Sourcebook for STEM Careers in Coal
Opportunities as Far as the Eye Can See...
As you think about what career might be a good fit for you, be sure to consider STEMbased opportunities in the coal industry. Why? Because we have a growing need for new employees skilled in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). In fact, our nation’s future prosperity depends on a STEM-smart workforce. As you’ll see from reviewing this sourcebook, there are career options that match a variety of interests, whether you want to work indoors in an office environment or outside in one of our hands-on jobs in the field. So, if you want to be at the cutting edge of tomorrow’s workforce, find out about the wide range of STEM-based careers our industry has to offer.
American Coal Foundation
101 Constitution Avenue, NW Suite 500 East Washington, D.C. 20001-2133 www.teachcoal.org
Sourcebook for STEM Careers in Coal table of contents STEM and Its Relevance to Coal Careers.................................................................................................4
careers Science.....................................................................................................6 Soil Specialists • Geologists • Wildlife Biologists Environmental Specialists
Technology...............................................................................................8 GIS Geographers • Mappers • Surveyors • Mechanics
Engineering...........................................................................................10 Civil Engineers • Mining Engineers • Geological Engineers Mechanical Engineers
Mathematics.........................................................................................12 Accountants • Marketing Managers • Financial Managers Sales Managers
Additional Resources...................................................................................................................................14 About the American Coal Foundation .................................................................................................... 15 * The average salaries listed in the booklet are provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Please be aware that salaries may vary by region.
STEM and Its Relevance About STEM STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics—four fields that are related but often taught separately. Over the last few years, STEM has become a major focus of educators, employers, and even the United States government. Why? Because an increasing number of jobs require STEM skills that many of today’s students are lacking, which is hurting both employment and the economy. It’s important for students to learn about the STEM-related career opportunities that exist so they can start preparing for those careers even when they’re still in high school. Why Is STEM So Important? For many years, the United States has been a global leader in innovation and technical progress. That position is starting to shift, though, due to students’ lack of proficiency in STEM right now. According to the U.S. Department of Education, only 16% of high school seniors are proficient in math and interested in a STEM career. If we don’t have scientists and engineers coming up with new ways to do things, how can we expect to improve? That’s why we need you, the next generation of workers, to learn more about the importance of STEM and what a STEM career can do for you.
For More Information on STEM and STEM Careers • STEM Connector: http://www.stemconnector.org • STEM Careers—Just for Students: http://www.napequity.org/professional-development/ counselor-training/stem-careers-students
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to Coal Careers Coal’s Role in the STEM Movement The demand for skilled STEM workers is high—but the current pipeline of workers is not large enough to fill that demand. That means that jobs in the coal industry are available and employers are looking for the right people to hire. It also means that if you take the right STEM courses in high school now and choose to pursue a STEM degree in college, you’ll be better prepared for a STEM career after you graduate. Throughout this sourcebook, you will learn about the different STEM career options available in the coal industry. Ways to Prepare for Coal Careers in High School Students sometimes find themselves wondering, “Why am I taking this class? How is it going to help me in the real world?” If your “real world” involves a career in STEM, then those classes you take in high school are going to get you started on the right track. If you look at some of the Important Qualities listed for the different STEM careers in coal in this sourcebook, you’ll see that math skills, problem-solving skills, analytical skills, observational skills, and computer skills are all there. The more you learn now, the more you’ll be able to impress your future employer. Here is a list of courses that might be helpful for preparing for a STEM career in the coal industry. Math Courses: • Algebra • Geometry • Trigonometry • Probability and Statistics • Calculus Science Courses: • Biology • Chemistry • Physics • Environmental Science • Engineering • Computer Science The hard work you put into your math and science classes now will pay off when you’re better prepared for your future career in STEM.
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SCIENCE
Even before the actual coal mining begins, different types of scientists are needed to help plan. Some scientists specialize in identifying where and what type of coal there is in a specific area; other scientists are responsible for learning about the natural landscape so they can reclaim (or restore) the land once mining is finished. When mining begins, scientists keep track of any potential pollutants and help to protect the land. There are many ‘-ists’ involved in coal mining: biologists, chemists, geologists, specialists, and more. Learn more about some of the types of scientists that work in the coal mining industry.
