# 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.
- **Entity Type:** role
- **Schema Version:** role.v1
- **Soc Code:** 49-9099.01
- **Summary:** 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.

## Aliases

- I C and E Technician (Instrumentation, Control, and Electrical Technician)
- Operations Technician
- Operations and Maintenance Technician (O and M Technician)
- Plant Technician
- Geothermal Service Technician
- I and C Technician (Instrument and Controls Technician)
- I and E Technician (Instrumentation and Electrical Technician)
- Operator Technician
- Plant Electrical Technician
- Plant Mechanic
- Corrosion Technician
- Design Technician

## Tasks

| Text | Type | Iwa |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Adjust power production systems to meet load and distribution demands. | Supplemental | 4.A.3.a.2.i |
| Monitor and adjust operations of geothermal power plant equipment or systems. | Core | 4.A.3.a.2.i |
| Prepare and maintain logs, reports, or other documentation of work performed. | Core | 4.A.3.b.6.h |
| Identify and correct malfunctions of geothermal plant equipment, electrical systems, instrumentation, or controls. | Core | 4.A.2.b.1.b |
| Collect and record data associated with operating geothermal power plants or well fields. | Core | 4.A.3.b.6.h |
| Calculate heat loss and heat gain factors for residential properties to determine heating and cooling required by installed geothermal systems. | Supplemental | 4.A.3.a.2.p |
| Maintain electrical switchgear, process controls, transmitters, gauges, and control equipment in accordance with geothermal plant procedures. | Supplemental | 4.A.3.b.5.b |
| Maintain, calibrate, or repair plant instrumentation, control, and electronic devices in geothermal plants. | Supplemental | 4.A.3.a.2.i |
| Install and maintain geothermal plant electrical protection equipment. | Supplemental | 4.A.3.a.2.p |
| Design and lay out geothermal heat systems according to property characteristics, heating and cooling requirements, piping and equipment requirements, applicable regulations, or other factors. | Supplemental | 4.A.3.b.2.c |
| Install and maintain geothermal system instrumentation or controls. | Supplemental | 4.A.3.a.2.p |
| Determine whether emergency or auxiliary systems will be needed to keep properties heated or cooled in extreme weather conditions. | Core | 4.A.2.b.1.h |

## Emerging Tasks


## Activities

| Name | Iwa |
| --- | --- |
| Troubleshoot equipment or systems operation problems. | 4.A.2.b.1.b |
| Repair green energy equipment or systems. | 4.A.3.b.4.c |
| Install energy-efficient heating, ventilation, or air conditioning (HVAC) equipment. | 4.A.3.a.2.p |
| Service heating, ventilation or air-conditioning (HVAC) systems or components. | 4.A.3.b.4.a |
| Adjust equipment to ensure optimal performance. | 4.A.3.a.2.i |
| Pour materials into or on designated areas. | 4.A.3.a.1.g |
| Develop equipment or component configurations. | 4.A.3.b.2.c |
| Determine types of equipment, tools, or materials needed for jobs. | 4.A.2.b.1.h |
| Dig holes or trenches. | 4.A.3.a.1.g |
| Install piping for installation or maintenance activities. | 4.A.3.a.2.aq |
| Maintain work equipment or machinery. | 4.A.3.b.5.a |
| Repair electronic equipment. | 4.A.3.b.5.b |
| Calibrate equipment to specifications. | 4.A.3.a.2.i |
| Test mechanical equipment to ensure proper functioning. | 4.A.1.b.2.l |
| Apply protective coverings to objects or surfaces near work areas. | 4.A.3.a.1.d |
| Document operational activities. | 4.A.3.b.6.h |
| Move large objects using heavy equipment. | 4.A.3.a.1.j |
| Maintain repair or maintenance records. | 4.A.3.b.6.h |
| Test fluids to identify contamination or other problems. | 4.A.1.b.2.c |
| Operate welding equipment. | 4.A.3.a.2.ai |

