Active geothermal regions of Earth can create a surreal landscape.
Geothermal energy is harnessed from heat trapped in the Earth, typically from volcanic activity, surface-absorbed solar energy, and from mineral pockets that have radioactive decay. The geothermal industry offers numerous careers for those wishing to enter the field. These include positions for geothermal and environmental engineers, geothermal systems installers, geologists and hydrologists. Training in the geothermal field should be dictated by the type of work you are most interested in performing, and should include college courses or certified training.
Instructions
1. Choose your geothermal career. These can range from entry-level positions which may include construction and placement of piping and pumping systems, to the overall design and engineering of the actual geothermal system itself. Research jobs are also available in the geothermal industry. Research is usually conducted by geologists and hydrographic scientists who work in conjunction with geographic information systems (GIS) specialists.
2. Enroll in classes at a university if you wish to major in the advanced disciplines of thermography, hydrographic science, geology, or engineering. Ensure that your curriculum includes studies of geothermal energy production and its many applications.
3. Take independent courses for certification and training for general careers within the geothermal field. Some courses are for geothermal installers' HVAC (heating, ventilating and air conditioning) certifications, which include the North American Technician Excellence and those offered by the International Ground Source Heat Pump Association. This association offers courses on installing geothermal heat pumps.
4. Obtain an internship, understudy position, or apprenticeship at a geothermal power plant or operations site. This will give you valuable on-the-job-training in the industry before you finish your schooling, or your specific certification training. Geothermal job applications and internship opportunities will vary among sites.
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