Showing posts with label GIS. Show all posts
Showing posts with label GIS. Show all posts

Math

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...

GIS & Geospatial Technology

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.

Apprenticeships

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."