## Capabilities

| Name | Family | Value |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Mechanical | knowledge | 4.42 |
| Operations Monitoring | transferable_skill | 3.88 |
| Near Vision | ability | 3.88 |
| English Language | knowledge | 3.8 |
| Monitoring | essential_skill | 3.75 |
| Problem Sensitivity | ability | 3.75 |
| Deductive Reasoning | ability | 3.75 |
| Physics | knowledge | 3.72 |
| Education and Training | knowledge | 3.65 |
| Troubleshooting | transferable_skill | 3.62 |
| Perceptual Speed | ability | 3.62 |
| Public Safety and Security | knowledge | 3.44 |
| Operation and Control | transferable_skill | 3.38 |
| Arm-Hand Steadiness | ability | 3.38 |
| Chemistry | knowledge | 3.32 |
| Design | knowledge | 3.28 |
| Mathematics | knowledge | 3.28 |
| Telecommunications | knowledge | 3.28 |
| Reading Comprehension | essential_skill | 3.25 |
| Critical Thinking | essential_skill | 3.25 |
| Quality Control Analysis | transferable_skill | 3.25 |
| Information Ordering | ability | 3.25 |
| Flexibility of Closure | ability | 3.25 |
| Visualization | ability | 3.25 |
| Selective Attention | ability | 3.25 |
| Control Precision | ability | 3.25 |
| Production and Processing | knowledge | 3.21 |
| Administration and Management | knowledge | 3.2 |
| Computers and Electronics | knowledge | 3.15 |
| Active Learning | essential_skill | 3.12 |
| Complex Problem Solving | transferable_skill | 3.12 |
| Equipment Maintenance | transferable_skill | 3.12 |
| Repairing | transferable_skill | 3.12 |
| Judgment and Decision Making | transferable_skill | 3.12 |
| Oral Comprehension | ability | 3.12 |
| Oral Expression | ability | 3.12 |
| Written Expression | ability | 3.12 |
| Inductive Reasoning | ability | 3.12 |
| Multilimb Coordination | ability | 3.12 |
| Extent Flexibility | ability | 3.12 |

## Skills

| Name | Type |
| --- | --- |
| English Language | Common Skill |
| Deductive Reasoning | Common Skill |
| Physics | Specialized Skill |
| Chemistry | Specialized Skill |
| Telecommunications | Specialized Skill |
| Mathematics | Common Skill |
| Visualization | Specialized Skill |
| Reading Comprehension | Common Skill |
| Information Ordering | Specialized Skill |
| Critical Thinking | Common Skill |
| Speech Recognition | Specialized Skill |
| Inductive Reasoning | Common Skill |
| Equipment Maintenance | Specialized Skill |
| Complex Problem Solving | Common Skill |
| Active Learning | Common Skill |
| Writing | Common Skill |
| Systems Analysis | Specialized Skill |
| Microsoft Word | Common Skill |
| Microsoft Outlook | Common Skill |
| Microsoft Excel | Common Skill |
| Installation | Specialized Skill |
| Finger Dexterity | Common Skill |
| Active Listening | Common Skill |
| Time Management | Common Skill |
| Social Perceptiveness | Common Skill |
| Equipment Selection | Specialized Skill |
| Depth Perception | Common Skill |
| Instructing | Specialized Skill |
| Negotiation | Common Skill |
| Learning Strategies | Specialized Skill |
| Geography | Specialized Skill |
| Email Software | Specialized Skill |
| Psychology | Specialized Skill |
| Biology | Specialized Skill |
| Foreign Language | Common Skill |
| Industrial Control Software | Specialized Skill |

## Tools

| Example | Category | Hot | In Demand |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Autodesk AutoCAD | Computer aided design CAD software | yes | no |
| Microsoft Excel | Spreadsheet software | yes | no |
| Microsoft Office software | Office suite software | yes | no |
| Microsoft Outlook | Electronic mail software | yes | no |
| Microsoft Word | Word processing software | yes | no |
| SAP software | Enterprise resource planning ERP software | yes | no |
| ClimateMaster GeoDesigner | Analytical or scientific software | no | no |
| Distributed control system DCS | Industrial control software | no | no |
| Email software | Electronic mail software | no | no |
| Geographic information system GIS systems | Geographic information system | no | no |
| Geothermal Properties Measurement Tool | Analytical or scientific software | no | no |
| Thermal Dynamics Ground Loop Design GLD | Analytical or scientific software | no | no |
| WaterFurnace International Ground Loop Design PREMIER | Analytical or scientific software | no | no |

