Introduction - Wind Turbine Technician
Wind Turbine Technicians are those genies who seek to harness the power of the wind. They are specially trained to install, maintain, and repair wind turbines used to generate clean and green energy.
Similar Job Titles Job Description
- Windtech
- Windsmith
- Wind Turbine Maintenance Technician
- Certified Wind Turbine Technician
What does a Wind Turbine Technician do?
What are the typical responsibilities of a Wind Turbine Technician?
A Wind Turbine Technician would typically need to:
- Inspect the exterior and physical integrity of towers
- Climb towers to perform routine checks and maintenance on wind turbines; collect turbine data for testing, research, and analysis
- Test electrical components, mechanical and hydraulic systems to troubleshoot malfunctions
- Maintain and repair central systems and components like transformers and cabling
- Service underground transmission systems, wind field substations, fiber optic sensing, and control systems
- Replace worn or malfunctioning components, monitor stock, and order spare parts
- Start and restart generator systems
- Update site manager on the progress of maintenance, repair, and inspection work by producing reports and checklists on the development
- Do necessary cleaning and maintenance on the premises surrounding the wind turbines
- Travel to other sites to fix a mechanical failure or breakdown; supervise junior technicians or inspect the work of other onsite maintenance workers
- Follow strict health and safety procedures and remain up to date on safety regulations and other changes in the field
- Maintain and fix fleet vehicles and equipment used while maintaining wind turbines
- Use safety harnesses and a variety of hand and power tools
- Monitor turbines electronically 24 hours a day from a central office; use computers to diagnose electrical malfunctions
Wind Turbine Technician Work Environment
Wind farms are most often located in isolated rural areas. Wind Turbine Technicians need to live near the farm to decrease commute time if a wind turbine suddenly stops working and must be repaired immediately. You will work as part of a team of two or more. You may have to travel to different sites within a specific geographic area.
There may be opportunities to travel abroad. Dress code mandates protective gear such as hardhat, overalls, safety shoes, goggles, and gloves. You must wear a safety harness for working at heights.
Work Schedule Windtechs generally work full time during regular business hours; they may be on call to handle emergencies during evenings and weekends. They usually begin their workday with a risk assessment so that everybody has safety first at the forefront of their mind throughout the day.
When a wind turbine is not functioning, Wind Turbine Technicians must make the necessary repairs as quickly as possible. For those operating the turbine, lost power generation becomes lost revenue.
Employers Wind Turbine Technicians could be employed by local companies to overlook a specific set of wind turbines, or by international companies that fly them out to multiple sites that need surveillance. The wind farms they work on could be located onshore or offshore.
Wind Turbine Technicians are generally employed by:
- Turbine Manufacturers
- Wind Farm Manufacturers and Operators
- Renewable Energy Operators
- Maintenance & Utility Companies
Unions / Professional Organizations Professional associations and organizations are a crucial resource for Wind Turbine Technicians interested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation. Membership in one or more looks excellent on your resume to bolster your credentials and qualifications as a Wind Turbine Technician.
Workplace Challenges
- Hazardous work conditions, including working at heights, in confined spaces with high voltage electrical equipment, and sometimes offshore
- Frequent travel and unforeseen repair translates into considerable time spent away from home
Work Experience for a Wind Turbine Technician
Internship with a wind turbine servicing contractor provides valuable hands-on experience as much of the training takes place on the job under the guidance of senior technicians. The associate degree program includes a 12-month on-the-job training related to the specific wind turbine to be maintained and serviced; it may consist of manufacturer training. Regardless of former training as electricians or construction workers, all candidates must complete wind turbine training.
Apprenticeship programs are usually offered by unions or independent contractors: applicants need to be over 18 years of age, hold a high school diploma or equivalent with algebra as one of the options, and be physically and mentally fit for the job. The programs mandate a specific number of hours of related technical instruction and on-the-job training. Prior experience or training may shorten the apprenticeship training, which focuses on safety, first aid, CPR training, maintenance of electrical, hydraulic, and mechanical systems, braking systems, computer control systems, and programmable logic control systems.
Recommended Qualifications for a Wind Turbine Technician
A two-year program in Wind Energy Technology is offered by technical schools and community colleges worldwide. The minimum requirement to become a Wind Turbine Technician is a high school diploma.
Certifications, Licenses and Registration Voluntary certification is often seen as evidence of an individual’s drive and motivation, demonstrating their base level of knowledge and professionalism, and giving them a leg up for raises and promotions. Most Wind Turbine Technicians may hold a certificate for small or large commercial wind tower installation.
The Global Wind Organization or GWO, a non-profit organization, established by globally leading wind turbine manufacturers and owners, works with its members to create standardized training in safety and productivity. Wind Turbine Owners/Operators may insist on GWO certification to prove a technician’s competence before allowing them to work offshore or onshore.
For successful certification, you must complete all five elements of GWO Basic Safety Training – Basic Sea Survival Training, Fire Awareness Safety Training, Manual Handling Training, First Aid Training, and Working at Height Training. The certificate must be renewed every two years by undertaking refresher training.
Wind Turbine Technician Career Path
Wind Turbine Technicians usually work under the general supervision of professional engineers. With further study and training, you could progress to become an Electrical or Mechanical Engineer, and, where locally relevant, also acquire incorporated or chartered status through accredited organizations. With experience, you may be promoted to work as a Site Manager. You could also move into blade maintenance and repair work.
Job Prospects Job prospects for qualified Wind Techs may be excellent, with an increase in the number of wind turbines being installed. Competition for jobs is light as many people prefer not to work at great heights or in confined spaces. Job opportunities are likely to be higher along the coast and areas where the wind is more prevalent.
Wind Turbine Technician Professional Development
Obtaining in-depth knowledge on electrical matters, first-aid and safety, hydraulic maintenance, and mechanical systems through taking courses can be used to progress in this field. Experience and hands-on training are the most crucial ways to develop yourself professionally as a Wind Turbine Technician.
Learn More
What are Wind Turbines Made Up Of?
Wind energy is zero-carbon. It is harnessed sustainably, and the process consumes negligible amounts of water. Wind turbines are large mechanical devices that convert wind energy into electricity. They are located in areas with abundant winds. The structure consists of three major components: a tower, three blades, and a nacelle. The nacelle is composed of an outer case, brakes, a generator, and a gearbox.
Wind Turbine Technicians install and repair the various components of these structures. Although some Wind Turbine Technicians may help build new wind turbines, most of their work focuses on maintaining them, particularly the nacelles, which contain the equipment that generates electricity.
Conclusion
For those with the technical expertise and the drive, it can be a fantastic job. Every day brings something new, and you will never hear yourself complain about being stuck behind a desk! The next time we drive by a wind farm in the middle of winter or peak summer, we will be thinking about the Wind Turbine Technicians working tirelessly to keep those turbines running. Who knows...one of them could be you!
Advice from the Wise Keeping the big picture in mind makes the career feel truly rewarding - as a Windtech, you're making the world more environmentally friendly through renewable energy use.