Hometown Advantage
There’s an advantage to staying here.
Your loved ones are here. Your community is here. A great career awaits you here, too. Hometown Advantage is an initiative from the Putnam County Development Authority and Putnam Career and Technical Center to show you what amazing career opportunities await in your backyard. Each month, we’ll release a new career and a pathway to obtain that career. We’ll partner each career with a company you could go to work for in our region.
Hometown Advantage Career Fair
You can keep your roots and have them sprout into an amazing career while staying in Almost Heaven.
We’re taking it a step further so you can meet employers who are ready to hire in our area.
On October 23, 2025, from 5:00-8:00, we are introducing you to dozens of employers prepared to hire with great careers. Stay tuned for more information about the Hometown Advantage Career Fair!
If you’re a business interested in signing up for the Hometown Advantage Career Fair, click to sign up below.
Sign Up ➞
View the Valley’s In-Demand Careers

Archeologist
An archaeologist studies past human cultures by examining material remains like tools and buildings. Their work involves fieldwork to excavate sites and detailed recording, followed by lab analysis to understand past activities and lifestyles. Ultimately, archaeologists aim to reconstruct and preserve human history, enhancing our knowledge of humanity’s development.
Statewide Average Wage
$62,880*
*Workforce West Virginia Labor Market Information
Training
- Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology or Archeology
- Gain practical field experience in an internship or through University field schools
- Master’s degrees are common in archaeology for high-level leadership roles
Places to Work*
- Civil and Environmental Consultants, Inc.
- Cultural Resource Analysts, Inc.
- Michael Baker International Inc.
*Job titles may vary.

Brick Mason
A brick mason builds and repairs structures like walls, fireplaces, and patios using bricks, concrete blocks, and mortar, interpreting blueprints, mixing materials, laying units in patterns, and finishing joints for a sealed, uniform look. They also cut materials, remove old mortar, and install specialized masonry in high-heat industrial settings like furnaces.
Statewide Average Wage
$48,676*
*Workforce West Virginia Labor Market Information
Training
- Study Concrete Masonry & Construction at Putnam Career & Technical Center
- Apprenticeships are available through local Masonry / Bricklayer Unions
Places to Work*
- Casto Technical Services
- Cement Masons Local 926
- International Union of Bricklayers &
- Allied Craftworkers
- Parsons Contracting
- Raynes and Sons Contracting
- Rhodes Brick & Block
- Terradon
*Job titles may vary.

CADD Technician
A CADD Technician creates precise 2D drawings and 3D models for engineering, construction, and manufacturing projects using software. They translate concepts, sketches, designs, and technical specifications from engineers and architects into accurate, standards-compliant design documents. Key responsibilities include producing and revising detailed drawings and models, organizing and maintaining drawing files and project data, and ensuring designs comply with technical standards and project requirements.
Statewide Average Wage
$64,280*
*Workforce West Virginia Labor Market Information
Training
- Putnam Career & Technical Center Pre-Engineering Class for Intro to CAD Design
- Associate’s degree in Engineering Technology, Civil Concentration at BridgeValley
- Certificate in Computer-Aided Design at BlueRidge Community & Technical College
- Associate of Applied Science in Engineering Technology at WVU-Parkersburg
- Bachelor’s in Architectural and Building Sciences/Technology at Fairmont State University
Places to Work*
- Civil & Environmental Consulting
- The Thrasher Group
- Triad Engineering
- Valtronics
*Job titles may vary.

Geotechnical Engineer
Geotechnical engineering is a civil engineering branch focused on how soil and rock interact with structures. It uses principles of soil and rock mechanics to design and maintain projects like buildings, roads, and bridges.
Statewide Average Wage
$104,620*
*Workforce West Virginia Labor Market Information
Training
- Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, geology, or a related field
- Obtain internships
- Consider a master’s degree and professional licensing
Places to Work*
- Civil & Environmental Consultants
- E.L. Robinson Engineering
- New River Engineers
- Terracon
- Terradon
- Triad Engineering
*Job titles may vary.

Industrial Maintenance
Industrial maintenance refers to the process of keeping industrial machinery, equipment, and facilities in good working condition to maximize their efficiency, reliability, and lifespan. This includes regular inspections, repairs, part replacements, and other preventive and corrective actions. The goal is to minimize downtime, reduce operational costs, and ensure safety.
Statewide Average Wage
$62,218*
*Workforce West Virginia Labor Market Information
Training
- Join Kanawha Valley FAME for a paid apprenticeship]
- Attend BridgeValley for an Advanced Manufacturing Technology associate’s degree
Places to Work*
- Appalachian Power
- DOW
- Niterra North America
- Nucor Steel West Virginia
- Parkline
- Service Wire Company
- Toyota Motor Manufacturing WV
*Job titles may vary.

