Energy Conservation and Use Technician
Energy Conservation and Use Technicians play a critical role in enhancing energy efficiency within various types of buildings, including residential, commercial, and industrial spaces. These technicians measure energy consumption and heat and cooling requirements while designing, installing, and maintaining systems that optimize energy use. Their responsibilities include conducting energy audits, analyzing data on energy usage, and recommending improvements to reduce waste and promote sustainability.
The work environment for these technicians can vary widely, from quiet offices to noisy factories, and they often need to access hard-to-reach areas within buildings. Many technicians are involved in collaborative projects, requiring strong communication and problem-solving skills, as well as a solid understanding of mechanical systems and emerging technologies.
To pursue a career in this field, individuals typically benefit from a background in math and science, along with specific training in HVAC systems or energy management, often available through community colleges or vocational schools. The job outlook for these technicians includes average growth for Energy Auditors, while Electro-Mechanical Technicians may see slower growth. Overall, this profession attracts individuals passionate about energy efficiency and resource management.
Energy Conservation and Use Technician
Snapshot
Career Cluster(s): Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources, Architecture & Construction, Manufacturing
Interests: Energy efficiency, solving problems, analyzing data
Earnings (Median Yearly): $60,570 per year(Electro-Mechanical Technicians); $64,480 annual (Energy Auditors)
Employment & Outlook:Slower Than Average Growth Expected (Electro-Mechanical Technicians); Average Growth Expected (Energy Auditors)
Overview
Sphere of Work. Energy conservation and use technicians are responsible for measuring the energy needed to heat and cool buildings. They also monitor, modify, and install systems that provide buildings with electricity and water. Technicians are responsible for designing, operating, repairing, and monitoring systems that use energy in the most efficient way possible. They work with water and sewer systems and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. They monitor computer-operated energy-management systems and adjust HVAC systems according to the needs of their clients. Technicians also gather data about energy use and waste and make recommendations to clients based on this information. In addition, they offer analysis of electrical, ventilation, mechanical, fluidal, and thermal systems.
Work Environment. Energy conservation and use technicians monitor all aspects of energy use in many different types of buildings. Their job environment can vary greatly from project to project. Technicians may work in office environments with remote monitoring systems, or they may work in noisy factories and power plants. They are often required to access remote spaces in buildings to place monitors and data loggers. They are responsible for responding in the event of equipment failure or emergency. As such their work hours vary. Most energy conservation and use technicians spend some time working with computers, often in an office setting, gathering data and producing reports.
Occupation Interest. Individuals drawn to the profession of energy conservation tend to be interested in energy efficiency and resource management. They should enjoy data analysis and detailed problem solving. Technicians work independently when gathering data, but they often work in teams to implement any recommended changes. They must understand mechanical systems and keep abreast of technological advances in energy efficiency.
A Day in the Life—Duties and Responsibilities. The daily duties of an energy conservation and use technician vary depending on his or her employer and the nature of the project being worked on. A technician often begins a project by conducting a historical analysis of a client’s energy use and performing an energy audit to see how energy is being consumed at a given location. Once data has been gathered, a report is generated and mechanical systems are adjusted for maximum efficiency. Energy conservation and use technicians are often responsible for producing documentation to justify system changes, so persuasive writing and speaking skills are necessary, as well as mastery of complex, multilevel data.
After the baseline efficiency of a building’s systems has been established, technicians make recommendations for improvements. They often oversee the installation and operation of new systems. Once the new systems are in place, energy conservation and use technicians monitor their operation with various types of equipment, including data loggers that measure temperature and humidity. They often recommend vendors from which to purchase energy and other utilities and can advise on efficiency measures such as structural changes to doors and windows and increased ventilation or insulation. The work of an energy conservation and use technician requires a thorough understanding of building design and construction. Technicians sometimes perform maintenance on utility systems, including changing filters and screens.
Electro-Mechanical Technicians (710.281-018). Electro-Mechanical Technicians build, test, analyze, and adjust precision electro-mechanical instruments. They record test results using engineering principles and test technology.
Work Environment
Immediate Physical Environment. Energy conservation and use technicians work in a variety of environments. They may monitor residential housing such as dormitories or apartment complexes, public spaces such as hospitals, or industrial buildings such as manufacturing plants. Although they spend some of their time outside, assessing environmental impacts, most technicians work indoors. Technicians may need to climb ladders or stairs in order to access various building systems. The lighting, temperature, and humidity of a technician’s work environment vary from job to job.
Human Environment. Energy conservation and use technicians must be comfortable working independently, as much of their monitoring and data-collection duties are performed individually. Some technicians monitor systems remotely through web-based systems and spend most of their time in an office environment surrounded by colleagues. Technicians should be very comfortable with joint decision-making, as designing and implementing major system upgrades or replacements is often a collaborative process. They should be comfortable interacting with various colleagues, including maintenance staff, senior managers, financial planners, building contractors, tradespeople, and tenants.
Technological Environment. Energy conservation and use technicians use data-management software to track changes in the energy needs of clients. They must be familiar with data loggers, which monitor environmental factors that affect energy use. Technicians may also use water-quality-testing equipment, electricity sensors, and various instruments that measure air pressure and flow.
Education, Training, and Advancement
High School/Secondary. Students interested in a career as an energy conservation and use technician should have a good background in math and science and a strong interest in the building trades. Classes in computer science and drafting are also useful. Students should be familiar with spreadsheet and data-collection software.
Postsecondary. Training programs for energy conservation and use technicians are available at many community and technical colleges, as well as in the military. Many vocational schools offer two-year programs in HVAC system maintenance or energy management. Technicians can also gain experience through apprenticeships and work-study programs.
Related Occupations
− Electromechanical Equipment Assembler
− Communications Equipment Repairer
− Electrical Equipment Repairer
Bibliography
"Electro-Mechanical Technicians." Occupational Outlook Handbook. Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Dept. of Labor, 17 Apr. 2024, www.bls.gov/ooharchitecture-and-engineering/electro-mechanical-technicians.htm. Accessed 26 Aug. 2024.
"Energy Auditors." O*NET OnLine. National Center for O*NET Development, US Dept. of Labor, 29 Aug. 2023, www.onetonline.org/link/summary/13-1199.01. Accessed 26 Aug. 2024.