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:
Diagnose problems involving wind turbine generators or control systems.
Climb wind turbine towers to inspect, maintain, or repair equipment.
Test electrical components of wind systems with devices, such as voltage testers, multimeters, oscilloscopes, infrared testers, or fiber optic equipment.
Engineering and Technology
mechanical
computers and electronics
Math and Science
physics
Safety and Government
public safety and security
Arts and Humanities
English language
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
Hand and Finger Use
hold or move items with your hands
keep your arm or hand steady
Ideas and Logic
notice when problems happen
use rules to solve problems
Verbal
listen and understand what people say
communicate by speaking
Visual Understanding
quickly compare groups of letters, numbers, pictures, or other things
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
Analytical Thinking
Dependability
Cooperation
Integrity
Adaptability/Flexibility
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
high school diploma/GED or certificate after high school usually needed
Get started on your career:
New job opportunities are very likely in the future.
$56,230
$40,490
$83,580
You might like a career in one of these industries:
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