Colorado Energy Careers

ANNOUNCING THE 2012 SEET TECHNOLOGY WORKSHOP IN GOLDEN, COLORADO

2012-02-10T14:00:00.000-07:00

"This is a quick reminder from ATEEC that applications are due by March 1 to attend the Sustainable Energy Education & Training (SEET) Technology Workshop on June 10–22, 2012 at Colorado School of Mines in Golden, CO. (See below for original announcement.). Travel/lodging/meal expenses are covered by a National Science Foundation grant, in addition to stipends for various follow-on activities. If you’re interested in attending, please submit your application as soon as possible.

If you’re not directly interested in this professional development opportunity yourself, please forward this to an energy technology educator you feel could benefit from ATEEC’s resources. If you have questions, visit ATEEC’s Web site at www.ateec.org or contact ATEEC at mdocherty@eicc.edu.

ANNOUNCING THE 2012 SEET TECHNOLOGY WORKSHOP IN GOLDEN, COLORADO

The Advanced Technology Environmental and Energy Center (ATEEC, at www.ateec.org) announces that applications are now open for the 2012 SEET Workshop, June 10–22, 2012 at the Center for Energy Research Institute at the Colorado School of Mines in Golden, CO.

The annual SEET Workshops are funded by a grant from the National Science Foundation (DUE#0902309) and currently developed through a partnership among ATEEC, Colorado School of Mines, Eastern Iowa Community College District, and the Partnership for Environmental Technology Education. Current high school and two-year college energy technology instructors from across the U.S. are invited to apply. Twenty-five (25) instructors will be selected to attend and will receive a stipend to assist with completion of workshop activities. Most expenses are covered for participants by the grant. Additional details and the workshop application are available on the ATEEC Web site at www.ateec.org/sustainable-energy-education-training-seet.

The primary goal of the SEET Technology Workshop project is to build the capacity of energy technicians to meet the challenges of sustainable energy in the 21st century workplace through ten-day intensive annual workshops at research facilities. Eligible workshop participants are energy technology instructors at upper level high school and community college levels. Workshop content experts will share knowledge about research advances in energy technology, requirements for technicians, and implications for a sustainable energy future. Instructors who participate in the workshops will be connected and supported by an active online network and workshop follow-up support. Sustainable energy knowledge will be further extended to additional technology instructors through events coordinated by workshop participants in their home communities.

The 2012 workshop will focus on energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies. The workshop will provide hands-on, inquiry-based lab experiences; take-home equipment and training; and site visits and field work assisted by partners of the hosting institutions. The workshop participants will team to identify and develop teaching and learning strategies and materials to share with high school and two-year college educators through ATEEC’s energy resource clearinghouse.

Send your application and two letters of recommendation by March 1, 2012 as directed on the application. (Please note that late or incomplete applications may not receive full consideration.) Questions not answered on the ATEEC Web site may be directed to ATEEC at mdocherty@eicc.edu.
_____________________

ATEEC endorses the principle of equal educational and employment opportunities for all people, regardless of race, color, sex, religion, ancestry, national origin, sexual orientation, age or non-job related handicap or disability. Furthermore, the Center does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, ancestry, national origin, sexual orientation, age or non-job related handicap or disability in the educational programs or activities it operates. Questions related to this notice should be directed to the Director of ATEEC at 201 N. Harrison St., Suite 101, Davenport, Iowa 52722."

great training opportunity in Renewable Energy Manufacturing is now available

2012-02-06T10:05:00.002-07:00

"Just three full days of Assembly Technician Training offered through the Community College of Denver on February 22, 23 and 24 will lead to a career path with opportunities to learn and grow! Metro Denver renewable energy manufacturing companies need a skilled workforce to assemble their products.

I am now prescreening [Denver] Workforce applicants for this training opportunity. ALL APPLICANTS MUST PRE-REGISTER. Referrals can come to me in one of two ways→
1. email the attached Referral & Checklist with name, phone number and email address of applicant
2. OR have applicant email their resume and WorkKeys scores (preferred Math Level 3, Reading Level 3, Locating Information Level 4) to workforce.development@denvergov.org. Use “Assembly Technician” in the subject line.

Please see attached flyer for more information and feel free to share with your networks.

Thanks!

Peggy"

PERFORMANCE SOLUTIONS

Assembly Technician Training Requirements
Solar Components | Renewable Energy Manufacturing Companies | Opportunities to Learn & Grow

Name of referral: __________________Phone:______________Email:__________________

Key Responsibilities:

• Assembles products based on engineering and technical specifications.
• Ensures compliance with quality standards.

Required Qualifications: Referrals MUST meet all requirements. Check each box.
 No felonies: a 10 year criminal background check will be reviewed by employer
 No drug use: must pass a drug screening prior to employment.
 GED or High School Diploma
 English language: fluency in speaking/ listening/ reading/ writing
 WorkKeys scores: Math 3, Reading 3, Locating Information 4 (college level work/degrees may substitute)
 Willing/ able to work all shifts (1st, 2nd, 3rd) and mandatory overtime
 Access to reliable transportation
 Willing/ able to stand/walk for 8 hour work shift; minimal sitting/ desk time
 Full range of body movement: reach, bend, crouch, pull, push, etc.
 Able to lift/ carry objects up to 50 pounds repeatedly during a shift
 Available to attend 3 full days of training: February 22,23,24; 8:30am - 4:30pm; Lowry Conference Center 1061 Akron Way, Denver

Preferred Qualifications: Check all that apply.
Note: Assembly Tech training will enhance many of these skills.
 Electronic assembly, production, warehouse or manufacturing experience (any industry)
 Stable work experience: minimal employment gaps in last 2 years
 Basic Computer: can use a keyboard to enter simple data, navigate screens
 Experience with hands-on work: creating/building products or providing a service
 Willing to do repetitive and detailed assembly work

Submit referrals to Peggy Severson, Business Development Rep, email referral to Peggy.Severson@denvergov.org

Sustainability Leadership and Implementation certification program

2012-02-06T09:53:00.001-07:00

"Come learn from Hunter Lovins, Scott McLagan, and other leaders in the Sustainability field. Back by popular demand, the Sustainability Leadership and Implementation certification program will provide you with the knowledge and skills needed to implement an effective and profit-enhancing sustainability program within your organization. The course is run by the Daniels College of Business at the University of Denver, Natural Capitalism Solutions, and CORE (Colorado’s sustainable business association). If that’s not enough, there are also scholarships available.

If you are currently employed by a Colorado company and manage or will be managing sustainability for your organization, this class is meant for you! If you know of someone who would be a good candidate, please forward this email to them.
Through this course, you will gain a deep understanding of sustainability frameworks, while also learning the practical leadership and implementation skills needed to put an effective sustainability program in place. The course will run February 16th – March 29th, and includes 6 classroom days (48 contact hours), plus readings and discussion between classes.

Sustainability Leadership and Implementation Certificate Course

Accepting applications until 8 February for the spring session.

Class Dates:
February 16, 17, 24, & 25 March 28 & 29.

Through this course, you will gain a deep understanding of sustainability frameworks, while also learning the practical leadership and implementation skills needed to put an effective sustainability program in place. The course will run February 16th – March 29th, and includes 6 classroom days (48 contact hours), plus readings and discussion between classes.

As a final deliverable, participants will develop and present a set of strategic sustainability initiatives for their organization, in addition to initial goals and implementation strategies. Upon program completion of the course, participants will receive a Certificate in Sustainability Leadership and Implementation.
To learn more and register go to: www.natcapsolutions.org/slic.
We will continue to keep you informed about other exciting NCS developments as they unfold in 2012.

Thank you for your continued support.

Cheers,
Toby Russell
C.E.O."

Testimonials from past students
"This was a great opportunity to learn from pioneers and industry leaders in sustainability."
-- Dianne Beal, Hunter Douglas

"The business case for sustainability provides a framework for business success in the 21st Century. Managers and executives concerned with the success of their companies and the continued happiness and productivity of their employees need to attend this course."
-- Adam Irwin, juwi Wind, LLC

"It was a real privilege to learn from a true pioneer of the environmental and sustainability revolution. I would certainly recommend this class to sustainability professionals looking to sharpen their skills in advocating for the business case of going green. Very insightful and quite enriching."
-- Miguel Pena, Renewable Choice Energy

IECRM partners with USGBC Colorado for a visionary job skill training program ...

2011-09-07T15:33:00.001-06:00

"IECRM partners with USGBC Colorado for a visionary job skill training program to elevate the green building skills of Colorado workers and keep them competitive in the marketplace. GPRO is a series of training courses and coordinated certificate exams that teach those who build, renovate, and maintain buildings the principles of sustainability combined with trade-specific green construction knowledge. GPRO was developed by the Urban Green Council chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), the leading authority on efficient and affordable green buildings.

This course may be available FREE OF CHARGE! To see if you or your students qualify for tuition-paid training, contact IECRM at 303-853-4886 for assistance locating a State Workforce Center or click here to find the center nearest you. You will need to ask for the SESP Scholarship qualifications and mention this course specifically.

GPRO Fundamentals of Green Building
(Prerequisite course for all GPRO trade-specific courses)
Date: Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Time: 5pm to 9pm
Location: IECRM Denver Campus
Cost: $280 per attendee
Entry-level course to teach experienced professionals the basics of sustainability and green building. Course materials cover the "green gap" between standard trade skills and the new awareness and skills required to successfully implement green building. Individuals with experience in construction and building operations will have an advantage when taking this course, but anyone interested in green building is encouraged to participate. This course is accredited for USGBC LEED AP continuing education credits!

GPRO Electrical Systems
Date: Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Time: 5:30pm to 9:30pm
Location: IECRM Denver Campus
Cost: $330 per attendee
IECRM and USGBC Colorado continue to lead the country in delivering this new, innovative training to electrical contractors! GPRO Electrical Systems expands on topics presented during the GPRO Fundamentals of Green Building course, and goes on to teach sustainable construction practices to workers in the electrical industry. Upon completion of this course, students will take an examination for certification as a GPRO accredited professional. This course is accredited for USGBC LEED AP continuing education credits!

To RSVP for these courses, go to www.iecrm.org/Courses.aspx. The deadline to register for GPRO Fundamentals of Building Green is September 30. The deadline date for GPRO Electrical Systems is October 14.

Independent Electrical Contractors - Rocky Mountain (IECRM)
480 East 76th Avenue, Building 5 / Denver, Colorado 80229 www.IECRM.org

Scholarship for New Sustainability Program at Daniels

2011-09-07T14:27:00.000-06:00

The Daniels College of Business, Natural Capitalism Solutions, and CORE (Connected Organizations for a Responsible Economy), have partnered to offer a new certification program in Sustainability Leadership and Implementation.

The course will be taught by sustainability leader L. Hunter Lovins and clinical professor of leadership at the Daniels College of Business Scott McLagan. Participants will earn a Certificate in Sustainability Leadership and Implementation while gaining the knowledge and skills needed to implement an effective and profit-enhancing sustainability program for their organization.

The Colorado Workforce Centers and the State Energy Sector Partnership (SESP) are offering a select number of scholarships for the course, covering 75-100% of the program cost. There are up to 14 scholarships available, 9 of which are being offered exclusively to the Areospace, Energy, Clean Tech and IT industries in Boulder County.

Course Dates:
The course will run October 7th – November 19th, 2011 and includes 6 classroom days (48 contact hours), plus readings and discussion between classes. Classes will be held Fridays and Saturdays: October 7 & 8, October 21 & 22, and November 18 & 19, 8AM – 5PM, at the University of Denver campus. Parking and meals will be provided on class days.

Visit www.natcapsolutions.org/ducourse for more information

Scholarships from National Center for Women in Information Technology

2011-08-29T13:33:00.005-06:00

(Source: Internet Talk Radio http://www.w3w3.com/)

Below is an excerpt from the w3w3 website about scholarships available in the IT industry for young women. As with most industries there are many occupations that are considered green, including those in IT. Green data centers, for an example, are an excellent example of such a green job that transcends across both industries. Low energy/heat emitting servers servers are yet another IT related green product. The green job possibilities are endless...

"Talent Pipeline: Awards for Aspirations in Computing 1072_ 8/29/11 - Being the father of four daughters, Larry has a high interest in the National Center for Women in Information Technology. Ruthe Farmer, is the Director of Strategic Initiatives with NCWIT, which is a coalition of well over 250 organizations (corporations, K-12 organizations, universities) working together to increase women's participation in computing and IT. The program that Ruthe is talking about, NCWIT's 'talent pipeline program' called the Awards for Aspirations in Computing. "Which is an effort to find and recognize high school girls that are active in computing technology right now and have the greatest potential to go on and major in that field in college. Ruthe said they started the award program in 2007 with twelve girls. In 2008 they went national and today the national event serves 35 national winners and those come from the top one percent of all applicants. They get about 3000 applications from approximately 35 states, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. In 2011 NCWIT recognized 355 girls, and in the 2011-12 round they expect to recognize between 500 to 700 girls. Ruthe's long term goal is to have a thousand girls per year recognized in approximately 70 affiliates that would cover all 50 U.S. states, and then a pool of 10,000 girls." Larry asked, "Who are these young women, how do we recognize them, what would we be looking for?" Ruthe said, "They could be your daughter, niece, granddaughter, your neighbor's kid, your babysitter - it could be any girl... What we're looking for is any girl with aspirations and interest in computing. We're not looking for the rock star, top of her class, valedictorian.. We are looking for that little bit of interest and how we can foster it from here." At the national level, the prize is $500 cash, a laptop and a trip for two [the girl and a parent] to the Bank of America 'Technology Stars of the Future Gala' which is comparable to the Oscars. The NCWIT Academic Alliance is committed to 100 schools offering scholarships by this next year. The opportunities really are there, this is a beginning point for these girls. A quick note to teachers. We want all of your girls, not just your top students. Often with the word competition, teachers think I'll send someone who has a shot at winning. Really everyone has a shot because we're looking for aspirations. So ask all of them to apply." Pass this interview along to others you know would be interested... "

Energy Training Opportunties in Denver

2011-08-17T09:06:00.000-06:00

Everblue is excited to announce full training scholarships for any Everblue course offered in Denver, CO. These scholarships are limited to 15 students per class and eligible to Colorado residents who are working in the emerging green industry or who have attained future employment in the emerging green industry!

Limited seating available - Click Here to Enroll

Funding is provided by the Colorado State Energy Sector partnership (SESP) grant, a workforce education grant funded through the US Department of Labor. Anyone registering for the courses may be eligible for a full scholarship! Earn one of the building industry's respected credentials, completely free. Everblue has several upcoming courses in Denver, Colorado. Click here to see a listing of scheduled courses.

Here are some of our upcoming Denver, CO courses

BPI Building Analyst Sep 19-23 Click here to apply for full scholarship
BPI Envelope Professional Sep 21-23 Click here to apply for full scholarship
LEED Green Associate Aug 24-25 Click here to apply for full scholarship
RESNET HERS Rater Aug 29-Sep 2 Click here to apply for full scholarship
Solar PV Associate Sep 26-28 Click here to apply for full scholarship
Solar Contractor Series Sep 26-Oct 1 Click here to apply for full scholarship

These fully funded courses range in value from $595-2795. Your travel to Denver, CO will likely be significantly less than paying full tuition price anywhere else.

Limited seating available - Click Here to Enroll.

ABOUT BPI CERTIFICATION
Everblue's BPI Certification training courses are ideal for energy auditors, energy contractors and energy performance professionals. Whether you are a beginner or industry veteran, these courses will help you master the essentials of residential and multi-family energy efficiency.

ABOUT EVERBLUE
Everblue Training Institute, a Veteran owned business, specializes in green jobs and sustainable development training and certification. Everblue is proud to offer an extensive curriculum that includes multiple BPI, Weatherization, RESNET, LEED, Solar, and Corporate Sustainability training and certifications. We offer exceptional education, no exceptions.

Click here for Everblue's complete course catalog.

Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions regarding our courses. We look forward to seeing you soon!

Sincerely,
Everblue Training Institute - Building Earth's Sustainable Workforce

Energy Jobs on ConnectingColorado.com

2011-08-12T23:35:00.004-06:00

ConnectingColorado.com, a job bank created and maintained by the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment, now has a search feature for Energy jobs!

To see current job openings in Energy, use the Jobseeker's Quick Search feature and select Energy Industry from the list of Industry Specific Jobs (under "Other Criteria" at the bottom of the search form).

Aviation / Airport Jobs

2011-08-12T22:38:00.010-06:00

Why, you ask, is such post in this blog? Because, I answer, I have a new assignment at Denver International Airport. Unfortunately, now I won't be able to devote as much time to this energy blog but will continue to update it as much as possible. With over 18,000 blog visitors since its inception, I'm happy to report that interest in Colorado's Energy Careers remains robust and is thriving; I hope to continue helping to inform and make connections.

There's even a connection between Energy and DIA: the airport receives royalties from oil and gas well production on airport property (tapping into the Niobrara play) , as well as its environmental sustainability and three solar installations (learn more by selecting the Green videos at this site or visiting their Environmental page.)

In the meantime, if you're curious about job opportunities at DIA please follow me on Twitter @DIAjobs.

Best wishes to you in your job search!

LEED and Wind Turbine training grants

2011-08-12T22:11:00.003-06:00

UPDATE!

The Green Careers for Coloradans program has successfully trained nearly 2000 individuals in courses related to Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy! And we’re still not done--we have a few more courses left:

Residential Wind Turbine- Ideal course for those with an electrical background.

LEED Green Associate Exam Prep course- although ANYONE with an interest in learning about LEED Rating is welcome, this is an ideal course for those interested or have a background in the building and design side of construction.

Applicants must be registered as a Jobseeker on www.connectingcolorado.com, have a CareerReady Colorado Certificate (reserve a seat to take the assessment at Denver Training & Assessment Division, 720.865.5580), and have a construction background. If you meet these criteria, please call for prescreening and enrollment, 720.865.5628.

Training Grants: Green Careers for Coloradans

2011-03-18T10:03:00.002-06:00

GREEN CAREERS FOR COLORADANS (GCC) can help you prepare for a great career in the Renewable Energy (RE) & Energy Efficiency (EE) Industries!

WHAT IS GCC?

Green Careers for Coloradans (GCC) is a two year American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) grant from the U.S. Department of Labor awarded to Labor’s Community Agency, Inc. to provide Green training and certification opportunities for qualified individuals. The training offered will allow workers to upgrade existing skills, gain industry-endorsed green certifications, and/or basic skills development. GCC will also increase opportunities to enroll in Registered Building Trades Apprenticeships, as a step on the Green Career ladder.

TRAINING AVAILABLE:

- Fundamentals of Energy Efficiency iCAST 40 hrs
- BPI (Entry Level) iCAST 2 weeks
- BPI (Experienced Construction Worker) Community College of Denver 2 weeks
- NABCEP- Letter of Completion Quinntas Renewable Energy 56 hrs
- LEED- Green Associate Exam Prep Class Associated General Contractors 8 hrs
- LEED- AP & Specialty Exams
- Associated General Contractors 1 day/ 8hrs & 6 weeks on-line study
- Intro to Small Wind Systems Advanced Energy Systems 40 hrs
- Trades Math Community College of Denver 24 classroom hrs

In addition to training, some participants maybe eligible for other services such as assistance with:
- Preparing a Resume
- Writing a Cover Letter
- Building Interview and Networking Skills
- Identifying Job Leads
- Transportation Assistance

WHO IS ELIGIBLE?

- Employed construction workers
- Unemployed construction workers
- Individuals who have completed construction-related training

HOW DOES IIT WORK? It’s Simple!

GCC applicants should inquire about this opportunity at their local Workforce Center. Your local Workforce Center can refer you to the GCC Workforce Services Coordinator for screening Must have/will take the Career Ready Certification through a Workforce Center. If you meet the basic criteria, you will be referred for enrollment preparation. That’s it…You are on your way to securing a great career in RE or EE.

For more information, contact the GCC Workforce System Coordinator, Leanna Salas 720.865.5628

Green Careers Website

2011-03-17T13:11:00.000-06:00

The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment has launched a new Green Careers Website! The site is designed to educate visitors on green jobs that are available, and why green jobs are important to the prosperity of our state. It has tools to assist in creating a job action plan to determine your next steps, as well as a self-assessment checklist so visitors can compare their skills and interests against some of Colorado's fast growing green industries. Visit the Green Careers Website to get started.

Energy Training Scholarships

2010-11-04T09:40:00.002-06:00

SESP (Colorado State Energy SectoryPartnership) is an innovative partnership between Colorado businesses, training providers and government to give businesses the workforce they need to thrive and grow and help Colorado workers have a bright future with a career in the energy efficient or renewable energy fields. Training opportunities will focus on industry-recognized certifications and degrees.

