Equipping Communities: Sample Entry-Level Jobs in the Energy Industry
The energy industry powers everything and behind it all are skilled, safety-focused professionals who build, maintain, and power our world. Spend some time on the Get Into Energy site to learn about the opportunities in the sector, particularly entry-level positions that could be attractive considerations for your clients. Check out our career pathway guides, binge watch our “day in the life of” videos, explore compensation offerings, and use this site as your one-stop tutorial on energy careers. To get a greater understanding of how careers progress in the energy industry visit Exploring Career Pathways.
While there are thousands of career paths, here are a few considerations to guide the learning journey about jobs that might be appropriate to talk with local employers about, guiding considerations on relevant pre-hire training programs. Employers are well-positioned to explain expected talent demands and skill needs within their industry to the community. Ideally employers and community partners will collaborate on programming that can lead to successful employment outcomes. For example, after reviewing labor market needs, workforce development boards may convene employers and community partners to discuss what jobs are available in the energy industry. Sample entry level jobs can be viewed below.
FIELD & OPERATIONS
These professionals work outdoors, solve problems, and keep energy flowing.
- Apprentice Lineworker: Build and repair overhead power lines
- Groundworker / Line Helper: Support line crews in electric utilities
- Wind Turbine Technician: Climb turbines, inspect blades, and maintain mechanical and electrical systems
- Equipment Operator: Operate machinery
- Underground or Meter Tech: Install and service cables and meters
- Roustabout / Leasehand: Maintain oil & gas sites and equipment
- Floorhand / Roughneck: Assist drilling crews on oil rigs
Pathway: High school diploma or GED + pre-apprenticeship, wind technician, or lineworker training programs.
SKILLED TRADES & TECHNICAL JOBS
Hands-on, high-demand roles that build and maintain energy systems
- Electrician / Instrumentation Tech: Maintain electrical and control systems
- Welder / Pipefitter: Fabricate and repair pipelines
- Power Plant Operator Trainee: Operate and monitor generation systems
- Relay / Substation Technician: Keep the electric grid safe and reliable
- Mechanic / Millwright: Repair engines, pumps, and heavy machinery
- Painter
Pathway: Trade school, technical certificate, apprenticeship readiness or pre-apprentice program +registered apprenticeship.
SAFETY, ENVIRONMENT & FIELD SUPPORT
These specialists protect workers, communities, and the planet.
- Safety Technician: Enforce safety programs and conduct inspections
- Environmental Technician: Monitor air, water, and site compliance
- Vegetation Management Assistant: Keep trees and vegetation clear of power lines
- Wind Site Safety Coordinator: Oversee safe turbine maintenance and climbing procedures
Pathway: Company training or 2-year degree in safety, environmental science, or related disciplines.
OFFICE, LOGISTICS & CUSTOMER SERVICE
- Administrative Assistant: Help project teams stay organized
- Logistics / Operations Assistant: Coordinate materials, crews, and deliveries
- Customer Service Representative: Support customers with billing or service
- GIS / Data Technician: Manage maps, system data, and performance reports
Pathway: Certificate or associate degree in business, IT, or office administration.
STEM & ENGINEERING PATHWAYS
These professionals turn innovation into impact with technology and data.
- Field Engineer Trainee: Support oil, gas, wind, or utility operations
- Engineering Technician: Assist with system design and testing
- Energy Analyst / Design Technician: Improve efficiency and performance
- Geoscience or GIS Technician: Map resources and support exploration
- Renewable Energy Engineer (Entry-Level): Design and test wind and hybrid systems
Pathway: Associate or bachelor’s degree in engineering, geoscience, or renewable energy systems.