Wind Turbine Service Technician

Overview and Key Facts

What Do They Do?

A wind turbine service technician could...

Overview Listen to this section

Have you ever seen a wind farm or a collection of wind turbines? When the wind blows, the turbines rotate, turning the wind into energy for communities to use. But in order for the wind turbine to produce the greatest amount of energy efficiently, a wind turbine service technician must inspect, troubleshoot, repair, and ensure that the wind turbine is in good working order. This is a job that requires no fear of heights along with great mechanical aptitude and a good working knowledge of electronics.

Do You Have the Skills and Characteristics of a Wind Turbine Service Technician?

1. Troubleshooting: ? Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
2. Repairing: ? Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
3. Equipment Maintenance: ? Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
4. Critical Thinking: ? Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
5. Operation Monitoring: ? Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

6. Complex Problem Solving: ? Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
7. Active Listening: ? Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
8. Monitoring: ? Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
9. Speaking: ? Talking to others to convey information effectively.
10. Reading Comprehension: ? Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Core Tasks

Think about if you'd like the typical tasks a Wind Turbine Service Technician might do:

• Diagnose problems involving wind turbine generators or control systems.
• Climb wind turbine towers to inspect, maintain, or repair equipment.
• Test electrical components of wind systems with devices, such as voltage testers, multimeters, oscilloscopes, infrared testers, or fiber optic equipment.
• Start or restart wind turbine generator systems to ensure proper operations.
• Troubleshoot or repair mechanical, hydraulic, or electrical malfunctions related to variable pitch systems, variable speed control systems, converter systems, or related components.
• Maintain tool and spare parts inventories required for repair, installation, or replacement services.
• Perform routine maintenance on wind turbine equipment, underground transmission systems, wind fields substations, or fiber optic sensing and control systems.
• Test structures, controls, or mechanical, hydraulic, or electrical systems, according to test plans or in coordination with engineers.
• Collect turbine data for testing or research and analysis.
• Inspect or repair fiberglass turbine blades.