BlissPoint Analytics

Occupation AtlasGeothermal Technicians

O*NET · 49-9099.01

Geothermal Technicians

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.

Also called Corrosion Technician · Design Technician · Distribution Field Technician · Field Distribution Technician · Geothermal Field Technician · Geothermal HVAC Technician · Geothermal HVAC Technician (Geothermal Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning Technician) · Geothermal Installer
20 more

Geothermal Service Technician · Geothermal System Installer · Geothermal Technician · Ground Source Heat Pump Technician (GSHP Technician) · GSHP Technician · I and C Technician · I and C Technician (Instrument and Controls Technician) · I and E Technician · I and E Technician (Instrumentation and Electrical Technician) · I C and E Technician · I C and E Technician (Instrumentation, Control, and Electrical Technician) · O and M Technician · Operations and Maintenance Technician (O and M Technician) · Operations Technician · Operator Technician · Plant Electrical Technician · Plant Mechanic · Plant Technician · Pump Technician · Switchgear Operator

Job Zone 2 — Some Preparation NeededHolland code RCI35 skills on file

Compare with another occupationCompare with Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers

Job Zone

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Zone 2: Some Preparation Needed

Some preparation. Usually a high school diploma, some previous work-related skill or experience, and a few months to a year of training with experienced workers.

Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.

Occupational interest profile

RCIRealistic · Conventional · Investigative — the three strongest interests, in order

  • R Realistic6.38
  • C Conventional4.99
  • I Investigative3.44
  • E Enterprising1.78
  • S Social1.68
  • A Artistic1.00

RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.

Education and experience

The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.

  • High School Diploma or the equivalent66%
  • Post-Secondary Certificate21%
  • Some College Courses12%
  • Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree2%
Related work experience
None (37%)
On-site or in-plant training
Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year (56%)
On-the-job training
Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year (33%)

Typically associated skills

All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.

  • Operations Monitoring3.94.0Level 4 looks like: Monitor machine functions on an automated production line
  • Monitoringbasic3.83.6Level 4 looks like: Monitor a meeting and revise the agenda to ensure important topics are discussed
  • Troubleshooting3.63.8Level 4 looks like: Identify the circuit causing an electrical system to fail
  • Operation and Control3.43.8Level 4 looks like: Adjust the speed of assembly line equipment based on the product being assembled
  • Quality Control Analysis3.33.3Level 4 looks like: Assess new parts for precision and accuracy to specifications
  • Critical Thinkingbasic3.33.1Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
  • Reading Comprehensionbasic3.33.1Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
  • Repairing3.13.6Level 4 looks like: Replace a faulty hydraulic valve
  • Equipment Maintenance3.13.3Level 4 looks like: Clean moving parts in production machinery
  • Active Learningbasic3.13.0Level 2 looks like: Think about the implications of a news article for job opportunities
  • Judgment and Decision Making3.13.0Level 2 looks like: Decide how scheduling a break will affect work flow
  • Complex Problem Solving3.12.9Level 2 looks like: Lay out tools to complete a job
Show the other 23
  • Coordination3.03.1Level 4 looks like: Work with others to put a new roof on a house
  • Installation3.03.1Level 4 looks like: Install a speaker system in a car
  • Active Listeningbasic3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Take a customer's order
  • Speakingbasic3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Greet tourists and explain tourist attractions
  • Systems Analysis3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Determine how loss of a team member will affect the completion of a job
  • Writingbasic3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Write down a guest's order at a restaurant
  • Systems Evaluation2.93.0Level 2 looks like: Determine why estimates for the time to complete a task are overly optimistic
  • Time Management2.93.0Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
  • Equipment Selection2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Select a tool to adjust a loose part on a bicycle
  • Service Orientation2.92.4Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
  • Social Perceptiveness2.92.3Level 2 looks like: Notice that customers are angry because they have been waiting too long
  • Mathematicsbasic2.83.1Level 4 looks like: Calculate the square footage of a new home under construction
  • Instructing2.62.6Level 2 looks like: Instruct a new employee in the use of a timekeeping system
  • Management of Personnel Resources2.62.3Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
  • Negotiation2.42.1Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
  • Persuasion2.32.3Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
  • Learning Strategiesbasic2.12.3Level 2 looks like: Learn a different method of completing a task from a coworker
  • Sciencebasic2.12.0Level 2 looks like: Conduct standard tests to determine soil quality
  • Management of Material Resources2.01.8Level 2 looks like: Reserve a room for a management meeting
  • Operations Analysis2.01.6Level 2 looks like: Select a printer for an office
  • Management of Financial Resources2.01.4Level 2 looks like: Use available funds to buy office supplies and record the amount of the purchase
  • Technology Design1.91.5Level 2 looks like: Adjust exercise equipment for use by a customer
  • Programming1.91.1Level 2 looks like: Write a program to sort objects in a database

Tasks

7 core · 17 supplemental

What people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).

