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Wind is used to produce electricity by converting kinetic energy into electrical energy that can be used for power. Wind energy is created using wind turbines to produce electricity by using rotational energy to drive an electrical generator. The wind turbine has the following major components: a tower, blading, power & control systems and a nacelle, which is composed of an outer case, generator, gearbox and brakes.
The wind turbine technician’s role covers a range of activities; installing and repairing the components of the wind turbines. They maintain the nacelles, which contain the equipment that generates electricity and test and trouble shoot electrical, mechanical and hydraulic components and systems. Additionally, they follow work procedures, health and safety requirements, work in confined spaces and often at great heights. Wind technicians use safety harnesses and a variety of hand tools to do their jobs.
At the senior level, the role covers the knowledge and understanding of applicable regulations, standards and procedures, equipment and systems, physical sciences, engineering principles and efficiency as well as environmental safety. Essential competencies include communicating effectively with employees; reviewing, negotiating or approving contracts, along with supervising and managing the employees and subcontractors.
At this level the supervised worker prepares the work area, tools and equipment for installation and maintains the wind turbine systems and ancillary equipment.
He or she must also be able to follow health, safety and environmental procedures, respond to hazards and emergencies in the workplace and maintain an effective work environment.
Understand, maintain and apply health, safety and environmental regulations, legislation and procedures in the workplace.
Identify potential hazards and take appropriate action to minimise the risks posed. It also includes identifying and dealing with emergency situations.
Establish and maintain productive work relationships and communicate work related information.
Prepare the work area as well as tools, equipment and materials for installation and maintenance of wind turbine systems and ancillary equipment.
Store materials, tools and equipment after use as well as perform basic cleaning activities.
Perform manual handling and lifting.
Maintain safe access and egress during installation and maintenance of wind turbine systems and ancillary equipment.
Assist with quality checks in accordance with supervisor’s instructions.
Written and Verbal Communication
Work in teams
Basic troubleshooting skills
Organized and be able to follow instructions
Detail-oriented
Customer relations
Good Work Ethics
More than 1-year experience working in a similar field
Acceptable combination of academic qualifications for example Craftsman’s Certificate
Wind Turbine Technician (Electrical & Instrumentation and Controls)
Wind Turbine Maintenance Technician
Wind Turbine Mechanical Technician (Hydraulics & Rotating Machinery & Rigging and Lifting)
Technical and Core Skills:
Understand, maintain and apply health, safety and environmental regulations, legislation and procedures in the workplace.
Identify potential hazards and take appropriate action to minimise the risks posed. It also includes identifying and dealing with emergency situations.
Establish and maintain productive work relationships and communicate work related information.
Prepare the work area as well as tools, equipment and materials for installation and maintenance of wind turbine systems and ancillary equipment.
Store materials, tools and equipment after use as well as perform basic cleaning activities.
Perform manual handling and lifting.
Maintain safe access and egress during installation and maintenance of wind turbine systems and ancillary equipment.
Assist with quality checks in accordance with supervisor’s instructions.
Employability Skills:
Written and Verbal Communication
Work in teams
Basic troubleshooting skills
Organized and be able to follow instructions
Detail-oriented
Customer relations
Good Work Ethics
Qualification and Experience:
More than 1-year experience working in a similar field
Acceptable combination of academic qualifications for example Craftsman’s Certificate
Articulation:
Wind Turbine Technician (Electrical & Instrumentation and Controls)
Wind Turbine Maintenance Technician
Wind Turbine Mechanical Technician (Hydraulics & Rotating Machinery & Rigging and Lifting)
Wind Turbine Technician (Electrical & Instrumentation & Controls), Wind Turbine Maintenance Technician
At this level the skilled worker is required to install, test and maintain wind turbine systems and ancillary equipment whilst ensuring that the system performs as designed.
He or she must also be able to complete technical reports and other documentation as well as maintain an effective work environment by following health and safety requirements when performing tasks.
Understand, maintain and apply health, safety and environmental regulations, legislation and procedures in the workplace.
Identify potential hazards and take appropriate action to minimise the risks posed. It also includes identifying and dealing with emergency situations.
Establish and maintain productive work relationships and communicate work related information.
Complete technical reports as well as other documentation in line with project specifications and company procedures.
