When it comes to green energy, it doesn’t get much bigger or more spectacular than fields of wind turbines spinning high in the sky. Wind turbine service technicians, also known as windtechs, install and repair wind turbines. They monitor turbines electronically 24/7 from a central office, and travel to the worksite to troubleshoot problems, and conduct routine maintenance. Wind turbine technicians may service underground components as well as climb to the top of towers for inspections or to replace components. Strength and stamina are important qualities for windtechs, in addition to the mechanical and problem-solving skills they use once they’re off the ground. Since they’re often working on turbines over 200 feet high, and in cramped spaces, techs need to be able to keep a cool head and an eye on the details. Wind farms are often isolated, so windtechs travel to rural areas and, with their work partner, operate as their own first responders in case of an accident. Most work full time, and may be on call on evenings and weekends. Most windtechs learn their trade by earning a certificate in wind energy at a technical school or community college. Once hired, they gain more than 12 months of on-the-job training for the specific wind turbines they service. With an eye on a sustainable future, wind turbine service technicians play a crucial role in providing clean energy for the world.
What they do:
Inspect, diagnose, adjust, or repair wind turbines. Perform maintenance on wind turbine equipment including resolving electrical, mechanical, and hydraulic malfunctions.
On the job, you would:
Troubleshoot or repair mechanical, hydraulic, or electrical malfunctions related to variable pitch systems, variable speed control systems, converter systems, or related components.
Perform routine maintenance on wind turbine equipment, underground transmission systems, wind fields substations, or fiber optic sensing and control systems.
Diagnose problems involving wind turbine generators or control systems.
Engineering and Technology
mechanical
computers and electronics
Arts and Humanities
English language
Safety and Government
public safety and security
Education and Training
teaching and course design
Basic Skills
thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem
keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvements
Problem Solving
noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it
People and Technology Systems
figuring out how a system should work and how changes in the future will affect it
measuring how well a system is working and how to improve it
Hand and Finger Use
put together small parts with your fingers
hold or move items with your hands
Verbal
listen and understand what people say
communicate by speaking
Ideas and Logic
notice when problems happen
use rules to solve problems
Attention
pay attention to something without being distracted
People interested in this work like activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions.
They do well at jobs that need:
Attention to Detail
Cooperation
Dependability
Concern for Others
Adaptability/Flexibility
Self Control
You might use software like this on the job:
Industrial control software
Programmable logic controller PLC software
Supervisory control and data acquisition SCADA software
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
certificate after high school or high school diploma/GED usually needed
Get started on your career:
New job opportunities are very likely in the future.
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