Energy Jobs Key Terms

Terms you need to know if you're considering a future in the energy industry

By K. Cox

The world's energy appetite is huge, and its appetite just keeps growing. As industrialized countries move forward, and as former third world countries become more industrialized, there is no more precious resource in the world than energy.

Choosing a career in one of the energy industries can be a wise and strategic move. Before you begin your job search, however, you should familiarize yourself with some energy industry job terms. Here are six terms to get you started:

Renewable energy engineer

As nations are looking for more energy independence to meet the needs of their citizens and their industries, more and more research and resources have been invested in renewable energy. Renewable energy engineers study sustainable power resources, including wind, solar, geothermal and biofuel. If you are concerned with the environment, or if you want to secure an energy job with an eye on future trends, renewable energy engineering may be a job for you.
Try: The Oregon Institute of Technology offers a Bachelor of Science degree in renewable energy engineering.

Biofuel chemist

Biofuels is another arm of the energy industry that has gained momentum in recent years. Biofuel chemists specialize in converting biological material, usually in the form of plant life such as corn and switchgrass, into fuel.
Try: Simply Hired illustrates the growth in biofuel chemist jobs and has continually updated biofuel chemist job listings.

Solar power installer

The earth is bombarded with vast amounts of solar energy every day. Solar power systems turn the sun's power into electricity; solar power installers are the ones who install individual systems for businesses and individuals.
Try: Akeena Solar describes how solar power systems work and how they are installed.

Hydropower engineer

Hydropower has been around for some time, but recent advances have made it a more reliable and widely-used energy source than ever before. Using dams to harness the energy in moving water, hydropower provides about 10% of the electricity in the United States today. Hydropower engineers design turbines and make sure the turbines are functioning correctly.
Try: OnlineFreeEBooks.net has a great example of what hydopower engineers deal with on a daily basis.

Reservoir petrophysicist

A reservoir petrophysicist studies oil-bearing rock formations in order to determine the likely extent and quality of oil reservoirs. Oil companies use this information when planning drilling projects and oil rig placement.
Try: The Bureau of Economic Geology goes into great depth regarding the activities and role of reservoir petrophysicists.

API

The API, or American Petroleum Association, is the largest petroleum trade association in the United States. Its membership includes representatives from every facet of the petroleum production and distribution industry, from exploration to refinement to marketing. If you're looking for a job in the field, it's a good place to start.
Try: Petrostrategies provides a list of petroleum trade associations along with a succinct explanation of each.