Carry out site assessment to determine wind turbine system requirements
Possess in-depth knowledge of power electrical and electronic control systems and basic maths
Work with power tools, hand tools, electrical test equipment
Prepare installation site prior to installation of wind turbine components
Work at heights
Read electrical schematics and drawings and follow instructions for wind turbine installation
Select and install wind turbine components, full converter and battery components, generators and ancillary equipment in accordance with international standards
Select and Install energy storage systems where applicable
Install and maintain high voltage power distribution systems and grounding systems
Test and commission wind turbine system to ensure operating system performance meet requirements
Repair and service wind turbine systems or replace malfunctioning or defective installation parts or components
Written and Oral Communication
Work in teams
Troubleshooting skills
Critical Thinking
Time management skills
Customer Relations
Computer Literacy
Adaptability
Good Work Ethic
Work at heights
Minimum of 2 years’ experience working in a similar field
Acceptable combination of academic qualifications for example Diploma in Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Certified Wind Energy Technician Training
Wind Energy System Supervisor
Micro Generation System Provider
Wind Turbine Technician Mechanical (Hydraulics & Rotating Machinery & Rigging and Lifting), Wind Turbine Maintenance Technician
At this level the skilled worker is required to install, test and maintain wind turbine systems and ancillary equipment whilst ensuring that the system performs as designed.
He or she must also be able to complete technical reports and other documentation as well as maintain an effective work environment by following health and safety requirements when performing tasks.
Understand, maintain and apply health, safety and environmental regulations, legislation and procedures in the workplace.
Identify potential hazards and take appropriate action to minimise the risks posed. It also includes identifying and dealing with emergency situations.
Establish and maintain productive work relationships and communicate work related information.
Complete technical reports as well as other documentation in line with project specifications and company procedures.
Carry out site assessment to determine wind turbine system requirements
Possess in-depth knowledge of mechanical systems, rotating machinery, hydraulics, rigging and lifting and basic maths
Work with power tools, hand tools, mechanical equipment
Prepare installation site prior to installation of wind turbine components
Work at heights
Read isometrics and general arrangement drawings and follow instructions for wind turbine installation
Select and install wind turbine components, towers, nacelles and blades, hydraulic equipment, generators and ancillary equipment in accordance with international standards
Select and Install energy storage systems where applicable
Support the safe transportation, heavy lifting and rigging activities for the wind turbine installation and maintenance
Test and commission wind turbine system to ensure operating system performance meet requirements
Repair and service wind turbine systems or replace malfunctioning or defective installation parts or components
Written and Oral Communication
Work in teams
Troubleshooting skills
Critical Thinking
Time management skills
Customer Relations
Computer Literacy
Adaptability
Good Work Ethic
Work at heights
Minimum of 2 years’ experience working in a similar field
Acceptable combination of academic qualifications for example Diploma in Mechanical Engineering
Certified Wind Energy Technician Training
Training and experience in Rigging and Lifting/Hydraulic Systems/Lubrication and Rotating Machinery
Training in basic rope access
Wind Energy System Supervisor
Micro Generation System Provider
At this level the skilled worker is required to install, test and maintain wind turbine systems and ancillary equipment whilst ensuring that the system performs as designed.
He or she must also be able to complete technical reports and other documentation as well as maintain an effective work environment by following health and safety requirements when performing tasks.
Technical and Core Skills:
Understand, maintain and apply health, safety and environmental regulations, legislation and procedures in the workplace.
Identify potential hazards and take appropriate action to minimise the risks posed. It also includes identifying and dealing with emergency situations.
Establish and maintain productive work relationships and communicate work related information.
Complete technical reports as well as other documentation in line with project specifications and company procedures.
Carry out site assessment to determine wind turbine system requirements
Possess in-depth knowledge of power electrical and electronic control systems and basic maths
Work with power tools, hand tools, electrical test equipment
Prepare installation site prior to installation of wind turbine components
Work at heights
Read electrical schematics and drawings and follow instructions for wind turbine installation
Select and install wind turbine components, full converter and battery components, generators and ancillary equipment in accordance with international standards
Select and Install energy storage systems where applicable
Install and maintain high voltage power distribution systems and grounding systems
Test and commission wind turbine system to ensure operating system performance meet requirements
Repair and service wind turbine systems or replace malfunctioning or defective installation parts or components
Employability Skills:
Written and Oral Communication
Work in teams
Troubleshooting skills
Critical Thinking
Time management skills
Customer Relations
Computer Literacy
Adaptability
Good Work Ethic
Work at heights
Qualification and Experience:
Minimum of 2 years’ experience working in a similar field
Acceptable combination of academic qualifications for example Diploma in Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Certified Wind Energy Technician Training
Articulation:
Wind Energy System Supervisor
Micro Generation System Provider
At this level the skilled worker is required to install, test and maintain wind turbine systems and ancillary equipment whilst ensuring that the system performs as designed.
He or she must also be able to complete technical reports and other documentation as well as maintain an effective work environment by following health and safety requirements when performing tasks.
