How to Be Wind Turbine Technician - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

May 17, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

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Wind turbine technicians play a key role in the renewable energy industry as they are responsible for the installation, maintenance and troubleshooting of wind turbines. The success of wind energy projects is heavily dependent on the skills of these technicians, as they need to ensure that the turbines are running efficiently and safely. they must have a good understanding of the different components of a wind turbine system and be able to identify and repair any issues that arise.

If the turbines are not functioning properly, the amount of energy generated will be significantly reduced and this can have a direct effect on the success of the project. A successful wind turbine technician must possess knowledge of electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, safety protocols and customer service.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a High School Diploma or GED. Entry-level positions in wind turbine technology typically require applicants to have a high school diploma or its equivalent.
Pursue Technical Education. To become a wind turbine technician, students should pursue technical education through a postsecondary training program. Programs may take from six months to a year to complete and include courses such as safety and first aid, wind turbine maintenance and repair, electrical wiring, and electrical system troubleshooting.
Obtain Certification. Many employers prefer to hire wind turbine technicians who are certified by the National Wind Technology Center (NWTC). Certification requires applicants to pass an exam and demonstrate a knowledge of wind turbine operations, safety protocols, and maintenance.
Gain Experience. Many employers require applicants to have at least one year of experience in the field. Experience can be obtained by working as an apprentice under the supervision of an experienced wind turbine technician or through on-the-job training.
Join Professional Organizations. Becoming a member of a professional association such as the American Wind Energy Association or the International Wind Energy Association can help technicians stay up to date on industry trends and gain access to job opportunities.

To stay updated and capable as a Wind Turbine Technician, its essential to stay informed of the industrys latest trends and technologies. To do this, its important to stay up-to-date with news and industry publications, attend networking events and conferences, and participate in continuing education courses. Additionally, its beneficial to have a strong understanding of wind turbine mechanics, the components of a turbine, the operation of the various turbine systems, and the safety procedures to follow when working on turbines. By keeping up with all of these aspects, Wind Turbine Technicians can be confident that they are knowledgeable and capable in their career.

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Job Description

Install, maintain, and repair wind turbines
Inspect turbines for safety and operational concerns
Monitor wind turbine performance and generate performance reports
Troubleshoot and repair mechanical, electrical and control systems
Maintain accurate maintenance records
Perform routine maintenance on components
Conduct preventative maintenance and repairs
Perform necessary upgrades to turbines
Create and maintain a safe work environment
Monitor and adjust operational settings as needed

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of electrical and mechanical systems
Proficiency in the use of hand and power tools
Ability to read and interpret blueprints, schematics, and technical drawings
Understanding of turbine maintenance and troubleshooting procedures
Ability to safely climb and work at heights
Knowledge of safety protocols and OSHA regulations
Ability to work in various weather conditions
Experience in diagnosing and repairing turbine components
Excellent communication and problem-solving skills
Ability to lift heavy objects

Wind turbine technicians are responsible for the maintenance and repair of wind turbines. This job requires a strong technical background and expertise in order to ensure the turbines are running efficiently and safely. The most important skill for a wind turbine technician to have is an aptitude for problem-solving.

This skill is key to being able to identify and correct any issues that arise with the turbines. In addition, wind turbine technicians must also be able to work with sophisticated computer systems in order to troubleshoot and diagnose any problems they come across. They must also have a thorough understanding of the mechanics of wind turbines and the electrical systems that power them.

Furthermore, strong organizational skills are necessary in order to keep track of all the parts and tools needed to perform maintenance and repairs on the turbines. Without these abilities, a wind turbine technician would not be able to keep up with the demands of the job.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have working with wind turbines?
What safety protocols do you follow while working on wind turbines?
How would you diagnose and repair a malfunctioning turbine?
What do you consider to be the most challenging aspects of wind turbine maintenance?
What strategies do you use to minimize downtime for turbines?
How familiar are you with the latest advancements in wind turbine technology?
What electrical components do you have experience working with?
Are you comfortable working at heights in order to inspect and maintain turbines?
How would you respond to an emergency situation involving a wind turbine?
What processes do you use to ensure the accuracy of your work?

Common Tools in Industry

Wrenches. Wrenches are tools used to tighten or loosen nuts and bolts. (eg: Adjustable wrench)
Screwdrivers. Screwdrivers are used to insert and tighten or loosen screws. (eg: Phillips head screwdriver)
Nut Drivers. Nut drivers are tools used to tighten or loosen nuts. (eg: Socket nut driver)
Pliers. Pliers are used to grip, twist, or bend objects. (eg: Needle nose pliers)
Ratchets. Ratchets are tools that use a ratcheting mechanism to help tighten or loosen fasteners. (eg: Socket ratchet)
Electric Drills. Electric drills are used to create holes by drilling into materials. (eg: Hammer drill)
Torque Wrenches. Torque wrenches are tools used to measure and apply torque force to fasteners. (eg: Click-type torque wrench)
Impact Drivers. Impact drivers are tools used to drive screws or bolts into harder materials. (eg: Cordless impact driver)
Wire Strippers. Wire strippers are used to strip the insulation from electrical wires. (eg: Automatic wire stripper)
Cable Cutters. Cable cutters are used to cut metal cables such as steel wire rope and cable chains. (eg: Bolt cutters)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Wind Energy Association (AWEA)
European Wind Energy Association (EWEA)
Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC)
National Wind Technology Center (NWTC)
American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE)
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)
International Wind Energy Development (IWED)
Wind and Solar Energy Association (WASEA)

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Common Important Terms

Wind Turbine. A machine that converts the kinetic energy of wind into electrical energy. Wind turbines are generally mounted on towers and used to generate electricity.
Tower. The structure on which a wind turbine is mounted.
Blade. The aerodynamic surface of a wind turbine, which captures energy from the wind and converts it into mechanical energy.
Hub. The central part of the wind turbine, which houses the main components such as the generator, gearbox, and control system.
Pitch Control System. A system used to adjust the angle of the wind turbine's blades in order to maximize power output.
Generator. The device used to convert the mechanical energy generated by the wind turbine into electrical energy.
Gearbox. The device used to transfer power from the wind turbine's rotor to the generator.
Electrical Systems. The systems used to control and monitor the operation of the wind turbine, including power transformers, inverters, and battery systems.
Maintenance. The routine inspections and repairs necessary to ensure that a wind turbine operates safely and efficiently.
Safety. The procedures and protocols in place to safeguard personnel and property during operation or maintenance activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is a Wind Turbine Technician? A1: A Wind Turbine Technician is a professional who is responsible for the installation, maintenance, and repairs of wind turbines and related equipment. Q2: How long does it typically take to become a Wind Turbine Technician? A2: It typically takes 2-4 years of training and experience to become a certified Wind Turbine Technician. Q3: What type of knowledge and skills do Wind Turbine Technicians need? A3: Wind Turbine Technicians need a good understanding of electrical and mechanical engineering, as well as knowledge of wind turbine components, safety procedures, and industry regulations. Q4: How much do Wind Turbine Technicians typically earn? A4: The average salary for a Wind Turbine Technician is $53,000 per year according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Q5: What is the job outlook for Wind Turbine Technicians? A5: The job outlook for Wind Turbine Technicians is expected to grow by 8% over the next decade, which is faster than the national average.

Web Resources

Wind Turbine Technician Training and Certification - Wind Energy www.pcitraining.edu
Wind Turbine Technician Training | Centura College www.centuracollege.edu
Wind Turbine Technician Courses | UTI - uti.edu www.uti.edu