What are the top infrastructure-related jobs in Atlanta?

Because Metro Atlanta has become one of the most spread out cities in the country, government agencies have been struggling to build and upgrade the city’s infrastructure to keep up with demand. Traffic, water shortages and poor air quality often effect the city’s quality of life.

However, these problems have helped to create several job opportunities. Right now, thousands of workers are looking for infrastructure-related jobs funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. If you’re one of those workers, the following list of the best infrastructure jobs in Atlanta, compiled by Examiner, may help you get a start.

• Bridge and highway construction project managers - The city is looking to complete a lot of work on its major highways, including I-20, I-75, I-85, I-285 and GA 400. That work will take a lot of money and a lot of skill to complete on time and on budget. The Georgia Department of Transportation is set to release more than $243 million in new projects this month, and the companies who win those projects will most likely be looking for new workers.
• Construction field supervisors, inspectors, superintendents and craft professionals - These are the people who do most of the tough work on construction sites. Projects supported by the ARRA will help create a demand for more hourly construction workers, particularly for weatherization and transportation related projects.
• Electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians and other installers - The federal stimulus includes lare amounts of money for projects related to conservation of energy and water. Also, as prices begin decreasing, more homes and businesses will begin installing green technology.
• Water resources and wastewater engineers and scientists - Atlanta’s water infrastructure is in grave need of expansion and upgrading. These workers design, permit and construct reservoirs, water supply and sewer pipelines and drinking water and wastewater treatment facilities. The city is currently undergoing a $2 billion sewer rehabilitation program.
• Electrical utility engineers - These workers design and maintain the electrical grid and power plants. The state is expecting to receive $83 million in stimulus money, which Georgia Power and other electric cooperatives will use to expand green energy output. However, more workers are needed to design and construct smart grid, solar and wind facilities.
• Environmental scientists and technicians - These workers investigate environmental sites and write environmental permits and compliance reports that are given to such agencies as the Environmental Protection Agency. These types of employees will be needed for smart grid, rural broadband and environmental clean up projects. The United States Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics also identified this as one of the fastest growing careers.
• Climate change and environmental consulting professionals - These workers include engineers and scientists who are focused on monitoring and reducing greenhouse gases. Atlanta is known for having a problem with air quality and pollution, and therefore demand for these professionals should grow, especially as new clean air regulations take effect and the cap and trade industry continues to grow.

This entry was posted on Monday, July 13th, 2009 at 2:57 pm and is filed under jobs. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.