Soil Specialists What They Do: Conduct research on soil; examine the scientific components of soil; develop methods of conserving and managing soil; ensure environmental quality and effective land use Important Qualities: Communication skills; critical-thinking skills; data-analysis skills; decision-making skills; math skills; observation skills; outdoor skills Education: Bachelor’s degree Median Wage: $58,740
FAST FACT: More than 2.5 million acres of mined land have been reclaimed over the past 25 years– that’s an area larger than the state of Delaware.
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Geologists What They Do: Plan and conduct field studies; analyze data to locate natural resources; conduct laboratory tests; make maps and charts; prepare written scientific reports Important Qualities: Communication skills; critical-thinking skills; interpersonal skills; outdoor skills; physical stamina; problemsolving skills Education: Bachelor’s degree; some states require a license Median Wage: $90,890
Wildlife Biologists What They Do: Collect biological data for analysis; study the characteristics of animals; analyze the influence of human activity on wildlife and their natural habitats; monitor and manage wildlife populations Important Qualities: Communication skills; critical-thinking skills; interpersonal skills; observation skills; outdoor skills; problemsolving skills Education: Bachelor’s degree for entry-level positions; master’s degree often needed for advancement Median Wage: $57,710
Environmental Specialists What They Do: Collect and compile environmental data from air, soil, and water samples; analyze samples to identify and assess threats to the environment; develop plans to prevent, control, or fix environmental problems Important Qualities: Analytical skills; communication skills; interpersonal skills; outdoor skills; problem-solving skills; self-discipline Education: Bachelor’s degree Median Wage: $63,570
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TECHNOLOGY
The first coal mining operations began in Virginia in the 1700s, but coal mining has come a long way since then. This industry has evolved and modernized over the years, meaning that new technology is adapted often. Coal mining companies are looking for the next generation of workers who are familiar and comfortable with using technology. From using computers to map coal mining locations to operating advanced machinery that extracts coal from underground, there is a wide variety of technology-focused careers in coal mining. Learn more about the different types of coal careers that use technology.
Geographic Information System (GIS) Geographers What They Do: Gather geographic data; create and modify maps and diagrams; analyze geographic distribution of physical characteristics; use GIS to collect, analyze, and display data Important Qualities: Analytical skills; communication skills; computer skills; critical-thinking skills; writing skills Education: Bachelor’s degree for entry-level positions; master’s degree; training in GIS Median Wage: $74,760
FAST FACT: Coal generates about 40% of the electricity in the United States.
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Mappers What They Do: Collect and create visual representations of geographic data; examine and compile data; prepare thematic maps in digital form; update and revise existing maps and charts Important Qualities: Computer skills; critical-thinking skills; decision-making skills; detail oriented; problem-solving skills Education: Bachelor’s degree; some states require a license Median Wage: $57,440
Surveyors What They Do: Measure points on, above, and below the Earth’s surface; establish stake sites and land and water boundaries; prepare plots, maps, and reports; record and verify accuracy of data Important Qualities: Communication skills; detail oriented; physical stamina; problem-solving skills; technical skills; time-management skills; visualization skills Education: Bachelor’s degree; license Median Wage: $56,230
Mechanics What They Do: Disassemble machinery and equipment when there is a problem; repair or replace broken or malfunctioning components; perform tests to make sure the machine is running smoothly; adjust and calibrate equipment and machinery to optimal specifications Important Qualities: Manual dexterity; mechanical skills; technical skills; troubleshooting skills Education: High school diploma; a year or more of training after high school Median Wage: $46,920
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ENGINEERING
Engineers are responsible for developing and overseeing many steps in the coal mining process, including one of the most important parts: designing the mines. Engineers are particularly skilled at figuring out the best way to make things work smoothly and efficiently. They can see both the big picture and the small details and make everything come together. There are many types of engineers that work in the coal mining industry, and each one plays a key role. Learn more about some of these engineering options below.
Civil Engineers What They Do: Analyze data to plan projects; consider a variety of factors in planning stages and risk analysis; perform or oversee soil testing; test building materials; perform or oversee surveying operations; design and oversee construction of roads, bridges, ponds, and other mine infrastructure Important Qualities: Decision-making skills; leadership skills; math skills; organizational skills; problem-solving skills; writing skills Education: Bachelor’s degree; license Median Wage: $79,340
FAST FACT: The United States produces about 1 billion tons of coal annually, about 12% of the world’s supply--second only to China.
