• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer

North Far North Careers

Looking for a career in the North Far North region of California? We can help you find a career that's right for you—and the education you need to get there. Get started on your new career path today!

  • Industries
    • Advanced Manufacturing
    • Advanced Transportation and Logistics
    • Agriculture, Water and Environmental Technologies
    • Business and Entrepreneurship
    • Education and Human Development
    • Energy, Construction and Utilities
    • Health
    • Information and Communication Technologies – Digital Media
    • Life Sciences – Biotechnology
    • Public Safety
    • Retail, Hospitality and Tourism
    • View all
  • Colleges
    • American River College
    • Butte College
    • College of the Redwoods
    • College of the Siskiyous
    • Cosumnes River College
    • Feather River College
    • Folsom Lake College
    • Lake Tahoe Community College
    • Lassen Community College
    • Mendocino College
    • Sacramento City College
    • Shasta College
    • Sierra College
    • Woodland Community College
    • Yuba College
  • K12 Pathways
  • College Programs
  • About
    • FAQs
    • Contact
  • Home
  • Industries

Energy, Construction and Utilities

The Energy, Construction, and Utilities (ECU) sector spans both residential and commercial industries. These careers are essential to transforming how we live, work, and build, especially as the North Far North region plays a key role in California’s transition to a clean economy. The region has been identified as a priority region for clean energy investment in the Jobs First: State Economic Blueprint, and is home to rapidly growing wind and solar power industries, as well as an emerging battery technology sector supported by a strong semiconductor ecosystem in the Greater Sacramento subregion.

Local utility providers and construction firms are also investing in the future by forging strong partnerships that prioritize clean building practices, energy efficiency, and sustainable infrastructure. Students entering the ECU field will find themselves at the forefront of technological innovation and climate resilience, with opportunities to gain hands-on experience in high-demand, well-paying jobs. A career in ECU means contributing to critical solutions for energy independence, environmental sustainability, and community development – making it both impactful and future-proof.

Browse Programs

View data from the:

Region
Download North Sector Profile
118,091
2024 Jobs
+6%
2024–2029 Projected Change
28.76/hr.
2024 Avg. Entry Level Wage

Top jobs that Require Community College Credentials

How much will I make per hour?

What can I train for? Job openings per year Entry-level Median Experienced Programs
Carpenters 1,106 $25.61 $34.75 $44.88 View programs
Electricians 867 $27.17 $36.15 $48.68 View programs
First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers 695 $35.41 $45.76 $57.92 View programs
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters 423 $23.71 $30.03 $40.30 View programs
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers 382 $24.69 $30.46 $38.51
Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators 360 $31.99 $38.55 $58.46
Solar Photovoltaic Installers 151 $25.00 $29.51 $36.65
Construction and Building Inspectors 149 $35.39 $47.68 $56.98 View programs
Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers 123 $28.96 $35.53 $46.39 View programs
Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers 121 $38.05 $53.23 $68.20
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators 109 $34.56 $40.90 $48.78 View programs
Architectural and Civil Drafters 82 $29.14 $34.95 $40.44 View programs
Sheet Metal Workers 75 $27.42 $35.83 $49.92 View programs
Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians 62 $29.73 $38.60 $43.34 View programs
Structural Iron and Steel Workers 51 $27.47 $35.26 $47.93 View programs

Carpenters

Job openings per year:

1,106

How much will I make?

  • Entry-level: $25.61/hr.
  • Median: $34.75/hr.
  • Experienced: $44.88/hr.

View programs

Electricians

Job openings per year:

867

How much will I make?

  • Entry-level: $27.17/hr.
  • Median: $36.15/hr.
  • Experienced: $48.68/hr.

View programs

First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers

Job openings per year:

695

How much will I make?

  • Entry-level: $35.41/hr.
  • Median: $45.76/hr.
  • Experienced: $57.92/hr.

View programs

Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters

Job openings per year:

423

How much will I make?

  • Entry-level: $23.71/hr.
  • Median: $30.03/hr.
  • Experienced: $40.30/hr.

View programs

Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers

Job openings per year:

382

How much will I make?

  • Entry-level: $24.69/hr.
  • Median: $30.46/hr.
  • Experienced: $38.51/hr.

Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators

Job openings per year:

360

How much will I make?

  • Entry-level: $31.99/hr.
  • Median: $38.55/hr.
  • Experienced: $58.46/hr.

