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

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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:

EMT/Paramedic

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What They Do:

  • Provide emergency medical care
  • Transport individuals in crisis

Key Skills:

  • Medical training
  • Emergency response
  • Empathy

Where They Work:

Ambulance services, hospitals, fire departments

Salary:

According to O*NET, the average salary is $39,490

Local Employers:

Healthcare Career Pathway:

Firefighter

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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

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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

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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

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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 Treatment Operator

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What They Do:

  • Manage treatment of wastewater
  • Repair equipment and facilities
  • Monitor wastewater flow & pressure
  • 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

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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

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

Tap to Explore This Career

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 $63,620

Firefighter

Tap to Explore This Career

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 $36,480

Highway Technician

Tap to Explore This Career

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 $44,910

Law Enforcement

Tap to Explore This Career

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 $58,310

Park Management

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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 $47,000

Wastewater Learner Operator

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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 $48,970

Wastewater Treatment Facility Operator

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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 $48,970

Water Plant Operator

Tap to Explore This Career

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 $48,970

Public 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.

FAQs

What public works and safety careers are available in the Lima area?
This pathway includes Crime Scene Investigator, Firefighter, Highway Technician, Law Enforcement, Park Management, Wastewater Learner Operator, Wastewater Treatment Facility Operator, and Water Plant Operator. Local employers include the City of Lima, Allen County Commissioners, and the Ohio Department of Transportation.
How much do public works and safety jobs pay in Ohio?
Examples from O*NET include Firefighter around $36,480, Highway Technician around $44,910, Park Management around $47,000, Wastewater and Water Plant Operators around $48,970, Law Enforcement around $58,310, and Crime Scene Investigator around $63,620. ODOT lists Highway Technician levels ranging from about $47,362 to $58,074.
What does a firefighter do and what skills are needed?
Firefighters respond to fires and emergencies and provide rescue and medical services. Key skills include firefighting training, physical fitness, and teamwork, with work in fire departments, airports, and industrial sites.
What does a water plant operator do?
Water plant operators purify wastewater, maintain pumps, and test water quality; they need attention to detail, equipment operation, and safety awareness. Works in treatment plants, municipal departments, private utilities.
Which local employers hire in public works and safety?
Employers include the City of Lima, Allen County Commissioners, the Ohio Department of Transportation, Lima-Allen County Regional Planning Commission, and the Johnny Appleseed Metropolitan Park District.