Tag Archives: stimulus jobs

We Need More Dam Engineers, Inspectors and Floodplain Managers.

I got your attention. Please read below.

Floods. Dam failures. Levee breaches. Most of us have seen their devastation in news reports and on television from Rhode Island, New Orleans, Minnesota, California and yes - Metro Atlanta. They have caused billions of dollars of damage and claimed hundreds of lives over the last few years.  The good news is some of the losses from these disasters can be curtailed by careful planning and well-built infrastructure. However the great challenge to dealing with the floods of the future is the declining number of engineers, scientists and technologists who design, build and inspect dams, levees and other storm water infrastructure.

Why are these positions such a challenge to fill? The general public is not fully aware that jobs like these exist. Let me share some information on these jobs.

  1. Dam Inspector: Many dams and levees are near the end of the usable lives or in need of major repair. These professionals check dams and levees for signs of wear and potential failure. The qualifications to become a inspector are straight forward. The individual must have at least a high school diploma, some construction experience and pass state qualification exams. See more information here

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  2. Floodplain Managers- Floodplain managers are government managers, engineers, scientists and public safety officials who engage in  floodplain management, flood hazard mitigation, the National Flood Insurance Program, and flood preparedness, warning and recovery. Their primary focus is to minimize loss of life and property through different means such as Wetlands restoration. For instance, the state of Louisiana is engaged in coastal wetlands restoration program which not only restores habitat for animals but also protects coastal cities from storm surge. There is a recognized certification program for Floodplain Managers (CFM).  

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  3. Geotechnical/Dam engineer: This specialized field of engineering blends civil, structural engineering and geology to design and build dams for water storage, power and flood control. They also investigate dam and levee failures like the one caused by Hurricane Katrina. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has projected that infrastructure related engineering professions will grow “much faster than average”  over the coming decade. Geotechnical engineering will become one of the sectors of the profession with the highest levels of demand.

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  4. Hydrologist/Water Quality modelers: These professionals study the behavior of water underground and in the soil plus the effects of pollution on water quality. Floods introduce pollution into the environment  and hydrologists ensure that water supplies are safe for the ecosystem and public use. This is another profession which will see accelerated growth over the next few years.  

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  5. Storm water Engineers: Storm Water engineers are civil engineers who design structures which control the flow of storm water run off from developed land into the environment. They have a role in designing your everyday storm sewer all the way up to mammoth underground storm water tunnels. Many large cities have multi-year, multi-billion dollar infrastructure programs underway (Atlanta has one) to separate their sanitary sewer from their storm sewer systems in an effort to stop the flow of untreated wastewater into the environment during regular storm events. 

What You Can Do.

These are just a few of the job opportunities available in the infrastructure job market. If you are interested in doing more research on these career fields, please click on one of the links in the article  and buy our new e-book  “Is it Worth The Green?” . Encourage someone today.

Further Reading

27 Areas of Potential Job Growth In the Green Economy

5 Critical Skills Needed to get an Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics Job in America

Smart-grid cybersecurity means new Green IT jobs

Information Security professionals (CISSP) will play an integral part in the green economy. Not only will they protect the SMART grid from the usual enemies of a network (viruses, worms and other malware) but they will also have a key role in national security. It is my hope that job seekers who have IT backgrounds would consider careers in the environmental and infrastructure industries. The companies in these markets may not get the glamour and hype as those Wall Street or  in Silicon Valley but they have a bright future and their work is vitally important to our way of life.

This article will encourage those who are seeking a new opportunities in green portion of  information technology.

Billions to be spent on smart-grid cybersecurity | Security – CNET News.

11 Hot Infrastructure Jobs You Can Get Without a 4 Year College Degree

Ok, Stephen. What’s up with this?

I am glad you asked. This article is intended to tell the public about some career fields they may have not considered. Why? These types of jobs do not normally require a college degree and have shortages of workers in good times. Further, the emphasis on LEED certified projects will make these jobs even more attractive to those who want get in on the ”ground floor” and work their way into construction management.  The stimulus related projects will also cause the need for these people to ramp up substantially. Don’t believe me?  Check out the facts.

Highway/Roadway Bridge Inspectors: Bridge Inspectors must have a keen understanding of construction codes and techniques to make sure bridges are structurally sound. They are also responsible for assessing the condition of these structures over time to make sure they receive proper maintenance and meet safety standards. Here is why this job will hot: 77,000 bridges in the US need extensive repairs or replacement. This not a typo or a manufactured statement. It is real. Check out the www.bls.gov stats here.

There are also other inspector jobs that are expected to grow as the “shovel ready” projects get underway:

  • Electrical Inspectors
  • Plumbing Inspectors
  • Public Works Inspectors

Civil and Environment Engineering Technicians: Civil and Environmental engineering technicians help engineers in the design and specification of infrastructure projects such as water treatment facilities and/or environmental remediation systems. Over the next three decades, the infrastructure of the United States will have to undergo a major overhaul. Some other titles which fall under this field are:

  • CADD Technician
  • Hazardous Waste Technician
  • Water/Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator

Surveyors and Mapping Technicians: If you have read some of my earlier articles, you have seen this occupation before. The positions in this industry are going to pickup as projects get underway. Further, surveyors are in short supply in many parts of the country. 

