Public Works and Safety Careers
Get the Scoop on Public Works and Safety Jobs
Browse through our interactive cards to uncover key details about public works and safety careers. From daily responsibilities to required skills and compensation, these cards provide a clear picture of each role. Start exploring now to find out which job could be the perfect fit for you!
Crime Scene Investigator
What They Do:
- Collect and analyze evidence
- Photograph the scene
- Maintain custody of evidence
Key Skills:
- Forensic analysis
- Attention to detail
- Knowledge of criminal procedures
Where They Work:
Police departments, forensic labs, government agencies
Salary:
According to O*NET, the average salary is $63,620
Local Employers:
Public Works & Safety Career Pathway:
Firefighter
What They Do:
- Respond to fires and emergencies
- Provide rescue and medical services
Key Skills:
- Firefighting training
- Physical fitness
- Teamwork
Where They Work:
Fire departments, airports, industrial sites
Salary:
According to O*NET, the average salary is $36,480
Local Employers:
Public Works & Safety Career Pathway:
Highway Technician
What They Do:
- Maintain and repair highways, bridges, and road infrastructure
Key Skills:
- Attention to detail
- Problem-solving
- Safety awareness
Where They Work:
Department of Transportation, construction companies, government agencies
Salary:
According to O*NET, the average salary is $44,910
Local Employers:
Public Works & Safety Career Pathway:
Law Enforcement
What They Do:
- Enforce laws
- Maintain public safety
- Investigate crimes
Key Skills:
- Crisis management
- Critical thinking
- Communication
Where They Work:
Police departments, sheriff’s offices, federal agencies
Salary:
According to O*NET, the average salary is $58,310
Local Employers:
Public Works & Safety Career Pathway:
Park Management
What They Do:
- Manage resources
- Ensure safe facilities
- Create community programs
Key Skills:
- Communication
- Environmental knowledge
- Decision-making
Where They Work:
National parks, state parks, community parks
Salary:
According to O*NET, the average salary is $47,000
Local Employers:
Wastewater Learner Operator
What They Do:
- Inspect, clean, & maintain sewer systems
- Monitor wastewater flow & pressure
- Respond to sewer emergencies
Key Skills:
- Problem-solving
- Attention to detail
- Safety awareness
Where They Work:
Municipalities, private utility companies, contractor firms
Salary:
According to O*NET, the average salary is $48,970
Local Employers:
Public Works & Safety Career Pathway:
Wastewater Treatment Facility Operator
What They Do:
- Manage treatment of wastewater
- Repair equipment and facilities
- Report water quality
Key Skills:
- Troubleshooting
- Environmental awareness
- Data analysis
Where They Work:
Wastewater treatment plants, environmental agencies, consulting firms
Salary:
According to O*NET, the average salary is $48,970
Local Employers:
Public Works & Safety Career Pathway:
Water Plant Operator
What They Do:
- Purify wastewater
- Maintain water pumps
- Test quality of water
Key Skills:
- Attention to detail
- Equipment operations
- Safety awareness
Where They Work:
Water treatment plants, municipal water departments, private utilities
Salary:
According to O*NET, the average salary is $48,970
Local Employers:
Public Works & Safety Career Pathway:
Career Pathway Sponsors
AEP Ohio – Lima
AEP Ohio – Lima
Learn More
Allen County Agricultural Society
Allen County Commissioners
Allen County Commissioners
Allen County Dog Warden
1165 Seriff,
Lima, OH 45805
Available to high school students:
✓ Job Shadowing
✓ Site Visits
City of Lima
City of Lima
50 Town Square
Lima, OH 45801
419-228-5462
Available to high school students:
✓ Internships
✓ Job Shadowing
✓ Site Visits
✓ Guest Speaking at School
Contact: della.bradford@limaohio.gov
Johnny Appleseed Metropolitan Park District
Johnny Appleseed Metropolitan Park District
1682 Slabtown Road
Lima, OH 45801
Available to high school students:
✓ Job Shadowing
✓ Site Visits
✓ Seasonal Employment
Contact: mcartwright@jampd.com
Lima-Allen County Regional Planning Commission
Lima-Allen County Regional Planning Commission
130 West North Street
Lima, OH 45801
(419) 228-1836
Available to high school students:
✓ Internships
✓ Job Shadowing
✓ Site Visits
✓ Training
✓ Guest Speaking at School
Contact: mkinnear@lacrpc.com
Ohio Department of Transportation
Ohio Department of Transportation
1980 West Broad Street,
Columbus, OH 43223
Available to high school students:
✓ Job Shadowing
✓ Site Visits
✓ Guest Speaking at School
Contact: Caitlin.miller@dot.ohio.gov
Average Annual Salaries:
Highway Maintenance Worker: $45,614
Highway Technician 1: $47,362
Highway Technician 2: $50,253
Highway Technician 3: $53,602
Highway Technician 4: $58,074
Transportation Engineer 1: $69,722
Transportation Engineer 2: $76,752
Transportation Engineer 3: $90,854
Touchstone Energy Cooperatives
Touchstone Energy Cooperatives
06029 Co Rd 33A,
St Marys, OH 45885
Available to high school students:
✓ Job Shadowing
✓ Site Visits
✓ Guest Speaking at School
Get the Scoop on Public Works and Safety Jobs
Browse through our interactive cards to uncover key details about public works and safety careers. From daily responsibilities to required skills and compensation, these cards provide a clear picture of each role. Start exploring now to find out which job could be the perfect fit for you!
