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Geothermal Technicians - 49-9099.01

O*NET-SOC Description

Perform technical activities at power plants or individual installations necessary for the generation of power from geothermal energy sources. Monitor and control operating activities at geothermal power generation facilities and perform maintenance and repairs as necessary. Install, test, and maintain residential and commercial geothermal heat pumps.

Sample of Reported Job Titles

  • Geothermal Service Technician
  • I and C Technician (Instrument and Controls Technician)
  • I and E Technician (Instrumentation and Electrical Technician)
  • I C and E Technician (Instrumentation, Control, and Electrical Technician)
  • Operations and Maintenance Technician (O and M Technician)
  • Operations Technician
  • Operator Technician
  • Plant Electrical Technician
  • Plant Mechanic
  • Plant Technician

SOC Occupation Groups

Related Occupations

Tasks

  • Adjust power production systems to meet load and distribution demands.
  • Apply coatings or operate systems to mitigate corrosion of geothermal plant equipment or structures.
  • Backfill piping trenches to protect pipes from damage.
  • Calculate heat loss and heat gain factors for residential properties to determine heating and cooling required by installed geothermal systems.
  • Collect and record data associated with operating geothermal power plants or well fields.
  • Design and lay out geothermal heat systems according to property characteristics, heating and cooling requirements, piping and equipment requirements, applicable regulations, or other factors.
  • Determine the type of geothermal loop system most suitable to a specific property and its heating and cooling needs.
  • Determine whether emergency or auxiliary systems will be needed to keep properties heated or cooled in extreme weather conditions.
  • Dig trenches for system piping to appropriate depths and lay piping in trenches.
  • Identify and correct malfunctions of geothermal plant equipment, electrical systems, instrumentation, or controls.
  • Identify equipment options, such as compressors, and make appropriate selections.
  • Install and maintain geothermal plant electrical protection equipment.
  • Install and maintain geothermal system instrumentation or controls.
  • Install, maintain, or repair ground or water source-coupled heat pumps to heat and cool residential or commercial building air or water.
  • Integrate hot water heater systems with geothermal heat exchange systems.
  • Maintain electrical switchgear, process controls, transmitters, gauges, and control equipment in accordance with geothermal plant procedures.
  • Maintain, calibrate, or repair plant instrumentation, control, and electronic devices in geothermal plants.
  • Monitor and adjust operations of geothermal power plant equipment or systems.
  • Operate equipment, such as excavators, backhoes, rock hammers, trench compactors, pavement saws, grout mixers or pumps, geothermal loop reels, and coil tubing units (CTU).
  • Perform pre- and post-installation pressure, flow, and related tests of vertical and horizontal geothermal loop piping.
  • Prepare and maintain logs, reports, or other documentation of work performed.
  • Prepare newly installed geothermal heat systems for operation by flushing, purging, or other actions.
  • Test water sources for factors, such as flow volume and contaminant presence.
  • Weld piping, such as high density polyethylene (HDPE) piping, using techniques such as butt, socket, side-wall, and electro-fusion welding.

Detailed Work Activities

  • Adjust equipment to ensure optimal performance.
  • Apply protective coverings to objects or surfaces near work areas.
  • Calibrate equipment to specifications.
  • Determine types of equipment, tools, or materials needed for jobs.
  • Develop equipment or component configurations.
  • Dig holes or trenches.
  • Document operational activities.
  • Install energy-efficient heating, ventilation, or air conditioning (HVAC) equipment.
  • Install piping for installation or maintenance activities.
  • Maintain repair or maintenance records.
  • Maintain work equipment or machinery.
  • Move large objects using heavy equipment.
  • Operate welding equipment.
  • Pour materials into or on designated areas.
  • Repair electronic equipment.
  • Repair green energy equipment or systems.
  • Service heating, ventilation or air-conditioning (HVAC) systems or components.
  • Test fluids to identify contamination or other problems.
  • Test mechanical equipment to ensure proper functioning.
  • Troubleshoot equipment or systems operation problems.

Military Crosswalk Titles

  • Airborne and Air Delivery Specialist (Marine Corps - Enlisted)
  • Aircrew Flight Equipment (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Aircrew Flight Equipment Apprentice (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Aircrew Flight Equipment Apprentice, Ejection Seat Aircraft (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Aircrew Flight Equipment Apprentice, Non-Ejection Seat Aircraft (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Aircrew Flight Equipment Craftsman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Aircrew Flight Equipment Craftsman, Ejection Seat Aircraft (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Aircrew Flight Equipment Craftsman, Non-Ejection Seat Aircraft (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Aircrew Flight Equipment Helper (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Aircrew Flight Equipment Helper, Ejection Seat Aircraft (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Aircrew Flight Equipment Helper, Non-Ejection Seat Aircraft (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Aircrew Flight Equipment Journeyman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Aircrew Flight Equipment Journeyman, Ejection Seat Aircraft (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Aircrew Flight Equipment Journeyman, Non-Ejection Seat Aircraft (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Aircrew Flight Equipment Superintendent (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Aircrew Survival Equipmentman (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Aviation Survival Technician (Coast Guard - Enlisted)
  • Cavalry Scout (Army - Enlisted)
  • Combat Engineer (Army - Enlisted)
  • Construction Engineering Technician (Army - Warrant Officer only)
  • Flight Equipment Technician (Marine Corps - Enlisted)
  • Plumber (Army - Enlisted)
  • Shower and Laundry Specialist (Army - Enlisted)
  • Submarine Reactor Controls Operator (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Unit Supply Specialist (Army - Enlisted)
  • Water Support Technician (Marine Corps - Enlisted)
  • Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic (Army - Enlisted)

Apprenticeship Crosswalk Titles

No information available.

DOT Crosswalk Titles

  • Powerhouse Mechanic