Geothermal Technicians
At a Glance
- May work at geothermal production plants or performing installation at individual home sites
- Often operate heavy equipment
- Test, operate, and troubleshoot sophisticated controls when working at a plant
- Work both indoors and outdoors
- Often work in teams
Career summary
Geothermal technicians install and repair geothermal heating and cooling systems.Geothermal power uses heat generated by the Earth's core to provide energy. In geothermal plants steam and hot water is used to generate electricity.
Geothermal technicians install, maintain, and repair geothermal systems at power plants and other sites. Technicians inspect and test specific sites to determine the amount of heat available. They check the water for flow strength and for toxic materials. They decide on the best system and equipment to provide heating and cooling.
After installation, technicians test the system by filling and draining the system with water. They make sure that all controls, switches, gauges, and transmitters are working properly.
After installation is complete, technicians test, troubleshoot, and maintain instruments and controls. They also calibrate and repair equipment when necessary.
During operation, technicians monitor instruments and gauges to be sure the plant is working correctly. They make adjustments as needed. They keep logs of maintenance and repairs. To prevent corrosion, technicians regularly apply sealants to geothermal equipment and structures.
Since the heat emitted from the earth changes, technicians collect data to spot trends. This helps maintain consistent power production.
Related careers
This career is part of the Manufacturing cluster of careers.
Related careers include:
- Electronics Engineering Technologists
- Engineering Technicians
- Geologists and Geophysicists
- Geothermal Production Managers
- Heating and Cooling System Mechanics
- Power Plant Operators
Job duties
Task list
The following list of tasks is specific to geothermal technicians.
- Identify and fix problems of geothermal equipment, electrical systems, and controls.
- Monitor or adjust operations of geothermal plant equipment or systems.
- Adjust power production systems to meet demands.
- Collect and record data associated with plant operation or well fields.
- Prepare and maintain reports of all work performed.
- Install and maintain equipment.
- Maintain electrical process controls, transmitters, gauges, and other equipment.
- Determine if emergency or backup systems are needed during extreme weather conditions.
- Test water sources for flow volume and contaminants.
- Prepare newly installed heating systems for operation. Conduct pre- and post-tests.
- Operate heavy equipment such as excavators, backhoes, rock hammers, pumps, and others.
- Determine the type of heating and cooling system most suitable to a specific property.
Common work activities
Geothermal technicians perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.
- Inspect equipment, structures, or materials
- Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
- Identify objects, actions, and events
- Get information needed to do the job
- Document and record information
- Make decisions and solve problems
- Evaluate information against standards
- Control machines and processes
- Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
- Process information
- Use computers
- Update and use job-related knowledge
- Operate vehicles or mechanized equipment
- Repair and maintain mechanical equipment
- Perform activities that use the whole body
- Teach others
- Estimate sizes, quantities, time, cost, or materials needed
- Think creatively
- Analyze data or information
- Explain the meaning of information to others
- Organize, plan, and prioritize work
- Judge the value of objects, services, or people
- Handle and move objects
- Coordinate the work and activities of others
- Assist and care for others
- Schedule work and activities
- Repair and maintain electronic equipment
Work requirements
Working conditions
In a typical work setting, geothermal technicians:
Interpersonal relationships
- Are greatly responsible for the health and safety of others.
- Have a medium-high level of social interaction.
- Are somewhat responsible for the work done by other technicians.
- Are occasionally placed in conflict situations in which there may be disagreement over how to accomplish a task.
Physical work conditions
- Almost always wear protective or safety attire, such as hard hats or safety goggles. Sometimes wear specialized equipment.
- Are often exposed to loud sounds or distracting noise levels.
- Work both indoors and outdoors.
- Are frequently exposed to contaminants as well as hazardous conditions, situations, and equipment.
- Are often exposed to hot or cold temperatures, depending on weather and location.
- May work in very bright or very dim light conditions.
- Sometimes must climb to high places to complete a task.
- Occasionally must get into awkward positions to reach cramped work spaces.
Work performance
- Must be very exact and accurate when performing the job. Errors could impact customers and the performance of geothermal systems.
- Repeat the same physical and mental tasks throughout the day.
- Occasionally must match the pace of work to the speed of equipment.
Hours/travel
- May work overtime when trying to meet a deadline.
- May travel to construction sites.
- May work day, evening, or night shifts in geothermal plants.
- Work schedules are generally established.
Physical demands
Geothermal technicians frequently:
- Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
- Stand for long periods of time.
It is important for geothermal technicians to be able to:
- See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
- Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
- Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
- Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
- See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
- Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
- Understand the speech of another person.
- Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
- Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
- Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
It is not as important, but still necessary, for geothermal technicians to be able to:
- Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
- See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
- Determine the distance between objects.
- Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.
- React quickly using hands, fingers, or feet.
- Choose quickly and correctly among various movements when responding to different signals.
- Adjust body movements or equipment controls to keep pace with speed changes of moving objects.
- Keep or regain the body's balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
- Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
- Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
- Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath.
- Coordinate movement of several parts of the body, such as arms and legs, while the body is moving.
- Use muscles for extended periods without getting tired.
