As the U.S. wind energy industry continues to grow at a phenomenal rate, those who work in wind turbine jobs have been able to enjoy a bounty of new employment opportunities with a record number of jobs created each and every year. Looking to the future, the wind industry is truly set to boom as huge wind farm developments are due to break ground in Texas, Colorado, Oklahoma, Wisconsin, Michigan, Utah, California, and plenty of other states across the country. With such a bright future, many find themselves searching for more information about wind turbine jobs and the entry level requirements for the wind industry in general. In response to popular demand, the following article will outline several key wind industry jobs that are currently available for those who desire both high starting salaries and steady work.
Wind Technician Jobs - With the rapid construction of new turbines in North America, the renewable energy services sector has struggled to keep up with wind industry demand. This being so, wind technician demand has been particularly high as it is their job to maintain wind turbines and keep them in good repair. Typical wind technician jobs include; fluid changes, bolt torquing, part swapping, retrofitting, and circuit troubleshooting. Those who are able to perform these types of tasks can expect great compensation, as wind technician salaries average $78,000 per year. Job hunters interested in obtaining this job or other wind turbine jobs like those listed below, will need to be competent in reading turbine schematics and should possess a basic understanding of wind turbine systems. To attain this knowledge wind energy employers require that entry level employees have been trained in turbine systems, and this requirement can be fulfilled by enrolling in a monthly wind tech training course. To learn more about training options, do a Google search for "monthly wind tech training" and find an educational provider that specializes in wind turbine systems.
Turbine Commissioners - Minimizing downtime and enhancing production potential, wind industry commissioners are known for their uncanny ability to troubleshoot newly constructed wind turbines in order to systematically root out faulty systems. Of all the wind turbine jobs that are currently in demand, wind turbine commissioners are required to travel the most in order to approve wind turbines for operation in wind farms that span both far and wide. Since this occupation requires intimate knowledge of turbines and their subsystems, almost all commissioners have prior experience as a wind technician or in the field of engineering. Commanding salaries in excess of $85,000 per year, this is one of the more noteworthy wind turbine jobs that benefits from the fact it is a relatively unknown technical specialty.
Blade Repair Technician - When considering the fact that each wind turbine typically has three blades, one can appreciate the significant growth potential for those who specialize in blade repair. The blade repair technician is therefore a growing occupation as blades age and are damaged in the field. To fix damaged blades, repair technicians patch fiberglass, smooth gel coats, and resurface worn layers that are found in poor condition. Those who transition into blade repair usually have a background in auto body renovation, boat restoration, or aviation refurbishing. As demand for this career increases, salaries are expected to climb from their current average of $35,000 to around $45,000 per year. This is really one of the few wind turbine jobs that almost anyone can enter into with minimal education and work experience.
O and M Manager - The need for experienced managerial staff has become more and more evident as personnel pools grow to support the increasing number services offered as part of wind farm operations and maintenance. To capitalize on the opportunities available in the industry, entrepreneurs who have developed the skills necessary to run a small business are now sought after for management positions which may or may not require a background in one of the wind turbine jobs named above. Although work experience in the field is not mandatory for management positions, familiarity with turbine systems is. Those interested in pursuing the high paying managerial positions that are available should at minimum complete a wind tech training course before seeking employment in the industry.