Solar Photovoltaic Installers

Job openings per year:

151

How much will I make?

  • Entry-level: $25.00/hr.
  • Median: $29.51/hr.
  • Experienced: $36.65/hr.

Construction and Building Inspectors

Job openings per year:

149

How much will I make?

  • Entry-level: $35.39/hr.
  • Median: $47.68/hr.
  • Experienced: $56.98/hr.

View programs

Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers

Job openings per year:

123

How much will I make?

  • Entry-level: $28.96/hr.
  • Median: $35.53/hr.
  • Experienced: $46.39/hr.

View programs

Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers

Job openings per year:

121

How much will I make?

  • Entry-level: $38.05/hr.
  • Median: $53.23/hr.
  • Experienced: $68.20/hr.

Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators

Job openings per year:

109

How much will I make?

  • Entry-level: $34.56/hr.
  • Median: $40.90/hr.
  • Experienced: $48.78/hr.

View programs

Architectural and Civil Drafters

Job openings per year:

82

How much will I make?

  • Entry-level: $29.14/hr.
  • Median: $34.95/hr.
  • Experienced: $40.44/hr.

View programs

Sheet Metal Workers

Job openings per year:

75

How much will I make?

  • Entry-level: $27.42/hr.
  • Median: $35.83/hr.
  • Experienced: $49.92/hr.

View programs

Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians

Job openings per year:

62

How much will I make?

  • Entry-level: $29.73/hr.
  • Median: $38.60/hr.
  • Experienced: $43.34/hr.

View programs

Structural Iron and Steel Workers

Job openings per year:

51

How much will I make?

  • Entry-level: $27.47/hr.
  • Median: $35.26/hr.
  • Experienced: $47.93/hr.

View programs

Top Employers & Skills

Employers

  • State of California
  • FPI Management
  • Stantec
  • AECOM
  • Jacobs Solutions
  • HDR
  • PG&E
  • WSP Global
  • City of Sacramento
  • MasTec
  • University of California, Davis
  • Black & Veatch
  • United States Department of Transportation
  • Marriott International
  • Lumen Technologies
  • Atlas
  • Sutter Health
  • Siemens
  • TRC Companies
  • Johnson Controls

Specialized skills

  • Construction
  • Project Management
  • Plumbing
  • HVAC
  • Carpentry
  • Hand Tools
  • Painting
  • Subcontracting
  • Power Tool Operation
  • Civil Engineering

Technology & software skills

  • Microsoft Office (Access, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Word)
  • AutoCAD
  • Autodesk Revit
  • AutoCAD Civil 3D
  • Spreadsheets
  • Procore
  • Project Management Software
  • Primavera (Software)
  • MicroStation (CAD Design Software)
  • SketchUp (3D Modeling Software)

Employability skills

  • Communication
  • Management
  • Operations
  • Customer Service
  • Troubleshooting (Problem Solving)
  • Detail Oriented
  • Leadership
  • Good Driving Record
  • Planning
  • Coordinating

Sources: Lightcast 2025.3; QCEW, non-QCEW, Self-Employed. Compiled by the North/Far North Center of Excellence for Labor Market Research. State Economic Blueprint – California Jobs First, February 2025. https://jobsfirst.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/Economic-Blueprint.pdf.

Carpenters

Construct, erect, install, or repair structures and fixtures made of wood and comparable materials, such as concrete forms; building frameworks, including partitions, joists, studding, and rafters; and wood stairways, window and door frames, and hardwood floors. May also install cabinets, siding, drywall, and batt or roll insulation. Includes brattice builders who build doors or brattices (ventilation walls or partitions) in underground passageways.

Sample of reported job titles:

Bridge Carpenter, Cabinet Maker, Carpenter, Concrete Carpenter, Construction Carpenter, Form Carpenter, Framer, Maintenance Carpenter, Rough Carpenter, Scaffold Builder

Tasks:

  • Follow established safety rules and regulations and maintain a safe and clean environment.
  • Measure and mark cutting lines on materials, using a ruler, pencil, chalk, and marking gauge.
  • Assemble and fasten materials to make frameworks or props, using hand tools and wood screws, nails, dowel pins, or glue.
  • Study specifications in blueprints, sketches, or building plans to prepare project layout and determine dimensions and materials required.
  • Shape or cut materials to specified measurements, using hand tools, machines, or power saws.

