Salary Range
Low (10th %)$32,400
Median$46,500
High (90th %)$74,780
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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.
The occupation "Geothermal Technicians" has an automation risk of 39.0%, which is closely aligned with its base risk level of 39.6%. This risk assessment suggests that while a notable portion of the work performed by geothermal technicians can be automated, a significant amount of human involvement remains necessary. The primary reason for this moderate automation risk is the nature of the tasks involved in this occupation, which combine both routine and non-routine components. Technological advancements, particularly in monitoring systems and process automation, have made it feasible to automate certain aspects of plant operations, but hands-on technical tasks still require human expertise. Among the most automatable tasks for geothermal technicians are those that involve repetitive monitoring and systematic documentation. For example, tasks such as "Monitor and adjust operations of geothermal power plant equipment or systems," and "Prepare and maintain logs, reports, or other documentation of work performed," rely heavily on data gathering and basic adjustment processes, which are well suited to automation. Similarly, "Identify and correct malfunctions of geothermal plant equipment, electrical systems, instrumentation, or controls" can be partially automated through advanced diagnostic systems and automated alerts, though complex troubleshooting may still require human intervention. In contrast, the least automatable (most resistant) tasks involve more manual labor, decision-making in dynamic environments, and nuanced technical skills. Tasks like "Operate equipment, such as excavators, backhoes, rock hammers, trench compactors, pavement saws, grout mixers or pumps, geothermal loop reels, and coil tubing units (CTU)" require real-time responses to environmental variations, making full automation difficult. Similarly, "Backfill piping trenches to protect pipes from damage" and "Apply coatings or operate systems to mitigate corrosion of geothermal plant equipment or structures" involve manual dexterity and context-specific judgment. Additionally, bottleneck skills for automation in this field—such as originality—are lowly represented at 2.8% and 2.9%, indicating that while creative problem-solving is not a primary component, practical, hands-on work and on-the-spot adjustments require a human touch that current automated systems cannot fully replicate.
Filter by Automatable Status
Monitor and adjust operations of geothermal power plant equipment or systems.
Partially Automatable
Prepare and maintain logs, reports, or other documentation of work performed.
Partially Automatable
Identify and correct malfunctions of geothermal plant equipment, electrical systems, instrumentation, or controls.
Partially Automatable
Collect and record data associated with operating geothermal power plants or well fields.
Automatable
Perform pre- and post-installation pressure, flow, and related tests of vertical and horizontal geothermal loop piping.
Non-Automatable
Identify equipment options, such as compressors, and make appropriate selections.
Partially Automatable
Adjust power production systems to meet load and distribution demands.
Partially Automatable
Maintain electrical switchgear, process controls, transmitters, gauges, and control equipment in accordance with geothermal plant procedures.
Non-Automatable
Calculate heat loss and heat gain factors for residential properties to determine heating and cooling required by installed geothermal systems.
Automatable
Maintain, calibrate, or repair plant instrumentation, control, and electronic devices in geothermal plants.
Partially Automatable
Install and maintain geothermal plant electrical protection equipment.
Non-Automatable
Install and maintain geothermal system instrumentation or controls.
Non-Automatable
Prepare newly installed geothermal heat systems for operation by flushing, purging, or other actions.
Non-Automatable
Weld piping, such as high density polyethylene (HDPE) piping, using techniques such as butt, socket, side-wall, and electro-fusion welding.
Non-Automatable
Test water sources for factors, such as flow volume and contaminant presence.
Partially Automatable
Install, maintain, or repair ground or water source-coupled heat pumps to heat and cool residential or commercial building air or water.
Non-Automatable
Integrate hot water heater systems with geothermal heat exchange systems.
Partially Automatable
Determine the type of geothermal loop system most suitable to a specific property and its heating and cooling needs.
Partially Automatable
Dig trenches for system piping to appropriate depths and lay piping in trenches.
Non-Automatable
Apply coatings or operate systems to mitigate corrosion of geothermal plant equipment or structures.
Partially Automatable
Backfill piping trenches to protect pipes from damage.
Non-Automatable
Determine whether emergency or auxiliary systems will be needed to keep properties heated or cooled in extreme weather conditions.
Partially Automatable
Design and lay out geothermal heat systems according to property characteristics, heating and cooling requirements, piping and equipment requirements, applicable regulations, or other factors.
Partially Automatable
Operate equipment, such as excavators, backhoes, rock hammers, trench compactors, pavement saws, grout mixers or pumps, geothermal loop reels, and coil tubing units (CTU).