Technical and Core Skills:
Understand, maintain and apply health, safety and environmental regulations, legislation and procedures in the workplace.
Identify potential hazards and take appropriate action to minimise the risks posed. It also includes identifying and dealing with emergency situations.
Establish and maintain productive work relationships and communicate work related information.
Complete technical reports as well as other documentation in line with project specifications and company procedures.
Carry out site assessment to determine wind turbine system requirements
Possess in-depth knowledge of mechanical systems, rotating machinery, hydraulics, rigging and lifting and basic maths
Work with power tools, hand tools, mechanical equipment
Prepare installation site prior to installation of wind turbine components
Work at heights
Read isometrics and general arrangement drawings and follow instructions for wind turbine installation
Select and install wind turbine components, towers, nacelles and blades, hydraulic equipment, generators and ancillary equipment in accordance with international standards
Select and Install energy storage systems where applicable
Support the safe transportation, heavy lifting and rigging activities for the wind turbine installation and maintenance
Test and commission wind turbine system to ensure operating system performance meet requirements
Repair and service wind turbine systems or replace malfunctioning or defective installation parts or components
Employability Skills:
Written and Oral Communication
Work in teams
Troubleshooting skills
Critical Thinking
Time management skills
Customer Relations
Computer Literacy
Adaptability
Good Work Ethic
Work at heights
Qualification and Experience:
Minimum of 2 years’ experience working in a similar field
Acceptable combination of academic qualifications for example Diploma in Mechanical Engineering
Certified Wind Energy Technician Training
Training and experience in Rigging and Lifting/Hydraulic Systems/Lubrication and Rotating Machinery
Training in basic rope access
Articulation:
Wind Energy System Supervisor
Micro Generation System Provider
At this level he/she performs a broad range of functions that include conducting site assessment, supervising the installation, testing & commissioning and maintenance of wind energy systems carried out by the work crew.
Similarly, he/she examines and inspects work progress, quality of work, estimates projects, monitors team performance against work plans and schedules as well as verifies the safety of the work area and ensures that specifications are met.
He/she is responsible for treating with conflicts, coaching, mentoring and training of workers to follow guidelines for health, safety and environment as well as operational aspects.
Maintain and apply health, safety and environmental regulations, legislation and procedures in the workplace.
Identify potential hazards and take appropriate action to minimise the risks posed. It also includes identifying and dealing with emergency situations.
Establish and maintain productive work relationships and communicate work related information.
Prepare advance technical reports.
Ability to understand all scales of system design and be able to design small scale wind energy systems and Energy Storage Systems (ESS).
Carry out system audits and recommend technical, mechanical and civil specifications and performing basic design calculations of the wind energy and ESS system to assess its efficiency.
Responsible for safety of the site, work crews and site visitors
Review work schedules and maintenance schedules
Responsible for training and safety of all technicians and contractors
Establish site goals and adhere to site objectives
Supervises the installation, testing & commissioning and maintenance of wind energy systems.
Support design of wind energy systems.
Monitor project schedule, earned value and costs incurred and possible risks
Review the installation work completed and check for compliance with installation plan according to policies, standards, and regulations
Identify non routine and complex work and implement required safe guards
Plan and Coordinate Logistics of Resources
Read and interpret specifications and technical drawings
Monitor team performance against work plans and make the necessary adjustments to the plan
Deal with Conflicts
Written and Oral Communication
Application of numbers/ computation
Work in teams
Critical Thinking
Time management and multi-tasking skills
Customer Focus
Computer Literate
Organizational and planning skills
Analytical skills
Good Work Ethic
Supervisory Skills
Leadership Skills
Report writing Skills
Incident Investigation Skills
Work at heights
Supervisory Management Certificate from an Accredited/recognised training institution
At least 5 – 8 years’ experience working in a similar field
Acceptable combination of academic qualifications for example Technician’s Diploma
Advance training in Wind Energy Systems, Installation and Designs
Operations and Maintenance Manager
Wind Energy System Engineer
Technical and Core Skills:
Maintain and apply health, safety and environmental regulations, legislation and procedures in the workplace.
Identify potential hazards and take appropriate action to minimise the risks posed. It also includes identifying and dealing with emergency situations.
Establish and maintain productive work relationships and communicate work related information.
Prepare advance technical reports.
Ability to understand all scales of system design and be able to design small scale wind energy systems and Energy Storage Systems (ESS).
Carry out system audits and recommend technical, mechanical and civil specifications and performing basic design calculations of the wind energy and ESS system to assess its efficiency.
