Would I Make a Good Solar Panel Installer?

Would I Make a Good Solar Panel Installer?

Solar photovoltaic (PV) installers assemble, install, and maintain solar panel systems on rooftops or other structures.

Employment is projected to grow 63 percent from 2018 to 2028, much faster than the average for all occupations. The continued expansion and adoption of solar panel installations will result in excellent job opportunities for qualified individuals, particularly those who complete photovoltaic training courses at a community college or technical school.

Most solar panel installations are done outdoors, but PV installers sometimes work in attics and crawl spaces to connect panels to the electric grid. Installers must also travel to jobsites.

Although most installers need a high school diploma and typically receive on-the-job training lasting up to 1 year, some candidates take courses at a technical school or community college.

The median annual wage for solar photovoltaic installers was $42,680 in May 2018.

Do you have what it takes to join this fast-growing field? 

Tasks

  • Install photovoltaic (PV) systems in accordance with codes and standards, using drawings, schematics, and instructions. Green Task Statement
  • Assemble solar modules, panels, or support structures, as specified. Green Task Statement
  • Apply weather sealing to array, building, or support mechanisms. Green Task Statement
  • Determine appropriate sizes, ratings, and locations for all system overcurrent devices, disconnect devices, grounding equipment, and surge suppression equipment. Green Task Statement
  • Install module array interconnect wiring, implementing measures to disable arrays during installation. Green Task Statement

Technology Skills

  • Customer relationship management CRM software — Salesforce software Hot technology
  • Electronic mail software — Microsoft Outlook Hot technology
  • Enterprise application integration software — Extensible markup language XML Hot technology
  • Office suite software — Microsoft Office Hot technology
  • Spreadsheet software — Microsoft Excel Hot technology

Hot technology Hot Technology — a technology requirement frequently included in employer job postings.

Knowledge

  • Mechanical — Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
  • Building and Construction — Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
  • English Language — Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
  • Design — Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
  • Customer and Personal Service — Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

Skills

  • Installation — Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.
  • Active Listening — Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
  • Critical Thinking — Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
  • Monitoring — Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
  • Active Learning — Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

Abilities

  • Problem Sensitivity — The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
  • Visualization — The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
  • Near Vision — The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
  • Information Ordering — The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
  • Deductive Reasoning — The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.

Work Activities

  • Handling and Moving Objects — Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
  • Performing General Physical Activities — Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material — Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
  • Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

Would you enjoy installing solar panels?

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Would I Make a Good Wind Turbine Tech?

Would I Make a Good Wind Turbine Tech?

Wind turbine service technicians install, maintain, and repair wind turbines.

Employment of wind turbine service technicians is projected to grow 57 percent from 2018 to 2028, much faster than the average for all occupations. Because wind electricity generation is expected to grow rapidly over the coming decade, additional technicians will be needed to install and maintain new turbines. Job prospects are expected to be excellent.

Wind turbine service technicians generally work outdoors, in confined spaces, and often at great heights. Although the majority of windtechs work full time, they may also be on call to handle emergencies during evenings and weekends. Most wind turbine service technicians learn their trade by attending a technical school. They also receive on-the-job training.

The median annual wage for wind turbine technicians was $54,370 in May 2018.

Do you have what it takes? 

Tasks

  • Diagnose problems involving wind turbine generators or control systems. Green Task Statement
  • Climb wind turbine towers to inspect, maintain, or repair equipment. Green Task Statement
  • Test electrical components of wind systems with devices, such as voltage testers, multimeters, oscilloscopes, infrared testers, or fiber optic equipment.Green Task Statement
  • Start or restart wind turbine generator systems to ensure proper operations. Green Task Statement
  • Troubleshoot or repair mechanical, hydraulic, or electrical malfunctions related to variable pitch systems, variable speed control systems, converter systems, or related components. Green Task Statement

Technology Skills

  • Electronic mail software — Microsoft Outlook Hot technology
  • Enterprise resource planning ERP software Hot technology — SAP Hot technology
  • Facilities management software — Computerized maintenance management system CMMS
  • Industrial control software — Industrial control systems software; Programmable logic controller PLC software; Supervisory control and data acquisition SCADA software Hot technology ; Vestas Wind Systems A/S Vestas Remote Panel
  • Spreadsheet software — Microsoft Excel Hot technology

Hot technology Hot Technology — a technology requirement frequently included in employer job postings.

Knowledge

  • Mechanical — Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
  • Computers and Electronics — Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
  • Engineering and Technology — Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
  • Physics — Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub- atomic structures and processes.
  • Public Safety and Security — Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.