Targeted Industries:

Energy Scholarships must be utilized to prepare individuals for careers in one of the following green industries: 1) Energy Efficient Building, Construction and Retrofit, 2) Renewable Energy Power, 3) Energy Efficient and Advanced Drive Train Vehicle, 4) Biofuels, 5) Deconstruction and Materials Use, 6) Energy Efficiency Assessment, 7) Manufacturers that produce sustainable products, and 7) Green Construction

Fast FAQ’s
Ø An average scholarship of $3000 per participant
Ø Scholarships will only be awarded to approved training providers http://www.colorado.gov/cdle/sesp
Ø Must possess a CareerReady Colorado certificate with a minimum of a Bronze level
Ø Must complete KeyTrain career skills lessons in: Work Habits, Communication Skills, Workplace Effectiveness, and Business Etiquette

Documentation
Ø Must demonstrate legal ability to work in the U.S.
Ø Must provide identification that shows age
Ø Selective Service (if applicable)
Ø Veterans Status (if applicable)

Contact:
Lisa Lujan at 720-865-5627 or Ana Kristic-Popara at 720-865-5597

This program is funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009"

Barefoot to Bootstraps

2010-10-03T19:59:00.005-06:00

A colleague from the State of Colorado has created a great new blog I'd love to share. Not only does it compile her famous "Hiring List" and notices of job fairs from regional workforce center staff and other sources, but it also contains helpful resources for jobseekers: http://barefoot2bootstraps.blogspot.com/

"It's alright to tell a man to lift himself by his bootstraps. But it's a cruel jest to say that to a man with no boots." - Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Thank you, Alyse!

Denver Green Jobs Initiative Community Launch Event

2010-09-24T09:31:00.001-06:00

Source: iCast

iCAST is a member of Mi Casa Resource Center's Training Consortium - Denver Green Jobs Initiative. We will be having a community launch event on Tuesday, October 12th, from 10:30am to 1:00pm. The event will be located at 1619 E. 35th Avenue, in Denver. There will be a presentation followed by a tour of the training facility, program demonstrations, and a free BBQ lunch with live music.

For more information regarding the DGJI please visit their site

Blattner Energy, Inc. Job Fair 6/25/10

2010-06-21T09:33:00.003-06:00

Blattner Energy has just listed a number of jobs on http://www.connectingcolorado.com/. They are developing a wind farm south of Kimball, NE. This maybe a good opportunity for individuals who have the skills and are looking for employment in this energy field.

Blattner Energy, Incorporated is an electrical generation contractor that provides full Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) services to owners and developers of renewable energy across the United States.

Blattner Energy is privately-held company and a leading EPC contractor in the renewable energy industry. Blattner – has been around for over 100 years. They are a 4th generation, family run company specializing in renewable energy. Their corporate office is in Avon, MN and they have jobsites spread throughout the US. Their main focus is construction of wind farms. They also do the dirt work for access roads, pour the concrete foundations and erect the wind turbines.

The company has over 50 Temporary Full time positions. Applicants can apply THROUGH http://www.connectingcolorado.com/ (see job numbers below) OR APPLY ONLINE AT http://www.eswc.org/ and click on WHAT’S NEW, or the applicant can attend a JOB FAIR at:

Address: Evans Moose Lodge, 3456 11th Ave., Evans, CO
Date: June 25, 2010
Time: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

If you are unable to attend the job fair, please fill out an application at Employment Services of Weld County at 315B N.11th Ave, Greeley, CO 80631, on-line at www.blattnerenergy.com;
or call 1-888-356-2307 to request an application. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. Equal Opportunity Employer

ConnectingColorado positions & associated job numbers:

Laborer, 5349769
Excavator/Backhoe Operator, 5349772
Roller/Compactor Operator, 5349775
Blade Operator, 5349780
Dozer/Tractor Operator, 5349791
Project Administrative Assistant, 5349809
Crane Operator, 5349815
Water Truck Driver, 5349823
Tower Climber, 5349825

Colorado Carbon Fund is Hiring

2010-02-12T15:29:00.001-07:00

COLORADO CARBON FUND BUSINESS OUTREACH ASSOCIATE

"Bolder Staffing is recruiting for a 5-month, full-time contract position (end date 6/30/2010) for business outreach activities on behalf of the Colorado Carbon Fund, a program of the Governor's Energy Office at the State of Colorado. The Colorado Carbon Fund provides high quality carbon offsets to consumers as a way to support new clean energy projects in the state.

The Outreach Associate will utilize phone and in-person contacts to provide information, tools, and resources to businesses interested in measuring, reducing and offsetting their carbon footprint. The Outreach Associate will be provided with all materials necessary and will work closely with the Colorado Carbon Fund Program Manager to generate leads, plan detailed work tasks, and set and meet goals for increasing business donations to the Fund. The Outreach Associate will also be responsible for contacting business associations, Chambers of Commerce and similar organizations to give presentations on the Colorado Carbon Fund to educate business leaders and to encourage donations to the Fund. Experience in the energy or environmental fields is a plus.

The outreach area will be the Denver/Boulder metro areas, with the possibility of presentation events slightly outside this area. No overnight travel is anticipated for this role, however some evening or weekend work may be required. Mileage will be reimbursed. The ideal candidate will:

- have their own cell phone and computer, access to internet
- be able to work from the GEO's office at 1580 Logan Street, Suite 100, Denver, CO 80203
- have reliable transportation, a good driving record and proof of auto insurance
- be a self-starter, able to work with limited supervision to meet established goals
- have excellent time and calendar management skills
- have proven successful sales and/or fundraising experience
- be computer-savvy, adept at Internet research
- have PowerPoint, Word, Excel, email/calendar, sales software skills
- be environmentally conscious and able to speak persuasively about reducing carbon emissions in our state

This is a 40 hours per week position paying $33 per hour. Interested applicants should send a resume and cover letter to: apply@bolderstaffing.com

NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE."

Recruit Lineman on 11/20/09

2009-11-06T16:17:00.002-07:00

Employers who are sourcing linemen candidates are invited to participate in Trinidad State Junior College's Job Fair, BBQ, and Line School Rodeo in Colorado Springs on November 20, 2009. For more information on how to get involved, please reference the event poster at this link .

SMA Solar plant to bring hundreds of jobs to Denver

2009-11-06T11:21:00.000-07:00

Monday, October 26, 2009
Denver Business Journal - by Cathy Proctor

"SMA Solar Technology AG, the world’s largest manufacturer of a critical component in solar power generation, said Monday it will invest about $20 million in its first North American manufacturing plant — in Denver — expected to open in the first half of 2010.

SMA, based in Niestetal, Germany, manufacturers inverters for solar power systems — the device that converts direct current (DC) electricity, produced by the panels, into alternating current (AC) electricity, which can be used by electrical equipment and sent onto the power grid network. SMA holds about 40 percent of the world’s marketshare for solar panel inverters and manufactures equipment for small, residential-sized systems as well as commercial and large, utility-scale systems...

The company surveyed 10 cities in the United States and chose Denver for its first manufacturing plant outside of Germany — specifically about 180,000 square feet of space at 4701 Havana — due to the building’s access to Interstate 70 and nearby railway lines and the skills of the local workforce, officials said...About 300 jobs are expected initially, with the average wage of $30,000. The company expects that as demand for the inverters grows that the number of jobs could grow to 700 at the plant, Urbon said..." [link to full article]

VESTAS NACELLES, BRIGHTON HOLDS CAREER AND INFORMATION FORUM

2009-09-21T16:27:00.000-06:00

"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

VESTAS NACELLES, BRIGHTON HOLDS CAREER AND INFORMATION FORUM FOR WAREHOUSE AND PRODUCTION CAREERS

Brighton, CO, Vestas Nacelles America, Inc the world's leading producer of high-tech wind power systems, kicks off its search for the best employees for their new Nacelle facility being built in Brighton, CO. In August 2008, Vestas announced plans to further expand its U.S. presence by establishing a Nacelle assembly factory and Blade factory in Brighton, Colorado. The Nacelle factory, where vital components of the turbine will be assembled, marks the first Vestas nacelle factory in the U.S.

Vestas has partnered with SOS Staffing to recruit and place the personnel required to staff Vestas’ entire production facility. The recruiting for the hourly production and warehouse positions is underway and hiring will soon begin for people who want to be a part of Vestas and work for an industry leader. All positions being filled for Vestas are full-time, direct hire positions with benefits. Candidates with the abilities, drive and desire to succeed are strongly encouraged to apply.

Vestas, in partnership with SOS Staffing, will host a Career and Information Forum on Thursday, September 24th, 2009 at the Adams County Fairgrounds, 9755 Henderson Road in Brighton, Colorado, The focus of this Career and Information Forum will be on Production and Warehouse positions. Three separate sessions will be held in the Waymire Building (The Dome). The first session will be from 8-10 am, the second from 12 pm – 2 pm and the third session from 6-8 pm. There will be Vestas representatives onsite all day from 8am to 8pm to answer questions and provide information. If you are interested in a career with Vestas, please visit www.sosstaffing.com/vestas and submit your resume or application.
.

For more information:

 Please call an SOS Staffing Branch Office at:
 Fort Lupton 303-857-2358
 Greeley 970-353-2220
 Longmont 303-772-7422
 Ft. Collins 970-282-4401
 Visit www.sosstaffiing.com/vestas to apply online
 Email vestasnac@sosstaffing.com to get updates on current application status.
 PLEASE DO NOT contact Adams County Fairgrounds"

MetroDenverCareers.com launched as resource for career information

2009-09-11T12:17:00.001-06:00

"The Metro Denver WIRED Initiative has created MetroDenverCareers.com , a place for students, job seekers, educators and business professionals to learn about and access career resources for some of the region's fastest growing, high-wage, industries - aerospace, bioscience, energy, and information technology-software.

MetroDenverCareers.com includes new career interest brochures that WIRED created in partnership with the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment. The four brochures contain descriptions and salaries of industry occupations, skills and education needed for each occupation and the places individuals can go to attain the needed skills and education.
In addition to career brochures, MetroDenverCareers.com also features two newly created career interest videos for the aerospace and IT industries and previously created videos for the bioscience and energy industries. The videos showcase the breadth of Colorado companies and jobs found in these industries, and dispel some common myths. One myth that is dismissed is the notion that these industries have jobs available for only certain education levels.

"This site and the brochures, videos and resources it contains does an excellent job of encouraging the development of a home-grown skilled workforce for some of the region's most important industries," said Janice Rooney, corporate relations manager at the U.S. Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory. "I hope anyone considering a career, a job change or looking for information about the industries will take advantage of all that MetroDenverCareers.com has to offer."

About the Metro Denver WIRED InitiativeThe Metro Denver WIRED (Workforce Innovation in Regional Economic Development) Initiative is a four-year, $15 million regional workforce development grant from the U.S. Department of Labor. WIRED is developing a pipeline of workers for four of the nine-county Metro Denver region's fastest-growing industries: aerospace, bioscience, energy, and information technology - software.

For more information on WIRED, visit http://cl.exct.net/?ju=fe2f16747165027e701370&ls=fdec12797267007d721c7371&m=ff02167075660d&l=fe981573756d027f77&s=fdfa15757d67037c75127170&jb=ffcf14&t=.

For details on the national WIRED program, visit http://cl.exct.net/?ju=fe2e16747165027e701371&ls=fdec12797267007d721c7371&m=ff02167075660d&l=fe981573756d027f77&s=fdfa15757d67037c75127170&jb=ffcf14&t=."

Greening of the World of Work

2009-06-18T15:11:00.000-06:00

A newly released research report, "Greening of the World of Work: Implications for O*NET-SOC and New and Emerging Occupations," investigates the greening of the world of work. The report looks at the impact of the Green economy on existing occupations and identifies new and emerging green occupations. The report is available in the "Research and Technical Reports" section of the O*NET Resource Center. http://www.onetcenter.org/reports/Green.html

Green Jobs

2009-01-27T12:22:00.022-07:00

What is a "green" job? Who knows? A standard definition eludes us. Last year reports were published (at neck breaking speed), each with their own definition, varying statistics, and lofty predictions. So far this year articles and opinions scrutinize the ambiguity of it all, even analyzing how many jobs are displaced for each "green" job created. Vice President Biden defines green jobs as "all those jobs associated with environmental improvement and improving the lives of the American people"1 Very patriotic.

I have been trying to define green jobs for over a year. Each time I think I've decided on a definition (simply remembered as “a job that reduces, reuses or recycles a non-renewable resource”), I come across an occupation or situation that makes me question it.

What about auto mechanic/electrician that works on RTD's light rail cars or a person who abates asbestos--are these green jobs and are they counted in these studies? What about the job that only spends part of the time on "recycling, reusing and reducing"? My job could be considered only about one-quarter of a green job. Is it rounded up to whole job when counted? What about the cashier at Walmart, a behemoth institution that now commands a green supply chain, invests heavily in renewable energy, and set ambitious goals to conserve energy (considering energy is second biggest billion-dollar line item after the cost of labor, the incentives are obvious). Although this cashier’s job has not changed since before their initiatives, is it now considered a “green job”? I say yes. Why not? Some green jobs are completely new without job descriptions written (such as in photonics or algae). Some are already in existence, such as engineers, architects, accountants, sales people, mechanics, and inspectors, and a few of those just have to learn a few new skills.

Unless one is required to count, track, and/or compare the numbers of green jobs, a definition really doesn't matter. What does matter (and is a recurring theme among the published reports) is the trajectory of numbers of jobs is rising and that policy is one of the main drivers for increasing the numbers of "green" jobs in our interdependent, international economy.

Although our cities and states have made their own strides in garnering support for the "New Energy Economy", we are fortunate in this instance to have not been the first movers in implementing aggressive national policy to drive demand for green stuff--we're now able to learn valuable lessons from others, mainly Europe.

Geothermal

2008-12-12T15:00:00.014-07:00

Humans have been using geothermal resources for at least 10,000 years, but its recent attention is increasing in this whirlwind of interest that surrounds clean and renewable energy.

Geothermal systems use the earth's core temperatures to provide heat and power. Systems can range from basic wells, pipes, and controls that can heat and cool a single house, to elaborate piping under roads that melt ice and snow, to complex systems supplying steam for large powerplants.

Colorado is fortunate to have some of the nation's best geothermal resources (here's Colorado's geothermal map) and recognizing this, governments are looking at ways to enhance its use. The Governor's Energy Office has a working group analyzing this resource, the various technologies used, and incentives available, NREL has engineers and scientists devoted to advancing the technologies and commercialization of geothermal, and BLM continues to increase the number of leases on federal lands for geothermal projects.

Jobs in this sector include drillers, installers, pipefitters, HVAC technicians, engineers, mudloggers, as well as those ancillary positions in sales, management, contracts, landmen, analysts, IT, HR and administration.

Although I haven't yet seen an increased demand for geothermal specific jobs in our state, I predict this will change drastically in the coming years as this clean technology becomes more familiar and popular, and particularly if utilities look to Colorado's geothermal resources as they've done in other states such as California, Nevada and Utah. It's also a good way to get the oil rigs (many of which are now stacked from dropping crude prices) retrofitted to get them back to work.

Photo courtesy of otdrafting

Math

2008-12-12T14:00:00.000-07:00

Math is KING! It's the only language that's universal, rewires the way your brain solves problems, and provides an immense rush when you finally find the right answer to a challenging equation.

The better you know your math, the easier it will be for you to find a job. Of course, math by itself won't land you a job if you're not a team-player and don't have a good work ethic, but it certainly can give you an edge up. There are plenty of great-paying technician jobs in the energy industry that don't require a 4-year degree, but many of those jobs do require you to have math skills at the 10th grade TABE level.

Common sense goes a long way too. If you can easily calculate a lengthy equation to derive at a number, you always need to test the number with common sense (for example, if you use a length of pipe to cut three pieces of it, those individual pieces should add up to the total length you started with).

Another important lesson is to look at the reason behind the number, not just that you have a number. My former professor, Dr. Bruce Neumann, instilled in us the fact that many variables hide behind numbers. For example, the number of widgets that are produced at a manufacturing plant have decreased to 10,000 widgets. So? Don't just stop at the number after you've counted the widgets--analyze why production is lower. Is it a result of poor raw materials? Is there adequate training for staff? Are staff overworked and tired? All of these variables can come into play.

Below are some of the different forms of math and how they can be appplied in the energy industry (and everyday life). Don't let the formulas scare you. Appreciation for math begins with a good teacher. Math lessons should not only include how to solve an equation, but how and where it can be applied. If you don't have a good teacher and can't change to another, find a good tutor. One more thing, once you've learned the math, please teach it to someone else. Teaching helps you better understand the science and retain what you've learned.

Arithmatic
addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, etc
example: 1+2 = 3
uses: accounting, finance, economics, and the bases for all other advanced math, science, engineering...

Algebra
solving equations for the unknown using variables
example: word problems (such as, 'if a train is leaving one station at 50 mph...') and numerically: x2 + Ax + B = (x + a)(x + b), where A = a + b, B = ab
uses: accounting, physics, engineering/building, chemistry, computer/electronic programming, graphic design...

Geometry
study of sizes, shapes and positions of 2- and 3-dimensional shapes and solving their areas, volumes, angles, lengths, of triangles, cylinders, spheres
example: Pythagorean Theorem: a2 + b2 = c2
uses: engineering, robotics, land surveys, mapmaking, GIS, GPS, becoming a really good pool shark

Calculus
using differentian, derivatives, functions
example: The limit of the function f(x), as x approaches x0, is equal to the number L
uses: to determine the the rates of change of a chemical reaction, or determine the exact length of power cables needed to connect two substations that are miles apart

Trigonometry
the study of triangles using sine, cosine, tangent, secants, etc.
example: calculate the height of a transmission tower by knowing the distance and the angle of an imaginary line drawn from the top of the building to the ground where you are
uses: solving measurement problems, navigation, surveying, building, heat flows, electrical currents...

Statistics
probability, analysis of variance, correlation, etc.
example: P(E) = lim/n-> rfn(E)
uses: calculating the chances of getting heads or tails on a toss of a coin, determining how many people are unemployed, predicting future economic trends, predicting the outcome of a chemistry experiment; used in bioinformatics, computer science, economics, finance, physics, engineering...

Solar Jobs

2008-11-29T14:13:00.026-07:00

So, you want a solar job? Which kind? There are so many different types of solar jobs in Colorado, it's sometimes difficult to choose. If you're mechanically inclined and not afraid of heights, consider working as an installer, electrician, welder, plumber, or pipefitter (if you are afraid of heights, consider a position in manufacturing). If you're creative, outgoing, and persuasive, pursue positions in sales or marketing. If you like to analyze numbers, try bookkeeping, accounting or finance. If science and math are your passion, there are many jobs for scientists and engineers. The list goes on...

Who are the businesses that have these jobs? Here's a list of thirty or so websites (it's by no means all inclusive--there are plenty of solar businesses whose website I have yet to visit). ConnectingColorado.com also lists jobs available in solar, including one as I write this post for a Director of SolarTAC, the 74-acre Solar Technology Acceleration Center scheduled to open in early 2009 south of Denver International Airport near Interstate 70.

For tips on resume writing and interviewing, please read my Jobs on Delicious post.

If you're looking for training information, you should decide which occupation you want to pursue, then find out which schools provide related curricula. Feel free to visit my Schools post for a list of energy-related schools and miscellaneous energy training programs. You can also click on the solar link under my Index (along the right margin) to read other solar-related posts I've included in this blog.

Have a need to fuel your brain? Reference the resources below (provided by NREL) for information about different kinds of solar technologies:

- Concentrating solar power systems: using the sun's heat to produce electricity
- Passive solar heating and daylighting: using solar energy to heat and light buildings
- Photovoltaic (solar cell) systems (PV): producing electricity directly from sunlight
- Solar hot water: heating water with solar energy
- Solar process heat and space heating and cooling: industrial and commercial uses of the sun's heat

- video from NREL's site for more information about research in thin-film PV.

- United States Solar Atlas http://mapserve2.nrel.gov/ (under development)

Transmission

2008-11-21T21:46:00.045-07:00

Thanks to the sleepless dedication of inventors, entrepreneurs, and scientist (and their teams of researchers), such as Alessandro Volta, Thomas Edison, and Nikola Tesla (who ironically proved wires are not needed to transfer electricity 1) we have the knowledge, technology, and ability to transmit energy from its source to our homes and businesses. (For a very basic explanation of an Electricity Transmission System, visit this site from the California Energy Commission.)

(photo courtesy of itsray)

However, as our nation's 50-year old infrastructure ages while we continue to increase our energy consumption, our transmission system struggles under increased loads. Additionally, as renewable sources of electricity become more commonplace, and require increasing numbers of connections to the transmission backbone, our system will require newer and increased capacity.

