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 ControlReading ComprehensionQuality Control AnalysisCritical ThinkingRepairingJudgment and Decision MakingEquipment MaintenanceComplex Problem SolvingActive LearningWritingSystems AnalysisSpeakingInstallationCoordinationActive ListeningTime ManagementSystems EvaluationSocial PerceptivenessService OrientationEquipment SelectionMathematicsManagement of Personnel ResourcesInstructingNegotiationPersuasionScienceLearning StrategiesOperations AnalysisManagement of Material ResourcesManagement of Financial ResourcesTechnology DesignProgramming
Knowledge areas
MechanicalEnglish LanguagePhysicsEducation and TrainingPublic Safety and SecurityChemistryTelecommunicationsMathematicsDesignProduction and ProcessingAdministration and ManagementComputers and ElectronicsAdministrativeEngineering and TechnologyBuilding and ConstructionLaw and GovernmentCommunications and MediaPersonnel and Human ResourcesTransportationMedicine and DentistryCustomer and Personal ServiceGeographyPsychologyBiologyEconomics and AccountingSales and MarketingHistory and ArcheologyPhilosophy and TheologyTherapy and CounselingForeign LanguageSociology and AnthropologyFood ProductionFine Arts
Technology & tools
Autodesk AutoCADClimateMaster GeoDesignerDistributed control system DCSEmail softwareGeographic information system GIS systemsGeothermal Properties Measurement ToolMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft WordSAP softwareThermal Dynamics Ground Loop Design GLDWaterFurnace International Ground Loop Design PREMIER
Representative tasks
Getting InformationMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesControlling Machines and ProcessesOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentHandling and Moving ObjectsIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentPerforming General Physical ActivitiesInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsDocumenting/Recording InformationEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsEstimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersWorking with ComputersAnalyzing Data or InformationScheduling Work and ActivitiesRepairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentCoaching and Developing OthersInterpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersDeveloping and Building TeamsProcessing InformationTraining and Teaching OthersEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsThinking CreativelyDrafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleDeveloping Objectives and StrategiesProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersAssisting and Caring for OthersMonitoring and Controlling ResourcesGuiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationPerforming Administrative ActivitiesStaffing Organizational UnitsSelling or Influencing Others
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
22 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
Corrosion TechnicianDesign TechnicianDistribution Field TechnicianField Distribution TechnicianGeothermal Field TechnicianGeothermal HVAC Technician (Geothermal Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning Technician)Geothermal InstallerGeothermal Service TechnicianGeothermal System InstallerGeothermal TechnicianGround Source Heat Pump Technician (GSHP 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 TechnicianOperator TechnicianPlant Electrical TechnicianPlant MechanicPlant TechnicianPump TechnicianSwitchgear Operator