What You'll Do

  • Identify and correct malfunctions of geothermal plant equipment, electrical systems, instrumentation, or controls.
  • Install, maintain, or repair ground or water source-coupled heat pumps to heat and cool residential or commercial building air or water.
  • Monitor and adjust operations of geothermal power plant equipment or systems.
  • Adjust power production systems to meet load and distribution demands.
  • Backfill piping trenches to protect pipes from damage.
  • Calculate heat loss and heat gain factors for residential properties to determine heating and cooling required by installed geothermal systems.
  • Design and lay out geothermal heat systems according to property characteristics, heating and cooling requirements, piping and equipment requirements, applicable regulations, or other factors.
  • Determine the type of geothermal loop system most suitable to a specific property and its heating and cooling needs.
  • Dig trenches for system piping to appropriate depths and lay piping in trenches.
  • Prepare newly installed geothermal heat systems for operation by flushing, purging, or other actions.

Essential Skills

Operations Monitoring 3.88/5
Monitoring 3.75/5
Troubleshooting 3.62/5
Operation and Control 3.38/5
Reading Comprehension 3.25/5
Critical Thinking 3.25/5
Quality Control Analysis 3.25/5
Active Learning 3.12/5
Complex Problem Solving 3.12/5
Equipment Maintenance 3.12/5
Repairing 3.12/5
Judgment and Decision Making 3.12/5

Career Fit Overview

Use this summary to sense whether the day to day rhythm and focus of this path line up with what energizes you.

Top passions

  • Maker: Building and fixing energizes you. You like tangible results and practical tools.
  • Organizer: Bringing order to data and processes satisfies you.
  • Analyst: Investigating problems and finding patterns keeps you engaged.

Common styles

Attention to Detail, Dependability, Analytical Thinking, Integrity, Adaptability/Flexibility

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Key Abilities

This career demands strong capabilities in the following areas:

Near Vision 3.88/5
Problem Sensitivity 3.75/5
Deductive Reasoning 3.75/5
Perceptual Speed 3.62/5
Arm-Hand Steadiness 3.38/5
Information Ordering 3.25/5
Flexibility of Closure 3.25/5
Visualization 3.25/5

Technologies & Tools

Autodesk AutoCAD ClimateMaster GeoDesigner Distributed control system DCS Email software Geographic information system GIS systems Geothermal Properties Measurement Tool Microsoft Excel Microsoft Office software Microsoft Outlook Microsoft Word SAP software Thermal Dynamics Ground Loop Design GLD WaterFurnace International Ground Loop Design PREMIER

Work Environment & Style

Common Styles for This Career

  • Attention to Detail (High importance: 4.87/5)
  • Dependability (High importance: 4.54/5)
  • Analytical Thinking (High importance: 4.4/5)
  • Integrity (High importance: 4.32/5)
  • Adaptability/Flexibility (High importance: 4.23/5)

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How to Become One

Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful but is usually not required. Training is often provided on the job.

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Also Known As

This career is known by many different job titles across industries. Here are all the variations:

Corrosion Technician Design Technician Distribution Field Technician Field Distribution Technician Geothermal Field Technician Geothermal HVAC Technician (Geothermal Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning Technician) Geothermal Installer Geothermal Service Technician Geothermal System Installer Geothermal Technician Ground 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 Technician Operator Technician Plant Electrical Technician Plant Mechanic Plant Technician Pump Technician Switchgear Operator