Crime Scene Investigator
What they do?
- Collect and Analyze Evidence
- Photograph the Scene
- Maintain Custody of Evidence
Skills needed:
- Forensic Analysis
- Attention to Detail
- Knowledge of Criminal Procedures
Where they work:
- Police Departments
- Forensic Labs
- Government Agencies
Salary:
According to O*NET, average salary is $63,620Firefighter
What they do?
- Respond to Fires and Emergencies
- Provide Rescue and Medical Services
Skills needed:
- Firefighting Training
- Physical Fitness
- Teamwork
Where they work:
- Fire Departments
- Airports
- Industrial Sites
Salary:
According to O*NET, average salary is $36,480Highway Technician
What they do?
- Maintain and Repair Highways, Bridges, and Road Infrastructure
Skills needed:
- Attention to Detail
- Problem-Solving
- Safety Awareness
Where they work:
- Department of Transportation
- Construction Companies
- Government Agencies
Salary:
According to O*NET, average salary is $44,910Law Enforcement
What they do?
- Enforce Laws
- Maintain Public Safety
- Investigate Crimes
Skills needed:
- Crisis Management
- Critical Thinking
- Communication
Where they work:
- Police Departments
- Sheriff’s Offices
- Federal Agencies
Salary:
According to O*NET, average salary is $58,310Park Management
What they do?
- Manage resources
- Ensure Safe Facilities
- Create Community Programs
Skills needed:
- Communication
- Environmental Knowledge
- Decision-Making Skills
Where they work:
- National Parks
- State Parks
- Community Parks
Salary:
According to O*NET, average salary is $47,000Wastewater Learner Operator
What they do?
- Inspect, Clean, & Maintain Sewer Systems
- Monitor Wastewater Flow & Pressure
- Respond to Sewer Emergencies
Skills needed:
- Problem-Solving
- Attention to Detail
- Safety Awareness
Where they work:
- Municipalities
- Private Utility Companies
- Contractor Firms
Salary:
According to O*NET, average salary is $48,970Wastewater Treatment Facility Operator
What they do?
- Manage Treatment of Wastewater • Repair Equipment and Facilities • Report of Quality of Water
Skills needed:
- Troubleshooting • Environmental Awareness • Data Analysis
Where they work:
- Wastewater Treatment Plants • Environmental Agencies • Consulting Firms
Salary:
According to O*NET, average salary is $48,970Water Plant Operator
What they do?
- Purify Wastewater
- Maintain Water Pumps
- Test Quality of Water and Adjust Treatment
Skills needed:
- Attention to Detail
- Equipment Operations
- Safety Awareness
Where they work:
- Water Treatment Plants
- Municipal Water Departments
- Private Water Utility Companies
Salary:
According to O*NET, average salary is $48,970Public Works and Safety Career Pathways
Explore each career pathway to discover the steps needed for a successful future. You’ll find information on job responsibilities, required courses and certifications, advancement opportunities, salary ranges, and more. Dive in to learn about the exciting opportunities within the public works and safety industries and begin your journey toward a fulfilling and rewarding career.
Civil Engineering
Crime Scene Investigator
Firefighter
Highway Technician
Law Enforcement
Wastewater Collection
Wastewater Treatment Facilty
Water Plant Operator