Detailed Work Activities:

  • Clean work sites.
  • Mark reference points on construction materials.
  • Measure materials or objects for installation or assembly.
  • Assemble temporary equipment or structures.
  • Cut wood components for installation.

Work Context:

  • Face-to-Face Discussions – 94% responded “Every day”
  • Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets – 95% responded “Every day”
  • Contact With Others – 84% responded “Constant contact with others”
  • Spend Time Standing – 70% responded “Continually or almost continually”
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate – 67% responded “Extremely important”
View more information on this job

Electricians

Install, maintain, and repair electrical wiring, equipment, and fixtures. Ensure that work is in accordance with relevant codes. May install or service street lights, intercom systems, or electrical control systems.

Sample of reported job titles:

Control Electrician, Electrical Journey Person, Electrical Troubleshooter, Electrician, Housing Maintenance Electrician, Industrial Electrician, Inside Wireman, Maintenance Electrician, Paper Mill Electrician, Wireman

Tasks:

  • Prepare sketches or follow blueprints to determine the location of wiring or equipment and to ensure conformance to building and safety codes.
  • Place conduit, pipes, or tubing, inside designated partitions, walls, or other concealed areas, and pull insulated wires or cables through the conduit to complete circuits between boxes.
  • Work from ladders, scaffolds, or roofs to install, maintain, or repair electrical wiring, equipment, or fixtures.
  • Use a variety of tools or equipment, such as power construction equipment, measuring devices, power tools, and testing equipment, such as oscilloscopes, ammeters, or test lamps.
  • Assemble, install, test, or maintain electrical or electronic wiring, equipment, appliances, apparatus, or fixtures, using hand tools or power tools.

Detailed Work Activities:

  • Create construction or installation diagrams.
  • Thread wire or cable through ducts or conduits.
  • Repair electrical equipment.
  • Test electrical equipment or systems to ensure proper functioning.
  • Install electrical components, equipment, or systems.

Work Context:

  • Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls – 96% responded “Continually or almost continually”
  • Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets – 95% responded “Every day”
  • Face-to-Face Discussions – 93% responded “Every day”
  • Contact With Others – 78% responded “Constant contact with others”
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate – 76% responded “Extremely important”
View more information on this job

First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers

Directly supervise and coordinate activities of construction or extraction workers.

Sample of reported job titles:

Coal Mine Production Foreman, Construction Foreman, Construction Supervisor, Electrical Supervisor, Field Operations Supervisor, Field Supervisor, Insulation Foreman, Roustabout Field Supervisor, Sheet Metal Foreman, Site Superintendent

Tasks:

  • Inspect work progress, equipment, or construction sites to verify safety or to ensure that specifications are met.
  • Read specifications, such as blueprints, to determine construction requirements or to plan procedures.
  • Supervise, coordinate, or schedule the activities of construction or extractive workers.
  • Assign work to employees, based on material or worker requirements of specific jobs.
  • Coordinate work activities with other construction project activities.

Detailed Work Activities:

  • Evaluate projects to determine compliance with technical specifications.
  • Inspect equipment or tools to be used in construction or excavation.
  • Monitor construction operations.
  • Direct construction or extraction personnel.
  • Coordinate construction project activities.

Work Context:

  • Face-to-Face Discussions – 100% responded “Every day”
  • Contact With Others – 97% responded “Constant contact with others”
  • Telephone – 94% responded “Every day”
  • Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets – 90% responded “Every day”
  • Frequency of Decision Making – 86% responded “Every day”
View more information on this job

Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters

Assemble, install, alter, and repair pipelines or pipe systems that carry water, steam, air, or other liquids or gases. May install heating and cooling equipment and mechanical control systems. Includes sprinkler fitters.

Sample of reported job titles:

Drain Technician, Fire Sprinkler Service Technician, Pipe Welder, Pipefitter, Plumber, Plumbing Installer, Residential Plumber, Service Plumber, Sprinkler Fitter, Steamfitter

Tasks:

  • Shut off steam, water, or other gases or liquids from pipe sections, using valve keys or wrenches.
  • Install underground storm, sanitary, or water piping systems, extending piping as needed to connect fixtures and plumbing.
  • Assemble pipe sections, tubing, or fittings, using couplings, clamps, screws, bolts, cement, plastic solvent, caulking, or soldering, brazing, or welding equipment.
  • Locate and mark the position of pipe installations, connections, passage holes, or fixtures in structures, using measuring instruments such as rulers or levels.
  • Cut, thread, or hammer pipes to specifications, using tools such as saws, cutting torches, pipe threaders, or pipe benders.