RenewableEnergyWorld.com says, "The U.S. utility industry will have to invest between US $1.5 and US $2 trillion between 2010 and 2030 to maintain current levels of reliable energy service for customers throughout the country...", again, that's $2,000,000,000,000.00.

Having recognized that "Colorado’s current transmission infrastructure is not adequate to meet the increasing electricity demands and the projected growth of wind and solar energy" and "The lack of adequate transmission represents a lost opportunity for early action to connect our vast renewable resources to the electric market while keeping Colorado’s transmission system reliable,"2 a state committee was convened last year to analyze and address these issues and opportunities.

This Clean Energy Development Authority (CEDA) states "Colorado has renewable resources in such abundance that the state can meet the current minimum utility Renewable Energy Standard by tapping a small portion of our total renewable resources." The Task Force assessed these opportunities, and the transmission requirements to bring these resources to market. (this source also has great resource maps and graphs)

Given the attention to this matter, and the fact that nearly half of the workers in the energy industry will be retiring within the decade, one can presume that this opens the door of opportunity for those considering a career in transmission, and not just as an electrical line technician/worker aka, lineman (whose journey level makes about $35/hour + benefits. For more info about being a lineman, click here. BTW, Trinidad State Junior College' Lineman School will have a Job Fair on Friday, December 12, 2008, 9AM - Noon in Colorado Springs, Colorado - click here for more details)

It takes teams of people in a number of different types of jobs to ensure overhead or underground transmission lines and the structures that support them are properly mapped, designed, engineered, licensed, permitted, manufactured, transported, built, connected, inspected, monitored, maintained and repaired.

Colorado employers of transmission-related jobs include:

- Xcel Energy
- Western Area Power Authority
- Tri-State Generation & Transmission
- Platte River Power Authority
- Black Hills Corporations
- Colorado Rural Electric Association, and
- Colorado Springs Utilities

among other power authorities and many, many subcontractors such as Utility Sales and Service in Longmont, CO. Contractors to transmission companies also include firms from the legal, land use, construction, financial, and other industries that support this cluster.

Training providers can vary based on which role on the team inspires you most. There are many opportunities in various occupation groups. For instance, if you prefer IT or mapping then consider training in GIS. However, if you prefer to work with your hands outdoors at great heights, consider training to become a lineman. If you prefer an office environment, public relations, governmental affairs, or business communications, consider telecommunications or public affairs (as a matter of fact, Tri-State G&T is looking for both of these positions as I write this post)

Refer to my schools post for training providers and use your web browser (not the Blogger search box) to Find keywords such as 'GIS' or 'lineman' (sorry, there's no search term for Public Affairs, since almost all colleges/universities teach communications and/or business).

In addition, some of the employers listed above have apprenticeship programs within their own companies, which means they will train you while they pay you. To find those apprenticeship programs that are registered with the U.S. Department of Labor, click on any of the industries listed in the orange or blue area of this website, scroll to the bottom and enter your zip code or state, and click the "Go" sign. (You can also check out my apprenticeships post for general info)

Speaking of great heights (I digress), check out one of my favorite YouTube videos about a lineman at this link, and embedded below:

Job Fairs

2008-11-16T22:21:00.021-07:00

The Colorado Department of Labor & Employment maintains a job fair calendar on their website that's updated monthly. Job fairs can be held for one or multiple employers, and some may be energy focused. In fact, Weld County is hosting an 'New Energy Economy & Manufacturing Job Fair' on November 20th, and staffing agency Aerotek, who often hires for energy jobs, will be holding one on November 26th.

For more information about Aerotek's and Weld County's energy job fair, among others, visit their online calendar at: http://www.coworkforce.com/wd/

More events, for both jobseekers and employers, can also be found at:
http://www.e-colorado.org/Calendar.aspx
and http://barefoot2bootstraps.blogspot.com/

Here are some upcoming events which may not yet be listed on these calendars:

12/12/08 @ 9am: Trinidad State Junior College Lineman School's Lineman Job Fair in Colorado Springs, Colorado - click here for more details
1/12/09 @ 10am: Apprenticeship & Training Fair, 3030 Downing St. Organizations include: Emily Griffith Opportunity School, Colorado Contractors, DJEATC, CITC, Work Options for Women
1/21/09 @ 10am: Denver Post & ExpoExpertsLLC.com are holding an Engineering, Technology and Oil & Gas Career Expo - click here for more details
3/17/09 @ 3pm: HEXCEL JOB FAIR at Island Grove Regional Park, 425 N. 15th Ave., Greeley, Co. Hexcel Corporation [supplier for Vestas wind energy] is the global leader in developing and manufacturing composite materials for aerospace, wind energy, defense, and commercial applications. The Windsor location supports Vestas by supplying composite material that is used in manufacturing wind turbine blades. The Windsor manufacturing location has immediate openings for Production Operators. Must possess a High School Diploma or GED. Experience working in a manufacturing environment. Ability to work on a team. Demonstrated oral and written communication abilities. Demonstrated self motivation with excellent interpersonal skills. Task and solution orientated. Eligible candidate must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, a person lawfully admitted for permanent residence, a temporary resident under sections 210(a) or 245(A) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, a person admitted in refugee status, or a person granted asylum. Hexcel is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants who wish to apply for any Hexcel positions MUST be actively registered with a Workforce Center. If not registered, pre register on line at www.connectingcolorado.com and bring printed registration form to the job fair.
3/19/09 @ 1:30pm: Sustainability Career Fair, showcasing companies that develop, install or maintain green products and services, and those that are taking advantage of sustainable operating procedures within their business to reduce both energy and operating costs. More info here
4/2/09 (postponed from 1/22/09) @ 1:30pm: Adams County Workforce Center's Energy Job Fair at BELLA SERA EVENT CENTER in Brighton, CO
6/30/09 Doubletree Hotel Denver-North, 8773 Yates Dr., Westminster, CO, NECA 25 NECA Electrical Contractors looking for electrical workers.
8/10/09 @ 11:00am: Colorado Springs Gazette Engineering, Technology & Security Clearance Career Expo at Antlers Hilton / Colorado Springs, CO, http://www.expoexpertsllc.com/
9/9/09 10am-3pm: E-3 Job Fair at Colorado Convention Center, http://www.coworkforce.com/e3/
12/10/09 10am-2pm: FirstTransit bus driver job fair, Jefferson County Workforce Center, 3500 Illinois, Golden, CO 80401, 303-271-4560, http://www.jeffcoworkforce.org/seeker_events.php
2/16/10 The Denver Post Engineering and Technical Career Fair, Hyatt Regency Tech Center Denver, CO, http://www.expoexpertsllc.com/

NREL analyst positions

2008-11-03T10:01:00.008-07:00

I was recently included in an e-mail distribution with the following information and am posting it below for qualified individuals who may be interested in applying.

"NREL has a few job openings and we are looking for stellar people to fill them. The first is a senior finance and policy analyst, and the other is to manage the Markets & Policies Impact Analysis Group. The management position would manage staff and provide strategic guidance about NREL's overall market and policy analysis; it is geared for folks that are more senior with management experience). Please forward this to anyone interested in working on analysis of renewable project financing, markets and policies. http://www.nrel.gov/employment/job_openings.html"

NREL is the acronym for National Renewable Energy Laboratory and is located in Golden, Colorado. It is the nation's primary laboratory for renewable energy and energy efficiency research and development. Their primary research facilities include:

- Alternative Fuels Users Facility
- Field Test Laboratory Building
- Outdoor Test Facility
- Science & Technology Facility
- Solar Energy Research Facility
- Solar Furnace
- Solar Radiation Research Laboratory
- Thermal Test Facility

Their website has tons of information about renewable energy and energy efficiency and is a very valuable resource to anyone wanting to learn about this industry.

Solar Panel Installation Courses - FREE

2008-10-08T12:35:00.004-06:00

Obtain skills to find a new job or learn to apply your existing skills in one of the fastest growing industries in Colorado. The solar industry is predicting exponential job growth over the next 5 to 10 years. Transfer or upgrade your construction, electrical, plumbing, administrative, business, or development skills to fit the Solar industry! FREE!

The last 2 hours of the course will feature a networking / mini-job fair event where industry members will present on their companies and any training or job openings they have to offer. Industry members will be looking to take graduates for one week working internships that will provide experience out in the field or in the office. This is your chance to learn directly from industry professionals.

Deadline to enroll is 10/24/08

ATTEND A PROGRAM ORIENTATIONAND ENROLLMENT SESSION ON OCTOBER 20TH AT THE JEFFCO WORKFORCE CENTER FROM 5-6PM

This project is funded by a Workforce Innovations in Regional Economic Development (WIRED) grant from the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, working in partnership with the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment, the Metro Denver Economic Development Corporation, and the City and County of Denver’s Office of Economic Development.

Course Description:
This course is designed to provide the participants with a basic understanding of solar power systems, including solar thermal and solar photovoltaic. This course is designed to help trainees obtain experience and a career in the solar energy field.

Course Objective:
The course was designed to deliver key concepts and approaches to evaluating and installing residential solar systems. Participants in the course will be taught technical installation skills as
well as business administration and development skills relating to solar installations.

Certification:
If the participant attends all five days of the course they will receive an OSHA 10-hour Safety Certificate as well as a certificate of completion awarded by all of the program sponsors.

Course Modules include:
• Distinction between Solar Photo Voltaic and Solar Thermal
• Conducting a Site Assessment
• Conducting load analysis for each system
• Explanation of all equipment and procedures for Solar PV installation
• Basic Math for Solar PV Electron Flow
• Understanding the solar cell
• Basic Electricity and Electrical Theory
• Electrical Wiring Skills Training
• Explanation of all equipment and procedures for Solar Thermal installation
• Basic Math required for Solar Thermal Water Flow
• PV & Thermal Hands-ON Workshops
• Basic Contracting & Subcontracting
• Identifying Career Paths and Training Opportunities.
• OSHA 10 Hour Safety Course

Upon completion the participant will:
• Know the history of solar energy and recent advances
• Understand the economics of solar installations
• Understand basic benefits of solar energy
• Understand key concepts of passive solar energy
• Know the basics of how solar PV and Thermal works
• Understanding key issues of “off grid” versus “grid-tied” solar
• Know the basics of electricity as it relates to solar PV
• Know the basics of plumbing and water flow as it relates to solar thermal.
• Know how to use all key equipment necessary for solar installations
• Understand the basics of solar thermal wiring and plumbing
• Know basic roofing issues related to solar installations
• Understand employer and customer expectations
• Understand the basic elements of marketing solar installations

November 3rd—7th, 2008
Located at the DJEATC Training Facility
1291 E. 54th Ave, Unit D, Denver, CO 80216

To enroll in this FREE course:

• Register yourself online at http://www.connectingcolorado.com/

THEN
• Fill out your enrollment forms at the iCAST office on
8745 W. 14th Ave., Suite 220, Lakewood, CO 80215 (between Carr St. & Garrison St.)

OR
• Fill out your enrollment forms at the Jefferson County Workforce Center
Laramie Building, 3500 Illinois St., Golden, CO 80401

• Bring a valid state or federal ID and social security card.

For more information contact:
Mark Palmer-WIRED Project Manager, (720) 212-7832, Mark@iCASTUSA.ORG
http://www.icastusa.org/

Vestas is Hiring!

2008-09-30T09:20:00.010-06:00

SOS STAFFING / SOS PROFESSIONAL

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
September 29, 2008

VESTAS NACELLES, BRIGHTON KICKS OFF HIRING WITH CAREER AND INFORMATION FORUM
Brighton, CO, September 29, 2008 - Vestas Wind Systems, A/S the world's leading producer of high-tech wind power systems, kicks off its search for the best employees for their new Nacelles facility being built in Brighton, CO. In August 2008, Vestas announced plans to further expand its U.S. presence by establishing a Nacelle assembly factory [a nacelle is the housing around the electrical generator], and Blade factory in Brighton, Colorado. The Nacelle factory, where vital components of the turbine will be assembled, marks the first Vestas nacelle factory in the U.S.

Vestas has partnered with SOS Professional Search and SOS Staffing to recruit and place the personnel required to staff Vestas’ entire production facility. From the core management team to hourly production positions, hiring will soon begin for people who want to be a part of Vestas and work for an industry leader. All positions being filled for Vestas are direct hire, full-time, benefited positions, candidates with the abilities, drive and desire to succeed are strongly encouraged to apply.

Vestas, in partnership with SOS Professional and SOS Staffing will kick off a Career and Information Forum on Wednesday, October 22, 2008 at The Adams County Fairgrounds, 9755 Henderson Road in Brighton, Colorado. The Career and Information Forum will provide three separate sessions held in the Exhibit Hall. The first session will be from 8-10 am, second from 12pm – 2pm and the third session from 6-8 pm. There will be Vestas representatives onsite all day from 8am to 8pm to answer questions and provide information. If you are interested in a career with Vestas, please visit http://www.sosstaffing.com/, click on the "WORK AT VESTAS" link to submit resume or application.

For more information:
- Please call your local SOS Staffing Branch Office
- Visit http://www.sosstaffing.com/ to apply online
- Email vestasnac@sosstaffing.com to get updates on current application status.

Welders $14 - $27+ per hour

2008-09-01T11:21:00.057-06:00

Photo courtesy of Chris Lemmen

A journeyman Iron Worker with two degrees, and who has been in the welding field for over 25 years (13 of them teaching) said, "Welding is absolutely one of the hardest trades there is when it comes to proving yourself. There are codes, specifications, and procedures that have to be mastered, then proven time after time. Certification papers make you a 'certified' welder. They show you've passed a welding test.

Being a certified welder means you can pass a test, but it does not necessarily mean you are a good hand. Someone who goes to welding school may spend hours doing nothing but welding test plates. If they have any talent at all, and with all that practice, they will probably pass the code to become certified. But it's a whole different story out on the job site. Welding in a booth at school ain't the same as standing on a 2" wide beam, 20 floors up in the air, with the wind blowing like crazy."1

Welders cut, shape and join materials to make components, sometimes using blueprints or other technical drawings. They also repair equipment and machinery as well as join pipes in pipelines, power plants and refineries. They usually work with metals, but could also work with other composites (such as those found in wind turbines and solar panels). Common welding methods include oxyacetylene, MIG (metal inert gas), TIG (tungsten inert gas), laser welding and ultrasonic welding. And they do all this while maintaining a variety of bodily positions (standing, stooping, kneeling, bending, stretching...). A more detailed description of this occupation, including wage information, can be found on the Bureau of Labor Statistics website.

Here's a short YouTube video about this profession:

A roughneck who calls himself SlimPickens recently told me, "It would help [welders in the oil & gas industry] to have some practical oilfield experience just so a person would know what they are doing. Rig sense goes a long way". He suggests welders start as a righand, then go to school to learn welding. Slim adds, "It's not at all like a factory environment; welders are called on to fab all sorts of items for or on a rig, and rig sense would be a major advantage. In my opinion you could not or would not want to hire someone off the street to weld on an offshore drilling rig."
(photo courtesy of moosemonger)

Even on land, expert welding techniques are paramount. Pipeline reliability is directly related to pipeline safety; pipelines that fail do not deliver fuel, or worse, pose a threat to the environment and those within it. "To maintain pipeline integrity and promote pipeline longevity, it is necessary to insure that the pipeline meets operating and safety requirements during design, construction and installation, and operations. The overwhelming bulk of oil and gas pipeline construction is done by welding individual joints of pipe together particularly in large, long distance pipeline. 2

Welding is a skill (and art) that is transferable across many industries, including engineering, aerospace, manufacturing and construction. Some firms, such as American Metallurgical Consultants, even offer expert witness services.

For those of you interested in welding, you will be happy to know that in an article published in the Wall Street Journal, the American Welding Society (AWS) estimates a shortage of 200,000 welders by the year 2010.3.

Here's a video of a piece that a Carolina news station did which talks about the high demand for welders:

So where do you start? Training for welding, soldering, and brazing workers can range from a few weeks of school or on-the-job training for low-skilled positions to several years of combined school and on-the-job training for highly skilled jobs (expect the latter for welding jobs in energy). For a list of welding schools in Colorado, see the schools post (and use your browser to search "welding").

Upon completion of training, you need to get certified. Several different certifications (and multiple levels of them) exist, including AWS, ASME, API, and National Board codes. Some of the certification tests will even x-ray your welds.

In addition to (or in lieu of) schools, some employers have apprenticeships available in their company so you can "earn while you learn". Click here to find out which of these programs are registered with the US apprenticeships office.
(photo courtesy of jakesmome)

ConnectingColorado.com has 41 positions open as I write this post (using the QuickSearch box and type 'welder' in Keyword Search field--you'll have to register to see which companies they are.) You can also search the list of energy company websites at: extraction-jobs or green-jobs.

Below are examples of a few job postings in ConnectingColorado to give you an idea of what skills energy employers are seeking of welders, and what certifications they require.

ConnectingColorado job #CO5275318
Position: Welder
$37,662-$57,562 / year

Duties: Performs steel welding construction and fabrication of new gas facility installations and existing system repairs and maintenance for a major electric and natural gas distribution company. The position will also do general maintenance activities and install/maintain gas metering equipment.

Skills:
Required: 12 months experience in MIG Welding, Combination Welding, Blueprint reading and Layouts. Other requirements are experience with steel gas pipeline weldings, an understanding of field gas distribution construction and maintenance and an API 1104 steel welding certification.

Shifts: Discuss with employer
Job Site: Fountain, CO
Benefits: Full Company Benefit Package

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CO5284201
Position: Welder
$14/hr
Successful candidate will be certified in D1.1 or better

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CO5287053
Position: Welder, Natural Gas Pipeline
Pay: $Negotiable - Discuss with employer

DUTIES: Read and fabricate from blueprints, sketches, drawings, or take verbal directions with minimal supervision, in order to fabricate piping assemblies, repair equipment and perform maintenance related to the natural gas industry. Operate hand and power tools, shop fabrication equipment, overhead cranes, welding machines, cutting and beveling equipment. Operate vehicles such as a forklift or welding truck.

SKILLS REQUIRED: Position requires welding qualifications as per API 1104 Group I, II and III electrodes. Incumbent must be able to read and fabricate from blueprints, sketches, drawings, or take verbal directions with minimal supervision, in order to fabricate piping assemblies, repair equipment and perform maintenance related to the natural gas industry. Must be able to operate hand and power tools, shop fabrication equipment, overhead cranes,
welding machines, cutting and beveling equipment. Must be able to operate vehicles such as a forklift or welding truck.Incumbent must pass company welding qualification test as per API 1104 utilizing Group I, II and III electrodes. Basic computer skills are required.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS: Must be self-motivated and able to prioritize. Good verbal and written communication skills are necessary along with the ability to keep detailed records. Frequent physical effort involved in lifting, exertion with hand tools, working in awkward positions such as kneeling, bending and squatting for extended periods of time. Must be able to twist head and back for extended periods of time and be able to work in areas classified as confined space. Must also be able to climb and work from ladders, catwalks, staging and other platforms. Must possess a valid drivers license with an acceptable driving record. Must display skills in human relations and display the ability to work effectively with fellow employees and customers. Must be able to work in extreme conditions such as dust, dirt, heat, cold with exposure to noise. The position also requires frequent travel to remote locations for extended periods of time. Candidate must have a valid drivers license with an acceptable driving record.

PREFERRED SKILLS: Previous experience working in the natural gas industry is desirable.
SHIFTS: Normally Monday-Friday but could vary based on project.
JOB SITE: Pueblo, CO
BENEFITS: Medical, dental, life, retirement, vacation and more.

Engineers make $78,000 to $167,000 +

2008-08-21T16:07:00.020-06:00

Many different types of engineers are employed in the energy industry. They include civil, mechanical, electrical, software, chemical, nuclear, sales, geological, stationary, mining and petroleum (engineers in drilling, production, reservoir, facilities, safety, and environmental). Some oil & gas positions are termed "engineers", such as a Mud Engineer (who calibrates the drilling fluid that lubricates drill bits), but generally do not require a formal engineering degree.

On September 7, 2008, a Denver Post article entitled "World needs engineers to create and build solutions" claimed there's a worldwide shortage of engineers, partly due to their pending retirements. The article also states "in addition to aerospace, chemical, civil, mechanical and other specialties, there is demand for engineers in new areas, such as renewable energy."

A February article in the Wall Street Journal claims "Top-ranking petroleum-engineering graduates this year can expect starting pay of $80,000 to $110,000, plus signing bonuses and other perks."

I'm a firm believer of not re-inventing the wheel. Therefore, rather than try to formulate, then articulate what types of engineering positions are available in the energy industry, I will refer you instead to a very informative website from the Society of Petroleum Engineers. I would also like to take this chance to welcome Society of Engineers to Denver for their September conference!

