Energy
Great
If you want your career to take you to new heights, this job literally delivers. A wind turbine technician — also called a wind turbine service technician — installs, inspects, maintains, operates and repairs wind turbines that generate electricity. Technicians are able to diagnose and fix problems with malfunctioning components. Wind turbine technicians are also responsible for gathering data.
Because wind turbines are monitored from a 24-hour, remote central office, the job can include on-call travel out to the field when issues arise.
These technicians maintain wind turbines, substations, underground transmission systems as well as the fiber optic sensing control systems. A wind turbine technician may also be involved with construction of new turbines.
Great
- Install new wind turbine equipment
- Repair and troubleshoot inoperable or worn equipment, including working in confined spaces inside or around the tower
- Climb towers to inspect, troubleshoot or repair equipment
- Collect turbine data for testing and analysis
- Perform routine maintenance
- Test electrical components and mechanical and hydraulic systems
Many wind turbine technicians attend technical school to learn the profession. Technicians can also earn an associate degree through a community college, where they typically complete a certificate in wind energy technology. They receive more than 12 months of on-the-job-training in addition to coursework. Part of this may be an internship with a wind turbine servicing contractor. Apprenticeships are another option offered by unions and individual contractors.
- Enjoy working outdoors
- Are able to climb ladder systems, often 260 feet high
- Have excellent communication skills
- Are detail-oriented
- Have excellent mechanical skills
- Possess the physical strength to lift heavy equipment