Detailed Work Activities:

  • Install plumbing or piping.
  • Maintain plumbing structures or fixtures.
  • Weld metal components.
  • Mark reference points on construction materials.
  • Measure materials or objects for installation or assembly.

Work Context:

  • Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets – 91% responded “Every day”
  • Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls – 86% responded “Continually or almost continually”
  • Spend Time Standing – 75% responded “Continually or almost continually”
  • Face-to-Face Discussions – 79% responded “Every day”
  • Exposed to Contaminants – 56% responded “Every day”
View more information on this job

Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers

Install or repair heating, central air conditioning, HVAC, or refrigeration systems, including oil burners, hot-air furnaces, and heating stoves.

Sample of reported job titles:

A/C Tech (Air Conditioning Technician), HVAC Installer (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Installer), HVAC Mechanic (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Mechanic), HVAC Service Tech (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Service Technician), HVAC Specialist (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Specialist), HVAC Tech (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Technician), Refrigeration Mechanic, Refrigeration Operator, Refrigeration Technician (Refrigeration Tech), Service Technician (Service Tech)

Tasks:

  • Test electrical circuits or components for continuity, using electrical test equipment.
  • Comply with all applicable standards, policies, or procedures, such as safety procedures or the maintenance of a clean work area.
  • Study blueprints, design specifications, or manufacturers’ recommendations to ascertain the configuration of heating or cooling equipment components and to ensure the proper installation of components.
  • Discuss heating or cooling system malfunctions with users to isolate problems or to verify that repairs corrected malfunctions.
  • Connect heating or air conditioning equipment to fuel, water, or refrigerant source to form complete circuit.

Detailed Work Activities:

  • Test electrical circuits or components for proper functioning.
  • Determine operational compliance with regulations or standards.
  • Interpret blueprints, specifications, or diagrams to inform installation, development or operation activities.
  • Confer with customers or users to assess problems.
  • Install heating, ventilation, or air conditioning (HVAC) equipment.

Work Context:

  • Telephone – 73% responded “Every day”
  • Contact With Others – 62% responded “Constant contact with others”
  • Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets – 78% responded “Every day”
  • Face-to-Face Discussions – 72% responded “Every day”
  • Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls – 71% responded “Continually or almost continually”
View more information on this job

Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators

Operate one or several types of power construction equipment, such as motor graders, bulldozers, scrapers, compressors, pumps, derricks, shovels, tractors, or front-end loaders to excavate, move, and grade earth, erect structures, or pour concrete or other hard surface pavement. May repair and maintain equipment in addition to other duties.

Sample of reported job titles:

Back Hoe Operator, Engineering Equipment Operator, Equipment Operator (EO), Forklift Operator, Heavy Equipment Operator (HEO), Hot Mix Asphalt Operator, Machine Operator, Motor Grader Operator, Operating Engineer, Track Hoe Operator

Tasks:

  • Learn and follow safety regulations.
  • Take actions to avoid potential hazards or obstructions, such as utility lines, other equipment, other workers, or falling objects.
  • Start engines, move throttles, switches, or levers, or depress pedals to operate machines, such as bulldozers, trench excavators, road graders, or backhoes.
  • Coordinate machine actions with other activities, positioning or moving loads in response to hand or audio signals from crew members.
  • Align machines, cutterheads, or depth gauge makers with reference stakes and guidelines or ground or position equipment, following hand signals of other workers.

Detailed Work Activities:

  • Update job related knowledge or skills.
  • Position construction or extraction equipment.
  • Monitor construction operations.
  • Operate equipment or vehicles to clear construction sites or move materials.
  • Move construction or extraction materials to locations where they are needed.

Work Context:

  • Outdoors, Exposed to Weather – 100% responded “Every day”
  • Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets – 98% responded “Every day”
  • Consequence of Error – 95% responded “Extremely serious”
  • Face-to-Face Discussions – 84% responded “Every day”
  • Frequency of Decision Making – 95% responded “Every day”
View more information on this job

Solar Photovoltaic Installers

Assemble, install, or maintain solar photovoltaic (PV) systems on roofs or other structures in compliance with site assessment and schematics. May include measuring, cutting, assembling, and bolting structural framing and solar modules. May perform minor electrical work such as current checks.