As the Salary Survey on this site indicates, Petroleum Engineers made an average salary of $167,000 last year (an increase from 2006). Other sites, such as Get Into Energy, show wages around $85,000 for other types of engineers (electrical, nuclear, chemical) in the energy industry--they also have basic information about these types of occupations as well as skills and education requirements.

By the way, here's another site that shows Salary Trends by Job Title for Drafters, Designers, Engineers, Management, and Technician positions, and for your viewing enjoyment, here's a video of "a day in the life of a field engineer" for Schlumberger:

Schlumberger Jobs: Higor - A Field Engineer Day in the Life

So what types of energy companies in Colorado hire engineers (in addition to Schlumberger)? Tons! Here is an example of just a few:

- NREL
- Long
- Siemens
- Johnson Controls
- Xcel Energy
- Tri-State Generation & Transmission
- McInstry
- Baker Hughes
- CH2M Hill
- ConocoPhillips
- Jacobs Engineering

See a longer list on my Delicious account:
- http://delicious.com/TLynnSargent/extraction-jobs
- http://delicious.com/TLynnSargent/green-jobs

Government jobs in energy

2008-08-16T18:29:00.004-06:00

The private sector is not the only sector that employs people for jobs in energy. The public sector (government) is one of the major employers in this industry. My job, for example, is a local government job that devotes half of my time to energy (the other half to ICT--Information & Communications Technology--and sometimes they overlap).

Here's a partial list of governmental entities, in addition to local/state/federal legislators and their aides, that employ people for energy jobs, whether these jobs focus solely, or only in part, on energy:

Local government:
City of Denver
- Asset Management (energy efficiency in Denver municipal buildings, LEED accredited architects)
- Mayor's Greenprint Denver Office
- Public Office Buildings (HVAC technicians, electricians)
- Building Department (electrician, plumbing & HVAC inspectors and chief inspectors)
- Economic Development (policy analysts, various positions that focus on energy and green jobs)
- Solid Waste/Denver Recycles
- Environmental Health
- Aviation (yes, DIA; inspectors, mechanics, solar project managers, energy efficiency)

State government:
- Governor's Energy Office
- Colorado Oil & Gas Commission (note: they'll be hiring many more positions soon -- see "upcoming job opportunities" notice on their website for more information)
- Colorado Department of Labor & Employment
- Department of Natural Resources
- Department of Regulatory Agencies (including the Public Utilities Commission)
- Colorado Schools of Mines (yes, these are state jobs)
- Colorado State University
- University of Colorado

Federal government:
- Bureau of Land Management
- National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
- Department of Energy (DOE)
- Energy Information Administration (EIA)
- U.S. Department of Labor (DOL)
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
- U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)
- Department of the Interior (Bureau of Reclamation and Minerals Management Service)

The New Power Jobs

2008-08-16T16:50:00.001-06:00

A colleague recently forwarded an article to me about careers in power (which I've reprinted here in part with permission from Yahoo! HotJobs). In her article, author Heather Boerner discusses several of the high-demand occupations in the power industry (engineers, operators, mechanics, trade workers), as well as their salary ranges and minimum requirements--most appropriate information for this blog. Here's her article, The New Power Jobs:

"White-hot jobs are opening up in the power sector. 'These aren't just hot jobs, they're sizzling jobs,' said Christine Real de Azua, spokeswoman for the American Wind Energy Association. Wind energy grew by 45 percent last year. 'We need every type of job candidate.'

Indeed, with oil topping $100 per barrel, expect power industry jobs to explode in the next 10 years -- and not just in petroleum or the electric company. Want to repair wind turbines, manage a nuclear reactor or install solar panels? The jobs await.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and energy leaders reveal what fields are expected to grow, and they are listed below with projected growth levels through 2016, salary data, and what you need to get a related job..." [read the remainder of the article here]

Halliburton Internship

2008-08-14T22:01:00.005-06:00

I ran across a blog today written by a Halliburton Intern I thought would be useful to share with you: http://halhr.blogspot.com/. It's author (thanks Eric!) provides valuable information and photos about the work that's performed at Halliburton. He also discusses turnover rates in the industry and plans to study how to minimize it, particularly in light of the pending mass retirements of Baby Boomers forecasted.

Allow me to step up onto my soapbox. There are a variety of reasons for high turnover. Many times it's attributable to lack of clear objectives and goals about the job. Sometimes, applicants may become so enthralled by the high pay, they may lose focus that they actually have to work for it. In an effort to recruit employees, sometimes companies focus only on the attractive aspects of the job. Other times communication (or lack thereof) is the culprit, particularly in this day and age when we have many different cultures and generations (Baby Boomers, GenX, GenY, Millennials) with different communication techniques, life priorities, and/or work ethics, working along side one another.

With respect to entry level field jobs in oil & gas, I want to communicate that they pay very well (salaries in this industry generally pay about 35% more than average salaries in other industries). Why, you ask? Because it's hard work! Although some rig crews can get on a flex-schedule (such as two weeks on, two weeks off), they're working at least 12-hours shifts (or more) every day for those two weeks, in extreme weather, lifting heavy loads, in the middle of nowhere. It really is much more difficult than it sounds.

If you cannot withstand starting your day punctually before the sun rises, like 3:00 am, traveling to a well pad that's hundreds (or thousands--perhaps overseas) of miles away from your family, a city, or the nearest 7-11 convenience store; living in temporary housing with your crew, getting dirty, hearing profanity, getting yelled at (or fired) for making mistakes that jeopardizes safety, effectively communicating and getting along with others, and lifting hundreds of pounds consistently for weeks on end, in a drug-free environment, then I'm sorry to inform you that these jobs are definitely not for you, so please don't contribute to the turnover rate.

However, if you are certain you have the brawn, brains, thick-skin, drive, stamina, and desire to learn, you're a hot commodity in this industry, will be well compensated, and could move up the career ladder quickly, perhaps up to a tool pusher who makes around $95,000 / year. If you're real good, the E&P companies that employ the contractor you're working for could also recruit you to become a "company man".

If you're unsure whether this oilfield work is for you, consider trying it on a temporary basis. Several employment agencies offer temp positions in oilfield work. They include SOS Staffing, Aerotek, and Weststaff, among many others, and often post their positions in ConnectingColorado.

I hope this helps to clarify some of the objectives for those of you considering embarking on these occupations.

Photo courtesy of Jerry Brown

Free courses in Energy Efficiency & Solar Installation

2008-08-14T20:21:00.001-06:00

iCAST will be offering training courses for its WIRED workforce development program later this year. These courses target the unemployed or incumbent worker who is seeking entry into the energy efficiency or solar industries. These courses are free to anyone enrolled with their Colorado workforce center.

a. The Energy Efficiency Auditor course is scheduled for September 22nd thru the 26th 2008.
b. The Solar Installation course is scheduled for November 3rd thru the 7th 2008.
c. The Energy Efficiency Technology Installation course is scheduled for December 1st thru the 5th 2008.

These courses will provide firsthand understanding of the energy efficiency and solar industries, along with the terminology, skills and technological experience to become an assistant energy auditor/installer or solar installer. Interested participants must first enroll with ConnectingColorado.com and their local workforce center or can contact Mark Palmer at mark@icastusa.org for further information.

Employer Incentives

2008-08-13T17:03:00.100-06:00

Information in this post has been moved to my new blog. Please visit:
http://ColoradoBusinessIncentives.blogspot.com/

E3 Job Fair 9/25/08 in Denver

2008-08-13T15:59:00.036-06:00

The 7th Annual E3 Job Fair will be held at the Colorado Convention Center in downtown Denver on Thursday, September 25, 2008 from 11am to 5pm. This year, Energy will be highlighted as one of the high-growth industries.

The energy industry employs: engineers (electrical, petroleum, reservoir, mechanical, civil, etc.), scientists (all disciplines), technicians, environmental health and safety staff, accountants, administrative assistants, managers, marketing & PR representatives, HR staff, graphic designers, salespeople, real estate professionals/landmen, IT & GIS staff , security guards, roustabouts, roughnecks, gang pushers, solar installers, drillers, energy auditors, linemen, wind technicians, welders, pipefitters, mechanics, equipment operators and more! See a video from 9News of last year's E3 job fair here.

Jobseekers must be registered in Colorado Department of Labor & Employment's free job bank ConnectingColorado in order to attend. They should also prepare well in advance to meet energy employers by:

- researching the companies in advance to learn of their goals, priorities, etc. and reviewing their job listings
- asking a trusted friend, family member, mentor or career advisor to critique their resume -- jobseekers can ask workforce advisors at their local workforce center to critique their resume
- triple checking resumes for grammatical and spelling errors
- tailoring resumes to reflect what they can do for that specific company (versus what the company can do for them) - also have properly formatted electronic versions available to post or cut & paste on companies' employment/HRIS websites
- make sure email address on resumes are professional (not something like "ISleepInEveryDay@...", and check to make sure phone voice mail greetings are professional as well (i.e., don't record any long songs that will make a busy recruiter hang up instead of leaving a message)
- dressing appropriately
- watching the videos in the "Job links" post, and this one-minute "Job Fair Video"
- following up with the employer after the fair

More information about the E3 Job Fair, including a list of over 100 participating employers, will soon be available on CDLE's E3 website.

Participating Energy employers, training providers, and related organizations include:

- Aerotek
- Ascent Solar Technologies Inc.
- AVA Solar
- Baker Hughes
- Center for Transportation Safety
- CoorsTek
- DCP Midstream
- Ensign United States Drilling
- Environmental Protection Agency
- GE Wind Energy
- Independent Electrical Contractors, Inc
- Key Energy
- National Renewable Energy Laboratory
- Petroleum Field Services
- Pioneer Natural Resources
- Pipefitters Local 208
- PrimeStar Solar
- Red Rocks Community College-Industrial Science & Operations
- SolSource
- SOS Staffing
- Tri-State Generation & Transmission
- Ulteig Engineers
- Western Area Power Administration
- Xcel Energy

Additional Energy career fairs and expos are scheduled throughout the state of Colorado this summer and fall. Refer to this poster, or my Job Fairs post for a list of dates and locations.

Tri-State Generation and Transmission

2008-08-10T17:58:00.001-06:00

The Colorado ESSI group was honored to tour Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association's powerplant in Craig, Colorado on July 23, 2008. The following information was provided that may be helpful to you if you are considering a career in powerplants:

"Today Tri-State G & T along with most organizations has generally found the same areas of concern when looking for people to fill positions. Getting skilled workers who want to work is a challenge in today’s workforce and finding affordable housing. Our youth are the key to our future and all of us must take the time to encourage youth to become successful as adults. Also providing retraining for adults may be another way to help with staffing. What may be successful for one person may not necessarily fit another person. That is why programs through schools, Workforce Centers, apprenticeship programs, trade schools, colleges and the military are essential to getting qualified workers into the field that best fits them and the company.

Tri-State Generation and Transmission is an electric utility company with operations throughout the Rocky Mountain Region. We hire laborers, craftspeople, technicians, engineers, accountants, and a host of other professions. Tri-State’s load growth is running about 4% per year. At this rate, we are trying to build an extensive infrastructure of generation and transmission facilities, and we’re constantly on the lookout for good employees with any number of backgrounds and skills. And, with the vast growth on the western slope due to increased oil and gas activity, we’re competing for employees in a large number of high-paying positions. Frankly, the future for our youth is looking remarkably bright.

Tri-State hires Utility Workers and often promotes them within weeks of their hire. A Utility Worker’s base wage is around $40,000 per year but with overtime opportunities, these employees can earn up to $10,000 to $15,000 more a year with only basic utility-related job experience. The Utility Worker also has many promotional opportunities allowing them to earn even higher wages ($60,000 to $70,000) in our Scrubber Operator or Coal Handling Operator positions. But this unskilled worker can only go so far and cannot meet the needs of our skilled positions without either prior knowledge in skilled areas or going through our company apprenticeship programs. On the other end of the spectrum are four-year college students who usually begin their careers in white collar jobs. This leaves a large and expanding gap for employees with craft and technical skills. The shortage of skilled craft persons (I&C Technicians, Electricians, Welders, Boilermakers, Pipefitters, Millwrights, Mechanics) is so grave that these craft persons are able to pick and choose their jobs. They may start a job at the plant but as soon as a better job comes along, they drag up in the middle of the job to follow the money or a less-remote location.

The trend over the past several years was to encourage our youth to attend college. Today this may or may not be true. Many college graduates cannot get jobs right out of college – at least not in their fields. As educators, state or local representatives, and employers, we need to educate students at the high school level about the opportunity for good careers at the craft level. There are numerous jobs – jobs that were prevalent in the 1960s and 70s such as welders, electricians, millwrights, boilermakers, pipefitters, and mechanics that require talent, knowledge and education. These jobs are in high demand and are highly compensated. The military may also be an answer to obtaining skilled positions. One option may be to have Workforce Centers directly communicating with military personnel who are retiring from the military but seeking employment in the private sector. This connection with the Workforce Centers could bond the recruitment of skilled workers to employers who are in need of the various skilled military personnel. Tri-State has directly benefited from military personnel as they have applicable skills that can be transferred to our plant operations.

Even though Tri-State hires most of its workforce at the entry level position of Utility Worker, there are still requirements that must be met. Applicants must pass a basic 8th grade level math test, a 10th grade level reading test and a mechanical comprehension test before being considered for an interview. It is interesting that a lot of people do not pass these tests. Our youth need to understand the importance of taking these basic classes seriously in high school so they do not lose out on these job opportunities. If they are not made aware of the problem and do not work diligently to correct the deficient areas, they will continue to struggle. Our students should take classes in high school to ensure they have the proper skills to succeed. Basic skills such as reading, math, writing and spelling are lacking in the workforce. Teachers can do their part by recognizing and bringing to the forefront the problem with students who have difficulty spelling or communicating effectively so the student recognizes that he or she has a problem and can work on the skill prior to graduation.

Recently we had an applicant who graduated [from a technical school] as a mechanic. He was an excellent candidate for the job, however, when we reviewed his written test he had misspelled words so badly we could not understand what he was trying to communicate to us. Needless to say we did not hire him.

It is essential that employees are able to communicate effectively in writing. It also means having the ability to communicate verbally (with co-workers and supervisors). Soft Skills are also essential to the success of an employee. This includes initiative, self-motivation, reliability (being to work on time), and the ability to get along with others and work as a team. It also includes being a safe worker, drug free and having a good attitude. While these skills are not taught in high school, they can be learned. Students who are late for class and assignments, students who do the minimum to get by, and students who question authority for no good reason need to be told that, with each act of resistance and disobedience, they are building the habits that will put them at the bottom of the job pool.

Many youth today believe they should just start at the top of the company. However, they should not expect to be at the top now; in fact it is detrimental to them. They need to start at the bottom of a company, learn the systems and work hard so that when they are promoted they understand the business from the ground up. They will be more successful because they not only have the education but will have the knowledge of the business as well.

As leaders for our youth, help students understand the importance of basic skills such as reading, math, writing, and general communication. Learning and retaining these skills throughout the school years will assist them on their future endeavors with school and employment. Support youth by encouraging them to work and to work hard. Work experience is a great way for them to determine what their interests are so they can go on to a school or trade that fits their needs. Help them understand that “attitude” really is everything. Not everyone is meant for college. Trade schools or apprenticeship programs may be a better fit. The most important thing for our youth is that they enjoy the work they are doing so they will find satisfaction and fulfillment in life and become long-term, valued employees."

Accounting in Oil & Gas $55,000-$75,000/yr

2008-08-10T16:44:00.004-06:00

In addition to earnings, income, cash flows, depreciation, depletion, amortization, debits, credits and all other Generally Accepted Accounting Principals regulated by FASB and SEC, Oil & Gas Accounting involves tracking numerous other costs and revenues related to acquisition, exploration, development, and production of oil and gas.

Accounting in oil and gas is complex (that, and the short supply of accountants, is why it generally pays higher than traditional accounting jobs). Many property and lease holders and mineral royalty owners are involved and require payment, varying volumes of product and by-products of extraction (such as methane and other "-anes") are bought and sold between numerous companies, and trading of commodities fluctuate widely. In addition, carbon trading and carbon tax credits have also been recently added to the mix.

Oil & Gas Accountants must maintain accurate record of property acquisition, retention and surrender; exploratory and development costs; mineral conveyances; oil and gas production; joint interest operations, related financial statement disclosures, and keep well apprised of international laws, taxes, currencies, and exchange rates.

Colorado Oil & Gas accountants have been in short supply for some time. In an effort to boost the numbers EnCana Oil contributed to UCD's Business School a couple of years ago to jump start an oil & gas accounting course in Denver, even paying for students' textbooks. A Denver Business Journal article about this partnership, which claims "Those with a minimum of five years experience can command a base salary of between $55,000 and $75,000", is available at this link.

If you enjoy working numbers and need a challenge over traditional accounting, oil & gas accounting may just be the right career for you!

By the way, there is a Colorado association for accountants in this industry. COPAS-Colorado is a non-profit professional organization located in Denver, Colorado, whose members are comprised primarily of accountants working in the petroleum or petroleum-related industries.

In addition to listings on Bradsby Group, following are a few more postings I found on the Internet to give you an idea of what's available at the time of this posting:

EnCana

Payout Accountant - Finance Business Services
Denver, CO

Duties and Responsibilities:
- Update and issue existing payout statements making sure that the statements are accurate and in compliance with the JOA or farm out agreement governing the payout statement and the revenue and expenses reflect 8/8’s amounts.
- Research new payout request; review JOA or farm out agreement, review AFE, accumulate well costs, accumulate revenue and production information.
- Understand various partner sensitivities and legal issues in regards to payouts.
- Analyze and review statements with AFE and state production information.
- Ability to perform multiple tasks and meet contractual deadlines.
- Must communicate with various departments, e.g. landmen, engineers, and accounting.

Qualifications:
- Bachelors Degree in Business with an accounting emphasis.
- Minimum of 2 years oil and gas industry experience including revenue, joint interest billing and/or accounts payable.
-Excellent team player and ability to communicate effectively; works well with others.
- Analytical skills and ability to organize and set up projects as needed.
- Familiar with COPAS procedures, industry standards and JOA agreements.
- Aptitude and ability to learn integrated accounting systems; previous experience important.
- Strong skills with Excel spreadsheets.
- Excalibur and JDE experience helpful.
- Knowledge of Microsoft office suite of products.

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Eden Energy

Oil and Gas Assistant
Location: Denver, Colorado

MAJOR JOB RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACTIVITIES

OVERVIEW
Develop support systems that are consistent with the needs of the Accounting, Engineering, Land and Geologic Departments to ensure availability of accurate, timely information and to enhance the workflow of the Company. Continuously strive to develop efficient, new or improved, methods of providing assistance to the various department staff as well as other areas of the organization.Organize and maintain document filing system for Accounting, Engineering, Land and Geologic Departments concerned with the operation and maintenance of producing oil and gas properties.Provide efficient, professional and confidential administrative support to the Chief Operating Officer. At all times, maintain complete confidentiality of all knowledge relating to business activities.

ACCOUNTING
Provide technical and administrative support to accounting personnel relating to the timely and accurate compilation of financial statements and general ledger accounts. Prepare monthly plan to actual variance analysis and explanations in order to appraise operating results in terms of profitability and operating effectiveness of the organization.Assist with non-operated revenue and production accounting, as well as distribution and mailing of revenue and accounts payable checks. Obtain proof of insurance, W-9 and sales tax documents. Monitor cash call invoices and receipts. Review and code invoices. Perform weekly/monthly functions for revenue, JIB, GL and AP. Enter unique and recurring journal entries. Ensure integrity and accuracy of all accounting transactions, account analysis and account reconciliations to the general ledger.

ENGINEERING/LAND/GEOLOGY
Coordinate with Engineering, Land and Geology Departments to provide administrative support including setting up, maintaining and organizing well and lease files, preparing and filing sundries and governmental forms, tracking well proposals, contracts, lease data input, tracking well and workover proposals and post election deadlines. Coordinate with Engineering, Land and Geology Departments to summarize, track and prepare monthly production reports. Download data. Review, print, and file drilling and completion reports. Support vendors and contractors in procuring requested engineering, land or geological data.

GENERAL
Maintain professional working relationships with all employees, including officers, department staff and other company personnel, business associates, vendors, contractors, consultants and customers. Maintain open, honest and candid communications with department staff, which supports problem solving and decision-making processes. Communicate with supervisor regarding the status of work on a regular basis. Facilitate the use of technology regarding communications and information within the Company.

