High School

Take classes in mathematics, earth science, physics, environmental science, and chemistry, which will give you a good foundation for future work in managing geothermal production operations. Other helpful classes include shop, English, speech, and computer science. 

Postsecondary Education

Many employers prefer to hire geothermal production managers who hold a bachelor's degree. Degrees may be in business administration, industrial engineering, or related fields. In some cases geothermal production workers may take business management classes to be qualified to become production managers. In larger geothermal facilities, employers may prefer to hire production managers with an advanced degree in business administration or industrial management. In addition to academic education, geothermal production managers also receive on-the-job training. Find information about education programs in geothermal energy at https://energy.gov/eere/education/colleges-and-universities and https://irecusa.org//workforce-education.

Certification

The American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG) offers Geothermal Energy Basics, an online course that is part of a five-course series. Students who complete all five classes earn a certificate in renewable energy. Visit https://www.aapg.org for more information. The AAPG says that "in addition to gaining a working knowledge of the scientific, technological, and business aspects of geothermal energy, participants will also learn techniques for the integration of geothermal energy and existing non-renewable resources on a variety of levels, from small-scale use in commercial structures to large-scale distribution."

Some colleges and universities offer certificates in geothermal energy, renewable energy, and related fields. Contact schools in your area to learn more about available programs. 

Other Education or Training

Geothermal production managers continue learning throughout their careers, to keep up with developments in the industry and hone their skills and knowledge. They attend workshops and conferences offered by groups such as the Geothermal Resources Council, Association of Energy Engineers, International Geothermal Energy Association, Interstate Renewable Energy Council, Midwest Renewable Energy Association, and the National Society of Professional Engineers.

Certification or Licensing

Geothermal production managers who work in positions that may affect the power grid must be certified by the North American Energy Reliability Corporation. Power plant operators must undergo a background check and submit to periodic drug testing.

Production managers with an engineering background may receive certification from groups such as the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies, and the Society of Manufacturing Engineers offers certification to manufacturing engineers. The Association of Energy Engineers offers certification in a variety of specialties. To qualify for all certification programs, candidates must meet specific work experience requirements and pass an examination.

Geothermal production managers usually have three to four years of geothermal production work experience, on-the-job training, and a bachelor's degree.

The job requires strong knowledge of machines and tools as well as raw materials and production processes. Production managers are knowledgeable about public safety and security, which is crucial for ensuring that geothermal production operations are in compliance with local, state, and federal rules and regulations. They are skilled in mathematics and are able to read and understand statistics. They are also adept at business administration and management, are good communicators and leaders, and can identify and solve problems. Managers are able to work independently as well as part of a team. Other job requirements include good organizational and time-management skills; the ability to multitask; perseverance; drive; ambition; and a willingness to continue to learn throughout one’s career. Geothermal production managers must also be in good physical condition and have good hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity.