Composite Field Technician Entry Level, US

Composite Field Technician Entry Level, US

Based in Avondale, LA, with extensive travel to wind energy sites throughout the United States; occasional international travel

Position Summary

The entry-level Composite Field Technician supports repair and maintenance of wind turbine blades and structures under the direct supervision of experienced technicians. The role performs surface preparation, material handling, and repair support tasks in accordance with approved procedures while progressing through GWT's documented training requirements.

This is a physically demanding, safety-sensitive field position involving climbing, work at height, confined-space entry, respirator use, chemical handling, and extended deployments. Candidates should review the Physical Demands and Work Environment section carefully; the requirements described there are essential functions of the job.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The following duties are essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Repair Support

• Assist with repair and maintenance activities under direct supervision, including surface preparation, material preparation and handling, and finishing tasks, in accordance with approved procedures.
• Handle, store, and control repair materials in accordance with material control requirements.
• Execute lockout/tagout (LOTO), rotor lock, blade pitch, and other turbine isolation and control procedures in accordance with site and OSHA requirements, as trained and authorized.
• Comply with all GWT, customer, and site environmental, health, and safety (EHS) requirements; stop work when conditions present a risk to safety, quality, or the environment.

General Duties

• Maintain tools, equipment, and work areas, including housekeeping and foreign object debris (FOD) control.
• Support completion of work records and documentation as directed.
• Participate in required safety and technical training and progress through documented on-the-job training requirements.
• Travel to project sites for extended deployments, domestic and international, as required.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands and work environment described below are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. This is a physically demanding outdoor industrial role.

• Climbing Climb fixed vertical ladders inside turbine towers up to 400 feet (122 m), multiple ascents and descents per day, wearing fall protection and carrying tools and equipment.
• Work at height Perform sustained work at heights exceeding 300 feet (91 m) in and on the nacelle, hub, and rotor blades, including work from suspended access platforms and rope-access systems while wearing a full-body harness and fall-arrest equipment.
• Confined space Enter and work inside confined spaces, including blade cavities, hubs, and nacelle sections, consistent with OSHA permit-required confined space requirements (29 CFR 1910.146) where applicable.
• Lifting Regularly lift, carry, push, and pull objects up to 50 lb (23 kg); occasionally handle loads up to 70 lb (32 kg) with mechanical assistance or team lifts.
• Ergonomics Work for extended periods in awkward and uncomfortable postures, including kneeling, crouching, crawling, lying prone or supine, reaching overhead, and working in restricted spaces.
• Duration Work extended shifts, typically 10 to 12 hours per day, on multi-week deployment rotations that include weekends, away from home for extended durations.
• Environment Work outdoors year-round in environmental conditions including heat above 100F (38C), cold below 20F (?7C), high humidity, wind, precipitation delays, dust, and elevated noise levels.
• Respirator use Wear respiratory protection, including half-face and full-face air-purifying respirators and, where required, supplied-air systems, in accordance with the GWT respiratory protection program and OSHA 29 CFR 1910.134. Employees must pass a respirator medical evaluation and annual fit testing and must maintain facial condition compatible with a proper respirator seal.
• PPE Wear required personal protective equipment throughout the work day, including full-body harness, helmet, safety glasses, gloves, protective footwear, hearing protection, protective clothing, and respirators as assigned.
• Medical and screening Must be able to pass a pre-employment and periodic physical capability evaluation, climb test, and audiometric and respirator medical evaluations, and must successfully complete pre-employment and ongoing drug and alcohol screening consistent with GWT's drug-free workplace program for safety-sensitive positions.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• Prior industrial, construction, or wind energy experience preferred; entry-level candidates with strong mechanical aptitude are encouraged to apply.
• GWO Basic Safety Training (Working at Heights, First Aid, Manual Handling, Fire Awareness), current or ability to obtain prior to deployment.
• Ability to read, understand, and follow written procedures and safety instructions in English.
• Valid driver's license and acceptable driving record; ability to obtain a passport for international travel.
• Authorization to work in the United States.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior composite, fiberglass, autobody, marine, or coatings experience.
• Wind industry or rope-access experience.
• Current First Aid/CPR/AED certification.

Key Competencies

• Safety mindset Follows safety requirements without exception and speaks up about hazards.
• Mechanical aptitude Learns tools, equipment, and procedures quickly and applies them correctly.
• Reliability Dependable through long shifts, extended travel, and demanding site conditions.
• Teamwork Takes direction well, supports the crew, and communicates clearly.
• Attention to detail Performs assigned tasks precisely and documents work accurately.

Key Performance Indicators

• Safety: compliance with site safety requirements, PPE use, and safety observation participation.
• Quality: accuracy and conformance of assigned work; documentation completeness.
• Development: training and certification progression against plan.
• Reliability: attendance, deployment readiness, and schedule adherence.

Compensation and Benefits

GWT offers competitive hourly compensation. This position is non-exempt and eligible for overtime pay in accordance with the Fair Labor Standards Act and applicable state law. Benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance, and a 401(k) plan with company match upon eligibility. Additional details are provided during the hiring process.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Gulf Wind Technology LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. GWT is a federal contractor and takes affirmative action to employ and advance in employment qualified protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with VEVRAA and Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act.

Reasonable accommodation: In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, GWT will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities during the application process and employment, unless doing so would impose an undue hardship. To request an accommodation, contact Human Resources.

GWT participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with Form I-9 information to confirm authorization to work in the United States.

GWT is a drug-free workplace. This position is designated safety-sensitive; pre-employment, random, post-incident, and reasonable-suspicion drug and alcohol testing apply in accordance with applicable law.

General Disclaimer

This job description describes the general nature and level of work performed and is not an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Duties may change at any time with or without notice. This document does not constitute a contract of employment; employment with GWT is at will.