Sample of reported job titles:

Installer, Photovoltaic Installer (PV Installer), PV Design Technician (Photovoltaic Design Technician), Solar Designer, Solar Installer, Solar Installer Technician, Solar Photovoltaic Installer (Solar PV Installer), Solar Technician

Tasks:

  • Install photovoltaic (PV) systems in accordance with codes and standards, using drawings, schematics, and instructions.
  • Assemble solar modules, panels, or support structures, as specified.
  • Apply weather sealing to array, building, or support mechanisms.
  • Determine appropriate sizes, ratings, and locations for all system overcurrent devices, disconnect devices, grounding equipment, and surge suppression equipment.
  • Install module array interconnect wiring, implementing measures to disable arrays during installation.

Detailed Work Activities:

  • Install solar energy systems.
  • Determine appropriate locations for operations or installations.
  • Select construction materials.
  • Apply sealants or other protective coatings.
  • Determine construction project layouts.

Work Context:

  • Face-to-Face Discussions – 75% responded “Every day”
  • Outdoors, Exposed to Weather – 62% responded “Every day”
  • Exposed to High Places – 55% responded “Every day”
  • Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls – 75% responded “Continually or almost continually”
  • Frequency of Decision Making – 63% responded “Every day”
View more information on this job

Construction and Building Inspectors

Inspect structures using engineering skills to determine structural soundness and compliance with specifications, building codes, and other regulations. Inspections may be general in nature or may be limited to a specific area, such as electrical systems or plumbing.

Sample of reported job titles:

Building Inspection Engineer, Building Inspector, Building Official, Code Enforcement Officer, Combination Building Inspector, Construction Inspector, Elevator Inspector, Home Inspector, Plumbing Inspector, Public Works Inspector

Tasks:

  • Monitor installation of plumbing, wiring, equipment, or appliances to ensure that installation is performed properly and is in compliance with applicable regulations.
  • Approve building plans that meet required specifications.
  • Inspect and monitor construction sites to ensure adherence to safety standards, building codes, or specifications.
  • Inspect bridges, dams, highways, buildings, wiring, plumbing, electrical circuits, sewers, heating systems, or foundations during and after construction for structural quality, general safety, or conformance to specifications and codes.
  • Review and interpret plans, blueprints, site layouts, specifications, or construction methods to ensure compliance to legal requirements and safety regulations.

Detailed Work Activities:

  • Monitor construction operations.
  • Authorize construction activities.
  • Evaluate construction projects to determine compliance with external standards or regulations.
  • Inspect work sites to identify potential environmental or safety hazards.
  • Inspect plumbing systems or fixtures.

Work Context:

  • Face-to-Face Discussions – 78% responded “Every day”
  • Electronic Mail – 78% responded “Every day”
  • Telephone – 83% responded “Every day”
  • In an Enclosed Vehicle or Equipment – 83% responded “Every day”
  • Outdoors, Exposed to Weather – 70% responded “Every day”
View more information on this job

Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers

Install, set up, rearrange, or remove switching, distribution, routing, and dialing equipment used in central offices or headends. Service or repair telephone, cable television, Internet, and other communications equipment on customers’ property. May install communications equipment or communications wiring in buildings.

Sample of reported job titles:

Broadband Technician, Central Office Technician, Combination Technician, Customer Service Technician (CST), Field Technician, Install and Repair Technician, Installer, Outside Plant Technician, Service Technician, Telecommunications Technician

Tasks:

  • Demonstrate equipment to customers and explain its use, responding to any inquiries or complaints.
  • Test circuits and components of malfunctioning telecommunications equipment to isolate sources of malfunctions, using test meters, circuit diagrams, polarity probes, and other hand tools.
  • Test repaired, newly installed, or updated equipment to ensure that it functions properly and conforms to specifications, using test equipment and observation.
  • Climb poles and ladders, use truck-mounted booms, and enter areas such as manholes and cable vaults to install, maintain, or inspect equipment.
  • Assemble and install communication equipment such as data and telephone communication lines, wiring, switching equipment, wiring frames, power apparatus, computer systems, and networks.

Detailed Work Activities:

  • Explain use of products or services.
  • Test communications equipment to ensure proper functioning.
  • Test electrical circuits or components for proper functioning.
  • Install electrical components, equipment, or systems.
  • Assemble electrical components, subsystems, or systems.
View more information on this job

Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers

Install or repair cables or wires used in electrical power or distribution systems. May erect poles and light or heavy duty transmission towers.