QUALIFICATIONS
Position requires a working knowledge in oil and gas operations and administration. Strong verbal and written communication skills are essential for interaction with internal departments, regulatory agencies, outside companies and other interest owners. High School diploma or equivalent, 2-year Associated Degree or post secondary education relating to the position is preferred, Administrative experience in the oil and gas industry with accounting, engineering, land or geology related background desirable. A strong working knowledge of accounting software packages (PetroWare 2000), Word, Excel and Access and is preferable. Successful candidate must demonstrate strong interpersonal skills, excellent oral and written communication skills, the ability to prioritize and organize work, exercise good judgment, manage multiple tasks/projects, respond to changing priorities, work independently as well as on a team and perform required tasks with accuracy and meet deadlines with close attention to detail.

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Black Hills Corporation

Senior Oil & Gas Accountant
Job Location: Golden, CO

PRIMARY FUNCTION:
Perform routine and special projects for the operation, management, and support of BHE&P activities in both lead and team roles. Extensive involvement with revenue, tax and regulatory reporting. Create and analyze reports of company activities. Provide technical Oil and Gas accounting support with particular focus on tax and regulatory compliance and reporting.

MAJOR JOB RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACTIVITIES

PLANNING:
- Assist in the development of Accounting related strategies for the company.
- With input from Controller and Internal audit, devise and plan partner audits on a reasonable basis.
- Coordinate responses to requests from outside parties.
- Review oil and gas accounting reporting practices and provide recommendations for corrections and improvements.

ORGANIZING:
- Accumulate, analyze and distribute operational accounting data as requested.
- With support from the legal and tax departments review and provide input for updates to the company's sales tax and business registration procedures.

CONTROLLING:
- Actively participate in processes to ensure compliance with federal & state regulations and company policies and procedures.
- Review and develop processes to ensure compliance with various contractual terms and conditions.

PRODUCING:
- Act as audit liaison for both internal and external parties.
- Analyze production tax incentives and review for application to BHE&P sales and production.
- Assist with accounting and reporting system enhancements.
- Participate in the preparation and filing of regulatory reports.
- Complete individual analytical processes in a satisfactory manner given abstract project guidelines.
- Perform various reconciliations and updates of schedules.
- Actively participate in the analysis of proposed projects and in the review of current projects.
- Various projects and reports as assigned.
- Work to meet the needs of the company's General Manager and various departments.

COMMUNICATION:
- Effectively create, interpret and communicate complex data to company, corporate, and external parties.
- Successfully communicate department, company and industry activity to corporate personnel and other departments.

Required Skills

KNOWLEDGE:
Thorough knowledge of Oil & Gas accounting principles, theories and concepts. The ability to work independently in a time constrained setting. Requirements include excellent oral and written communication skills and the ability to work in a dynamic team environment.

EDUCATION: Bachelor's Degree in Accounting or equivalent experience.

EXPERIENCE:
- Minimum of five years experience in accounting.
- Direct experience in oil and gas accounting issues required.
- Broad understanding of accounting principles, theories, and practices.
- Demonstrated ability to perform various tax, audit, and budget functions.
- Successful supervisory experience is preferred.
- The ability to lead projects and train staff when necessary.
- Extensive experience with spreadsheets, word processing, data bases and integrated accounting packages.
- Public Accounting experience is a plus.

GIS & Geospatial Technology

2008-08-09T18:04:00.005-06:00

Geospatial Technology is a field that uses Photogrammetry/ Remote Sensing, GIS (geographic information systems), and GPS (global positioning systems) to electronically display maps, buildings, natural features, and other topography.

Geo is an abbreviation for geography (a science that deals with the description of the physical, biological, and other features of the earth's surface). Spatial describes space (the space inside buildings, the space outside where energy is extracted, and even outerspace).
Geospatial technology also involves manipulating data and databases that make up these graphics to measure, analyze, and make decisions, such as: where best to drill an oil well, how far a wind farm is from major transmission lines--as well as the elevation of those lines, where best to place SCADA systems to transmit information back to the company, or make 3D models of a power plant before it's built (using CAD--Computer Aided Design). Even Landmen use GIS information in their jobs when researching landownership records.

Many commercial software programs are used to make GIS and GPS maps, and 3D CAD models. They include ArcView and AutoCAD among many other tools. If you've ever used a Garmin, TomTom, or Magellan, you've used a GPS. If you've used Google Earth, Google Maps or MapQuest, you've used a GIS. Even the City of Denver has its own GIS. To learn more information about GIS in general, visit ESRI's site.

Geospatial technologies are playing an ever increasing role in many industries, including energy. Conrad Stanley, GIS Program Director at Colorado Northwestern Community College, claims "there is a huge demand for GIS specialists". The educational partners in their GIS program include energy firms such as EnCana Oil, Shell, and Colorado Energy Research Institute.

Although O-Net intends to add Geospatial Information Systems Technician as a "new and emerging" occupation, it hasn't assigned a code to it yet. The comparable O-Net code used as a "related occupation" is Cartographers and Photogrammetrists, O-Net code #17-1021.00. This occupation's projected growth (from 2006 to 2016) is faster than average, with a projected need of 6,000 additional employees in the coming years. CareerInfonet claims the median wage in Colorado (in 2006) for this occupation was $57,800.

There are apprenticeships available in Colorado for these occupations, and not surprisingly, all of them are in the energy industry. To find these Geospatial Technology registered apprenticeships in Colorado, go to the bottom of this CareerVoyages website, and pick Colorado under the "Select a State" drop-down list.

Jobs, internships, and more information are also available on http://www.giwis.org/. You can also look at my lists of company websites and check their career sites for job postings: extraction-jobs or green-jobs.

Following is information extracted from job postings I found on ConnectingColorado (CC) and other sites on the Internet. They are intended to give you a general idea of what's available and what skills are required for jobs (and internships) in the energy industry that are posted at the time this article was written.

ConnectingColorado (Job Order #CO5285027)

Note: to see other job orders in CC that require/prefer GIS skills, use the keyword search field (for the staff version of CC, use the "Skill" or "Comm/Note" fields) and enter terms such as "GIS" or "autocad".

MAPPING DESIGNER, Broomfield, CO

REQUIREMENTS:
• Must be able to create, read, and understand pipeline alignment sheets permit and plot drawings using manual/electronic survey data.
• Working knowledge of GIS including map projections and coordinate systems
• Working knowledge of basic pipeline construction and field operations
• minimum of 3 years pipeline alignment mapping experience
• Minimum of 2 years GIS experience using ESRI GIS products
• AutoCAD Land Desktop experience is required

PREFERRED:
• no formal education or degree is required, but it is a plus
• experience in creating DOT sheets and FERC alignments a plus.
• pipeview or other GIS products is a plus
• experience with USGS Quad Maps (AutoCAD 2006) or Aerial Design is a plus
• Blue Sky experience is a plus

DUTIES:
Qualified candidate will be responsible for the following:
- Mapping of natural and liquid gas pipelines
- Alignment drawings and suggested reroutes
- Survey data/topography (must put into final blueprints/construction
documents)

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EnCana

GIS Developer/Analyst, Denver, CO

Duties and Responsibilities:
This position is responsible for assisting the Lead GIS Developer in developing GIS applications to support the Technical Business Solutions enterprise GIS deployment with an emphasis on programming and systems integration.
- Responsible for developing applications in a Microsoft .NET GIS platform for desktop, web and mobile environments.
- Create and document functional requirements for application toolsets.
- Maintain and update custom applications.
- Develop and implement data models to support database development

Qualifications:
- ESRI software suite
- At least two years of software development experience using the Microsoft .NET Framework via C#
- ESRI ArcObjects development
- Windows desktop development/Smart Client experience
- Windows Mobile development experience
- ASP.NET Development Experience
- JavaScript Development Experience
- RDBMS experience in Oracle or SQL Server
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CH2M HILL Energy & Chemicals

Title: Environmental Specialist/Coordinator
Job Description: Environmental/Permitting Coordinator
Environmental/Permitting Coordinator for Oil & Gas related projects in Rocky Mountains and Southwest United States.
Office Location: Lakewood, CO
Business Group: ENERGY & CHEMICALS
Employment Type: Full Time

Position requires the following:
- Demonstrated ability to accurately research and obtain necessary permits to construct pipelines and related facilities that fall under multiple jurisdictions.
- Familiarity with NEPA, NPDES, Section 404, etc. regulations and regulatory agency (FERC, BLM, etc) permitting requirements.
- Demonstrated ability to prepare technical documents, construction plans, and reports including EA or EIS document preparation experience.
- Experience working with regulatory agency staff to develop successful permitting approaches and schedules and ability to coordinate.
- Ability to coordinate and manage specialty subcontractors or project team members for required permitting reports or studies.
- Experience with ensuring permit compliance requirements during active construction as an Environmental Inspector/Monitor.
- Experience or proficiency in an applicable resource specialty (i.e. reclamation, T&E species, and/or archaeology) is beneficial.
Computer literacy required with GIS database experience a plus.

No Degree Required, Certification Required
Travel Requirement 25%

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National Renewable Energy Laboratory

Posting Title: GIS, Geography, or Computer Science Undergraduate Intern
Location: Golden, CO
Position Type: Student RPP

Job/Research Summary:
A student internship is available in the National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s (NREL’s) Strategic Energy Analysis and Applications Center (SEAAC). NREL is the nation’s primary laboratory for research, development and deployment of renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies. The intern will be supporting work in the Energy Forecasting & Modeling Group.We have an immediate opening for a summer or year-long part-time student in our Golden, Colorado office. The position would be part-time (8 - 16 hours per week) during the school year and/or full time during the summer.

Job Duties:
The intern will prepare SEAAC renewable energy resource data sets for visualization using Google Earth, Microsoft Virtual Earth, and/or NASA WorldWind. This will involve collecting and geocoding resource information provided by SEAAC staff and organizing those data in structured formats suitable for analysis and visualization. Training in the use of geographic information systems, geospatial visualization systems, and relational and XML databases will be provided.

Minimum Qualifications:
Must be enrolled in a minimum 9 credit hours. Must be a US Citizen or US permanent resident. Minimum 3.0 GPA in the last completed semester.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS: (1) Experience using a geographic information system (GIS). (2) Familiarity with relational databases. (3) Experience with a programming or scripting language.

PREFERRED: (1) Familiarity with energy resource issues or databases. (2) Experience developing data sets for Google Earth, Microsoft Virtual Earth, or NASA WorldWind. (3) Experience using XML or KML.

Mining

2008-08-05T16:37:00.001-06:00

Mining is a critical activity in generating energy. Without it, we wouldn't have the many gadgets we use today that draw electricity, such as the computer or PDA you're using to read this blog, or the lights above you that make seeing it possible. Although this industry mines for a variety of minerals (such as gold, silver, limestone, marble and gypsum), this post will focus on the minerals used for energy: coal--which accounts for 72% of Colorado's electricity. BTW, energy is also derived from uranium and indirectly molybdenum--an agent for removing sulfur from crude oil.

The Colorado Mining Association (CMA) ranks Colorado 7th in the U.S for Coal Production and 4th in Underground Coal Mining. Their website also contains a map showing where the mines are located in Colorado. CMA also claims that the 13,800 mining jobs (5,100 direct jobs and 8,700 in mining support industries) in Colorado earn top wages: Colorado Coal Miners make an average of $93,598, compared to $42,931 for the average Colorado industrial worker. For a comprehensive description of the industry, refer to the Bureau of Labor Statistic's (BLS) Mining Industry career guide. The BLS also reports on workplace illnesses and injuries by industry sector. Their 2005 report shows Mining to have the lowest numbers of illness and injuries compared to all other industries, including construction.

I recently had the privilege of touring one of Colorado's surface coal mines, Trapper Mine, located in the remote area of Craig, Colorado (a 6-hour drive northwest of Denver, but only 50 miles from Vernal, Utah). I stress "remote" because it's important for jobseekers to know that there are few, if any, services in the immediate vicinity that cater to those accustomed to running to their local 24-hour grocery store to pick up groceries or to Village Inn for a late-night sundae. If you would miss the convenience and hustle & bustle of the busy city life, these jobs are not for you. In addition, and as Colorado natives know, the winters in Colorado are harsh. Many core occupations in the energy industry require you to work outdoors, whether it's in a blizzard 30 degrees below zero, or a scorching summer that's 125 above (or hotter if you work near equipment that emits heat). If you can't stand extreme temperatures, consider an alternate career indoors--which may require more education to make the same salary.

Housing is yet another issue to consider; it's scarce and expensive. Even though you may be able to afford a home on a miner's salary, you may have to live in temporary housing until you find a home that's suitable for you. If these are non-issues for you, and you're a hard worker willing to learn and like working with big yellow toys or explosives (or even land reclamation--for which Trapper has received numerous awards), there's a high-paying job waiting for you in mining!

Trapper Mine employs 174 people around the clock to supply coal to their neighboring powerplant, Tri-State G&T. The average wages for Trapper's mostly union employees is $26/hour (35 staff people are non-union). Jobs include those that are hard to fill: engineers, foreman, and managers; as well as entry level welders, truck drivers, heavy equipment operators, and mechanics (they hire many mechanics with AA degrees straight out of WyoTech). Entry level employees who work night shifts can promote to Monday through Friday "day jobs" which include Blast Helpers.

Trapper mines three pits (one of which is the first photo in this post), and operates three draglines. Draglines are huge excavating machines which move dirt from one pit, filling in the previous pit. Pictured below is their Molly Brown dragline.

To give you an idea of how enormous a dragline is, here are photos of all of us in just its bucket (the part that scoops up each dirtful), the Molly Brown next to a bulldozer, and a video of the Molly Brown in action.

Products from Oil

2008-07-27T15:12:00.001-06:00

Some people mistakenly assume oil is only used to fuel their cars, so I've compiled a list to demonstrate the vast variety of other products that are derived from oil. Recently, an oil & gas professional with 20 years of experience in the industry informed me that carbon capture was the primary goal, with only 8% of the oil extracted used for gasoline--the least profitable of all the other byproducts of extraction activities.

How many of these products do you use?

1) acetylsalicylic acid (active ingredient in many over-the-counter pain relievers)
2) adhesive and packing tape
3) adhesive in plywood
4) alkenes (olefins) manufactured into plastics or other compounds
5) ammonia
6) antifreeze
7) antihistamines
8) artificial turf
9) asphalt
10) backup fuel for power plants (in case the supply of natural gas is interrupted)
11) bandages
12) bases for paints
13) benzene
14) boats
15) bubble gum
16) butadiene
17) butane
18) candles
19) car battery cases
20) carpet
21) caulking
22) cleaning agents
23) cold cream
24) compact discs
25) computer cases
26) computer circuit boards
27) computer keyboards
28) computer mouse
29) construction & building materials
30) cosmetics
31) crayons
32) credit cards
33) deodorant
34) detergents
35) dishwashing soap
36) dyes
37) electrical insulation in buildings and computers
38) electricity
39) ethane
40) ethylene
41) explosives
42) eyeglasses
43) fan belts on engines
44) fertilizers
45) fishing lures
46) floor covering
47) floor wax
48) footballs, basketballs, soccer balls…
49) furniture and cabinet coverings (eg Formica)
50) gasoline
51) glycerin (in toothpaste)
52) golf balls
53) hand lotion
54) hardhats
55) heart valves
56) helium (produced from oil wells along with petroleum itself)
57) herbicides
58) industrial resins
59) ink (pens, newspapers, magazines)
60) insect repellant
61) iso-butylenes
62) jet fuel
63) kerosene (a heating fuel and diesel fuel for trucks, ships & industrial machinery)
64) lipstick
65) liquefied petroleum gases-LPGs (domestic heating/cooking, farming operations, alternative to gasoline for internal combustion engines)
66) lubricants (for moving parts in machinery, sewing needles, sliding doors, heavy loads, surgical medical equipment, reduce drag on surf boards)
67) medicinal tablet coatings
68) methanol
69) mosquito netting
70) motorcycle helmets
71) naphtha
72) nylon
73) paint
74) paint thinners
75) pantyhose
76) parachutes
77) paraffin (wax used in candy making, packaging, candles, and matches)
78) pesticides
79) petroleum coke (as raw material for carbon and graphite products such as pencils, furnace electrodes and liners, and the anodes used in the production of aluminum)
80) petroleum jelly (Vaseline)
81) photographic film
82) plastic bottles
83) polyester
84) propane
85) propylene
86) PVC pipes
87) rayon
88) records
89) refrigerants (used in household refrigerators and commercially)
90) roof coatings
91) roofing shingles
92) rope
93) rubber soled shoes
94) sealants
95) shampoo
96) shaving cream
97) shower curtains
98) soft contact lenses
99) solvents
100) styrofoam
101) sulfur (produced from oil wells along with petroleum itself)
102) tap handles
103) tar
104) tires
105) toilet seats
106) toluene
107) toothbrushes
108) trash bags and grocery bags
109) tubing (in medical hospitals for blood, fluids, etc.)
110) varnishes
111) video tapes
112) vitamin capsules
113) water repellant coatings
114) waxes (lining milk cartons)
115) wire insulation
116) xylene
117) the electricity, substances, and fuel required to produce and transport renewable products such as solar panels, wind turbines, blades and towers

and many more...

Landmen $63,000 - $92,000+ / year

2008-07-17T15:44:00.009-06:00

In the oil & gas industry, companies can't simply throw a dart at a map and say they want to drill at that point, gambling on whether they strike any oil (or gas). The same holds true for identifing the best location for, say, a wind farm or large solar array.

Once the companies' scientists and engineers (geologists, geophysicists, reservoir engineers, climatoligist, etc.) determine areas they believe have the most potential for extracting a resource (such as oil or wind), in many instances, the area happens to be on someone's personal property, on government land, on land owned by corporations, or a combination of the above.

In addition, getting trucks, crews, and equipment to that particular site means having to drive (or build roads) through many other land owners' (and mineral owners) properties. Transporting the oil or gas out of the drilling site also could mean laying pipeline, or connecting the transmission lines from wind turbines, across multiple properties.

That's where Landmen come in. As usual, companies have various titles for this position, including:
- land negotiator
- land professional
- lease analyst (not to be confused with a "lease operator", aka "Pumper"--which is a field job that operates wells and associated production facilities making $25-40/hr).

Although O-Net does not have a code for this specific title, the closest I've found is: 11-9141.00, "Property, Real Estate, and Community Association Managers".

Landmen research land ownership titles, find the owners and/or heirs of surface rights (and below-the-surface mineral rights) , and negotiate contracts, purchases and/or "oil & gas leases". Landmen are also responsible for keeping these land- and mineral-owners happy, so the firm can continue to have access to and extract the resource.

Western State College has a landman degree program and beginning summer 2009 Mesa State College will also have one. In addition, there are several landmen associations , some of which offer internships, classes, and networking opportunities:
- Denver Association of Petroleum Landmen
- Desk and Derrick Club of Denver
- American Association of Professional Landmen , and
- Landmen.org

Below are examples of job orders from ConnectingColorado.com, to give you a better sense of the requirements for these types of jobs. To see a list of the Colorado businesses that employ landmen (using other respective titles), check out my list of their websites at http://delicious.com/TLynnSargent/extraction-jobs or http://delicious.com/TLynnSargent/green-jobs

"Landman", $63,444-77,196/yr - Job Order #CO5289244:

Two years experience and college degree required. Responsible for complex activities involved in carrying out the activities of the Land Department.

-------

"Lease Analyst", $71,024/year - Job Order #CO5277734:

Analyzes and interprets provisions of various leases, deeds, rights of way, mineral records and agreements involving company assets for assigned areas in order to facilitate the distribution of proceeds from oil and gas sales and collection of well expenses. Maintains ownership records of
producing properties in assigned area. Analyzes legal changes that impact minerals and operations and incorporates those changes into work process.

Detailed Description: Determines working interests and burdens associated with interests based on title analysis of deeds, assignments, purchase & sale agreements, probate documents, leases and royalty agreements,
· Drafts summary analysis of chain of title based upon reviews
· Analyzes division order title opinions and all associated documents
· Processes all probate information and transfer documents from interest owners in order to maintain a correct division of interest
· Maintains and corrects divisions of interest when payouts and recompletions occur
· Acts as liaison to Accounting, Marketing and Operating departments when necessary to respond to interest owner inquiries
· Updates system on Final Reports, Sundry Notices, Disposition Letters, and 1st Pay Notices
· Prepares AFE billing forms and provides to other departments
· Oversees duties performed by Clerks and assists in their training

Job Requirements
· High School Diploma or equivalent and six or more years lease records/division orders experience or Bachelors degree and two or more years related experience
· Advanced knowledge of LAND operations and administrative process in oil and gas industry
· Advanced computer and software skills
· Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

------

"Land Negotiator", $92,058/year - Job Order #CO5280857:

Job Description:
Journey level position (5 years experience required). Is fully competent in standard deals, agreements, tasks and procedures. Under general supervision, able to handle most aspects of general land work. Assists in developing recommendations for more complex issues. Assists in managing company's position regarding land (mineral, leasehold and surface) matters, including maintaining critical obligations and dates and coordinating with internal engineers, geo-scientists, and regulatory personnel, for all prospects in specific region. Negotiates and writes contracts for exploration and development. Supervises lease brokers that acquire leasehold interests for the company. Represents company in state and/or federal proceedings relating to spacing units or bidding for leases. Responds to inquiries from lessors, royalty owners, surface owners, working interest owners, and employees from other departments within the company.