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Mining Engineers What They Do: Design and develop mines; determine the best way to extract coal; work with geologists and other engineers to find and evaluate new deposits; develop new equipment and design new operations Important Qualities: Analytical skills; decision-making skills; logical-thinking skills; math skills; problem-solving skills; writing skills Education: Bachelor’s degree; license Median Wage: $84,320
Geological Engineers What They Do: Search for coal deposits; evaluate possible sites; plan how coal will be extracted in efficient and environmentally sound ways Important Qualities: Analytical skills; decision-making skills; logical-thinking skills; math skills; problem-solving skills; writing skills Education: Bachelor’s degree; license Median Wage: $84,320
Mechanical Engineers What They Do: Analyze problems to see what devices might help; design devices using analysis and computer-aided design; develop and test prototypes; analyze test results; oversee the manufacturing of devices Important Qualities: Creativity; listening skills; math skills; mechanical skills; problem-solving skills Education: Bachelor’s degree; license Median Wage: $80,580
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Mathematics
Math may not be associated with coal mining very often, but it’s important to remember that coal mining is a business. To make a business work, there must be employees who are good with numbers. Whether they’re calculating the past year’s sales and making projections for next year, keeping track of other employees’ salaries, or making sure that the company is making money rather than losing money, these mathematicians are an important part of the coal mining industry. Learn more about possible math-related careers in the coal industry below.
Accountants What They Do: Examine financial statements; compute taxes owed and prepare tax returns; inspect account books and accounting systems; organize and maintain financial records; assess financial operations Important Qualities: Analytical skills; communication skills; detail oriented; math skills; organizational skills Education: Bachelor’s degree; certification within a specific field Median Wage: $63,550
FAST FACT: The United States has over a 200-year supply of coal if it continues using coal at the same rate it does today.
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Marketing Managers What They Do: Estimate the demand for products and services; identify potential markets; develop pricing strategies; work with sales, public relations, and product development staff Important Qualities: Analytical skills; communication skills; creativity; decision-making skills; interpersonal skills; organizational skills Education: Bachelor’s degree Median Wage: $119,480
Financial Managers What They Do: Prepare financial statements; monitor financial details to ensure legal requirements are met; review company financial reports; seek ways to reduce costs; analyze market trends Important Qualities: Analytical skills; communication skills; detail oriented; math skills; organizational skills Education: Bachelor’s degree Median Wage: $109,740
Sales Managers What They Do: Prepare budgets and approve expenditures; analyze sales statistics; project sales and determine profitability; develop plans to acquire new customers or clients Important Qualities: Analytical skills; communication skills; customer-service skills; leadership skills Education: Bachelor’s degree Median Wage: $105,260
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Additional Resources There is so much more to learn about the coal industry. Whether you want to learn more about where coal comes from, how it becomes electricity, or what the latest technologies are, there is an abundance of resources available to you online. • The American Coal Foundation (ACF) http://teachcoal.org • The National Mining Association (NMA) http://nma.org • The Energy Information Administration (EIA) http://www.eia.gov • The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) http://www.msha.gov • The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) http://www.blm.gov/wo/st/en.html • The World Coal Association http://www.worldcoal.org • The Society for Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration (SME) http://www.smenet.org • Women In Mining (WIM) http://www.womeninmining.org There are also websites available that can tell you even more about the careers listed in this sourcebook, as well as other career options in the coal industry. • The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) http://www.bls.gov • O*NET http://www.onetonline.org
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About the American Coal Foundation The American Coal Foundation (ACF) is a non-profit educational organization supported by a coalition of coal producers and equipment suppliers. ACF’s objective is to educate the public about the advantages and potential of coal—coal is abundant, it’s affordable, it’s American, and with the commercialization of innovative new technologies, it can be used in an environmentally acceptable manner. ACF (www.teachcoal.org) provides online materials for energy education. American Coal Foundation
101 Constitution Avenue, NW Suite 500 East Washington, D.C. 20001-2133 www.teachcoal.org
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