FAQ

Frequently asked questions around wind energy and the RTS Wind AG

Questions around RTS Wind

Where is the head office of RTS Wind AG?

Our headquarters are located in Bremen’s Ɯberseestadt. The Ɯberseestadt is best reached by car. You can park on our visitor parking lots or on the street Am Winterhafen. You can also reach our office with bus lines 26 and 28. For more information, please visit the website of the BSAG.

Is my employment contract open-ended?

At RTS we provide you with a secure job and you will always receive a permanent employment contract, no matter in which department you start. Our goal is to employ you on a long-term basis.

Will I be provided with work clothes, protective equipment and tools?

Yes, we will provide you with all the necessary work clothes, personal protective equipment and needed tools for the job.

How much vacation do I get?

In the first year you receive 25 vacation days. Thereafter, the annual vacation increases by one day each year up to the limit of 30 vacation days.

What departments are there at RTS Wind AG?

In addition to administration, purchasing and marketing, we have four specialist departments for different areas of the wind energy industry:

We also have a central warehouse in Bremen, where our teams are equipped for their assignments. Follow the links to the departments for more information.

Which trainings are financed by RTS Wind AG?

RTS Wind AG covers all costs for training or certificates that are required for your work at the wind turbine. The required trainings vary depending on the department. For some assignments, training is also required; this is then stated in the job advertisement.

How can you develop your career at RTS Wind AG?

Your performance is always valued at RTS Wind AG. That’s why we offer you – with good development – a quick promotion, for example to team leader. In addition, you have the opportunity to constantly expand your skills through new activities and further training. Move to our career page for more information.

Which clients does RTS Wind AG work with?

We are partners of almost all well-known manufacturers of wind turbines and their service agencies. We work as an ISP (Independent Service Provider) for our clients and have a subdivision that places personnel in wind projects via temporary employment contracts.

What do I get in addition to my salary?

  • Company fitness program Wellpass
  • Regular company events
  • Wage supplements and bonuses

What does a typical working day at the wind farm look like?

The working day of our servicetechnicians starts with the so-called “toolbox talk”, where the tasks and goals for the working day are discussed. The teams then travel to the individual wind turbines and work through the open points one after the other.

This may involve, for example, the maintenance or repair of various components of the wind turbine. But also the replacement of individual components or the inspection and quality control are on the agenda.

The issue of occupational safety is always at the forefront in order to protect our employees. Finally, we also ensure that the wind turbine is left clean and tidy.

Of course, this is only an example of a typical working day; depending on the project and often also the weather conditions, things can be different.

Questions about the application process

What is the best way to apply to RTS?

Please contact our central applicant management directly:

The best way to do this is by e-mail to
jobs@rts-wind.de
or by telephone via our applicant hotline
+49 421 / 696 800-33

Monday to Friday 8 am – 4 pm, German time.

What do I need to submit when I apply?

It is sufficient if you send us a current resume (CV) by e-mail. In addition, we are also happy to receive diplomas and certificates that you have already obtained.

Who is my contact person?

You can reach our applicant management directly under the telephone number
0421 – 696 800-33 or via e-mail: jobs@rts-wind.de.
The department will forward your application to our specialist departments.
Here you will be contacted by the HR specialists, if they can offer you a suitable job.

How long does it take to process my application?

You will receive initial feedback on your application within 48 hours. It is then only a few days until the first interview, if we have an open position for you. However, sometimes we receive so many applications for a job offer that it takes more time to process all mails. You are welcome to call our hotline on + 49 421/696800-33 to find out the status of your application.

Why do you need a class B driver’s license?

The wind turbines are mostly not on our doorsteps. To be able to work in the windfarms it is important that you can drive a vehicle as your work locations are constantly changing. Therefore, it is urgently necessary to have a driver`s license.

Why do you have to be physically fit?

The work on the turbine is quite physically demanding, so you should be fit enough to manage the work. The wind turbines are often over 100 meters high and therefore also your workplace. Your physical fitness will be regularly tested by the occupational physician.

Why do you have to be “ready for assembly work” and what does that mean?

Assembly work means that you work in so-called “Work Turns”. Depending on the department and project, the length of these work shifts vary from 1-3 weeks. During the turns you are sleeping in hotels or in temporary accommodations. Since the wind farms usually have a long journey the work on assembly is necessary.