Detailed Description:
· Obtains surface usage and right of way agreements for operations
· Negotiates and writes agreements for exploration and development projects
· Researches and obtains land titles for drilling operations
· Liaisons with attorneys on land issues that require litigation
· Provides customer relation services to landowners and working interest partners
· Handles problems with various county, state and municipal governments
· Keeps current on regulations and industry changes that may impact the company

Job Requirements:
· Bachelor’s degree in Business, PLM/Energy management degree or equivalent or JD degree and five years of negotiator experience or equivalency
· Knowledge of state and federal title requirements
· Knowledge of land deals (farmins/farmouts, carried interests, non-consents, etc.) and ability to calculate before and After Payout Working Interests and Net Revenue Interests.
· Communication (verbal and written) and negotiation skills
· Decision-Making Authority/Knowledge
· Responsible for leasing prospects, title curative requirements, and title approval for drilling purposes.

Additional Details:
Normal office environment. May include some field travel.

Schools & other training providers

2008-07-15T22:26:00.076-06:00

Here's a list I created and maintain that lists all of the energy-related training providers I've learned about. Use the search box on the right to search for a specific types of training such as 'lineman' or 'engineer'.

Some of these schools are eligible to receive tuition reimbursement under the federal WIA (Workforce Investment Act) for eligible jobseekers. To learn whether the programs are WIA eligible, look them up on this website--click on "Education" along the top to search for the program that interests you. To find out if you, as a jobseeker, are eligible for the WIA program, visit your local workforce center and speak with an advisor. If you're a training provider and would like to submit your program for consideration to receive WIA training funding, go to this website, and "download the instructions".

In addition, there are many apprenticeship programs available at energy companies (they pay you while they train you). See my apprenticeships post for more information.

COLORADO TRAINING PROVIDERS:

Aims Community College, Greeley, CO: welding, electrical wiring, automotive tech, construction management, OSHA, CAD, chemistry, ESL, see also: the MIST program below under MISCELLANEOUS PROGRAMS
Alameda High School, Lakewood, CO: Introduction to Process Technology
Arapahoe Community College, Littleton, CO: geology, construction supv, solar installation
Bowman Voc-Tech, Thornton, CO
Colorado Mountain College, Leadville/Steamboat/virtual, CO: apprenticeships, engineering, process tech, petroleum technology, natural resource mgmt, Industrial Instrumentation Control Technician, engineering...
Colorado Northwestern Community College, Rangley & Craig, CO: GIS, industrial electrician, mine training, powerplant tech, civil engineering, construction tech, energy & facilities mgmt tech, natural resource mgmt, process tech oil & gas
Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO: engineering, mining, geology, chemistry…
Colorado State University, Ft. Collins, CO: engineering, natural sciences, natural resources, SEAL at Colorado State University-research in solar thermal, building analysis, and HVAC systems, Green Buildings Certificate, Green Homes Certificate
Community College of Aurora, Aurora, CO: biotech, diesel power mechanic, ctr for workforce dev; and has Association of Applied Science articulation agreement with Regis University (making for a much more affordable CIS/BTM bachelor's degree); also, in response to industry demand, is developing a solar photovoltaic training program
Community College of Denver, Denver, CO: welding, Machine and CNC Tool Operator, science, chemistry, ESL, geology; CCD has begun a partnership with EGOS and iCAST to explore developing programming related to the new energy economy. This may include pre-apprentice programming as well as energy-related electives for an associate degree. Programming will likely be implemented in Summer or Fall of 2009.
Community College of Denver - Performance Solutions: Health/Safety/OSHA Training Online Courses; they also help administer the Colorado First and Existing Industry state training grants for employers.
Construction Industry Training Council of Colorado, Inc., Denver, CO: apprenticeship & training in carpentry, electrical, pipefitting, plumbing, & sheetmetal programs.
Delta-Montrose Technical College, Delta, CO: via collaborative partnership with Western Region Workforce Centers provide training in the following areas: Auto & Diesel Mechanic, OHSA, MSHA, Mining Tech, Long Wall Mining
Emily Griffith Opportunity School (EGOS), Denver, CO: customized training, GIS, real estate appraiser, Electrical Line Worker (lineman), Electrician, Iron Worker, Operating Engineer, Pipefitter, Plumber, Sheet Metal Worker, Automotive Technician, Heating/Ventilation/Air Conditioning (HVAC), Welding
Front Range Community College, Westminster, CO: construction tech, welding, CAD, HVAC, OSHA, oil & gas equipment operator, Clean Energy Technology, (see also "Energy BOOST" under Miscellaneous Programs below)...
Heavy Equipment Training Academy, Julesburg, CO
Independent Electrical Contractors, Rocky Mountain Chapter, Denver, CO
International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers / Denver Joint Electrical Apprenticeship and Training Committee, Denver, CO: electrical (inside and outside linemen) & IBEW Renewable Energy Industry Program, solar installation, Voice Data Video Telecommunications
Lamar Community College/Red Rocks Community College/Warren Technical-Collaborative: to design an 11-14 (high school to post-secondary pathway) windsmith program that prepares students to work as electrical and mechanical apprentice interns for Wazee and other national wind turbine maintenance firms upon high school graduation while completing their Associate of Applied Science degree in Wind Energy.
Mesa County Energy Workforce Training Center, Grand Junction, CO: Energy extraction site truck driver, construction & heavy equipment operations, oil & gas rig hand training; NOTE: training center is not yet open, but near completion
Mesa State / Western State Community College, Grand Junction, CO: construction tech, bioscience, electric line worker/lineman (Mesa Hotline School), energy mgmt, mfg tech, geology, phys sciences, process tech, watershed science, landman/energy management
Metropolitan State College, Denver, CO: chemistry, engineering
Morgan Community College, Ft. Morgan, CO: automotive, construction, welding
Northeastern Jr College, Sterling, CO: biotech, chemistry, pre-engineering, bioagriculture, diesel tech, and developing a renewable energy (wind) program
Pickens Tech, Aurora, CO: automotive/diesel, welding, construction & dev, pre-engineering
Pikes Peak Community College, Colorado Springs, CO: construction tech, automotive, biosciences, machining tech, physics, pre-engineering, welding
Pipefitters Local 208, Denver, CO: pipefitting, welding, HVAC…
Pueblo Community College, Pueblo, CO: auto, engineering tech, industrial electronics, machining tech, welding; and currently participating in the NSF/ATE MentorLinks grant which allows PCC to collaborate with the wind energy program at Laramie County Community College in Cheyenne, WY; also developing a training program to facilitate movement of workers from the steel mill industry to the Vestas tower plant.
Red Rocks Community College, Golden, CO: Industrial Science & Operations (including Process Technology Program), electrical, plumbing, and HVAC, Renewable Energy Technology (including solar certificates and degrees), Industrial Maintenance; Electrical, Mechanical; articulation agreement with Colorado School of Mines
San Juan Basin Technical College, Cortez, CO: via collaborative partnership with Western Region Workforce Centers provide training in the following areas: Diesel Mechanic, Heavy Equip. Operator, Welding, OHSA
Trinidad State Junior College, Trinidad, CO: EPIC scholarship program, heavy equipment operator, diesel/heavy equipment, welding, electrical & utility line technician (lineman)
University of Colorado at Boulder, Boulder, CO: CU Environmental Center
University of Colorado at Denver - GEM, Denver, CO: Global Energy Management graduate program
University of Colorado at Denver, Denver, CO: undergrad O&G Accounting
University of Colorado at Denver - Sustainability Program, Denver, CO: Sustainability, Interdisciplinary Signature Area; IGERT: inter-disciplinary graduate program on sustainable urban infrastructure
University of Denver, Denver, CO: engineering, science...
Warren-Tech, Lakewood, CO: construction tech, biotech, power equipment, welding…
Western Colorado Community College, Grand Jct, CO: process tech, welding, electrical lineworker (lineman), construction tech, machining, drafting/CAD...
Western State College, Gunnison, CO: geology, chemistry, environmental studies, geology, physics, landman...

COLORADO LISTS OF SCHOOLS:

Colorado Private Occupational Schools (includes truck "Driving" schools)
2-Year Community Colleges
Technical Colleges/Vocational Schools

MISCELLANEOUS PROGRAMS:

Adams 50 School District - School to Work Alliance Program (SWAP), Westminster, CO
Adams County Workforce WIRED solar training program: Currently being developed; training will be delivered through proctored computer-based training. It will include modules for both solar manufacturing and solar installation. The initial opportunities for this training will begin in January and be available through Adams & Boulder Co only.
Advanced Technology Environmental and Energy Center (ATEEC): a national center that promotes and supports environmental and energy technology education to address the needs of the national and global workforce - also maintains an online listing of environmental and energy technology programs in the nation's two-year colleges
Alliance for Sustainable Colorado, Denver, CO: university research and collaborative activities, capacity building workshops, sustainable Colorado lunch series, Alliance for Sustainable Colorado speaker series, building tours...
American Petroleum Institute Classroom Energy and Certificate Programs: API Monogram Program, APIQR, Individual Certification Programs (ICP), Perforator Registration, Engine Oil Licensing and Certification System (EOLCS), and API Training Provider Certification Program (TPCP).
Arrupe Jesuit High School, Denver, CO: Corporate Work Study program
Associated General Contractors of CO, Denver, CO: OSHA courses
Basic Employment Skills Training (BEST)-Work Exchange Pilot Program, Denver, CO: CAD training for & work done by homeless people; BEST aims to partner with AEC (Architecture/Engineering/Construction), and other technical companies, who can post non-critical work to the work center
Bentley, US: on-demand e-learning: GIS/geospatial software solutions architectural, engineering, construction (AEC), and geospatial software needs of subscribers, providing building, plant, civil, and geospatial solutions and supporting a managed environment for their AEC and geospatial IT
BETR Project, Colo Spgs, CO: business and education partnership, primary objective and vision was to promote ways to address the workforce problems that business has had with the quality of applicants for employment openings in Southeastern Colorado. The Business and Education Talent Readiness Project (BETR) was formed. Tuesday tours of businesses for teachers & students...
Career Education Center, Denver, CO
Collbran Job Corps Center, Collbran (Gr. Jct), CO: Career Technical Training: Business Technology, Carpentry, Cement Masonry, CISCO Networking Academy, Facilities Maintenance, Welding
Colorado MESA, CO: organization under the Colorado Minority Engineering Association (CMEA) Our Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA) program is designed to encourage minority and female students to prepare themselves for a college education and to major in mathematics, engineering or science
Colorado Mining Association (CMA), CO
Colorado Solar Energy Industries Association (CoSeia), Carbondale, CO: Solar certification and training guides.
httpCRC - WorkKeys - Applied Technology module, CO: tests to assess your math skills, mechanical aptitude, and other skills, administered by many Colorado workforce centers
Denver Parks First Tee Program, Denver, CO: teaches children math while learning golf
Denver Public Schools Business Partnerships, Denver, CO: mentorship opportunities, industry presentations
Denver School of Science & Technology, Denver, CO: curriculum designed to challenge students & prepare them attend and succeed in a 4-year college; strong liberal arts curriculum w/ emphasis on the sciences...develop key skills in math, science, reading, writing, critical thinking and technology...math, biology, and other advanced science electives (physics, chemistry, biotechnology) during the 11th and 12th grade years
Employment Services of Weld County & Aims Community College, Greeley, CO: Multi Industry Systems Technician (MIST) program. The MIST Prep Academy will assist individuals in improving their math, reading and English skills and prepare them for either entry level jobs in the energy field or to enter into the certification programs under the MIST Program. Examples of courses for the MIST I and MIST II certificate levels include: Technical Mathematics, Introduction to PC Applications, Business Ethics, Technical Writing or Business Communications and Report Writing, Blue Print Reading, Process Technology, Basics of AC/DC Electricity, Instrumentation, and more.
ENERGY BOOST: Basic Training for the Energy Industry, Front Range Community College - Larimer Campus, Fort Collins, CO: Those who successfully complete this 80-hour program are guaranteed an interview at an exclusive job fair with the area's top energy companies, including Vestas Blades, Platte River Power Authority, Woodward, Solix and others. Production worker and technician positions starting at $30,000 per year.
EnergyU: "the most comprehensive e-learning portal for the Energy Industry...home to over 600 energy companies and nearly 20,000 employees nationwide."
English as a Second Language (ESL): various providers (in addition to ESL courses available at Denver's DIA Workforce Center); additional list also available on Denver's Office of Community Support website.
Environmental Safety, Aurora, CO: haz mat/abatement training (WIA approved)
Environmental Defense Fund Climate Corp: Together with our partner, Net Impact, EDF embeds trained MBA students who identify energy efficiency improvements that can cut costs and reduce emissions
Geothermal.org geothermal heat pump consortium training nationwide
Gobbell Hays, Denver, CO: haz mat/abatement training (WIA approved)
Goodwill Energy Workforce Program: Students recently participated in a week-long renewable energy training program, facilitated by Al Wallace with Energy Environmental Corporation. Students explored the properties of renewable energy and new sustainable technologies in wind, solar, earth and water by working with their hands, using state-of-the-art equipment and hearing from local industry experts.
International Center for Appropriate and Sustainable Technology (iCast), Lakewood, CO: Energy auditing training, solar thermal installation, insulation and air sealing, Air Conditioning installation.
Institute for a Built Environment (CSU), Ft. Collins & Ext. ofcs in Denver & Colo Spgs, CO: interdisciplinary research institute that engages faculty and industry partners in healthy and sustainable building issues, including LEED accreditation training & exam prep
International Association of Drilling Contractors (IADC): "High quality training that meets international, industry standards is the goal of IADC accreditation programs."
MiCasa Women in Construction , Denver, CO: construction, CDL-B, pre-apprenticeship program (includes a one-week Introduction to Construction course and five weeks of Pre-Apprenticeship construction training, including two weeks of theory and practical installation of solar, thermal and wind energy technology. Further training for weatherization and historic restoration is under development. The program begins in February 2009.)
Mile High Youth Corps, Denver, CO: energy conservation & retrofit projects; several conservation learning programs including a residential energy auditing and weatherization program. Youth learn to assess a home for energy and water inefficiencies and then install things such as low-flow toilets & showerheads, CFLs and weather stripping. Also in partnership with the Denver Housing Authority, youth learn green building techniques and skills.
National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Golden, CO: varoius K-12, Internship/Graduate, and Teacher programs on energy efficiency and renewable energy (solar, geothermal, wind, hydrogen, etc)
OSHA, Denver, CO: hosts a number of inexpensive training programs (also in Spanish), Compliance Assistance: Hispanic Employers and Workers
PetroSkills: sessions on topics spanning the industry, from Exploration & Production to Surface Facilities, HSE, and Petroleum Business
Practical GeoExchange Solutions: geothermal system design
Project Learning Tree: an award winning, multi-disciplinary environmental education program for educators and students in PreK-grade 12. PLT, a program of the American Forest Foundation, is one of the most widely used environmental education programs in the United States and abroad. PLT continues to set the standard for environmental education excellence.
REScheck Online Training: covers the basics of complying with the 2000 International Energy Conservation Code using REScheck. Audience: Building energy code officials, designers, engineers, builders, and anyone else involved in demonstrating energy code compliance for a residential building
Residential Energy Efficiency Network (RESNET), aka E-Star Home Energy Rating System (HERS), Berthoud, CO: E-Star is a Home Energy Rating System (HERS) program that is certified by a nationwide program called the Residential Energy Efficiency Network (RESNET).
Solar Energy International, Carbondale, CO: Solar Electricity (PV), Wind Power, Micro-hydro, Sustainable Home Design & Natural House Building, Solar Thermal, Renewable Fuels, Rural Development, Women's Only, For Educators, Online courses.
Sunpower Inc, Denver, CO: home energy audits, energy efficiency, weatherization, insulation, furnace...
Sustainable Energy Education and Training (SEET), a project funded by a grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF Award No. DUE-0602633) and runs from October 1, 2006 through September 30, 2008. Provides professional development training for 50 upper level high school and community college technology instructors that focuses on the areas of energy efficiency and energy conservation and delivered through two ten-day intensive annual workshops at national laboratories
Turnabout, Inc., Denver, CO: prisoner reentry agency that focuses on employment, project provides training on "hard skills" such as Solar Panel Installation, Wind Power Installation and Equipment, OSHA certification, Industrial First Aid/C.P.R. certification, Commercial Drivers License (A & B) for the Energy sector.
WIRED: programs developed by local partnerships and funded by US DOL grants to train and place people in targeted industry jobs (including energy).

OUT OF STATE SCHOOLS:

American Association of Community Colleges
Austin Community College , Austin, TX: Solar Photovoltaic and Solar Thermal Power, Wind and Geothermal Power...
Bismarck State College, ND: contains some on-line courses that can be useful in studying/preparing for the Xcel Energy EEI Exams (POSS & MOSS): Specifically, the Industrial Aptitude Course is helpful in prepping for the EEI exam. The Orientation to the Electric Industry is good information to get an overview on this industry.
Brazosport Community College, Lake Jackson, TX: Chemical Tech, Computer Tech, Drafting, HVAC and Refrigeration Tech, Heavy Equipment Tech, Industrial & Commercial Construction, Industrial & Commercial Electricity, Industrial & Commercial Pipefitting, Instrumentation Tech, Machine Tech/Millwright, Safety, Health, & Environmental Mgmt, Welding...
Cloud County Community College, KS: Wind Energy Technology, physics, engineering...
College of Eastern Utah, UT: chemistry, engineering, geology, physics, apprentice electrician, auto tech, building construction, diesel eqpt tech, drafting & design, hydraulics, machine tool tech, mining, welding, process tech.
Columbia Gorge Community College, OR: Renewable Energy Technology
Community-Based Job Training Investment Center: projects awarded DOL training grants; sort by industry or state
Eastern Utah Western Energy Training Center, UT
Enform, CN
Essex County Vocational Technical School, NJ: Sustainable Energy Academy (Architectural design/drafting, carpentry, electrical maintenance & construction, welding, HVAC)
Fairbanks Pipeline Training Center, Fairbanks, Alaska
Hudson Valley Community College, Troy, NY: School of Engineering and Industrial Technologies, Introductory Photovoltaic (Solar) Electric Systems, The Center for Energy Efficiency and Building Science Offerings (New Wave in Contracting seminar, Envelope Professional, Building Analyst Training, Envelope Professional Training)
Iowa Lakes College, Estherville, IA: Wind Energy and Turbine Technology Program
Lake Region State College in Devils Lake, Devils Lake, ND: hopes to start a wind technician course in near future
Laramie County Community College, WY: chemistry, Diesel Technology, engineering, Associate of Applied Science in Wind Energy ...
Lousiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA: science, engineering (petroleum, biological, environmental...)
Marietta College, Marietta, OH: petroleum engineering, geology, biochemistry...
McMurray Training Center, WY: First Aid & CPR, Fall Protection, OHSA, Floorhand, IADC Rig Pass, Derrick Hand, Well Control, Heavy Equipment Operator, CDLA, CDLB, Carpentry; has online self-assessment/screening tool
Minnesota Center for Renewable Energy: Minnesota State University, MN: Mankato, Minnesota West Community and Technical College: College of Science, Engineering and Technology, Minnesota West Community and Technical College
Missouri University of Science & Technology, Rolla, MO: science, geological engineering (including mining, petroleum)...
Montana State University, College of Technology, MT: diesel mech, construction tech, drafting & design, HVAC-R, power plant tech, process tech, welding...
Morrisville State College, Morrisville, NY: science, engineering, drafting, natural resources, agriculture, Renewable Energy Training Center
Mountain States Line Constructors Joint Apprenticeship and Training Program, Midvale, UT: Outside Electrical Lineman apprenticeships
National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER), Gainesville, FL: not-for-profit education foundation created to develop industry-driven standardized craft training programs with portable credentials and help address the critical workforce shortage facing the construction industry.
New Mexico Junior College, Hobbs, NM: welding, drafting, chemistry, construction, nuclear technician, pre-engineering, industrial technology...
New Mexico Tech, Socorro, NM: science & engineering (including electrical, mineral, environmetal, petroleum & natural gas)...
North Carolina State University Solar Center, NC: clearinghouse for solar and other renewable energy programs, information, research, technical assistance, and training for the citizens
Northwest Energy Education Institute, OR: Renewable Energy Technician
Oklahoma University, OK
Pennsylvania State University, multiple campuses, PA: agricultural sciences, engineering...
Rice University - Ho uston, TX: Shell Center for Sustainability, engineering, science, environmental...
San Juan College, NM: building trades, diesel tech, drafting, welding, petroleum tech, construction, welding, industrial mech, rig operations, well control, natural gas compression, renewable energy, solar installation…
Texas A&M, College Station, TX: geosciences, engineering (petroleum, nuclear, industrial, ocean...)
Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX: engineering (including petroleum), science (including energy), Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources...
Uintah Basin Applied Technology College, UT: petroleum tech, truck driving, electrical apprenticeship, drafting, welding, diesel tech
University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS: engineering (chemical, petroleum, electrical, bio, environmental), science...
University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Lafayette, LA: science, engineering (chemical, electrical, petroleum...)
University of Missouri, MO: science, engineering (nuclear, petroleum, mining...)
University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK: College of Earth and Energy
University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA: science, engineering (civil, chemical, petroleum...)
University of Texas at Austin - Petroleum and Geosystems Engineering, TX
University of Texas - Petroleum Extension Service, TX
University of Texas – School of Law, TX: oil & gas law
University of Texas at Dallas The School of Management: Oil & Gas Financial Management
University of Tulsa, Tulsa, OK: engineering & natural sciences
University of Wisconsin-Madison, WI: engineering (including nuclear), GIS, chemistry...
University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY: School Energy Resources, science, engineering (including environmental, petroleum)...
Virginia Tech University, Blacksburg, VA: science, engineering, natural resources, School of Construction, 76 masters and 62 doctoral degrees through eight academic colleges...
Western Wyoming Community College, WY: various Technology & Industry
West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV: science, engineering (petroleum, natural gas, environmental...)
WyoTech, Laramie, WY (and CA, FL & PA): diesel mechanics, HVAC, plumbing & electrical
Williston State College, ND

I also maintain a list of various training programs, articles and information on my Delicious site:
- http://delicious.com/TLynnSargent/extraction-training
- http://delicious.com/TLynnSargent/green-training

Foreign Degrees

2008-07-13T12:25:00.000-06:00

I'm often asked by recent immigrants whether the engineering degrees they acquired overseas could apply toward engineering degree requirements for jobs in Colorado's energy industry. I found the following answer from the Colorado State Department of Regulatory Agencies, PE (Professional Engineer) licensing information

Licensing FAQs:

Q: Does Colorado recognize the Washington Accord Agreement for foreign degrees?

