Photo courtesy of Sarah Barba | National Renewable Energy Laboratory.
The job of construction worker is an entry-level position in bioenergy, in the infrastructure career sub-sector. Job seekers with infrastructure backgrounds or students in trade or vocational school could consider this type of entry-level bioenergy job.
Construction workers work under supervision to assist in the construction of pipelines, buildings, and various equipment. They also provide assistance to carpenters, mechanics, welders, and equipment operators in performing various tasks. People in these positions may hold internships or entry-level jobs in bioenergy construction.
Construction Worker
| Alternate Title(s) | Construction Technician |
| Education & Training Level Description | There is generally not a formal education requirement, but a high school diploma is preferred. Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) is required for those who drive heavy machinery. |
| Experience | 0–3 years |
| Job Skills |
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| Job Profile | Employees in the construction field build the biorefineries where biofuels and bioproducts are made. The demand for construction for upcoming bioenergy processing plants will be driven by research and development being conducted on advanced feedstocks and biofuels, including cellulosic ethanol, algal biofuels, and waste to energy. Construction and design of new infrastructure and facilities will be necessary from feedstock processing units to conversion operations. Construction employees are also a critical part of building and improving the distribution and utilization infrastructure for bioenergy, such as pipelines, gas stations, and fuel production plants. Construction employees are typically involved in the building and retrofitting of fuel conversion and processing plants of advanced feedstocks and biofuels, such as cellulosic ethanol. This includes using tools and manual labor to build structures, pipelines, and fuel pumps. For some construction projects, heavy equipment and machinery will be operated to accomplish tasks. At the entry level, construction laborers work under supervision to assist in the construction of pipelines, buildings, and various equipment. Labors also provide assistance to carpenters, mechanics, welders, and equipment operators in performing various tasks. Manual labor is required. A high school diploma is preferred. On-the-job training, apprenticeship, or trade school experience is highly preferred. Employers value relevant experience gained through part-time employment, internships, or volunteer work. |
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