Responsible for safety of the site, work crews and site visitors
Review work schedules and maintenance schedules
Responsible for training and safety of all technicians and contractors
Establish site goals and adhere to site objectives
Supervises the installation, testing & commissioning and maintenance of wind energy systems.
Support design of wind energy systems.
Monitor project schedule, earned value and costs incurred and possible risks
Review the installation work completed and check for compliance with installation plan according to policies, standards, and regulations
Identify non routine and complex work and implement required safe guards
Plan and Coordinate Logistics of Resources
Read and interpret specifications and technical drawings
Monitor team performance against work plans and make the necessary adjustments to the plan
Deal with Conflicts
Employability Skills:
Written and Oral Communication
Application of numbers/ computation
Work in teams
Critical Thinking
Time management and multi-tasking skills
Customer Focus
Computer Literate
Organizational and planning skills
Analytical skills
Good Work Ethic
Supervisory Skills
Leadership Skills
Report writing Skills
Incident Investigation Skills
Work at heights
Qualification and Experience:
Supervisory Management Certificate from an Accredited/recognised training institution
At least 5 – 8 years’ experience working in a similar field
Acceptable combination of academic qualifications for example Technician’s Diploma
Advance training in Wind Energy Systems, Installation and Designs
Articulation:
Operations and Maintenance Manager
Wind Energy System Engineer
At this level he/she is responsible for managing and directing the operations of wind energy system installation, operations and maintenance.
He/she is responsible for developmental and approval of operational and maintenance procedures, review engineering specifications and drawings for compliance with project design intent.
He/she is also responsible for leading departmental team and contractors to ensure safe and effective work flow and schedule adherence.
Additionally, he/she reviews the quality documents generated from the field to ensure they conform to cost, quality and schedule specifications.
Direct work crews installing industrial and commercial wind energy systems.
Monitor system performance on a continual basis
Ensure site preparation of land and drainage for wind energy system
Confirms that safety policies and procedures are being thoroughly followed.
Reviews and approves standard operational and maintenance procedures.
Facilitates and sustain an effective team environment.
Ensures efficient scheduling, planning, labour management and timely verification and management of claims.
Ensure implementation; management and compliance with all Safety Management policies
Manages the departmental team to achieve performance of quality, productivity, reliability, efficiency and commitment to standards
Responsible for recruitment, performance evaluation and promotion processes
Develop and implement training and development plans
Coordinate and interface effectively with departmental team and contractors to ensure smooth work flow and schedule adherence
Competent in reading and understanding specifications, drawings, and all other discipline related project and engineering documentation.
Prepare relevant reports and ensure proper records are maintained and prepare and provide estimates to clients.
Conduct site assessment which includes load evaluation, estimated energy production of the site, identifying suitable location for placement of all wind energy system components
Assess the feasibility of wind energy system installation, by conducting energy audits and supervising site inspections.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Understanding company quality procedures
Manage others to achieve results
Team leadership
Motivational skills
Use of Project Management Software
Skills in programme/project planning and implementation
Problem solving and analysis skills
Decision making skills
Negotiating skills
Time/cost Management
Advance knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite
Proven ability to lead and direct a team of Wind Technicians, Civil Engineers and Supervisors
Supervisory Management Certificate from an Accredited/recognised training institution
Sound understanding of industry standards, and relevant legal requirements for Commercial and Utility Scale Wind Energy Systems,
Understand fundamental Wind Energy Metrology and Atmospheric Physics
At least 10 years’ work experience
Acceptable combination of academic qualifications for example Engineering Degree
Project Manager
Technical and Core Skills:
Direct work crews installing industrial and commercial wind energy systems.
Monitor system performance on a continual basis
Ensure site preparation of land and drainage for wind energy system
Confirms that safety policies and procedures are being thoroughly followed.
Reviews and approves standard operational and maintenance procedures.
Facilitates and sustain an effective team environment.
Ensures efficient scheduling, planning, labour management and timely verification and management of claims.
Ensure implementation; management and compliance with all Safety Management policies
Manages the departmental team to achieve performance of quality, productivity, reliability, efficiency and commitment to standards
Responsible for recruitment, performance evaluation and promotion processes
Develop and implement training and development plans
Coordinate and interface effectively with departmental team and contractors to ensure smooth work flow and schedule adherence
Competent in reading and understanding specifications, drawings, and all other discipline related project and engineering documentation.
Prepare relevant reports and ensure proper records are maintained and prepare and provide estimates to clients.
Conduct site assessment which includes load evaluation, estimated energy production of the site, identifying suitable location for placement of all wind energy system components
Assess the feasibility of wind energy system installation, by conducting energy audits and supervising site inspections.