A: Applicants who graduated from universities in countries that are Washington Accord signatories are no longer exempted from the evaluation requirements for foreign degrees and the Washington Accord status is no longer recognized by the Board as of February 10, 2006. The exception is any degree accredited by the Canadian Accreditation Board (CAB). All other foreign degrees are required to be evaluated by ECEI (for degrees evaluated prior to October 30, 2006) and by either AACRAO - you need a course-by-course evaluation) or CPEES (for degrees reviewed on or after October 30, 2006) if the applicant wishes to have his/her education considered for credit in the application review process.

How to Land a Job in the Solar Industry

2008-07-11T10:10:00.002-06:00

(photo courtesy of SolSource)

I came across an article on Renewable Energy World's website written by Isabelle Christensen, PhD that I'd like to share. It's entitled How to Land a Job in the Solar Industry: Upstream vs. Downstream and is dated December 21, 2007.

Dr. Christensen writes, "A recently released report predicts that solar photovoltaic companies will see a continued steep increase in revenues from $15.6 billion last year to $69.3 billion nine years from now. Estimates from other analysts and associations suggest that this is a conservative number and claim the increase in revenues generated will be even greater than anticipated. This dynamic growth and bright forecast make the solar industry one of the most attractive new sectors to employees. As a result, more and more people are looking for a job in the solar industry.

With booming consumer interest, strong public support in terms of legislation and incentives, and growing market demand worldwide, enormous opportunity exists for those who want to transition into the solar industry. Jobs at all levels are becoming available for a number of positions including installers, sales people, mechanical engineers, manufacturing personnel, R&D scientists and engineers, marketing and finance, and others..." [read the remainder of this article and others' comments about it at this link]

In her article, Dr. Christensen provides guidance on ways you can increase your chances of getting a solar job. Though in my opinion the best advice she provides, which applies to any job in any industry, is "...if you do not love a job, leave it so that someone else can enjoy it and succeed."

To search Colorado solar company websites for their job postings, visit the green-jobs tag on my Delicious site, then click on the "solar" tag to filter the list for solar results. The list can then be sorted alphabetically or chronologically (by the date I added the site to my site).

What are the jobs?

2008-07-04T09:52:00.003-06:00

As in any industry, there are core jobs specific to each industry. In the energy industry, these include the oil & gas jobs as well as renewable energy jobs (or "green" jobs) in Colorado. Examples of these core jobs are: roustabouts (laborers who work on oil rigs), petroleum engineers, solar panel installers, and wind turbine technicians, among many others.

Then there are all the other ancillary/support positions used in any industry, such as marketing manager, accountant, salesperson, customer service representative, and those in IT. All of these support positions are also considered oil & gas jobs or renewable energy jobs.

Both types of positions are critical to the operations of a company and all are used at one point or another throughout the life cycle of the business, product, and/or service. Generally, in newer technologies the scientists and engineers outnumber the support positions as they undergo research and development. As the product or service is developed, commercialized and matures, the numbers of support positions (such as those in sales, installation, bookkeeping) increase.

In order to try to measure, categorize and describe occupations, many government agencies use a national coding system called O-Net which grew out of an older SOC coding system. Currently there are 812 O-Net codes and new codes are added as new occupations emerge. In June 2008, 102 new job titles and descriptions are to be added to the database. These "new and emerging" codes include:

- Energy Auditor
- Energy Broker
- Renewable Energy Technician
- Geospatial Information Systems Technician
- Bioinformatics Scientist (Biotechnology)
- Bioinformatics Technician (Biotechnology)

Note: NREL is one of the businesses that employs bioinformatics scientists and technicians.

Using a variety of sources, I've compiled a list of nearly 200 existing O-Net codes below to give you a sense of just how many different types of occupations are employed in the energy industry. This list certainly is not exhaustive. There are many occupations in the energy industry (such as "Landmen") which do not yet have an O-Net code assigned.

In addition, companies often have company-specific titles, which may not exactly match an O-Net title --though if you search the skillset of the standardized O-Net, or refer to O-Net's Lay Title list, you'll likely find a similar title.

Some of these job titles can be found on other websites, such as :

- The Rockies Energy Workforce Collaborative contains various titles employed in the energy industry with a short description of each
- California's "Green Jobs Guidebook" contains job titles, pay information, career ladders, job descriptions, minimum qualifications, specific training & partnership programs and other useful information.

To see a summary report (which includes tasks, abilities, work context, wages, employment trends, and links to videos) for each occupation classified with an O-Net code, type the O-Net code or the title into the occupation quick search box at http://online.onetcenter.org/

Title, O-Net (the text in brackets [ ] are my notes)
Accountants - 13201101
Accountants and Auditors - 13201100
Agricultural and Food Science Technicians - 19401100
Agricultural Technicians - 19401101
Auditors - 13201102
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics - 49302300
Automotive Specialty Technicians - 49302302
Biochemists and Biophysicists - 19102100
Biological Technicians - 19402100
Boilermakers - 472011
Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks - 43303100
Calibration and Instrumentation Technicians - 17302302
Cashiers - 41201100
Chemical Engineers - 17204100
Chemical Technicians - 19403100
Chemists - 19203100
Civil Engineering Technicians - 17302200
Civil Engineers - 17205100
Computer and IT Managers - 11302100
Computer Hardware Engineers - 17206100
Computer Software Engineers, Applications - 15103100
Computer Software Engineers, Systems Software- 15103200
Computer Support Specialists - 151041
Computer Controlled Machine Tool Operators - 51401100
Conservation Scientists - 19103100
Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door - 499012
Crushing, Grinding, and Polishing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders - 519021
Customer Service Representatives - 43405100
Cutting/Punching/Press Machine Setters/Operators/Tenders - 51403100
Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas - 47501100
Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters/Operators/Tenders - 51403200
Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas - 47502100
Electric Meter Installers and Repairers - 49901201
Electric Motor and Switch Assemblers and Repairers - 49209202
Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers - 49209200
Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technicians - 17302300
Electrical and Electronic Equipment Assemblers - 51202200
Electrical and Electronic Inspectors and Testers - 51906104
Electrical and Electronics Drafters - 17301200
Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation - 49209300
Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial - 49209400
Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation - 49209500
Electrical Drafters - 17301202
Electrical Engineering Technicians - 17302303
Electrical Engineers - 17207100
Electrical Parts Reconditioners - 49209205
Electrical Power Line Installers and Repairers - 49905100
Electricians - 47211100
Electromechanical Equipment Assemblers - 51202300
ElectroMechanical Technicians - 17302400
Electronic Drafters - 17301201
Electronic Equipment Installers and Repairers, Motor Vehicles - 49209600
Electronic Masking System Operators - 51502209
Electronics Engineering Technicians - 17302301
Electronics Engineers, Except Computer - 17207200
Engine and Other Machine Assemblers - 512031
Engineering Managers - 11904100
Engineering Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other - 17302999
Engineers, All Other - 17219999
Environmental Engineering Technicians - 17302500
Environmental Engineers - 17208100
Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health - 19409100
Environmental Scientists and Specialists - 192041
Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators - 537032
Executive Secretaries and Administrative Assistants - 43601100
Financial Analysts - 13205100
Fire Prevention and Protection Engineers [SunCor has their own fire dept onsite] - 17211102
First Line Supervisors/Managers of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers - 471011
First Line Supervisors/Managers of Helpers, Laborers, and Material Movers, Hand - 531021
First Line Supervisors/Managers of Production/Operating - 511011
Food Science Technicians [biofuels] - 19401102
Food Scientists and Technologists, - 19101200
Forest and Conservation Technicians - 19409300
Gas Appliance Repairers - 49903102
Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators - 53707100
Gas Compressor Operators - 53707102
Gas Distribution Plant Operators - 51809202
Gas Plant Operators - 51809200
Gas Processing Plant Operators - 51809201
Gas Pumping Station Operators - 53707101
Gaugers - 51809303
General and Operations Managers - 11102100
Geological and Petroleum Technicians - 19404100
Geological Data Technicians - 19404101
Geological Sample Test Technicians - 19404102
Geoscientists - 19204200
Graphic Designers - 27102400
Grinding/Lapping/Polishing/Buffing Machine Tool Operators - 51403300
Hazardous Materials Removal Workers [cleaning refinery/powerplant stacks] - 474041
Health and Safety Engineers, Except Mining Safety Engineers - 17211100
Helpers: Electricians - 473013
Helpers: Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers - 499098
Helpers: Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters - 473015
Helpers: Production Workers - 519198
Human Resource Specialists - 13107999
HVAC Mechanics and Installers - 49902100
Hydrologists - 192043
Industrial Engineering Technicians - 17302600
Industrial Engineers - 17211200
Industrial Machinery Mechanics - 499041
Industrial Production Managers - 11305100
Industrial Safety and Health Engineers - 17211101
Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators - 537051
Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers - 51906100
Insulation Workers [energy efficiency] - 472131
Janitors and Cleaners - 37201100
Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers - 537062
Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters/Operators/Tenders, -51403400
Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other - 19409999
Locomotive Engineers [transport coal by rail] - 53401100
Machinists - 51404100
Maintenance and Repair Workers - 49904200
Maintenance Workers, Machinery - 499043
Management Analysts - 13111100
Mapping Technicians - 17303102
Marine Engineers [off-shore derricks] - 17212101
Marine Engineers and Naval Architects - 17212100
Marketing Managers - 11202100
Materials Engineers - 17213100
Materials Scientists - 19203200
Mechanical Drafters - 17301300
Mechanical Engineering Technicians - 17302700
Mechanical Engineers - 17214100
Microbiologists - 19102200
Milling and Planing Machine Setters/Operators/Tenders - 51403500
Mining and Geological Engineers, Including Mining Safety Engine - 17215100
Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines - 49304200
Multiple Machine Tool Setters/Operators/Tenders - 51408100
Natural Science Managers - 11912100
Nuclear Engineers - 17216100
Nuclear Equipment Operation Technicians - 19405101
Nuclear Monitoring Technicians - 19405102
Nuclear Technicians - 19405100
Occupational Health and Safety Technicians - 29901200
Office Clerks, General - 43906100
Operating Engineers - 47207302
Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators - 47207300
Ordinary Seamen and Marine Oilers - 53501102
Petroleum Engineers - 17217100
Petroleum Pump System Operators - 51809301
Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gauger - 51809300
Petroleum Refinery and Control Panel Operators - 51809302
Physicists - 19201200
Pipelayers - 47215100
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters - 472152
Power Plant Operators - 51801300
Product Safety Engineers - 17211103
Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks - 43506100
Purchasing Agents - 13102300
Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers - 53401300
Refuse & Recycling Workers [biofuel] - 53708100
Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas - 47501200
Roustabouts, Oil and Gas - 47507100
Sailors and Marine Oilers -53501100
Sales Engineers - 41903100
Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing - 41401100
Security Guards - 33903200
Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders - 519012
Service Unit Operators, Oil, Gas, and Mining - 47501300
Sheet Metal Workers - 47221100
Ship Engineers - 53503100
Shipping, Receiving, and Traffic Clerks - 43507100
Soil and Plant Scientists - 19101300
Stationary Engineers - 51802102
Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators - 51802100
Stock Clerks - 43508100
Surveying and Mapping Technicians - 17303100
Surveying Technicians - 17303101
Surveyors - 171022
Team Assemblers - 51209200
Tool and Die Makers - 51411100
Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners - 51419400
Traffic Technicians - 53604100
Training and Development Specialists - 13107300
Truck Drivers - 53303200
Welders and Solderers - 51412106
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers - 51412100

Apprenticeships

2008-07-04T09:42:00.007-06:00

Earn while you learn!

What is an apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship is a paid training program that lasts 3-5 years (depending on the program, industry standards, & state licensing requirements). These apprenticeship training programs are created by companies, industry associations, and/or labor unions. Men and women students of these programs are called “apprentices” and work full-time while receiving paid on-the-job training. The average hourly wages paid during apprenticeships are $11-$17, including benefits.

Although much of the training occurs on-the-job, apprentices also attend classes two or three nights per week to learn additional skills such as math or reading blueprints. Upon successful completion of an apprenticeship, the apprentice becomes a “journeyman”. The average journeyman wage is $22-$30 per hour, and the skills you learn are transferable across many different industries.
How do I apply for an apprenticeship?
In most skilled-trade (construction) apprenticeships, you must be at least 18 years old (17 for carpentry), be physically able to perform the essential functions of the trade, have a high school diploma or GED, and have your own transportation (and driver’s license) so you can travel to and from various job sites.

Most apprenticeships do not charge tuition, but may require a fee to apply. The application and interview process is similar to applying and interviewing for a job. You should be well-prepared, bring all necessary paperwork, and be on time! See "What Does It Take To Become An Electrician?" below for an example of the paperwork, testing, and process required to apply for an electrical apprenticeship.

Where are the apprenticeships?
According to CareerVoyages.com, there are about 28,000 registered apprenticeship programs across U.S., with more than 468,000 apprentices currently obtaining the skills they need to succeed while earning the wages they need to build financial security. In Colorado, there are currently 97 registered apprenticeship sponsors (76 of which are in the Construction industry, 63 in Energy, 1 in Healthcare, 8 in Hospitality, 3 in Biotechnology, and 11 in Geospatial Technology).

To find a registered apprenticeship program in a high growth industry, visit this website: http://www.careervoyages.gov/apprenticeship-main.cfm, go to the box labeled “View Apprenticeships in Your Area”, enter your zip code or state, and click the “Go” button.

Embedded below is a YouTube video (geared toward high school students but has great info) and apprenticeship programs. Although the video discussed trades in Canada, the information is applicable to trades everywhere.

Sample of Colorado Construction Apprenticeship Programs:

Building Trade Apprenticeship Program / Address / Phone / Starting Wage / Journeyman Wage / Term (in yrs)

Note: wages listed may be renegotiated on July 1, 2008.

International Assoc. of Heat, Frost & Insulators / 140 Sheridan / 303.742.9010 / $16.05 / $27.03 / 4 yrs

Carpenters / 4290 Holly St. / 303.393.6060 / $13.50 / $22.50 / 4 yrs

Cement Mason / 4515 W. 41st Ave. / 303.455.0885 / $15.61 / $22.30 / 3 yrs

Electrician, Inside Commercial / 5610 Logan / 303.295.1903 / $14.17 / $28.91 / 4 yrs

Electrician, Residential / 5610 Logan / 303.295.1903 / $12.13 / $23.79 / 3 yrs

Electrician Voice Data Video / 5610 Logan / 303.295.1903 / $12.58 / $20.97 / 3 yrs

Glaziers / 2170 S. Lipan / 303.761.1324 / $16.89 / $25.35 / 3 yrs

Iron Workers / 3385 Walnut / 303.296.6626 / $14.70 / $21.00 / 3 yrs

Laborer's / 10505 Havana St. / 303.287.3116 / $11.48 / $14.35 / 2 yrs

Millwrights / 4290 Holly St. / 303.393.6060 / $12.75 / $25.49 / 4 yrs

Operating Engineers / 990 Kalamath / 303.623.8334 / $15.17 / $20.34 / 3 yrs

Pipefitters / 6350 Broadway / 303.428.6541 / $14.28 / $28.55 / 5 yrs

Plumbers / 17100 E. 32nd Pl. / 303.739.9100 / $16.91 / $31.62 / 5 yrs

Sheet Metal Workers / 1515 W. 47th Ave. / 720.855.0305 / $14.02 / $28.04/ 4 yrs

What Does It Take To Become An Electrician?
(source accessed on 6/13/08: http://www.djeatc68.com/

"First and foremost it takes hard work and discipline. Work ethic and work attitudes are both essential elements of becoming a successful electrician. During your apprenticeship you will be expected to maintain at least a 75% average in your course work while attending class two nights a week. You will be expected to attend every class session with a maximum of three absences allowed (per year). You must report to work every day on time and be ready to work. Also, you would need to have reliable transportation and be willing to commute or relocate if construction sites are in remote locations.

Being an electrician can be physically demanding. You would be expected to be on your feet for a lot of the day, manipulate heavy conduit, and to work in difficult places like on ladders or in small spaces. You could work in a variety of conditions, from outside, where you’re exposed to harsh weather, or in cramped places. Your work is potentially hazardous as well, as you would be exposed to electrical shocks, falling from scaffolding, or being cut with sharp tools. You would have to adhere to strict safety guidelines and be alert at all times.

With experience and expertise electricians can be eligible for advancement to positions of greater responsibility. They might become supervisors, managers, or superintendents. Some may even start their business as a contractor. Whatever your goals might be, remaining focused and disciplined is the key to making it work.

How To Apply:

PROGRAMS:
1. Inside Wireman, 5-year curriculum condensed into a 4-year program
2. Residential Wireman, 3-year program
3. Voice Data Video Telecommunications, 3-year program

ALL APPLICATIONS MUST BE COMPLETED IN PERSON: $20 to apply – credited back upon acceptance into the program. Open for applications Monday thru Friday 8:00am-11:00am and 1:00pm-4:00pm

REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION:
- must be at least 18 years of age
- two forms of I.D. (driver’s license, birth certificate, passport, etc.)
- college transcripts (if you attended)
- copy of DD214 (if you were in the military)
- official H.S. transcripts and High School Diploma or G.E.D. (only required when transcripts do not have a graduation date)
- one credit of algebra (required for the inside program only) - for those who cannot fulfill the algebra requirement, you may substitute the NJATC on-line Tech Math Class ($100)-- call the office for information on registration

After you apply and submit all of the required documentation, you will be scheduled for an aptitude test. The test is given the first Tuesday of every month. If you receive a qualifying score on the test, you will be scheduled for an interview with six members appointed by the committee. You will be notified of your exact interview date and time via mail. At the interview you will be scored by each member. The scores you receive will be compiled and you will be placed on a ranking list based on your average score. Names are taken from the ranking list when new apprentices are accepted into the program."

Xcel Energy Jobs

2008-07-02T08:55:00.002-06:00

Jobseekers looking for entry-level positions in the electrical generation industry could consider a couple of positions at Xcel Energy: Plant Specialist C (in the Energy Supply Department) and Utilityworker C (in the Utility Service Department).