Machinist
A machinist is a skilled tradesperson who operates machines to create, repair, or modify metal parts and other objects.
Statewide Average Wage
$50,505.32*
An associate’s degree and years of experience typically lead to higher salaries
*Workforce West Virginia Labor Market Information
**Statewide average wage for all machinists’ skill levels
Training
- On-the-job training
- Machinist Technology/CNC Program at Mountwest or BridgeValley Community & Technical College
Places to Work*
- Andritz
- FLSmidth
- Mouldagraph
- Mountaineer Fabricators
- Nucor Steel West Virginia
- Steel of West Virginia
- WV Steel Corp.
- Many more!
*Job titles may vary.

Radiologic Technician
A radiologic technologist creates medical images of the body using equipment like X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs to help doctors diagnose and treat diseases and injuries. They are responsible for patient positioning, operating the equipment, adjusting settings, and ensuring radiation safety, and they may also assist in procedures and administer contrast agents.
Statewide Average Wage
$72,427.43*
*Workforce West Virginia Labor Market Information
Training
- Associate’s degrees are available through the St. Mary’s School of Radiologic Imaging. BridgeValley
- Community and Technical College is seeking accreditation for its program
- Bachelor’s degrees are available through St.Mary’s/Marshall University and the University of Charleston, and can streamline pathways to specialization and higher earning potential
Places to Work*
- Vandalia Health, CAMC
- WVU Medicine
- Marshall Health
- Valley Health
- Doctor Offices
- Outpatient Clinics
*Job titles may vary.

Registered Behavior Technician
An RBT is a paraprofessional who works one-on-one or in small groups with clients and their families who are navigating learning and behavioral differences. An RBT works under the guidance of a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) to document progress and implement therapeutic interventions and support strategies.
Statewide Average Wage
$16.82/hr
Master’s Degree BCBA $66,000/yr
*Mountaineer Autism Project
Training
- On-the-job training at a service location center
- Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Behavior Analysis lead to career advancement
Places to Work*
- Autism Services Center
- Bright Futures Learning Services
- Diversified Assessment & Therapy
*Job titles may vary.

Surgical Technician
Surgical technicians, also known as surgical technologists, assist surgeons during surgical procedures by preparing the operating room, handling instruments, and maintaining a sterile environment.
Statewide Average Wage
$50,060*
*Workforce West Virginia LMI
Hospital systems like CAMC are offering competitive salaries and sign-on bonuses
Training
- Certificate or associate’s degree in surgical technology
- Pathway from LPN or Medical Assistants with advanced training
Places to Work*
- CAMC Health System (Teays Valley Hospital)
- Marshall Health
- WVU Health
- Outpatient surgery centers
*Job titles may vary.

Surveyors
A surveyor is a professional who measures and maps the Earth’s surface, providing essential data for various industries like construction, real estate, and land development. They use specialized equipment to determine land boundaries, identify land features, and create maps.
Statewide Average Wage
$67,960.95*
*Workforce West Virginia Labor Market Information
Training
- Take PCTC’s Pre-Engineering course for an introduction to the field
- Obtain a bachelor’s degree in surveying at Glenville or Fairmont State University, or a related engineering degree
- Become professionally licensed
Places to Work*
- Civil & Environmental Consultants
- E.L. Robinson Engineering
- New River Engineering
- Randolph Engineering
- Triad Engineering
- Terradon
*Job titles may vary.

Title Abstract Paralegal
A title abstract paralegal (or title abstractor) researches and summarizes the legal history of real estate to confirm clear ownership. They review public records, deeds, liens, and lawsuits to produce a document that helps attorneys and buyers understand property restrictions, liens, or claims. This role is essential for real estate transactions and requires close attention to detail.
Statewide Average Wage
$58,632*
*Workforce West Virginia Labor Market Information
Training
- Associate’s degree in Paralegal Studies through BridgeValley or MountWest Community & Technical College
- Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice at Marshall University, WV State University, and Glenville State University, with a paralegal certificate
- Internships with law firms or court systems are strongly encouraged
Places to Work*
- Michael J. Bell PLLC
- Steptoe & Johnson PLLC
- Spilman, Thomas & Battle
- Tyree, Embree & Associates
*Job titles may vary.
Submit a Career to Feature for Hometown Advantage
Submit a Career to Feature for Hometown Advantage
Thanks for seeing the value of young people understanding what career options are available in our region! If your company struggles to recruit or retain specific careers, we'd love to highlight them through Hometown Advantage.