Partially Automatable
Reading ComprehensionActive ListeningCritical ThinkingComplex Problem SolvingOperations MonitoringQuality Control AnalysisSystems EvaluationManagement of Personnel ResourcesWritingSpeakingMathematicsScienceActive LearningLearning StrategiesMonitoringSocial PerceptivenessCoordinationPersuasionNegotiationInstructingService OrientationOperations AnalysisTechnology DesignEquipment SelectionInstallationProgrammingOperation and ControlEquipment MaintenanceTroubleshootingRepairingJudgment and Decision MakingSystems AnalysisTime ManagementManagement of Financial ResourcesManagement of Material Resources
Arm-Hand SteadinessAuditory AttentionCategory FlexibilityControl PrecisionDeductive ReasoningDepth PerceptionDynamic FlexibilityDynamic StrengthExplosive StrengthExtent FlexibilityFar VisionFinger DexterityFlexibility of ClosureFluency of IdeasGlare SensitivityGross Body CoordinationGross Body EquilibriumHearing SensitivityInductive ReasoningInformation OrderingManual DexterityMathematical ReasoningMemorizationMultilimb CoordinationNear VisionNight VisionNumber FacilityOral ComprehensionOral ExpressionOriginalityPerceptual SpeedPeripheral VisionProblem SensitivityRate ControlReaction TimeResponse OrientationSelective AttentionSound LocalizationSpatial OrientationSpeech ClaritySpeech RecognitionSpeed of ClosureSpeed of Limb MovementStaminaStatic StrengthTime SharingTrunk StrengthVisual Color DiscriminationVisualizationWrist-Finger SpeedWritten ComprehensionWritten Expression
Administration and ManagementAdministrativeEconomics and AccountingSales and MarketingCustomer and Personal ServicePersonnel and Human ResourcesProduction and ProcessingFood ProductionComputers and ElectronicsEngineering and TechnologyFine ArtsDesignBuilding and ConstructionMechanicalMathematicsPhysicsChemistryBiologyPsychologySociology and AnthropologyGeographyMedicine and DentistryForeign LanguageEnglish LanguageEducation and TrainingPublic Safety and SecurityLaw and GovernmentTelecommunicationsCommunications and MediaTransportationTherapy and CounselingHistory and ArcheologyPhilosophy and Theology
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsEstimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationGetting InformationIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleProcessing InformationEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsAnalyzing Data or InformationMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsThinking CreativelyUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeHandling and Moving ObjectsControlling Machines and ProcessesOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentWorking with ComputersRepairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentDocumenting/Recording InformationDrafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentInterpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkAssisting and Caring for OthersSelling or Influencing OthersRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersPerforming for or Working Directly with the PublicCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersDeveloping and Building TeamsTraining and Teaching OthersGuiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesCoaching and Developing OthersProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersPerforming Administrative ActivitiesStaffing Organizational UnitsMonitoring and Controlling ResourcesDeveloping Objectives and StrategiesScheduling Work and ActivitiesPerforming General Physical Activities
ClimateMaster GeoDesignerThermal Dynamics Ground Loop Design GLDSAP softwareAutodesk AutoCADDistributed control system DCSGeographic information system GIS systemsClimateMaster GeoDesignerDistributed control system DCSThermal Dynamics Ground Loop Design GLDMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft WordSAP softwareMicrosoft ExcelGeographic information system GIS systemsAutodesk AutoCADGeothermal Properties Measurement ToolGeothermal Properties Measurement ToolWaterFurnace International Ground Loop Design PREMIERWaterFurnace International Ground Loop Design PREMIEREmail softwareEmail softwareMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft Word
Geothermal Production Managers
Medium50.68%
Manage operations at geothermal power generation facilities. Maintain and monitor geothermal plant equipment for efficient and safe plant operations.
Biomass Power Plant Managers
Medium54.43%
Manage operations at biomass power generation facilities. Direct work activities at plant, including supervision of operations and maintenance staff.
Electrical Engineers
Medium51.39%
Research, design, develop, test, or supervise the manufacturing and installation of electrical equipment, components, or systems for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use.
Mechanical Engineers
Medium50.83%
Perform engineering duties in planning and designing tools, engines, machines, and other mechanically functioning equipment. Oversee installation, operation, maintenance, and repair of equipment such as centralized heat, gas, water, and steam systems.
Solar Thermal Installers and Technicians
Low23.46%
Install or repair solar energy systems designed to collect, store, and circulate solar-heated water for residential, commercial or industrial use.
Solar Photovoltaic Installers
Medium38.95%
Assemble, install, or maintain solar photovoltaic (PV) systems on roofs or other structures in compliance with site assessment and schematics. May include measuring, cutting, assembling, and bolting structural framing and solar modules. May perform minor electrical work such as current checks.
Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment
Medium43.09%
Repair, test, adjust, or install electronic equipment, such as industrial controls, transmitters, and antennas.
Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay
Medium47.64%
Inspect, test, repair, or maintain electrical equipment in generating stations, substations, and in-service relays.
Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door
Low30.04%
Install, repair, and maintain mechanical regulating and controlling devices, such as electric meters, gas regulators, thermostats, safety and flow valves, and other mechanical governors.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers
Low27.13%
Install or repair heating, central air conditioning, HVAC, or refrigeration systems, including oil burners, hot-air furnaces, and heating stoves.
Wind Turbine Service Technicians
Medium47.24%
Inspect, diagnose, adjust, or repair wind turbines. Perform maintenance on wind turbine equipment including resolving electrical, mechanical, and hydraulic malfunctions.
Power Distributors and Dispatchers
Medium63.42%
Coordinate, regulate, or distribute electricity or steam.
Power Plant Operators
Medium52.63%
Control, operate, or maintain machinery to generate electric power. Includes auxiliary equipment operators.
Biomass Plant Technicians
Medium53.51%
Control and monitor biomass plant activities and perform maintenance as needed.
Hydroelectric Plant Technicians
Medium39.93%
Monitor and control activities associated with hydropower generation. Operate plant equipment, such as turbines, pumps, valves, gates, fans, electric control boards, and battery banks. Monitor equipment operation and performance and make necessary adjustments to ensure optimal performance. Perform equipment maintenance and repair as necessary.
Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators
Medium43.49%
Operate or maintain stationary engines, boilers, or other mechanical equipment to provide utilities for buildings or industrial processes. Operate equipment such as steam engines, generators, motors, turbines, and steam boilers.
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators
Medium52.51%
Operate or control an entire process or system of machines, often through the use of control boards, to transfer or treat water or wastewater.
Gas Plant Operators
Medium63.67%
Distribute or process gas for utility companies and others by controlling compressors to maintain specified pressures on main pipelines.
Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators
Medium49.42%
Operate steam-, gas-, electric motor-, or internal combustion-engine driven compressors. Transmit, compress, or recover gases, such as butane, nitrogen, hydrogen, and natural gas.
Wellhead Pumpers
Medium33.60%
Operate power pumps and auxiliary equipment to produce flow of oil or gas from wells in oil field.
Hydroelectric Production Managers
Medium54.67%
Manage operations at hydroelectric power generation facilities. Maintain and monitor hydroelectric plant equipment for efficient and safe plant operations.
Wind Energy Operations Managers
Medium56.93%
Manage wind field operations, including personnel, maintenance activities, financial activities, and planning.
Petroleum Engineers
Medium51.23%
Devise methods to improve oil and gas extraction and production and determine the need for new or modified tool designs. Oversee drilling and offer technical advice.
Energy Engineers, Except Wind and Solar
Medium52.65%
Design, develop, or evaluate energy-related projects or programs to reduce energy costs or improve energy efficiency during the designing, building, or remodeling stages of construction. May specialize in electrical systems; heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems; green buildings; lighting; air quality; or energy procurement.
Solar Energy Systems Engineers
Medium52.85%
Perform site-specific engineering analysis or evaluation of energy efficiency and solar projects involving residential, commercial, or industrial customers. Design solar domestic hot water and space heating systems for new and existing structures, applying knowledge of structural energy requirements, local climates, solar technology, and thermodynamics.
Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians
Medium52.73%
Assist scientists or engineers in the use of electronic, sonic, or nuclear measuring instruments in laboratory, exploration, and production activities to obtain data indicating resources such as metallic ore, minerals, gas, coal, or petroleum. Analyze mud and drill cuttings. Chart pressure, temperature, and other characteristics of wells or bore holes.
Nuclear Technicians
Medium50.70%
Assist nuclear physicists, nuclear engineers, or other scientists in laboratory, power generation, or electricity production activities. May operate, maintain, or provide quality control for nuclear testing and research equipment. May monitor radiation.
Meter Readers, Utilities
High70.08%
Read meter and record consumption of electricity, gas, water, or steam.
Weatherization Installers and Technicians
Medium33.33%
Perform a variety of activities to weatherize homes and make them more energy efficient. Duties include repairing windows, insulating ducts, and performing heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC) work. May perform energy audits and advise clients on energy conservation measures.
Nuclear Power Reactor Operators
Medium53.14%
Operate or control nuclear reactors. Move control rods, start and stop equipment, monitor and adjust controls, and record data in logs. Implement emergency procedures when needed. May respond to abnormalities, determine cause, and recommend corrective action.
Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers
Medium54.55%
Operate or control petroleum refining or processing units. May specialize in controlling manifold and pumping systems, gauging or testing oil in storage tanks, or regulating the flow of oil into pipelines.
Biofuels Processing Technicians
Medium54.54%
Calculate, measure, load, mix, and process refined feedstock with additives in fermentation or reaction process vessels and monitor production process. Perform, and keep records of, plant maintenance, repairs, and safety inspections.