Gas Jobs Will Abound, But Not For Just Anybody

Four people who connect job-seekers with employers shared their knowledge at this month’s Potter County Natural Gas Task Force meeting. Linda Vanderpool and Diane Bubb from the Pennsylvania CareerLink office in Lycoming County described an economic boom that has made Williamsport one of the fastest-growing cities in the country, most of it fueled by gas-related jobs. They cited trends suggesting that Potter County could experience similar development in the next two or three years. The difference, they pointed out, is that Potter County has had time to prepare for the growth.

Pam Streich, who is administering the federal ShaleNET training initiative in the region, announced that the Seneca Highlands Career and Technical Center (former vo-tech) in Port Allegany has been designated as a ShaleNET training facility. Terry Cole, administrator for CareerLink in Potter and McKean counties, emphasized that teams have been established in each county to serve employers and prospective employees in filling gas industry jobs.

Vanderpool and Bubb distributed a lengthy list of open jobs in Lycoming County. There are job openings for truck drivers, “roughnecks,” derrick hands, soil scientists, equipment operators, sales representatives, cement mixers, land agents and more. Many energy companies and their contractors are willing to train workers, but a job-seeker who successfully completes some of the basic education offerings by CareerLink and other providers stands an even better chance of being hired.

All of the speakers emphasized the skills and qualities that are needed to increase a person’s chances of being hired: reliable, willing to work long hours in tough conditions, licensed driver, drug-free, willing to travel, generally professional in demeanor.

About half of the jobs associated with a gas well are in basic labor – from drivers to heavy equipment operators and rig workers. In many cases, the economic rewards are considerable. There is also going to be a growing demand for specialist positions that require higher education – engineers, geologists, accountants, attorneys and other professionals. Additional employment opportunities are cropping up in businesses contracted by energy companies and in the supply and service sectors.