# Tasks & work activities — geothermal engineer

Source: O*NET 30.3, occupation 49-9099.01 (Geothermal Technicians).

## Task statements

- **[Core]** Identify and correct malfunctions of geothermal plant equipment, electrical systems, instrumentation, or controls.
- **[Core]** Monitor and adjust operations of geothermal power plant equipment or systems.
- **[Core]** Identify equipment options, such as compressors, and make appropriate selections.
- **[Core]** Perform pre- and post-installation pressure, flow, and related tests of vertical and horizontal geothermal loop piping.
- **[Core]** Collect and record data associated with operating geothermal power plants or well fields.
- **[Core]** Determine whether emergency or auxiliary systems will be needed to keep properties heated or cooled in extreme weather conditions.
- **[Core]** Prepare and maintain logs, reports, or other documentation of work performed.
- **[Supplemental]** Install, maintain, or repair ground or water source-coupled heat pumps to heat and cool residential or commercial building air or water.
- **[Supplemental]** Adjust power production systems to meet load and distribution demands.
- **[Supplemental]** Backfill piping trenches to protect pipes from damage.
- **[Supplemental]** Calculate heat loss and heat gain factors for residential properties to determine heating and cooling required by installed geothermal systems.
- **[Supplemental]** 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]** Determine the type of geothermal loop system most suitable to a specific property and its heating and cooling needs.
- **[Supplemental]** Dig trenches for system piping to appropriate depths and lay piping in trenches.
- **[Supplemental]** Prepare newly installed geothermal heat systems for operation by flushing, purging, or other actions.
- **[Supplemental]** Install and maintain geothermal system instrumentation or controls.
- **[Supplemental]** Maintain electrical switchgear, process controls, transmitters, gauges, and control equipment in accordance with geothermal plant procedures.
- **[Supplemental]** Maintain, calibrate, or repair plant instrumentation, control, and electronic devices in geothermal plants.
- **[Supplemental]** Apply coatings or operate systems to mitigate corrosion of geothermal plant equipment or structures.
- **[Supplemental]** Install and maintain geothermal plant electrical protection equipment.
- **[Supplemental]** Integrate hot water heater systems with geothermal heat exchange systems.
- **[Supplemental]** Operate equipment, such as excavators, backhoes, rock hammers, trench compactors, pavement saws, grout mixers or pumps, geothermal loop reels, and coil tubing units (CTU).
- **[Supplemental]** Test water sources for factors, such as flow volume and contaminant presence.
- **[Supplemental]** Weld piping, such as high density polyethylene (HDPE) piping, using techniques such as butt, socket, side-wall, and electro-fusion welding.

## Detailed work activities

- Adjust equipment to ensure optimal performance.
- Apply protective coverings to objects or surfaces near work areas.
- Calibrate equipment to specifications.
- Determine types of equipment, tools, or materials needed for jobs.
- Develop equipment or component configurations.
- Dig holes or trenches.
- Document operational activities.
- Install energy-efficient heating, ventilation, or air conditioning (HVAC) equipment.
- Install piping for installation or maintenance activities.
- Maintain repair or maintenance records.
- Maintain work equipment or machinery.
- Move large objects using heavy equipment.
- Operate welding equipment.
- Pour materials into or on designated areas.
- Repair electronic equipment.
- Repair green energy equipment or systems.
- Service heating, ventilation or air-conditioning (HVAC) systems or components.
- Test fluids to identify contamination or other problems.
- Test mechanical equipment to ensure proper functioning.
- Troubleshoot equipment or systems operation problems.