These two entry level positions offer excellent opportunities for those with the right skills & competencies, positive work attitudes, and excellent work ethics, to learn new skills while receiving good pay (starting pay is about $17 per hour, plus benefits). To see a list of specific skills/competencies, work attitudes, and work ethics, refer to this pdf poster.

Here is some information about the Plant Specialist C, to give you a general idea of what this job entails:

Position Summary:
- Performs general housekeeping and custodial functions as assigned.
- Performs outdoor yard and grounds maintenance, including lawn care, weed control, general cleanup and trash removal, snow and ice removal etc.
- Stocks various cabinets, dispensers, etc with materials and supplies as required. Performs painting of plant facilities and equipment as assigned.
- Assists with general facility maintenance and operations as assigned.
- Actively participates in hands-on training, required classroom training, and computerbased training programs, as directed by plant management.

Environmental Exposure:
- Works in and around: energized and /or rotating equipment, confined spaces, heights, ladders and scaffolding, noise levels requiring hearing protection, presence of fumes and dust requiring use of respiratory protection.
- Floors are concrete.
- Outdoor work is often on natural mountain terrain, gravel, and wet uneven surfaces, with temperatures ranging from -20 to above 100 degrees F, and altitudes from 6000 to 11,200 feet above sea level.
- Work will include rotating shifts, weekends and holidays and requires overtime.

Minimum Requirements:
1) High school diploma or GED.
2) Must have successfully passed the Edison Electric Institute Power Plant Maintenance and Plant Operator selection exams or be a grandfathered employee.
3) Able to lift up to 50 pounds safely.
4) Must have valid driver’s license.
5) Actively participate in hands-on training, required classroom training and computer interactive training programs, as directed by plant management.
6) Work in inclement weather.
7) Respirator qualification.
8) Will be required to perform duties when necessary from scaffolds and catwalks in high and confined spaces.
9) Must be able to work overtime as required.
10) Applicant is required to successfully pass the Xcel Energy screening requirements, which include a drug test, security clearance and other exams that are required by federal regulations, such as OSHA and DOT, will be performed.
11) Selection criteria may include testing and/or assessment.

Career advancement opportunities are limitless for employees who prove themselves worthy. To see the career progression ladder for each of these positions, open this report from CAEL and go to pages 45 and 46.

You cannot apply for these position until you have successfully passed Xcel Energy's pre-employment tests. The tests are only open when there is a need. You need to monitor Xcel's employment website to determine if/when testing is open, then apply online to take the test. The tests are listed along with all of the other job notices and are called "PSCo Entry Level Power Plant Exam" and "Entry Level Field Ops Exam ".

After applying to take the test, be sure to check your e-mail inbox often (even your "junk" email folder) for a schedule confirmation and testing information.

These tests may be harder than you think! Very few people who take them pass them. Therefore it is HIGHLY recommended that you study in advance.

These tests assess your math ability, reading comprehension, critical thinking, and mechanical aptitude. Sample tests and study guide recommendations are available on Xcel Energy's website. Other methods of test preparation include free CRC-Applied Technology assessments that are similar to these pre-employment tests--and offer training software to help you with any questions you may have missed. Several workforce centers, including Denver's Training & Assessment Center at Speer, administer this free CRC-Applied Technology assessment.

Several weeks after taking the test, you will be notified (likely by e-mail again) of your scores. If you successfully pass the test, then you will need to monitor Xcel Energy's employment website to find out if/when the positions are available and apply online. Be sure to spell check your application, polish your resume, research Xcel Energy, and learn as much as you can about powerplants, to make the best impression possible!

If you don't pass these tests and have difficulty with the CRC-Applied Technology assessment, you may want to consider enrolling in courses to gain a better understanding of the knowledge and skills required to work in this industry. Red Rocks Community College is one of many educational institutions that offer training in Industrial Technology. Watch their 7-minute YouTube video below, or at this link:

Job links on Del.icio.us

2008-06-28T21:46:00.007-06:00

Del.icio.us is a software program that allows you to bookmark all of your favorite websites and share the list over the Internet.

In researching the energy industry for the past year, I've come across numerous companies' websites which I've been collecting and categorizing into various "tags" such as green-jobs, extraction-jobs, news, information, etc.

Some of the smaller, independent extraction companies near the oil & gas basins that serve as sub-contractors to the large energy firms frequently hire entry level field positions. However, they generally do not have their own websites. They mostly post jobs with their local workforce centers, in the paper, or use word of mouth/employee referrals. Many of them are listed in Don's Directory, which charges a fee for their hard copy and access to their online directory.

As you may already know, looking for work is a job in and of itself. This list merely does some of the research leg-work for you. Unless you're extremely lucky, brilliant, or know someone (networking is one of the best ways to look for work - many energy companies offer bonuses to their employees for referring qualified candidates), companies aren't going to be knocking down your door begging you to come to work for them.

In preparation for your job search:
- Be sure to have family or friends you trust, or a career advisor, critique your resume--one that reveals what you can do for the company (versus what you want the company to do for you)
- Write a cover letter tailored to the company to which you're applying, indicating how well you know the company based on the research you've conducted about them.
- Practice mock interviews and answer behavioral questions or those which may seem out of the ordinary (for example, "what was your greatest occupational ch allege and how did you deal with it?", or "if you were a geometric shape, which would you be and why?")

If you do make it to the interview phase, be sure to watch the videos (link below) in advance, be on time (or early), dress appropriately, and bring extra copies of your resume.

Here is a link to some very informative videos of interviews with oil & gas recruiters to help you in your energy job search, guide you in preparing for interviews, and provide resume advice: http://www.pennenergyjobs.com/video/

Below are a couple links to general videos about resume writing, preparation, and interviewing. Though the information contained in these videos may seem to be common sense, it's a great refresher if you haven't interviewed for a job in a while -- and don't forget to send a thank you note to those you've interviewed with! Here are the links:

- http://fordeop.com/v3/site/page72.html
- http://www.collegegrad.com/videos/

Wind Energy

2008-06-28T19:38:00.006-06:00

As you can see from this photo, wind energy has been around longer than you and I. As the price of oil continues to soar, more financial investment and research continues to be made in renewable sources, wind being only a fraction of the mix, which ultimately leads to more wind energy jobs. I ran across Lee Devlin's webblog which contains some interesting technical aspects of wind energy generation, for those of you with inquiring minds.

Colorado employers of wind energy include Xcel Energy, the nation's No. 1 wind power provider, having built Colorado's first commercial wind farm, the 30-megawatt Ponnequin Wind Farm in northern Colorado. In addition, Colorado recently welcomed Denmark-based Vestas Wind Systems to the city of Windsor in Weld County, Colorado. Businesses that also support these wind companies include Hexcel Hexcel (developer and manufacturer of carbon fiber and composite structures for wind blades).

The wind industry employs a plethora of different types of jobs. A long list of these jobs appear on the SOS staffing website (see post: Vestas is Hiring), and include positions in: finance, safety, HR, accounting, production, warehouse, welders, crane operators...)

(photo courtesy of Nick Hess)

One of the core jobs is a Wind Technician. For jobseekers who are mechanically inclined, prefer heights (up to 300 feet), can withstand inclement weather, and love to work outdoors, this may be their dream job.

Following are sections of job descriptions I extracted from GE and Vestas websites for wind technician positions (note: these descriptions for informational purposes only and do not imply a job offer or guarantee job availability at the time you read this blog):
(photo courtesy of Nick Hess)

Vestas
Power your life: Vestas offers you challenging, global career opportunities in cleantech. Our 23% market share makes us the world leader in modern energy. We have installed more than 35,000 wind turbines worldwide and we reduce CO2 emissions by more than 40 million tons per year. In 2008, our 16,178 employees will welcome 2,500 new colleagues. Care to join us?

Department: Customer Service

Responsibilities and Tasks: Vestas – American Wind Technology, Inc Position Profile

Job Title: Service Technician 1 Hourly/Salary: Hourly

Direct Supervisor Title: Site Supervisor Date: March 2007

Department: Service

GENERAL PURPOSE: Perform operational and maintenance work on wind turbine generators that includes preventative maintenance, troubleshooting, repairs and modifications.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
1. Troubleshoot and repair integrated systems.
2. Perform maintenance on turbine equipment.
3. Collect turbine data for research or analysis.
4. Report turbine conditions.
5. Complete reports and paperwork as required.
6. Travel as required to meet business needs.
7. Perform overtime as needed to meet business needs.

Qualifications and Work Experience:
- High school education or equivalent required, technical Associates degree preferred.
- Minimum of one year of hydraulic, electrical, or mechanical experience.
- Computer and software skills for data collection and reporting preferred.
- Valid driver’s license.
- Strong written and verbal English communication skills.
- Strong attention to detail and solid problem solving skills.
- Ability to work independently and unsupervised as well as in a team environment.
- Ability to climb ladders to heights of 60 to 100 meters several times a day and work in confined spaces with diverse environmental conditions.
- Ability to work in a safe manner and follow applicable safety standards and procedures.
- Ability to stand and walk for prolonged periods of time, climb stairs, lift/push/carry up to 75 pounds, pull up to 200 pounds, hearing ability to use close range radios, visual acuity including depth perception, field of vision and the ability to distinguish between colors, ability to stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl as needed, as well as hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity

What we offer: Vestas offers a competitive salary and one of the most comprehensive benefits plans in the industry, including fully paid healthcare premiums for the employee and all eligible dependents, four weeks accrued vacation year, five sick days per year and a generous 401(k) plan.

Closing Date: 30.06.2008

General Electric
GE is one of the world's leading wind turbine suppliers. With over 8,400 worldwide wind turbine installations comprising more than 11,300 MW of capacity, our knowledge and expertise spans more than two decades.With wind manufacturing and assembly facilities in Germany, Spain, China, Canada and the United States, our current product portfolio includes wind turbines with rated capacities ranging from 1.5 to 3.6 megawatts and support services ranging from development assistance to operation and maintenance.

Position: Wind Tech
Business Unit: GE Infrastructure, Energy
Function: Services
Location: Peetz, CO
Job #: 815493
Posted: Apr 15, 2008

Wind Tech Essential Functions (Responsibilities):
* Responsible for the operations, maintenance, and repair of wind turbine generators.
* Troubleshoots complicated mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical problems on variable pitch, variable speed turbines.
* Helps in all areas of site operations as directed by manager with minimal supervision.
* Performs all mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical component maintenance, repair or replacement of parts to correct malfunctions. Will perform some diagnostic electrical analysis.
* Must be able to document all work performed using computer based service reporting procedures.

Qualifications/Requirements:
* A.S. technical electrical/electronic degree or min 3+ years work experience in electrical/electronic repair industry.

Requirements:
* You must submit your application for employment through gecareers.com to be considered.
* You must be 18 years or older.
* You must be willing to take a drug test as part of the selection process.
* You must be willing to submit to a background investigation as part of the selection process.
* Valid drivers license and clean driving record history.
* You must have unrestricted authorization to work in the United States.
* Ability and willingness to handle repetitive weight - 50 lbs.
* Ability to climb towers up to 300 feet.
* Ability and willingness to work in all weather conditions.
* Ability and willingness to: read, and interpret technical manuals, procedures, and regulations; to write reports; to subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure.
* Ability and willingness to work in range of environments to include but not limited to industrial facilities, manufacturing facilities, and power industry facilities.
* Willingness and ability to take initiative, and work without direct supervision.
*Employee will be dispatch from service center.
*Employee shall be available for rotation shift schedules 24 hours seven days a week.
* No relocation will be provided.

Desired: Wind turbine experience.

Black Gold on TruTV

2008-06-28T17:42:00.000-06:00

As you may have seen, there's a new "reality" television series on TruTV called Black Gold (from the creator of Deadliest Catch) that depicts three Texas oil rigs and their crews racing one another to extract "black gold" (crude oil).

Based on the two episodes I've watched so far, I would recommend this show to anyone who has no idea about what a oilfield job entails. I would also suggest reading this website's message boards under "Discuss the Show", as they contain quite interesting feedback from individuals who claim to be seasoned in this industry.

Here's the link to the site, which includes "sneak peek" videos of each episode, photos, and a helpful glossary of oilfield slang (in the "All About Oil" section).

Flex Rigs

2008-06-28T14:38:00.000-06:00

Flex rigs are used to drill for natural gas. For this post, I'll highlight the Helmerich & Payne Flexrig 4 . These custom-built, automated rigs can quickly drill up to 22 wells from the same pad and can access resources 4,000 feet deep. The FlexRig is a prime example of the technology in America’s oil and natural gas industry used to reduce the impact of industry operations in environmentally-sensitive locations.

Williams Energy's FlexRig4 fact sheet contains the following information:

"We’ve worked with Tulsa, Okla.-based Helmerich & Payne to custom design the next generation of drilling rigs – FlexRig4. The rigs are faster, safer and cleaner. They enable us to drill more wells from a single location, allowing us to produce more natural gas from fewer locations and roads.

Technical Highlights
• Skid system allows rig movement in all directions – north, south, east and west
• The movement flexibility allows up to 22 wells to be drilled from single location without disassembling the rig
• Natural gas production can occur on the same pad where wells are being drilled and completed
• Drilling days per well are significantly reduced Safety Benefits
• Automated features improve safety of handling operations ("No-touch" pipe handling)
• Fewer rig moves reduce exposure of personnel to potential safety hazards
• Fewer workers are required per rig
• Driller controls rig in a protected, climate-controlled atmosphere

Environmental Benefits
• Number of well pads potentially reduced by 75 percent
• Fewer roads result in less vehicle traffic
• Consolidated operations reduce land use
• Surface reclamation occurs more quickly as a result of reduced drilling time
• AC electric rig is quieter, more fuel efficient"

To see this FlexRig 4 in action, watch this wmv video.

More information and specifications on other types of rigs can be found on RigZone.

Process Technology

2008-06-28T14:01:00.001-06:00

What do beer and gas have in common? In addition to what you might think, the correct answer is: they both use Process Technology (PTEK).

Process Technology is the process of converting raw materials (such as water & hops, or crude oil & chemicals) into end products (such as beer or gasoline). Process Technicians work on (and troubleshoot) the industrial equipment used in factories, refineries, and water treatment plants, monitoring the numerous pressure, volume and temperature controls and gauges on the equipment.

To gain a better understanding of PTEK, watch the videos about this occupation located along the left margin of this website: Pathways To Technology (note: the videos require a free QuickTime plugin)

Generally, an Associates degree is required to enter into these jobs which start at $40,000/year (+ benefits). Colorado schools that offer AA degrees in PTEK include:

- Colorado Mountain College, Rifle, CO
- Colorado Northwestern Community College, Rangely, CO
- Red Rocks Community College, Lakewood, CO

BTW: Red Rocks has access to PTEK scholarships for qualified candidates from their participating sponsors: Suncor Energy, Molson-Coors, Xcel Energy, Jacobs Engineering, BP America, Shell Exploration and Production, Metro Waste Water Reclamation District and Platte River Power Authority . In addition, Red Rocks has an artriculation agreement with Colorado School of Mines – eligible PTEK graduates are automatically accepted Mines to if they want to pursue advanced degrees.

Click on the video below to check out Red Rocks' YouTube video for an inside perspective of jobs and benefits in PTEK (make sure your speakers are on):

As with most industries, excellent PTEK candidates have the qualities listed in this .pdf poster from CapTech.

Now you know what else beer and gas have in common.

Online resources

2008-06-28T13:04:00.001-06:00

If you're serious about landing a job in the high-paying energy industry, I suggest you learn as much as you can about the industry. Following are some of the online resources I found helpful to learn about energy careers.

Discovering the oil & gas industry - for jobseekers transitioning from manufacturing jobs (on Ford's website)

Career Voyages - occupation videos

Career Voyages - occupations within multiple industries (shows transferable skills among various industries)

McMurray Training Center - online self-assessment/screening tool video

Process & Chemical Technology - videos (requires QuickTime plugin/download)

O-Net - Occupation Summary Reports (type "energy" in the Quick Search box)

Rockies Energy Workforce Collaborative

Get Into Energy - interactive

Renewable Technologies basics

e-Colorado.org - type "energy" in keyword search

Rocky Mountain Oil & Gas Career Toolkit (under "Important Links")

Solar Energy International

Green Energy Career Guide

In addition to the "Schools" post on this blog, I also have a plethora of websites I've saved to my Delicious website. I've categorized these websites with various Tags, such as:
extraction-jobs
extraction-information
green-jobs
green-training

ConnectingColorado.com

2008-06-28T12:42:00.001-06:00

Connecting Colorado (CC) is a free, statewide job bank (and internship bank) created and maintained by the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment.

CC is available to jobseekers and legitimate employers who meet the "employer-employee relationship" criteria (ie, jobs must be in Colorado or not require residents to relocate, must pay at least minimum wage--with the exception of internships--and do not require employees to be subcontractors.) All 70 or so workforce centers in the state of Colorado are mandated to use this jobbank to assist jobseekers with job referrals.

Jobseekers can perform energy job searches in this jobbank by using the Custom Search screen and entering keywords such as: energy, sustainable, oil, gas, solar, wind, etc. (Note: some results of this keyword search may include those jobs not related to energy, for example: the description indicates applicants must have "high energy")

Although jobseekers can perform a "quick search" to see the jobs listed, they must register as a "new jobseeker" to see details about the employer and how to apply.

Workforce center staff who are authorized to use the staff interface of this jobbank can search energy jobs by performing a job search with the "EI" code in the Class field, or use "energy" in the Comm/Note field.

Worms for Hire

2008-06-28T12:34:00.001-06:00

It’s not what you may think…

The energy industry certainly has unique terminology. Position titles such as worm, swamper, mudman, gangpusher, and floorman are just a few examples. In my quest to create a comprehensive career ladder/lattice diagram for the energy industry, I would like to share with you information I’m gathering along the way.

In the energy industry a "worm" is an unskilled manual laborer. You’ll not likely see this term as a job title in ConnectingColorado.com, rather, titles such as "floorhand", "roustabout" and "leadhand" are commonly substituted (but duties/titles may vary among different employers).

Worms are usually the lowest member of the drilling crew hierarchy, above a ginsel—a worm’s helper--and below a roustabout / leasehand. At some companies, such as Ensign Energy Services, the leasehand is the entry-level position.

Worms / leasehands are responsible for doing whatever needs to be done on the grounds around the oil & gas rigs. Duties include basic tasks such as cleaning, digging ditches, moving equipment/supplies, building fences, and mixing drilling “mud” (fluid mixture used to lubricate & equalize the pressure when drilling wells). Crews generally consist of 5-10 members and sometimes several crews will work on one rig.

As with most field positions in oil & gas, work hours on rigs are normally 12 hours on and 12 hours off continuously for two or three weeks, followed by an equal amount of rest period at home. The work is hard and physical, in all types of weather, are in remote areas, and employers have zero-tolerance for drug use (frequently using surprise hair or urine analyses).

Workers live closely together like a family, sleep together, eat together and have to trust each other—they must cooperate in a group, led by a team leader termed "gang pusher" (ConnectingColorado job order #CO5255994). Accommodations are generally provided by the employer, in local hotels/motels or in "man camps"--groups of mobile homes, many comfortably equipped with food, cable, and internet.

For more information about these types of positions and employer-specific qualifications, please refer to the following job order numbers on ConnectingColorado.com (note: if the job is no longer available, you may not be able to view any information). There's also some more information on my Halliburton Intern post

CO5252371, Roustabout $12/hr in Craig (3.5 hrs W. of Denver)
CO5258048, Floorhand $22/hr in Wray (3 hrs E. of Denver)
CO5241792, Floorhand $16+/hr in Grand Junction (4 hrs W. of Denver)
CO5260035, Roustabout $14+/hr in Meeker (3.5 hrs W. of Denver)

With the exception of jobs in local utility plants, on local transmission lines, and the like, most entry-level field/laborer positions in oil & gas are located 3-5 hours west, south, and east of Denver, and include positions such as:

- Water truck drivers (CDL required, some require haz mat and/or tanker endorsements, and some will consider employing ex-offenders)
- Fracturing Operator Trainees
- Pipeline helpers / apprentice pipefitters
- Apprentice electricians
- Apprentice welders
- Heavy equipment operators
- Yard drivers (transporting crews)

Now you know what a worm is.

Welcome!

2008-06-28T12:28:00.001-06:00

Thanks for visiting.

I've created this blog to help colleagues and jobseekers learn about what types of careers are available in the energy industry in Colorado (and to help me remember all the vast amounts of information I'm learning along the way).

Disclaimer: this blog contains many of my own opinions and does not represent those of my employer. I am not endorsing any of the companies, organizations, or associations mentioned, merely sharing what I learn.

I welcome and highly value your contributions and questions! Please check back often as posts are revised and added frequently.

Thanks again,
Lynn