Geothermal Technicians

Task by task

Each task this job involves, as listed by O*NET, rated on whether a large language model like GPT-4 could cut the time it takes by at least half at the same quality. Tasks marked Seen in real AI use appeared in conversations with Claude in April–May 2026 (Anthropic Economic Index).

• AI can speed this up on its own: 1 (4%)
• AI can speed this up with extra software: 6 (25%)
• Little or no AI speed-up: 17 (71%)

• Prepare and maintain logs, reports, or other documentation of work performed.AI can speed this up on its own · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Collect and record data associated with operating geothermal power plants or well fields.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Determine whether emergency or auxiliary systems will be needed to keep properties heated or cooled in extreme weather conditions.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Identify equipment options, such as compressors, and make appropriate selections.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Calculate heat loss and heat gain factors for residential properties to determine heating and cooling required by installed geothermal systems.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
• Design and lay out geothermal heat systems according to property characteristics, heating and cooling requirements, piping and equipment requirements, applicable regulations, or other factors.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
• Determine the type of geothermal loop system most suitable to a specific property and its heating and cooling needs.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
• Monitor and adjust operations of geothermal power plant equipment or systems.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Identify and correct malfunctions of geothermal plant equipment, electrical systems, instrumentation, or controls.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Perform pre- and post-installation pressure, flow, and related tests of vertical and horizontal geothermal loop piping.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Adjust power production systems to meet load and distribution demands.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Maintain electrical switchgear, process controls, transmitters, gauges, and control equipment in accordance with geothermal plant procedures.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Maintain, calibrate, or repair plant instrumentation, control, and electronic devices in geothermal plants.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Install and maintain geothermal plant electrical protection equipment.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Install and maintain geothermal system instrumentation or controls.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Prepare newly installed geothermal heat systems for operation by flushing, purging, or other actions.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Weld piping, such as high density polyethylene (HDPE) piping, using techniques such as butt, socket, side-wall, and electro-fusion welding.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Test water sources for factors, such as flow volume and contaminant presence.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Install, maintain, or repair ground or water source-coupled heat pumps to heat and cool residential or commercial building air or water.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Integrate hot water heater systems with geothermal heat exchange systems.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Dig trenches for system piping to appropriate depths and lay piping in trenches.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Apply coatings or operate systems to mitigate corrosion of geothermal plant equipment or structures.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Backfill piping trenches to protect pipes from damage.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Operate equipment, such as excavators, backhoes, rock hammers, trench compactors, pavement saws, grout mixers or pumps, geothermal loop reels, and coil tubing units (CTU).Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task