Wind Energy Industry Workers

Work environments in the wind industry vary by career. For example, engineers travel frequently to inspect turbine installations or wind turbine manufacturing processes. They often travel overseas because many of the biggest turbine manufacturers are located abroad. They also spend time working indoors in offices and laboratories.

Environmental scientists often travel to proposed and existing wind farm sites to study and catalog wildlife populations and prepare reports that suggest ways to protect such populations. Construction sites are often dusty or muddy, depending on weather conditions. Trades workers work outdoors in all types of weather. Wind turbine service technicians must climb wind turbines to conduct regular maintenance and repairs. The work can be dangerous and cramped (nacelles, where technicians do most of their work, are cramped), and technicians must take great care to avoid injury. Technicians wear safety harnesses while working and take other safety precautions.

Wind farms are often located far away from urban areas. This requires workers to travel great distances and live away from home for extended periods of time during the development or construction process. Field workers often work more than 40 hours a week, including on weekends. Workers in support positions, such as lawyers, secretaries, and computer professionals, spend their time in climate-controlled offices. They typically work a standard 40-hour week.