Skills

  • Repairing — Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
  • Troubleshooting — Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
  • Equipment Maintenance — Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
  • Critical Thinking — Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
  • Operation Monitoring — Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

Abilities

  • Deductive Reasoning — The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
  • Near Vision — The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
  • Oral Comprehension — The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
  • Problem Sensitivity — The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
  • Arm-Hand Steadiness — The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.

Work Activities

  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material — Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
  • Performing General Physical Activities — Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment — Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment — Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
  • Controlling Machines and Processes — Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).

Detailed Work Activities

  • Repair green energy equipment or systems.
  • Climb equipment or structures to access work areas.
  • Test electrical circuits or components for proper functioning.
  • Troubleshoot equipment or systems operation problems.
  • Maintain inventories of materials, equipment, or products.

Work Context

  • Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets — 96% responded “Every day.”
  • Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection — 74% responded “Every day.”
  • Face-to-Face Discussions — 87% responded “Every day.”
  • Exposed to High Places — 68% responded “Every day.”
  • In an Enclosed Vehicle or Equipment — 80% responded “Every day.”

Would you enjoy working as a wind turbine technician?

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Would I Make a Good Information Security Analyst?

Would I Make a Good Information Security Analyst?

Information security analysts plan and carry out security measures to protect an organization’s computer networks and systems.

Employment of information security analysts is projected to grow 32 percent from 2018 to 2028, much faster than the average for all occupations. Demand for information security analysts is expected to be very high, as these analysts will be needed to create innovative solutions to prevent hackers from stealing critical information or causing problems for computer networks.

Most information security analysts work for computer companies, consulting firms, or business and financial companies.

Most information security analyst positions require a bachelor’s degree in a computer-related field. Employers usually prefer to hire analysts with experience in a related occupation.

The median annual wage for information security analysts was $98,350 in May 2018.

Do you have what it takes? 

Tasks

  • Develop plans to safeguard computer files against accidental or unauthorized modification, destruction, or disclosure and to meet emergency data processing needs.
  • Monitor current reports of computer viruses to determine when to update virus protection systems.
  • Encrypt data transmissions and erect firewalls to conceal confidential information as it is being transmitted and to keep out tainted digital transfers.
  • Perform risk assessments and execute tests of data processing system to ensure functioning of data processing activities and security measures.
  • Modify computer security files to incorporate new software, correct errors, or change individual access status.

Technology Skills

  • Development environment software — Apache Ant Hot technology ; C Hot technology ; Eclipse IDE Hot technology ; Microsoft PowerShell Hot technology
  • Network monitoring software — IBM QRadar SIEM; Nagios Hot technology ; Symantec Blue Coat Data Loss Prevention; Wireshark Hot technology
  • Operating system software — Apple macOS Hot technology ; Linux Hot technology ; Microsoft Windows Hot technology ; Ubuntu Hot technology
  • Transaction security and virus protection software — HP WebInspect; McAfee Hot technology ; Portswigger BurP Suite; Symantec Hot technology
  • Web platform development software — AJAX Hot technology ; Django Hot technology ; Hypertext markup language HTML Hot technology ; Spring Framework Hot technology

Hot technology Hot Technology — a technology requirement frequently included in employer job postings.

Knowledge

  • Computers and Electronics — Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
  • English Language — Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
  • Administration and Management — Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
  • Engineering and Technology — Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
  • Telecommunications — Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.

Skills

  • Reading Comprehension — Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
  • Critical Thinking — Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
  • Active Listening — Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
  • Complex Problem Solving — Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
  • Speaking — Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Abilities

  • Deductive Reasoning — The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
  • Inductive Reasoning — The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
  • Oral Comprehension — The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
  • Problem Sensitivity — The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
  • Written Comprehension — The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.

Work Activities

  • Interacting With Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
  • Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards — Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
  • Analyzing Data or Information — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
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Would I Make a Good Firefighter?

Would I Make a Good Firefighter?

Firefighters control and put out fires and respond to emergencies where life, property, or the environment is at risk. Their work on scene is dangerous. When not on the scene of an emergency, firefighters remain on call at fire stations, where they sleep, eat, and perform other duties during shifts that often last 24 hours. Many work more than 40 hours per week.

They typically need a high school diploma and training in emergency medical services, but most receive training at a fire academy, pass a written and physical tests, complete a series of interviews, and hold an emergency medical technician (EMT) certification.

The median annual wage for firefighters was $49,620 in May 2018. Employment is expected  to grow 5 percent from 2018 to 2028, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Physically fit applicants with paramedic training will have the best job prospects.

Do I have what it takes to fight fires? 