Sample of reported job titles:

Class Gloving Electrical Lineman, Class Rubber Gloving Lineman, Electrical Lineman, Electrical Lineworker, Lineworker, Power Lineman, Power Lineman Technician, Service Man, Third Step Lineman, Troubleman

Tasks:

  • Adhere to safety practices and procedures, such as checking equipment regularly and erecting barriers around work areas.
  • Drive vehicles equipped with tools and materials to job sites.
  • Open switches or attach grounding devices to remove electrical hazards from disturbed or fallen lines or to facilitate repairs.
  • Climb poles or use truck-mounted buckets to access equipment.
  • Install, maintain, and repair electrical distribution and transmission systems, including conduits, cables, wires, and related equipment, such as transformers, circuit breakers, and switches.

Detailed Work Activities:

  • Drive trucks or other vehicles to or at work sites.
  • Monitor work areas or procedures to ensure compliance with safety procedures.
  • Control power supply connections.
  • Climb equipment or structures to access work areas.
  • Inspect electrical or electronic systems for defects.

Work Context:

  • Outdoors, Exposed to Weather – 100% responded “Every day”
  • Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets – 99% responded “Every day”
  • Exposed to Hazardous Conditions – 93% responded “Every day”
  • Face-to-Face Discussions – 91% responded “Every day”
  • Responsible for Others’ Health and Safety – 86% responded “Very high responsibility”
View more information on this job

Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators

Operate or control an entire process or system of machines, often through the use of control boards, to transfer or treat water or wastewater.

Sample of reported job titles:

Plant Operator, Process Operator (Process Op), Relief Operator, SCADA Operator (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition Operator), Waste Water Treatment Plant Operator (WWTP Operator), Wastewater Operator (WW Operator), Water Control Dispatcher, Water Plant Operator, Water Treatment Operator, Water Treatment Plant Operator

Tasks:

  • Add chemicals, such as ammonia, chlorine, or lime, to disinfect and deodorize water and other liquids.
  • Collect and test water and sewage samples, using test equipment and color analysis standards.
  • Record operational data, personnel attendance, or meter and gauge readings on specified forms.
  • Operate and adjust controls on equipment to purify and clarify water, process or dispose of sewage, and generate power.
  • Inspect equipment or monitor operating conditions, meters, and gauges to determine load requirements and detect malfunctions.

Detailed Work Activities:

  • Operate chemical processing or water treatment systems or equipment.
  • Collect samples of materials or products for testing.
  • Test chemical or physical characteristics of materials or products.
  • Record operational or production data.
  • Inspect production equipment.

Work Context:

  • Face-to-Face Discussions – 81% responded “Every day”
  • Structured versus Unstructured Work – 62% responded “A lot of freedom”
  • Telephone – 59% responded “Every day”
  • Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets – 66% responded “Every day”
  • Exposed to Contaminants – 63% responded “Every day”
View more information on this job

Architectural and Civil Drafters

Prepare detailed drawings of architectural and structural features of buildings or drawings and topographical relief maps used in civil engineering projects, such as highways, bridges, and public works. Use knowledge of building materials, engineering practices, and mathematics to complete drawings.

Sample of reported job titles:

Architectural Designer, Architectural Drafter, Architectural Draftsman, Civil Drafter, Computer-Aided Design Designer (CAD Designer), Computer-Aided Drafting and Design Drafter (CADD Drafter), Computer-Aided Drafting Designer (CAD Designer), Drafting Technician, Draftsman, Draftsperson

Tasks:

  • Produce drawings, using computer-assisted drafting systems (CAD) or drafting machines, or by hand, using compasses, dividers, protractors, triangles, and other drafting devices.
  • Draft plans and detailed drawings for structures, installations, and construction projects, such as highways, sewage disposal systems, and dikes, working from sketches or notes.
  • Coordinate structural, electrical, and mechanical designs and determine a method of presentation to graphically represent building plans.
  • Analyze building codes, by-laws, space and site requirements, and other technical documents and reports to determine their effect on architectural designs.
  • Draw maps, diagrams, and profiles, using cross-sections and surveys, to represent elevations, topographical contours, subsurface formations, and structures.

