Wind Turbine Technician
Table of Contents
- What is a Wind Turbine Technician?
- Types of Wind Turbine Technicians
- Electrical Technicians
- Mechanical Technicians
- Blade Repair Technicians
- Major Component Change-out Technicians
- Installers/Construction Technicians
- Wind Turbine Technician Salary
- Training and Certifications for Wind Turbine Technicians
- GWO Basic Safety Training
- GWO Advanced Rescue Training
- GWO Basic Technical Training
- GWO Blade Repair Training
- College Programs
- Company Training Programs
- Where Do Wind Turbine Technicians Work?
- Typical Wind Turbine Technician Schedule
- Equipment a Wind Turbine Technician Needs
- Where to Find Jobs for Wind Turbine Technicians
What is a Wind Turbine Technician?
A Wind Turbine Technician, also known as a “wind tech,” is responsible for the maintenance, repair, and installation of wind turbines. These professionals are skilled in electrical, mechanical, and hydraulic systems, and they play a crucial role in ensuring wind turbines operate efficiently. Wind turbine technicians troubleshoot electrical problems, repair mechanical systems, perform routine maintenance, and conduct blade inspections.
For more detailed information on this career, you can visit the U.S. Department of Energy.
Types of Wind Turbine Technicians
There are several specialized roles within wind turbine maintenance. Each requires a distinct set of skills:
Electrical Technicians
Wind turbine electrical techs specialize in diagnosing and repairing electrical systems within turbines, such as control systems, wiring, and electrical components.
Mechanical Technicians
Mechanical wind techs focus on the physical components of the turbine, including the gearbox, rotor, and other mechanical systems that keep the turbine functioning.
Blade Repair Technicians
Blade techs specialize in the inspection, maintenance, and repair of wind turbine blades, often using rope access techniques to reach damaged areas.
Major Component Change-out Technicians
These techs are responsible for replacing or repairing major components like gearboxes, generators, or main bearings, which often involves the use of heavy equipment such as cranes.
Installer/Construction Technicians
These professionals focus on the installation and construction of wind turbines, working on building new wind farms or setting up individual turbines.
Wind Turbine Technician Salary
In Alberta, Canada, technicians typically earn between $25 and $50 per hour, depending on experience and specialization. The demand for skilled wind technicians continues to grow as renewable energy expands globally.
For more information on salary details, visit Alis Alberta.
Training and Certifications for Wind Turbine Technicians
To work as a wind technician, specific training and certifications are required, many of which are offered globally:
GWO Basic Safety Training
Covers first aid, manual handling, fire awareness, and working at heights. This certification is essential for anyone entering the wind industry.
Learn more: GWO Basic Safety Training
GWO Advanced Rescue Training
This focuses on advanced rescue operations in wind turbines, preparing techs for emergency response situations.
Learn more: GWO Advanced Rescue Training
GWO Basic Technical Training
Offers technical skills related to mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic systems.
Learn more: GWO Basic Technical Training
GWO Blade Repair Training
Specifically designed for blade technicians, this certification provides the necessary knowledge and skills for blade inspection and repair.
Learn more: GWO Blade Repair Training
College Programs
Several institutions offer wind turbine technician training:
Company Training Programs
Many leading wind turbine manufacturers provide in-house training:
- Siemens
- Vestas
- GE
- Enercon
Some additional company-provided certifications include:
- Crane and Chain Hoist User & Rigging Safety Training
- Portable Ascender Equipment Lift Training
- Bolt Tightening Training
- Lockout Tagout (LOTO) Awareness Training
Where Do Wind Turbine Technicians Work?
Wind turbine technicians can work in various environments, depending on their specialization and company needs:
Traveling
Many wind techs travel extensively, servicing wind farms in different regions or even across countries. This could involve working on turbines in rural areas, offshore installations, or remote locations.
Local Small Town
Some techs find work in local, smaller-scale operations, particularly if they live near a wind farm. These roles often allow for more stable, permanent work within a specific region.
Typical Wind Turbine Technician Schedule
Wind turbine technicians often work full-time schedules, with regular shifts as well as on-call duties. The nature of the job can require flexibility, especially during critical maintenance operations.
- Typical Hours: Full-time positions typically have 7 AM to 3 PM hours.
- Shift Work: Some technicians may work 5 weeks on, with 1 week off, clocking up to 12 hours a day during peak times or urgent repairs.
Equipment a Wind Turbine Technician Needs
Wind turbine technicians use a variety of specialized equipment to safely perform their duties:
- Harness: Essential for fall protection while working at heights.
- Helmet: Protects against head injuries, often equipped with communication devices.
- Radio: Used for communication with ground teams and other techs.
- Fire-Resistant (FR) Clothing: Worn to protect against electrical arc flash hazards.
- Safety Glasses: Protects against debris and hazards while working.
- Gloves: Provides grip and protection for hands.
- Helmet Lamp: Useful for working in dark or confined spaces.
- Lock and Key for LOTO: Lockout/tagout systems to ensure machinery is safely shut down during repairs.
Where to Find Jobs for Wind Turbine Technicians
Wind technicians can find job opportunities on a variety of platforms, including:
- Company Websites: Manufacturers like Siemens, Vestas, and GE often post job openings on their sites.
- Job Boards: Platforms such as Indeed, LinkedIn, and Monster frequently list positions for wind techs.
- Industry-Specific Websites: Websites such as Renewables Now and Canada Renewable Energy Association provide specialized job listings for renewable energy careers.
- BladeTex – We are always looking for skilled Wind Turbine Technicians