Weatherization Technician
Weatherization technicians perform a variety of activities to weatherize homes and make them more energy efficient. They assist in identifying and measuring the amount of energy used to heat, cool, and operate a building. As technicians their duties include implementing and installing corrective measures such as: additional insulation, weather-stripping, glazing, caulking, wrapping air ducts and water lines, wrapping water heaters with water heater blankets, HVAC work, repairing windows, and even perform energy audits and advise clients on energy conservation.
Also known as: Energy Administrator, Field Technician, Weatherization Installer, Weatherization and Housing Inspector, Energy Efficiency Technician
Pay Scale
$58,590 in 2021 in WA
$39,850 in 2021 is U.S.
Education
High School Diploma, Apprenticeship
Projected Opportunities
80 through 2030 in WA
3,800 through 2031 in U.S.
Career Path
The career path for a weatherization technician has many branches and options. As an entry-level or apprenticeship position, they can move up into jobs such as energy auditor or maintenance technician. From there, advancement can lead to lead technician, insulation apprentice, building operator, or HVAC technician. Further still, they can advance to energy program manager, insulation journeyman, building engineer, or project manager.
Training & Requirements
Training
This is an entry-level position needing only a high school diploma. Knowledge of building construction and energy usage is a plus. While most training is done on-the-job, some employers have formalized apprenticeship programs that include on-the-job training as well as classroom instruction. Because this is an entry-level position and covers such a variety of work there is plenty of room for career growth.
Required Skills
- Comfortable with technology and use of energy use databases
- Able to perform general physical activities such as climbing, lifting, bending, balancing, and handling materials
- Communication with supervisors, coworkers, and clients
- Knowledge of building and construction
Responsibilities
- Inspect buildings to identify required weatherization measures- including repair work, modification, or replacement
- Determine the amount of air leakage in buildings using a blower machine
- Install and seal air ducts, combustion air openings, or ventilation openings
- Test combustible gas appliances