Wind turbine technician

Description

A wind turbine technician is responsible for on-site maintenance, repairs and replacement on the turbine. This includes the use of diagnostic and troubleshooting tools, both electrical and mechanical. They are likely to find themselves regularly offshore out in the operational wind farm, checking on performance of turbines, looking for issues and conducting repairs and preventative maintenance. Physical capabilities to work at heights, lift heavy objects and comply with health and safety standards is required.

Lifecycle stages

Operations and Maintenance.

Typical employer

Manufacturer, developers and specialist subcontractors.

Place of work

Offshore at the turbine site, travel is via vessels and helicopters.

Typical working pattern

Full-time or fixed term contract. At nearshore projects, technicians usually return home at the end of the day. At far-shore projects, technicians usually live offshore on vessels and typically work two-weeks-on/two-weeks-off. Flexible working arrangements may be available.

Education, training and qualifications

Experience (1-2 years) as a wind turbine technician or relevant experience in a similar field with NFQ level 6 qualifications in mechanical, electrical, or marine engineering background is required. The Global Wind Organisation (GWO) training standards are now widely adopted in the offshore wind industry and technicians are typically required to train to those standards.

Apprenticeship schemes are available at NFQ level 4.

Offshore wind-specific training is provided by the employer.

For offshore work, the following is required (may be provided by the employer):

  • Seafarers Offshore Medical

  • Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), and

  • Global Wind Organisation Basic Safety Training.

Travel requirements:

  • Full Irish B driving license.
  • Ability to travel domestically.

Typical entry position & transferable sectors

Entry roles can include assistant wind turbine technicians and wind technician trainees.

Highly transferable from offshore oil and gas maintenance. Transition is also seen from other similar industries such as electrical, engineering, mechanical or hydraulics technicians, building trades and the military.

Career possibilities

Wind turbine technicians can progress on as senior technicians. Those exiting the role often find employment in operation and maintenance management and offshore logistics.

Full time salary estimate

€35,000-€65,000 per year, depending on experience. This salary range is for this specific role.