Tasks

  • Search burning buildings to locate fire victims.
  • Rescue victims from burning buildings, accident sites, and water hazards.
  • Administer first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation to injured persons.
  • Dress with equipment such as fire-resistant clothing and breathing apparatus.
  • Assess fires and situations and report conditions to superiors to receive instructions, using two-way radios.

Technology Skills

  • Data base user interface and query software — Affiliated Computer Services ACS FIREHOUSE; Fire incident reporting systems; Microsoft Access Hot technology
  • Electronic mail software — Email software
  • Office suite software — Corel WordPerfect Office Suite; Microsoft Office Hot technology
  • Operating system software — Microsoft Windows Hot technology
  • Spreadsheet software — Microsoft Excel Hot technology

Hot technology Hot Technology — a technology requirement frequently included in employer job postings.

Knowledge

  • Public Safety and Security — Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
  • Customer and Personal Service — Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
  • Education and Training — Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
  • Building and Construction — Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
  • English Language — Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Skills

  • Active Listening — Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
  • Critical Thinking — Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
  • Monitoring — Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
  • Operation and Control — Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
  • Operation Monitoring — Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

Abilities

  • Static Strength — The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.
  • Problem Sensitivity — The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
  • Arm-Hand Steadiness — The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
  • Multilimb Coordination — The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.
  • Oral Comprehension — The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

Work Activities

  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material — Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
  • Assisting and Caring for Others — Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment — Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
  • Performing General Physical Activities — Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.

Would I enjoy working as a firefighter? 

 

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Would I Make a Good Zoologist?

Would I Make a Good Zoologist?

Zoologists and wildlife biologists study animals and other wildlife and how they interact with their ecosystems. They work in offices, laboratories, or outdoors. Depending on their job, they may spend considerable time in the field gathering data and studying animals in their natural habitats. They need a bachelor’s degree for entry-level positions; a master’s degree is often needed for higher-level investigative or scientific work. A Ph.D. is necessary to lead independent research and for most university research positions.

The median annual wage for zoologists and wildlife biologists was $63,420 in May 2018.

Employment in these fields is projected to grow 5 percent from 2018 to 2028, about as fast as the average for all occupations. More will be needed to study human and wildlife interactions as the human population grows and development impacts wildlife and their natural habitats. However, because most funding comes from governmental agencies, demand for zoologists and wildlife biologists will be limited by budgetary constraints.

Do I have what it takes to work in zoology? 

Tasks

  • Make recommendations on management systems and planning for wildlife populations and habitat, consulting with stakeholders and the public at large to explore options.
  • Inventory or estimate plant and wildlife populations.
  • Disseminate information by writing reports and scientific papers or journal articles, and by making presentations and giving talks for schools, clubs, interest groups and park interpretive programs.
  • Check for, and ensure compliance with, environmental laws, and notify law enforcement when violations are identified.
  • Study animals in their natural habitats, assessing effects of environment and industry on animals, interpreting findings and recommending alternative operating conditions for industry.

Technology Skills

  • Analytical or scientific software — Computer modeling software; HATPRO; SAS Hot technology ; Statistical software
  • Data base user interface and query software — Data entry software Hot technology ; Database management software; Microsoft Access Hot technology ; Relational database software
  • Electronic mail software — Email software; Microsoft Outlook Hot technology
  • Map creation software — ESRI ArcGIS software Hot technology ; ESRI ArcView; Geographic information system GIS software Hot technology
  • Spreadsheet software — IBM Lotus 1-2-3; Microsoft Excel Hot technology

Hot technology Hot Technology — a technology requirement frequently included in employer job postings.

Knowledge

  • Biology — Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
  • English Language — Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
  • Law and Government — Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
  • Geography — Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
  • Mathematics — Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

Skills

  • Active Listening — Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
  • Critical Thinking — Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
  • Reading Comprehension — Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
  • Science — Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
  • Speaking — Talking to others to convey information effectively.

introvert job

Abilities

  • Oral Comprehension — The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
  • Written Comprehension — The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
  • Deductive Reasoning — The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
  • Inductive Reasoning — The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
  • Oral Expression — The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

Work Activities

  • Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
  • Interacting With Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
  • Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

Detailed Work Activities

  • Advise others about environmental management or conservation.
  • Measure environmental characteristics.
  • Prepare scientific or technical reports or presentations.
  • Assess compliance with environmental laws.
  • Research environmental impact of industrial or development activities.

Work Context

  • Electronic Mail — 98% responded “Every day.”
  • Face-to-Face Discussions — 75% responded “Every day.”
  • Freedom to Make Decisions — 67% responded “A lot of freedom.”
  • Structured versus Unstructured Work — 60% responded “A lot of freedom.”
  • Telephone — 54% responded “Every day.”

Would I enjoy a job in zoology? 

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