Detailed Work Activities:

  • Create graphical representations of civil structures.
  • Create graphical representations of structures or landscapes.
  • Evaluate technical data to determine effect on designs or plans.
  • Create maps.
  • Supervise engineering or other technical personnel.
View more information on this job

Sheet Metal Workers

Fabricate, assemble, install, and repair sheet metal products and equipment, such as ducts, control boxes, drainpipes, and furnace casings. Work may involve any of the following: setting up and operating fabricating machines to cut, bend, and straighten sheet metal; shaping metal over anvils, blocks, or forms using hammer; operating soldering and welding equipment to join sheet metal parts; or inspecting, assembling, and smoothing seams and joints of burred surfaces. Includes sheet metal duct installers who install prefabricated sheet metal ducts used for heating, air conditioning, or other purposes.

Sample of reported job titles:

Field Installer, HVAC Sheet Metal Installer (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Sheet Metal Installer), Sheet Metal Fabricator, Sheet Metal Installer, Sheet Metal Layout Mechanic, Sheet Metal Mechanic, Sheet Metal Worker

Tasks:

  • Convert blueprints into shop drawings to be followed in the construction or assembly of sheet metal products.
  • Determine project requirements, such as scope, assembly sequences, or required methods or materials, using blueprints, drawings, or written or verbal instructions.
  • Lay out, measure, and mark dimensions and reference lines on material, such as roofing panels, using calculators, scribes, dividers, squares, or rulers.
  • Fasten seams or joints together with welds, bolts, cement, rivets, solder, caulks, metal drive clips, or bonds to assemble components into products or to repair sheet metal items.
  • Trim, file, grind, deburr, buff, or smooth surfaces, seams, or joints of assembled parts, using hand tools or portable power tools.

Detailed Work Activities:

  • Inspect completed work to ensure proper installation.
  • Maintain construction tools or equipment.
  • Fabricate parts or components.
  • Plan layout of construction, installation, or repairs.
  • Weld metal components.
View more information on this job

Structural Iron and Steel Workers

Raise, place, and unite iron or steel girders, columns, and other structural members to form completed structures or structural frameworks. May erect metal storage tanks and assemble prefabricated metal buildings.

Sample of reported job titles:

Fitter, Iron Worker, Ironworker, Steel Fabricator, Steel Worker, Structural Steel Erector, Tower Hand

Tasks:

  • Read specifications or blueprints to determine the locations, quantities, or sizes of materials required.
  • Connect columns, beams, and girders with bolts, following blueprints and instructions from supervisors.
  • Bolt aligned structural steel members in position for permanent riveting, bolting, or welding into place.
  • Fasten structural steel members to hoist cables, using chains, cables, or rope.
  • Hoist steel beams, girders, or columns into place, using cranes or signaling hoisting equipment operators to lift and position structural steel members.

Detailed Work Activities:

  • Review blueprints or specifications to determine work requirements.
  • Install metal structural components.
  • Operate cranes, hoists, or other moving or lifting equipment.
  • Signal equipment operators to indicate proper equipment positioning.
  • Verify alignment of structures or equipment.
View more information on this job

The North region encompasses seven counties (El Dorado, Nevada, Placer, Sacramento, Sutter, Yolo, Yuba).

The Far North region encompasses 15 counties (Butte, Colusa, Del Norte, Glenn, Humboldt, Lake, Lassen, Mendocino, Modoc, Plumas, Shasta, Sierra, Siskiyou, Tehama, Trinity).

Specialized skills are specific to the occupation, or group of occupations, and represent job-specific competencies.

Technical skills refer to the specific software and technology regularly encountered on the job.

Employability skills (sometimes referred to as “common skills”) are foundational skills that cross occupations and industries. Many common skills, like, communication and team work, are also considered soft skills.

Footer

Industries

  • Advanced Manufacturing
  • Advanced Transportation and Logistics
  • Agriculture, Water and Environmental Technologies
  • Business and Entrepreneurship
  • Education and Human Development
  • Energy, Construction and Utilities
  • Health
  • Information and Communication Technologies – Digital Media
  • Life Sciences – Biotechnology
  • Public Safety
  • Retail, Hospitality and Tourism
  • College Programs
  • Colleges
  • FAQs
  • About
  • Contact
North Far North Regional Consortium logo
Powered by California Community Colleges logo
This website is funded fully or in part by a Carl D. Perkins Title I, Part B State Leadership Grant,# 18-150-001, awarded by the California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office.