  1. Identify and correct malfunctions of geothermal plant equipment, electrical systems, instrumentation, or controls.4.3
  2. Monitor and adjust operations of geothermal power plant equipment or systems.4.3
  3. Prepare and maintain logs, reports, or other documentation of work performed.4.3
  4. Collect and record data associated with operating geothermal power plants or well fields.4.2
  5. Determine whether emergency or auxiliary systems will be needed to keep properties heated or cooled in extreme weather conditions.3.9
  6. Perform pre- and post-installation pressure, flow, and related tests of vertical and horizontal geothermal loop piping.3.8
  7. Identify equipment options, such as compressors, and make appropriate selections.3.6
Show the other 17
  1. Adjust power production systems to meet load and distribution demands.4.5
  2. Calculate heat loss and heat gain factors for residential properties to determine heating and cooling required by installed geothermal systems.4.2
  3. Maintain electrical switchgear, process controls, transmitters, gauges, and control equipment in accordance with geothermal plant procedures.4.2
  4. Maintain, calibrate, or repair plant instrumentation, control, and electronic devices in geothermal plants.4.2
  5. Design and lay out geothermal heat systems according to property characteristics, heating and cooling requirements, piping and equipment requirements, applicable regulations, or other factors.3.9
  6. Install and maintain geothermal system instrumentation or controls.3.9
  7. Install and maintain geothermal plant electrical protection equipment.3.9
  8. Prepare newly installed geothermal heat systems for operation by flushing, purging, or other actions.3.7
  9. Install, maintain, or repair ground or water source-coupled heat pumps to heat and cool residential or commercial building air or water.3.6
  10. Integrate hot water heater systems with geothermal heat exchange systems.3.6
  11. Test water sources for factors, such as flow volume and contaminant presence.3.6
  12. Weld piping, such as high density polyethylene (HDPE) piping, using techniques such as butt, socket, side-wall, and electro-fusion welding.3.6
  13. Determine the type of geothermal loop system most suitable to a specific property and its heating and cooling needs.3.4
  14. Dig trenches for system piping to appropriate depths and lay piping in trenches.3.2
  15. Backfill piping trenches to protect pipes from damage.3.1
  16. Apply coatings or operate systems to mitigate corrosion of geothermal plant equipment or structures.3.1
  17. Operate equipment, such as excavators, backhoes, rock hammers, trench compactors, pavement saws, grout mixers or pumps, geothermal loop reels, and coil tubing units (CTU).3.1

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • Mechanical4.45.4Level 4 looks like: Replace a valve on a steam pipe
  • English Language3.83.9Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
  • Education and Training3.74.2Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
  • Physics3.74.4Level 4 looks like: Calculate the speed of a falling object
  • Public Safety and Security3.43.8Level 4 looks like: Inspect a building site for safety violations
  • Chemistry3.34.1Level 4 looks like: Use the proper concentration of chlorine to purify a water source
  • Design3.34.1Level 4 looks like: Design plans for remodeling a kitchen
  • Mathematics3.34.0Level 4 looks like: Analyze data to determine areas with the highest sales
Show all 33
  • Telecommunications3.33.5Level 4 looks like: Install a wireless internet router
  • Administration and Management3.23.8Level 4 looks like: Monitor progress of a project to ensure timely completion
  • Computers and Electronics3.24.0Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
  • Production and Processing3.23.5Level 4 looks like: Supervise an appliance assembly line
  • Administrative3.13.2Level 4 looks like: Type 30 words per minute
  • Engineering and Technology3.14.1Level 4 looks like: Design a custom office chair
  • Building and Construction2.73.8Level 4 looks like: Fix a plumbing leak in the ceiling
  • Law and Government2.62.8
  • Communications and Media2.42.4Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
  • Personnel and Human Resources2.32.0Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
  • Transportation2.22.2Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
  • Customer and Personal Service2.11.5Level 1 looks like: Process a customer's dry-cleaning drop off
  • Medicine and Dentistry2.11.9Level 1 looks like: Use a band-aid
  • Geography2.01.9Level 1 looks like: Know the capital of the United States
  • Psychology2.01.6Level 1 looks like: Monitor several children on a playground
  • Biology1.91.6Level 1 looks like: Feed domestic animals
  • Economics and Accounting1.81.5Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
  • History and Archeology1.51.0Level 1 looks like: Take a class in US history
  • Sales and Marketing1.5—
  • Philosophy and Theology1.30.8Level 1 looks like: Watch a TV show on family values
  • Foreign Language1.2—
  • Sociology and Anthropology1.2—
  • Therapy and Counseling1.2—
  • Food Production1.1—
  • Fine Arts1.0—