Employability Skills:
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Understanding company quality procedures
Manage others to achieve results
Team leadership
Motivational skills
Use of Project Management Software
Skills in programme/project planning and implementation
Problem solving and analysis skills
Decision making skills
Negotiating skills
Time/cost Management
Advance knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite
Qualification and Experience:
Proven ability to lead and direct a team of Wind Technicians, Civil Engineers and Supervisors
Supervisory Management Certificate from an Accredited/recognised training institution
Sound understanding of industry standards, and relevant legal requirements for Commercial and Utility Scale Wind Energy Systems,
Understand fundamental Wind Energy Metrology and Atmospheric Physics
At least 10 years’ work experience
Acceptable combination of academic qualifications for example Engineering Degree
Articulation:
Project Manager
At this level he/she is responsible for managing all aspects within designing, implementation of wind energy systems projects. He or she monitors the operating costs, mitigates the risk of harm by effective work planning and environmental impact.
He/she prepares budgeting jobs and approves inspection documents, drawings and project closed out documents.
Ensures that cost engineering is completed to estimate resources: materials, labour and equipment costs.
Monitors and reports on construction project cost.
Ensures site and equipment layout plan for construction, installation and maintenance.
Provide staging area on-site for equipment, storage and lay down to facilitate installation and construction.
Provide facilities to manage large work crews during construction.
Provide project controls; planning, scheduling and cost reporting.
Manage the implementation of the project through contractor and client project teams.
Ensure Wind Resource Assessment Programme (WRAP) and associated Economic Analysis and Life Cycle Cost Analysis has been completed.
Evaluate project vendor selection and site location.
Establish project risk management register and implement continual programme of risk mitigation.
Reviews technical specifications and drawings to ensure compliance with project design intent.
Ensures compliance with all contractual agreements.
Ensures compliance with all regulatory and statutory requirements.
Determine optimum manpower requirement and establish the necessary teams.
Identify project requirements, and resolve conflicts and challenges to ensure project meets cost, quality and schedule objectives.
Ensures all work is carried out to the approved drawings and specifications, and that correct work practices are engaged at all times.
Ensures efficient scheduling, planning, labour management and timely verification and management of claims.
Implements departmental and strategic priorities, and objectives.
Ensures that quality and health, safety and environmental procedures are being followed.
Excellent written and verbal communication
Leadership abilities
Problem solving and analytical skills
Time Management skills
Project Management skills
Team oriented
People focused
Customer focused
Outcome focused
Flexible
Innovative
Detail oriented
Problem solving and analysis
Strategic orientation
Degree in Engineering or equivalent combine with 10 years’ experience (3 of which must be in a Management position) or
BA Management and Technician’s Diploma with 15 years’ experience (5 of which must be in a Management position)
Experience in Managing large scale Renewable Energy projects
Relevant technical training as required
Technical and Core Skills:
Ensures that cost engineering is completed to estimate resources: materials, labour and equipment costs.
Monitors and reports on construction project cost.
Ensures site and equipment layout plan for construction, installation and maintenance.
Provide staging area on-site for equipment, storage and lay down to facilitate installation and construction.
Provide facilities to manage large work crews during construction.
Provide project controls; planning, scheduling and cost reporting.
Manage the implementation of the project through contractor and client project teams.
Ensure Wind Resource Assessment Programme (WRAP) and associated Economic Analysis and Life Cycle Cost Analysis has been completed.
Evaluate project vendor selection and site location.
Establish project risk management register and implement continual programme of risk mitigation.
Reviews technical specifications and drawings to ensure compliance with project design intent.
Ensures compliance with all contractual agreements.
Ensures compliance with all regulatory and statutory requirements.
Determine optimum manpower requirement and establish the necessary teams.
Identify project requirements, and resolve conflicts and challenges to ensure project meets cost, quality and schedule objectives.
Ensures all work is carried out to the approved drawings and specifications, and that correct work practices are engaged at all times.
Ensures efficient scheduling, planning, labour management and timely verification and management of claims.
Implements departmental and strategic priorities, and objectives.
Ensures that quality and health, safety and environmental procedures are being followed.
Employability Skills:
Excellent written and verbal communication
Leadership abilities
Problem solving and analytical skills
Time Management skills
Project Management skills
Team oriented
People focused
Customer focused
Outcome focused
Flexible
Innovative
Detail oriented
Problem solving and analysis
Strategic orientation
Qualification and Experience:
Degree in Engineering or equivalent combine with 10 years’ experience (3 of which must be in a Management position) or
BA Management and Technician’s Diploma with 15 years’ experience (5 of which must be in a Management position)
Experience in Managing large scale Renewable Energy projects
Relevant technical training as required