Important Jobs in Winter Time
All Built Environment jobs are important, but especially crucial during the winter. Below are 5 jobs to help better learn about their seasonal importance.
1. Construction worker
What you’d do: Depending on where you live, construction workers are the unsung cold weather heroes since a majority of the work is done outdoors—or in half-finished, non-insulated construction sites. So this job entails not only strapping on a hard hat but also packing on the extra layers to stay warm during the winter months. What you do day-to-day depends on the nature of the work; cement mixing, for example, is quite different than building scaffolding.
What you’d need: No college education is required. However, high school classes in mathematics, blueprint reading, welding, and other vocational subjects can be helpful. You may need to become certified to remove asbestos, lead, or chemicals.
What you’d earn: $36,00 per year, on average
2. Wind turbine technician
What you’d do: You’ll want a warm jacket and short haircut for this windy job. Wind turbine technicians (also known as “wind techs”) test and troubleshoot electrical, mechanical, and hydraulic systems to ensure that all components are operating efficiently. They also collect turbine data for research and analysis. You’ll want to leave your fear of heights at home because you might be asked to climb tall towers in order to inspect those windy turbines.
What you’d need: Since this is a trade job, you’ll need to attend technical school for two years. Wind turbine technicians also receive extensive on-the-job training, including manufacturer training.
What you’d earn: $52,910 per year on average (bonus: this job is the second fastest-growing job according to the BLS)
3. Plumber
What you’d do: There are any number of problems that could arise during winter from pipes to fixtures. Pipes could freeze. Water lines could break. Water heaters can fail. A plumber’s job is mainly to ensure the well-being of a building’s internal systems. They may need to replace outdated or worn parts to ensure heat during the cold days.
What you’d need: Careers in plumbing normally require the completion of an apprenticeship, although some have gained experience as assistants.
What you’d earn: $61,300 per year on average in the state of Maryland.
4. HVAC mechanic
What you’d do: The winter’s frigidly cold temperatures have made the jobs of HVAC techs more difficult, as well as exceedingly important. When record lows were recording, the heating, ventilation and air conditioner man or woman are a welcomed sight. HVAC systems are highly complex and are some of the first aspects that contractors analyze in order to estimate the duration and cost of a project. Mechanics install or repair systems that, once they are completed, may require a water or fuel supply to be connected. Given new standards for buildings, HVAC mechanics may also check energy use and suggest ways to improve a system’s efficiency.
What you’d need: Being an HVAC mechanic is considered a trade career that generally requires an apprenticeship. The chief requirement to start an apprenticeship is a high school diploma or the equivalent, although many aspiring HVAC mechanics attend a technical school where programs may offer specific certifications and training that counts as credit toward an apprenticeship.
What you’d earn: $60,860 per year on average in the state of Maryland.
5. Insulation worker
What you’d do: Insulated buildings save energy by keeping heat in during the winter and out in the summer. Insulation workers use traditional and spray-foam methods to properly insulate commercial and residential buildings. They also insulate mechanical systems and hot-water pipes and, therefore, may be referred to as mechanical insulation workers.
What you’d need: While most insulation workers are not required to have a license, licensing is required for those who wish to handle asbestos, and the license must be granted by a program accredited by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
What you’d earn: $47,930 per year on average in the state of Maryland.