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Near Vision3.94.0Level 5 looks like: Read the fine print of a legal document
  • Deductive Reasoning3.83.4Level 2 looks like: Know that a stalled car can coast downhill
  • Problem Sensitivity3.83.8Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
  • Perceptual Speed3.63.9Level 4 looks like: Read five pressure indicators in 10 seconds to make sure each is within safe limits
  • Arm-Hand Steadiness3.43.1Level 4 looks like: Thread a needle
  • Control Precision3.33.9Level 4 looks like: Adjust farm tractor controls
  • Flexibility of Closure3.33.3Level 4 looks like: Look for a golf ball in tall grass
  • Information Ordering3.33.1Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
Show all 52
  • Selective Attention3.33.8Level 4 looks like: Watch security monitors for intruders throughout the night shift
  • Visualization3.33.8Level 4 looks like: Follow a diagram to assemble a metal storage cabinet
  • Extent Flexibility3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Reach for a box on a high warehouse shelf
  • Inductive Reasoning3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Determine the prime suspect based on crime scene evidence
  • Multilimb Coordination3.13.5Level 4 looks like: Operate a forklift truck in a warehouse
  • Oral Comprehension3.13.8Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
  • Oral Expression3.13.6Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
  • Speech Recognition3.13.0Level 2 looks like: Recognize the voice of a coworker
  • Visual Color Discrimination3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Trace electrical circuits marked by various colored wires
  • Written Expression3.13.0Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
  • Category Flexibility3.03.1Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
  • Far Vision3.03.1Level 4 looks like: Read the slides on a presentation from across a room
  • Finger Dexterity3.03.1Level 4 looks like: Attach small dials to audio equipment on an assembly line
  • Manual Dexterity3.03.1Level 4 looks like: Pack oranges in crates as quickly as possible
  • Reaction Time3.03.3Level 4 looks like: Press a button to stop operation when a warning light goes off
  • Speech Clarity3.02.6
  • Time Sharing3.03.0Level 3 looks like: Watch street signs while driving at 30 miles an hour
  • Trunk Strength3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
  • Written Comprehension3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Understand signs on the highway
  • Auditory Attention2.93.4Level 4 looks like: Listen for your flight announcement at a busy airport
  • Depth Perception2.93.0Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
  • Mathematical Reasoning2.93.0Level 4 looks like: Decide how to calculate profits to determine the amounts of yearly bonuses
  • Number Facility2.92.9Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
  • Rate Control2.93.0Level 4 looks like: Keep up with a car that changes speed
  • Fluency of Ideas2.83.0Level 2 looks like: Name four different uses for a screwdriver
  • Hearing Sensitivity2.82.9Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
  • Originality2.82.9Level 2 looks like: Use a credit card to open a locked door
  • Speed of Closure2.82.9Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
  • Gross Body Equilibrium2.62.5Level 2 looks like: Stand on a ladder
  • Memorization2.62.4Level 1 looks like: Remember the number on your bus to be sure you get back on the right one
  • Response Orientation2.62.8Level 2 looks like: When a doorbell and phone ring at the same time, quickly select which to answer first
  • Static Strength2.62.9
  • Gross Body Coordination2.42.1Level 2 looks like: Get in and out of a truck
  • Stamina2.42.0Level 1 looks like: Walk 1/4 mile
  • Dynamic Strength2.12.0Level 2 looks like: Use pruning shears to trim a bush
  • Sound Localization2.12.0Level 2 looks like: Listen to a sound system to determine which speaker is working
  • Spatial Orientation2.12.1Level 2 looks like: Use the floor plan to locate a store in a mall
  • Wrist-Finger Speed2.12.0Level 2 looks like: Use a screwdriver to twist in a screw
  • Glare Sensitivity2.02.0Level 2 looks like: Drive on a familiar road on a cloudy day
  • Night Vision2.01.8Level 2 looks like: Read street signs at dusk (just after sunset)
  • Peripheral Vision2.01.9Level 2 looks like: Keep in step while marching in a band
  • Speed of Limb Movement2.01.8Level 2 looks like: Saw through a thin piece of wood
  • Explosive Strength1.81.1Level 2 looks like: Hit a nail with a hammer
  • Dynamic Flexibility1.40.5

