexibility to
work well both alone and with a crew since the job requires both. Typically, someone would advance
to the role of Relay Control Technician from another electrical craft such as Wireman. This position is
reported to be stressful and occasionally a Relay Control Technician will “bump back” into any craft
other than Line Worker regardless of their original craft.
Sample job description