Water is an invaluable resource that serves many different purposes, from drinking water to power plants, from lakes and rivers to irrigation waters. Water touches many aspects of our lives. And in east Idaho a lot of careers revolve around it as well.Whether you’re interested in engineering, chemistry, agriculture, or land management there are jobs to be found.
East Idaho utilizes many of its rivers for hydroelectric generation. Companies like Idaho Power, and Idaho Falls Power operate hydropower plants, in or near east Idaho, and need a variety of team members to keep things running smoothly.
Some example jobs include:
electrical engineer
operator
mechanic
environmental specialist
electrician
civil engineer
Along with the positions that require certification or technical training there are support positions like billing, HR, PR and more that all work cohesively as a team to deliver hydroelectric power to their communities.
The water flowing from your tap comes from somewhere, and for most people living within the bounds of cities like Idaho Falls, Pocatello, and Rexburg, that’s the city’s water systems. Nearly every municipality employs people to maintain drinking water systems.
Some example jobs include:
water treatment operator
wastewater operator
utility maintenance
lab technician
equipment operator
Farms and ranches also run on water. Whether that’s flood irrigation or wheellines the mechanisms of moving and delivering water to crops and animals offer employment opportunities in the ag communities that exist in and around Idaho Falls, Ammon, Rexburg, Rigby, Pocatello, and Blackfoot.
In the spring and summer some farms and ranches will need people to move water lines in the mornings and evenings whether with wheellines or handlines.
And then there are also sprinkler and pump companies that help farms and ranches keep their water systems operating. From pivot installations to pump replacement companies need people to fill such positions as irrigation technician, installer, mechanic, sales, and delivery drivers.
Another large part of water is conserving and protecting it as a natural resource. Potential employers include government agencies and engineering firms. And although some of these jobs do require certain degrees or certifications, others include more on the job training and do not always require a 4+ year degree.
Some examples of “water work” include:
Monitoring rivers, streams, groundwater and wetlands
Testing water samples for pollutants or other water-quality concerns
Helping manage water rights and water use
Working on irrigation efficiency and conservation projects
Collecting field data and conducting environmental surveys
Helping communities comply with environmental regulations
Educating landowners, farmers and the public about water conservation
Working on projects involving fisheries, habitat and watershed health
Water careers in Idaho Falls, Pocatello, Rexburg and beyond can often overlap. With water prominent in so many different aspects of our lives, a project to improve an irrigation system, maintain a municipal water supply or operate a hydroelectric facility may involve engineers, equipment operators, environmental specialists, electricians, mechanics and administrative staff. Ready to make a splash? Find your new water work today at Hire East Idaho!