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Getting Information4.43.6Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems4.44.2Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates4.34.5Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
  • Controlling Machines and Processes4.35.5Level 4 looks like: Operate a drilling rig
  • Handling and Moving Objects4.25.3Level 4 looks like: Arrange books in a library
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment4.24.1Level 4 looks like: Drive an 18-wheel tractor-trailer
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events4.13.7Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work4.04.8Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
Show all 41
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge4.04.8Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials3.94.0Level 4 looks like: Inspect equipment in a chemical processing plant
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings3.94.1Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
  • Performing General Physical Activities3.94.7Level 4 looks like: Paint the outside of a house
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment3.94.9Level 4 looks like: Change the oil on a tractor
  • Documenting/Recording Information3.84.0Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards3.83.1Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others3.64.3Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information3.63.6Level 4 looks like: Estimate the time required to evacuate a city in the event of a major disaster
  • Analyzing Data or Information3.53.4Level 4 looks like: Determine the interest cost to finance a new building
  • Working with Computers3.53.4Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
  • Coaching and Developing Others3.43.9Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment3.44.0Level 4 looks like: Make repairs by removing and replacing circuit boards
  • Scheduling Work and Activities3.43.8Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
  • Developing and Building Teams3.33.5Level 4 looks like: Lead an assembly team in an automobile plant
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships3.34.2Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others3.33.3Level 4 looks like: Interpret how foreign tax laws apply to U.S. exports
  • Processing Information3.33.8Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
  • Training and Teaching Others3.33.6Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment3.23.2Level 4 looks like: Specify the furniture and equipment for a new school
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People3.23.4Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
  • Thinking Creatively3.23.7Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
  • Developing Objectives and Strategies3.03.1Level 4 looks like: Develop the plan to complete the merger of two organizations over a 3-year period
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to Others3.03.2Level 4 looks like: Recommend a new software package to increase operational efficiency
  • Assisting and Caring for Others2.93.3Level 4 looks like: Help a medical patient find in-home assistance or healthcare
  • Monitoring and Controlling Resources2.83.3Level 4 looks like: Work as a chef responsible for ordering food for the menu
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates2.72.9
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others2.62.9
  • Communicating with People Outside the Organization2.52.6
  • Performing Administrative Activities2.42.1Level 1 looks like: Complete routine paperwork
  • Staffing Organizational Units2.11.8Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements
  • Selling or Influencing Others2.01.9Level 1 looks like: Convince a coworker to assist with an assignment
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public1.51.1Level 1 looks like: Check tickets at a concert

Work context

The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.

  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams4.9
  • Telephone Conversations4.8
  • Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets4.8
  • Exposed to Hazardous Conditions4.7
  • In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment4.7
  • Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions4.7
  • E-Mail4.6
  • Exposed to Contaminants4.6
  • Health and Safety of Other Workers4.5
  • Frequency of Decision Making4.4

Technology

13 tools

Software used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.

Hot (6)

  • Autodesk AutoCAD
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft Word
  • SAP software
Other tools (7)
  • ClimateMaster GeoDesigner
  • Distributed control system DCS
  • Email software
  • Geographic information system GIS systems
  • Geothermal Properties Measurement Tool
  • Thermal Dynamics Ground Loop Design GLD
  • WaterFurnace International Ground Loop Design PREMIER

Related occupations

O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.

  1. Hydroelectric Plant Technicians
  2. Geothermal Production Managers
  3. Power Plant Operators
  4. Biomass Plant Technicians
  5. Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators
  6. Wind Turbine Service Technicians
  7. Gas Plant Operators
  8. Power Distributors and Dispatchers
  9. Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay
  10. Solar Thermal Installers and Technicians

ESCO equivalents

From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.