## Work Context

| Name | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams | 4.89 |
| Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets | 4.78 |
| Telephone Conversations | 4.75 |
| Exposed to Hazardous Conditions | 4.74 |
| In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment | 4.71 |
| Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions | 4.67 |
| E-Mail | 4.57 |
| Exposed to Contaminants | 4.57 |
| Health and Safety of Other Workers | 4.52 |
| Frequency of Decision Making | 4.35 |
| Contact With Others | 4.34 |
| Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures | 4.3 |
| Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team | 4.28 |
| Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable | 4.21 |
| Freedom to Make Decisions | 4.21 |
| Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled | 4.1 |
| Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities | 4.07 |
| Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals | 3.88 |
| Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls | 3.85 |
| Consequence of Error | 3.82 |
| Indoors, Environmentally Controlled | 3.79 |
| Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings | 3.75 |
| Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results | 3.74 |
| Importance of Repeating Same Tasks | 3.73 |
| Exposed to Hazardous Equipment | 3.67 |
| Importance of Being Exact or Accurate | 3.64 |
| Time Pressure | 3.58 |
| Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions | 3.53 |
| Exposed to High Places | 3.39 |
| Written Letters and Memos | 3.34 |
| Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers | 3.3 |
| In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment | 3.29 |
| Spend Time Standing | 3.26 |
| Outdoors, Under Cover | 3.23 |
| Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions | 3.17 |
| Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection | 3.15 |
| Degree of Automation | 3.06 |
| Spend Time Walking or Running | 2.91 |
| Public Speaking | 2.82 |
| Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body | 2.8 |

## Preparation

- **Job Zone:** 2
- **Job Zone Name:** Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed
- **Education:** Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
- **Experience:** Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
- **Svp Range:** (Below 6.0)

### Education Distribution

| Label | Percentage |
| --- | --- |
| High School Diploma | 65.75 |
| Post-Secondary Certificate | 20.48 |
| Some College Courses | 12.25 |
| Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree) | 1.52 |

## Person Fit

| Name | Family | Value |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Realistic | career_interest_type | 6.38 |
| Conventional | career_interest_type | 4.99 |
| Investigative | career_interest_type | 3.44 |
| Enterprising | career_interest_type | 1.78 |
| Social | career_interest_type | 1.68 |
| Artistic | career_interest_type | 1 |

## Related Roles

| Soc Code | Slug | Title | Tier |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 51-8013.04 | role-51-8013-04 | Hydroelectric Plant Technicians | Primary-Short |
| 11-3051.02 | role-11-3051-02 | Geothermal Production Managers | Primary-Short |
| 51-8013.00 | role-51-8013-00 | Power Plant Operators | Primary-Short |
| 51-8013.03 | role-51-8013-03 | Biomass Plant Technicians | Primary-Short |
| 51-8021.00 | role-51-8021-00 | Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators | Primary-Short |
| 49-9081.00 | role-49-9081-00 | Wind Turbine Service Technicians | Primary-Long |
| 51-8092.00 | role-51-8092-00 | Gas Plant Operators | Primary-Long |
| 51-8012.00 | role-51-8012-00 | Power Distributors and Dispatchers | Primary-Long |
| 49-2095.00 | role-49-2095-00 | Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay | Primary-Long |
| 47-2152.04 | role-47-2152-04 | Solar Thermal Installers and Technicians | Primary-Long |
| 11-3051.04 | role-11-3051-04 | Biomass Power Plant Managers | Supplemental |
| 51-8031.00 | role-51-8031-00 | Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators | Supplemental |

## Career Clusters

| Cluster | Slug |
| --- | --- |
| Advanced Manufacturing | advanced-manufacturing |
| Construction | construction |

## Education Level

- **Category:** High school diploma or equivalent

## Study Programs

| Title | Slug |
| --- | --- |
| Mechanic and Repair Technologies/Technicians | mechanic-and-repair-technologies-technicians |

## Market

- **Median Wage:** 48640
- **Mean Wage:** 53270
- **Pct10Wage:** 35270
- **Pct25Wage:** 40700
- **Pct75Wage:** 61090
- **Pct90Wage:** 77150
- **Employment:** 183690
- **Area Title:** U.S.

## Industries


### Top

| Naics | Slug | Title | Level | Employment | Median Wage | Lq |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 56 | 56 | Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services | Sector | 35080 | 46040 | 3.26 |
| 31-33 | 31-33 | Manufacturing | Sector | 25210 | 50580 | 1.66 |
| 42 | 42 | Wholesale Trade | Sector | 24830 | 49960 | 3.45 |
| 44-45 | 44-45 | Retail Trade | Sector | 21500 | 46600 | 1.16 |
| 23 | 23 | Construction | Sector | 21460 | 47740 | 2.22 |
| 54 | 54 | Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | Sector | 8260 | 47650 | 0.64 |
| 561320 | 561320 | Temporary Help Services | National industry | 6880 | 45670 | 2.18 |
| 71 | 71 | Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation | Sector | 6490 | 38480 | 2.06 |
| 81 | 81 | Other Services (except Public Administration) | Sector | 6450 | 46210 | 1.22 |
| 48-49 | 48-49 | Transportation and Warehousing | Sector | 6300 | 49920 | 0.72 |
| 53 | 53 | Real Estate and Rental and Leasing | Sector | 4640 | 45660 | 1.64 |
| 459110 | 459110 | Sporting Goods Retailers | National industry | 2630 | 44570 | 7.42 |