- Make fast, repeated movements of fingers, hands, and wrists.
- Determine from which direction a sound came.
- Move arms and legs quickly.
- See objects in very bright or glaring light.
- While looking forward, see objects or movements that are off to the side.
Skills and abilities
Geothermal technicians need to:
Communicate
- Read and understand work-related materials.
- Write clearly so other people can understand.
- Understand written information.
- Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
- Understand spoken information.
Reason and problem solve
- Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
- Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
- Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
- Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
- Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.
- Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
- Recognize the nature of a problem.
- Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.
- Recognize when important changes happen or are likely to happen in a system.
Use math and science
- Choose a mathematical method or formula to solve problems.
Manage oneself, people, time, and things
- Check how well one is learning or doing something.
Work with people
- Change behavior in relation to others' actions.
Work with things
- Watch gauges, dials, and output to make sure a machine is working properly.
- Determine the causes of technical problems and find solutions for them.
- Operate and control equipment.
- Maintain equipment on a routine basis. Determine when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
- Inspect and evaluate the quality of products.
- Repair machines or systems.
Perceive and visualize
- Quickly and accurately compare letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns.
- Identify a pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in distracting material.
- Imagine how something will look if it is moved around or its parts are rearranged.
Education and training
Educational programs
The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.
Programs of study directly related to this occupation
- Electrical and Electronics Equipment Installation and Repair
- Energy Management and Systems Technology
- Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Technology
- Process Technology
Other programs of study to consider
Training
To work as a geothermal technician, you typically need to:
- have a high school diploma or equivalent;
- complete a formal training program; and
- complete moderate-term, on-the-job training.
Education after high school
Training to work as a geothermal technician is much the same as training to become a heating and cooling system mechanic. Even though geothermal systems are unique, in that they use heat from below the earth's surface, using air to heat and cool a home involves a similar set of skills to those involved in HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning).
As this occupation grows, programs that focus specifically on geothermal energy as opposed to HVAC will be offered. For now, geothermal technicians may complete a formal training program in heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration technology. Professional-technical schools or two-year colleges offer these programs. They grant a certificate or associate degree. In these programs you learn to read schematic drawings, analyze problems, and follow safety procedures. You also learn to determine whether to replace or repair parts.
On-the-job training
After completing a training program, most geothermal technicians learn additional skills on the job from an experienced worker. You begin as a helper and do basic tasks. As you gain experience you work on more difficult tasks. Training includes:
- using equipment and tools;
- making repairs; and
- providing customer service.
Training may last up to one year.
Helpful high school courses
You should take a general high school curriculum that meets the state's graduation requirements . You will be required to take both math and science classes to graduate. You should consider taking Algebra and Geometry as your math courses and Chemistry and Physics as your science courses.
Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:
- Blueprint Reading
- Computer Applications
- Computer Science
- Drafting
- Electricity
- Electronics
The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.
You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.
Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups that may be available in your high school or community.
Things to know
Employers prefer to hire technicians with training in heating and cooling systems or specifically in geothermal technology. As more individuals become aware of the benefits of using geothermal energy, more programs will be offered in this field.
Employers also prefer technicians with both hands-on and mathematical skills.
Costs to workers
Union workers pay an initiation fee and regular membership dues. Workers may also need to buy work clothing and footwear. Some workers may be required to supply their own tools.
Licensing/certification
Typically, workers who install, test, and maintain electrical systems are required to have an electrician's license. Check with your state for information about local licensing requirements.
Wages
Pay varies with the worker's level of education, responsibility, and experience. Salaries vary greatly by employer and plant size. Pay also varies depending on the employer and the area of the country.
Geothermal technicians who work full time usually receive benefits. Typical benefits include sick leave, paid vacation, health insurance, and a retirement plan.
National wage information is not available specifically for geothermal technicians. However, they are part of the larger group of "all other installation, maintenance, and repair workers."
Employment and outlook
Washington outlook
Currently, there is no specific statewide outlook information available for geothermal technicians.
Nine western states have operational geothermal generation plants. At this time there are no plants operating or planned for construction in Washington State.
#No outlook info available
National employment
Major employers:
- Utility companies
- Local, state, and federal government-sponsored power plants
National outlook
Demand for this occupation will be steady. The US is interested in reducing foreign oil imports and developing resources such as geothermal energy systems. Technicians will be needed to install and repair these systems.
Job prospects will be best for those with experience and skills.
Employment and outlook information is not available specifically for geothermal technicians. However, they are part of the larger group of "all other installation, maintenance, and repair workers."
Other resources
901 D Street SW, Suite 930
Washington, DC 20024
202.488.2200
US Department of Energy
(Renewable energy information - geothermal energy)
US Department of Energy: Clean Energy Training Programs
References
Career cluster
Career path
- Realistic (Technical)
O*Net occupation
O*Net job zone
Job Zone 2 - Some preparation needed. Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful in these occupations, but usually is not needed.
DOT occupation
Holland occupational clusters
- Realistic/Conventional/Enterprising
- Realistic/Conventional/Investigative
COPSystem
- Technology Skilled