Jobs, State Forests, Water Quality On Task Force Agenda

Employment opportunities for area residents in the natural gas industry will be a central focus of the next Potter County Natural Gas Task Force meeting, to be held at 7 pm Tuesday, Nov. 15, at the Gunzburger Building in Coudersport. Task force meetings are open to the public. Tuesday’s session will be of particular interest to those looking for jobs, parents of potential job-seekers, as well as educators and others interested in the gas industry’s employment and economic development potential.

Drilling of a shale gas well can involve as many as 400 jobs, spread out over upwards of 150 occupations. 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, these jobs are physically demanding and require both long hours and travel, but 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 expected in businesses contracted by energy companies and in the supply and service sectors. Speakers will discuss local job training opportunities, including the federally sponsored ShaleNET program and the Fit 4 Career Series that emphasizes basic employability skills.

Preceding the spotlight on jobs will be an update on issues related to gas production on state forest land in Potter County, as well as a report on the recent activities of the Triple Divide Watershed Coalition and other water quality issues.

Task Force meetings are open to anyone interested in learning more about the natural gas industry and its implications on the region’s environment, economy and way of life. Those attending should use the Water Street entrance on the Gunzburger Building’s west side.