### Concentrated

| Naics | Slug | Title | Level | Employment | Lq |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 238290 | 238290 | Other Building Equipment Contractors | National industry | 2140 | 11.7 |
| 459110 | 459110 | Sporting Goods Retailers | National industry | 2630 | 7.42 |
| 42 | 42 | Wholesale Trade | Sector | 24830 | 3.45 |
| 56 | 56 | Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services | Sector | 35080 | 3.26 |
| 221113 | 221113 | Nuclear Electric Power Generation | National industry | 130 | 2.94 |
| 22 | 22 | Utilities | Sector | 1950 | 2.82 |
| 23 | 23 | Construction | Sector | 21460 | 2.22 |
| 561320 | 561320 | Temporary Help Services | National industry | 6880 | 2.18 |
- **Count:** 40

## Ai Signals

| Source | Label | Score | Scale | Release |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| felten_aioe | AI occupational exposure | -0.5900791 | relative exposure score | 2021-plus-generative-ai-workbooks |
| felten_image_generation_aioe | Image generation occupational exposure | -0.1460183 | relative exposure score | 2021-plus-generative-ai-workbooks |
| felten_language_modeling_aioe | Language modeling occupational exposure | -0.7931647 | relative exposure score | 2021-plus-generative-ai-workbooks |

## Ai Outlook


### Index

- **Value:** 35
- **Percentile:** 33
- **Band:** Low
- **Version:** ai-exposure-index-v1

#### Components

| Percentile | Source |
| --- | --- |
| 32 | felten_aioe |
| 35 | openai_gpts_are_gpts |
| 39 | microsoft_working_with_ai |
- **Component Count:** 3

### Exposure

| Source | Label | Value | Percentile | Band | Note |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| felten_aioe | Overall AI exposure (Felten et al.) | -0.5900791 | 32 | Low | How much this job's abilities overlap with what AI systems can do, across many AI capabilities. A relative research score, not a forecast of job loss. |
| eloundou_gamma | LLM task exposure, γ (OpenAI / Eloundou) | 0.3548387096774194 | 35 | Moderate | Share of this job's tasks where a large language model plus simple tools could cut the time to do them by at least half. γ is capped at 1.0 and many jobs reach that ceiling, so treat a top score as 'in the top group', not a precise rank. |
| microsoft_applicability | AI assistant applicability (Microsoft) | 0.12122897645321279 | 39 | Moderate | How applicable today's AI assistants are to this job's activities, measured from real Microsoft Copilot conversations. Applicability is not the same as replacement. |
- **Teleworkable:** no

### Eloundou

- **Alpha:** 0.06451612903225806
- **Beta:** 0.2096774193548387
- **Gamma:** 0.3548387096774194

### Usage Tasks

| Task | Usage Percent | Importance |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Prepare and maintain logs, reports, or other documentation of work performed. | 0.002156863550649319 | 4.31 |
- **Usage Release:** 2026-01-15-v4-plus-2025-03-27-v2

### Bls

- **Growth Percent:** 2.4
- **Growth Percentile:** 45
- **Direction:** About average
- **Annual Openings Thousands:** 21.5
- **Annual Openings Percentile:** 79
- **Employment2024Thousands:** 221.2
- **Employment2034Thousands:** 226.5

### Sources

| Source | Version |
| --- | --- |
| bls_employment_projections | 2024-2034 |
| dingel_neiman | dingel-neiman-workathome |
| felten_aioe | felten-raj-seamans-aioe |
| microsoft_working_with_ai | working-with-ai |
| openai_gpts_are_gpts | gpts-are-gpts |

## Counts

- **Tasks:** 24
- **Skills:** 36
- **Capabilities:** 120
- **Tools:** 13
- **Related Roles:** 20

## Source

- **Dataset:** gold.onet_role_starter_surface
- **Version:** 30.3
- **Generated At:** 2026-06-02T21:00:32.945303+00:00
- **Content Hash:** 0b3200162d8d6e98