3e. Professional Careers
Professional positions generally require 4 or more years of college education. Examples of professionals in the lignite industry include engineers, computer technicians, accountants, attorneys, doctors, nurses, and teachers. Watch the videos to hear firsthand from lignite industry professionals.
Professional Careers in the Lignite Industry
Accountants
Accountants compile, analyze, verify, and prepare financial records for their department or organization as a whole.
Auditors
Auditors inspect and review the accounts of companies and other organizations to ensure their financial records are correct and in line with the law.
Chemists
Chemists and materials scientists study substances at the atomic and molecular levels, and analyze the ways in which the substances interact with one another. They use their knowledge to develop new and improved products, and to test the quality of manufactured goods.
Biologists
Environmental biologists work on the mine site conducting fieldwork such as testing bodies of water, surveying wildlife populations, and conducting habitat assessments.
Public Relations
Public relations managers help clarify their organization’s point of view to its main audience through media releases and interviews. They monitor social, economic, and political trends that might affect their organization, and recommend ways to enhance the firm’s image on the basis of those trends.
Human Resources
Human resources managers plan, coordinate, and direct the administrative functions of an organization. They oversee the recruiting, interviewing, and hiring of new staff, consult with top executives on strategic planning, and serve as a link between an organization’s management and its employees.
Safety Director
Safety directors develop, implement, and manage health and safety policies and procedures in the workplace.
Attorneys
Corporate lawyers use expertise in commercial law to ensure a company’s transactions comply with corporate laws and regulations.
Engineers
Engineers invent, design, and maintain a variety of machines, structures, and data systems.
Legislative Lobbyists
Lobbyists are professional advocates that work to influence political decisions on behalf of individuals and organizations.
Explosive Experts
Explosive experts place and detonate explosives to demolish structures, or to loosen, remove, or displace earth, rock, or other materials.
Computer Technicians
Computer technicians install, maintain, and troubleshoot hardware and software for businesses and organizations.
Drafting Technician
Drafting technicians use specialized computer software to prepare technical designs and drawings. They interpret concepts and then use a computer-aided design (CAD) to convert designs of architects, engineers, or designers into technical drawings. They also create a 2D or 3D display of a structure.
Surveying Technician
Surveying technicians operate surveying instruments, such as electronic distance-measuring equipment. Surveying and mapping technicians collect data and make maps of the Earth’s surface. They also visit sites to take measurements of the land.
Logistics Technicians
Logistics technicians use and develop databases and other systems to track, analyze, and store logistics data. They manage and monitor warehouse facilities, and complete, submit, and supervise requests to ensure needed material and equipment gets supplied promptly. They also maintain and monitor property database management, local procurement funds, and expendable items.
Soil Scientist
Soil scientists evaluate and interpret soils and soil-related data for the purpose of understanding soil resources as they contribute to agricultural production, affect environmental quality, and are managed for protection of human health and the environment.