Job Responsibilities
I supervise a natural gas and electric utility operation
including marketing, engineering, accounting, meter reading,
construction, service, and installation. At this point,
marketing is taking 80% of my time followed 10% to engineering,
5% to accounting, and the remainder to the remainder. Marketing
is currently taking so much time because of new business
opportunities that are opening up in our utility marketing area
and informing senior management on the risk reward parameters
takes time.
|
Job Requirements
I have an Industrial Engineering BS. The financial,
mathematical, and sciences training involved in this degree
train engineers to think logically and creatively which are
necessary for successful business decision making and
leadership. Athletics, music, and other extra curricular
activities are important training in working successfully as
part of a team.
|
Uppers
The utility business exposes employees to all types of people. it is especially
gratifying and enjoyable when obdurate customers fianlly understand that the
utilty is providing quality energy service at a fair and reasonable price and
turn into a supporter.
|
Downers
The utility business is a mature and highly regulated business.
Therefore, the work is demanding, hours are long, and
advancement is slow.
|
Lifestyle
The hours are 8 to 5. However, because a utility is a 24/7 operation, both
scheduled and unscheduled overtime are the norm. Because the utility business is
highly regulated, meetings are weekly occurance with an average of twice per year
travel within a 200 mile radius to meetings. The office staff wears business
clothing and the operating crews wear work uniforms. Social events involve
quarterly informal company parties with the executives heavily involved in
community organizations.
|
Compensation
Base salary for a manager is approximately $32.58/hr increasing
to maximum of $48.87/hr for skilled and experienced managers.
Bonuses are earned and average $5,000 to $9,000 per year. The
company does have a good retirment and insurance plan including
a 401K plan with a matching contribution up to 3%.
|
Advice to Jobseekers
The job outlook in the utility field is good at this time due to
retirment of the baby boom generation.
|
