Occupation · SOC 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.
Median wage
$48,640
$35,270–$77,150
Projected growth
+2.4%
Slower than average
Annual openings
540
per year
Employed (US)
183,690
Job Zone 2
Typical preparation
Some preparation
Stackable credential programs
95 mapped
Core skills
Operations MonitoringMonitoringTroubleshootingOperation and ControlQuality Control AnalysisReading ComprehensionCritical ThinkingJudgment and Decision Making
Knowledge areas
MechanicalEnglish LanguagePhysicsEducation and TrainingPublic Safety and Security
Technology & tools
Computer aided design CAD softwareAnalytical or scientific softwareIndustrial control softwareElectronic mail softwareGeographic information system
Representative tasks
Monitor and adjust operations of geothermal power plant equipment or systems.Prepare and maintain logs, reports, or other documentation of work performed.Identify and correct malfunctions of geothermal plant equipment, electrical systems, instrumentation
Competency framework
Skill expectations by proficiency level.
emerging
Geothermal plant equipment gauges and readouts — monitor and report observed values under direct supervision during routine shift walkthroughs.Operations logs and daily work reports — complete accurately using standard templates with guidance from a senior technician.Basic equipment malfunctions — recognize and report warning signs to a lead technician in a geothermal plant environment.Field data from well sensors and flow meters — collect and record systematically onto provided data sheets during supervised site visits.Pre-installation pressure and flow test procedures — assist with and observe on vertical geothermal loop piping under technician direction.Equipment manuals and technical schematics — read and interpret basic sections to identify component names and functions with supervisor support.Hand tools and basic test instruments — identify and use correctly under direct supervision on a geothermal installation job site.Safety protocols and emergency procedures — follow precisely as instructed during plant operations and equipment handling tasks.Spreadsheet and word processing software — enter operational data and format basic reports under guidance in an office or control room setting.Geothermal system components including pumps and piping — identify by name and describe basic function during supervised orientation tours.
developing
Geothermal power plant equipment and control systems — monitor, adjust, and document operating parameters routinely with minimal oversight during standard shifts.Operational logs, maintenance records, and shift reports — prepare and maintain accurately and on schedule using established formats and software tools.Common equipment malfunctions in electrical systems and instrumentation — troubleshoot using diagnostic procedures and correct within the scope of routine maintenance tasks.Well field and plant performance data — collect, record, and review for consistency and accuracy, flagging anomalies to the shift supervisor.Post-installation pressure, flow, and leak tests — perform independently on horizontal and vertical geothermal loop piping and document results clearly.Auxiliary and backup heating or cooling systems — assess activation needs during moderately adverse weather conditions using established decision criteria.Industrial control software and SCADA interfaces — operate to monitor system status and make approved parameter adjustments in a plant control room.Compressor and pump equipment options — evaluate specifications against operational requirements and select appropriate units following established guidelines.CAD and GIS software — use at a basic level to retrieve site layout diagrams and loop field maps in support of installation and maintenance tasks.Preventive maintenance schedules for geothermal heat pumps and associated equipment — execute and record outcomes using standard checklists and ERP software.
proficient
Geothermal plant equipment, electrical systems, and control instrumentation — diagnose complex faults autonomously and implement effective repairs across the full system scope.Plant and well field operating logs, incident reports, and regulatory documentation — produce complete, accurate, and compliant records independently for all work performed.Non-routine malfunctions involving mechanical, electrical, and instrumentation systems — analyze root causes using systematic troubleshooting techniques and restore operations with minimal downtime.Operational data sets from sensors, flow meters, and analytical software — interpret trends, identify performance deviations, and recommend corrective actions to plant management.Emergency and auxiliary heating or cooling system requirements — determine independently under extreme or rapidly changing weather conditions using critical judgment and system knowledge.Full pressure, flow, and thermal performance test sequences — plan, execute, and evaluate for both vertical and horizontal loop piping installations to verify system integrity.Equipment selection decisions for compressors, heat exchangers, and pumps — make informed choices by applying knowledge of mechanical principles, physics, and site-specific operating conditions.CAD drawings and GIS-based well field maps — interpret and apply to troubleshoot installation geometry issues and plan system expansions in the field.Systems analysis techniques — apply to evaluate geothermal plant efficiency, identify process improvement opportunities, and present findings using analytical and spreadsheet software.Complex problem-solving across geothermal installation and maintenance scenarios — lead resolution efforts by coordinating with engineers, inspectors, and field crews to restore or optimize system performance.
advanced
Geothermal plant operations standards and maintenance protocols — develop, review, and update organization-wide procedures based on operational experience and emerging industry best practices.Documentation and reporting systems for plant performance and compliance — design and oversee implementation across multiple sites to ensure regulatory accuracy and management visibility.Technical troubleshooting methodology and diagnostic toolkits — establish and train field teams on systematic approaches for resolving electrical, mechanical, and instrumentation failures.Data collection and performance monitoring programs — design and direct for entire well field and plant portfolios, using analytical software to drive evidence-based operational decisions.Emergency preparedness and auxiliary system activation plans — author and coordinate across facilities, ensuring crews are trained and resources are positioned for extreme weather scenarios.Quality control and testing standards for geothermal loop piping installations — set organizational benchmarks, audit field execution, and lead corrective action processes for non-conforming work.Equipment procurement strategy for compressors, heat pumps, and ancillary systems — lead vendor evaluation, specification development, and selection decisions at the organizational level.CAD, GIS, and ERP software platforms — champion adoption and integration across technical and administrative teams to improve installation planning, asset tracking, and reporting efficiency.Emerging geothermal technologies and system design innovations — evaluate technical viability, lead pilot implementations, and guide organizational investment decisions in new capabilities.Workforce development programs for geothermal technician teams — design training curricula, mentor developing and proficient technicians, and build organizational depth in installation, maintenance, and operations competencies.
Also known as
23 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
Plant MechanicGeothermal System InstallerPlant TechnicianGeothermal Service TechnicianField Distribution TechnicianPowerhouse MechanicGeothermal InstallerI and C Technician (Instrument and Controls Technician)Switchgear OperatorPump TechnicianDistribution Field TechnicianI and E Technician (Instrumentation and Electrical Technician)Ground Source Heat Pump Technician (GSHP Technician)Geothermal Field TechnicianGeothermal TechnicianGeothermal HVAC Technician (Geothermal Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning Technician)Operator TechnicianPlant Electrical TechnicianDesign TechnicianOperations TechnicianI C and E Technician (Instrumentation, Control, and Electrical Technician)Operations and Maintenance Technician (O and M Technician)Corrosion Technician