It is your turn: Is there a job in the Climate Change, Environmental or Infrastructure field  that peaks your interest? Ask us a question. Our job is not only help place professionals in jobs but to inform the public about these overlooked careers. If you are considering a green, environmental or infrastructure job with a certification, degree or training, check our e-book: Is It Worth The Green? before you invest.

Join Us At Mojito in Atlanta on February 18th

The Best of Hinton Human Capital Blog 2009

I promised my wife that Hinton Human Capital blog would have a great impact on my company and our lives. So far, we have been surprised by the amount of traffic; comments and great customers we have met. 

 As you know, economic recovery is not a speedy process but there are positive signs that things are changing. The whole premise of our articles and blog is to tell the public about jobs , certifications and licenses and job search strategy which will help position them for success. We honestly did not think there would be much interest in our topics but all of you have told us differently. Now we want to hear from you again. We want you to tell us how our articles have helped and informed you.

Here are our picks for 2009. Please give us yours.

  1.  The 7 Hottest Certfications for The 2010 Economy Recovery
  2. The 12 Certifications and Licenses You Will Need in the Green Economy
  3. 6 Things Green Company Hiring Managers Want to See on Your Resume (Green Economy Post)
  4. 9 Encouraging Things to Say to a Discouraged Jobseeker
  5. 27 Areas of Potential Job Growth in the Green Economy  
  6. Another Shade of Green: Top 5 Hot Financial Jobs in The Green Economy
  7. It’s Not Easy Being  Blue, Brown and Green

Need a resume that showcases your talents?  Not sure how to show your new green job training or degree on paper?

 Try Hinton Human Capital’s Resume Writing Services- We speak GREEN

The 7 Hottest Certifications For The 2010 Economic Recovery

Last year we talked about the “12 Certifications and Licenses You Will Need In The Green Economy“. In 2010, we are unveiling the 7 hottest certifications for the 2010 economic recovery. Here’s why: The flow of money from the stimulus package has been steadily building up and the deadline for some of federal agencies get their “shovel ready”money under contract is approaching. While there are some who disagree that stimulus package will have an effect on the overall unemployment statistics, it is a proven fact that infrastructure construction projects have a strong multiplier effect on the local economy and supplier chains by creating other jobs and economic flow. 

Certifications and licenses are an excellent way for job seekers to add to their experience and gain a competitive advantage in the job market without a major investment in a new college degree. However, we do want to emphasize that certifications and licenses do not guarantee a job. If you do not know which certification is right for you, check our new e-book: “Is It Worth The Green?”Here are the 7 certifications for 2010:

  1. CCE (Certified Cost Engineer): Every construction project has a price. Cost Engineers give building owners and construction professionals exact cost estimates of materials and staff for their projects. This field has huge shortage of people in the energy, commercial, healthcare and industrial sectors. It is highly recommended that a person has architecture, construction or engineering experience before pursuing this certification.
  2. CEM (Certified Energy Manager): Energy managers are the people who will make sure that buildings and other facilities will meet and stay within their energy consumption goals. Many of these professionals will primarily work in real estate, government and industrial settings. They are sometimes called Resource Managers.  
  3. CPEA(Certified Environmental Auditor): Environmental Auditors make sure that all industries are adhering to environmental regulations and protocols. As the green economy moves forward there will be an increased need for these professionals who understand the new cap-and-trade systems and Clean Air Act (CAA) regulations for greenhouse gases.
  4. CTAM(Certified Asset Manager): Infrastructure asset managers are responsible for managing the cost of owning and operating municipal and civil infrastructure such as water/wastewater treatment systems; roads and bridges or energy generation and transmission. The water industry is particularly in need of people with asset management ability because the nation will need to overhaul  its water systems to conserve drinking water and improve the quality of treated wastewater. 
  5. LEED-AP(Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design): This certification is focuses on green building techniques and energy efficiency. 75% of the federal government buildings and countless private owned properties will be made more energy-efficient and ecofriendly. If you are considering a career move into building construction, this is the certification that will set you apart.
  6. PE (Professional Engineer): The Smart Grid, alternative energy, nuclear and fossil fuel and shovel ready infrastructure projects are in dire need of licensed electrical, civil, structural, geotechnical, mechanical, environmental, mining and petroleum engineers. There are not enough people going into these fields to backfill the Baby Boomers who are retiring. If you are an engineer, a PE will make a big difference in your career and financial future.
  7. PSP (Project Scheduling Professional): Every construction project must be planned and scheduled before the first shovel hits the dirt. PSPs use the latest software tools and processes to make sure that project tasks are completed within the prescribed timeframes and prevent

This article is a part of our 2010 campaign to make the public aware of education opportunities and jobs in the climate change, environmental and infrastructure markets.

Your comments are welcome.  Please stay tuned for new updates, posts and E-books on certifications and licenses.