Why do you have to be able to work at heights?

In order to be able to work safely on a wind turbine, it is requiered that you do not allow yourself to be influenced in your tasks by great heights. To ensure your own safety and the safety of your colleagues.

What certificates are there in wind energy and which ones do I need?

Depending on the area of application, different certificates are required. In general, the guidelines are stricter abroad and on offshore wind farms, so you always need GWO-training there. Of course, you also have to regularly take an aptitude test with the occupational physician. In general, all the necessary certificates and training courses are financed by RTS.

Tips for an online job interview:

  • It’s best to think about some questions in advance and have a pad and pencil ready to take notes.
  • You should make sure you have a neutral background and sufficient light so that you can be seen well on the screen.
  • It would be good if noise is minimized as much as possible and you are alone in the room.
  • It is best to dial in 10 minutes before the interview, so you have enough time to check your signal again.
  • Please also make sure you are dressed appropriately for the online interview.
  • Find out what kind of company RTS Wind AG is and think about your personal thoughts on wind energy in advance.

What questions are asked in the interview?

Basically, we would like to know more about your previous professional experience and activities during the interview. We are also interested in what motivates you to work at RTS Wind AG. It is important to us that you fit into the team and that your professional ideas match the open position for which you have applied.

What commercial jobs are there in wind energy?

The industry needs personnel managers, purchasers, clerks, accountants, project managers, engineers, etc.. You can get into these professions through an apprenticeship, a dual course of study or a traditional course of study, ideally with a focus on renewable energies. The offer is growing and we also offer apprenticeships and dual studies in this exciting industry.

What happens with my application?

In the first step, your documents will be viewed and recorded by our applicant management team. They are then forwarded to one of our HR specialists, who will contact you as soon as possible. This process can take a few days, but in any case you will first receive feedback by e-mail about the processing of your documents.

How will my data be stored?

We handle your data very carefully. They are digitally recorded in our applicant management system and processed in accordance with GDPR. Of course, third parties will not have any access to your data and it will only be stored permanently with your express consent. Please also read our detailed data protection regulations.

What jobs are there in wind energy?

At RTS Wind AG, service technicians are basically in demand. However, they can have different qualifications, e.g. for electrical work, for mechanical work and for general work around the wind turbine. The service technicians work in our four specialist departments. Some of our employees also work as warehouse specialists for our customers. No wind experience is necessary for entry. In addition, there are jobs that require a lot of wind energy experience and go in the direction of quality inspection, occupational health and safety and wind farm administration as well as remote monitoring of wind farms.

Which professions are interesting for wind energy?

Generally speaking, anyone who is physically fit, able to work at heights and has manual skills can work at wind farms. The advanced qualification “Service technician for wind turbines” or “Specialist for the installation of wind turbines” does not require any specific vocational training.

However, trained electricians, electronics technicians, mechatronics technicians and mechanics have particularly good qualifications and are constantly being sought, as many of our clients require such training in order to work for them. In the rotor blade service, we welcome employees who have learned a trade related to surface coatings, e.g. carpenters, boat builders, fiber composite technicians, or painters and varnishers. We welcome employees from the rope access and industrial climbing sectors, as many areas of the wind turbine are not easily accessible and have to be reached “from the rope”.

What does the electrician in wind energy do?

The electrician/electronics technician (m/f/d) in wind energy, mainly takes care of the electronic work around the wind turbines.

This includes:

  • Electrotechnical service and maintenance work on wind turbines
    (e.g. transformer switchgear, generator systems, etc.)
  • Troubleshooting and fault elimination
  • Documentation of the work steps taken
  • Working with direct and alternating currents as well as low and medium voltages
  • Implementation of the high requirements for occupational safety

What does the mechanic in wind energy do?

The mechanic (m/f/d) in wind energy mainly takes care of the mechanical work around the wind turbines.

  • Mechanical service and maintenance work on wind turbines
    (filter replacement, grease maintenance, screw connection checks, visual and pressure tests, etc.)
  • Troubleshooting and fault elimination
  • Documentation of the work performed
  • Implementation of the high requirements for occupational safety

What does the rope access technician do in wind energy?

Maintenance work on the outside of the wind turbine and on the rotor blades is usually carried out by specialists who call themselves rotor blade service technicians, rope access technicians or industrial climbers. Because they are roped off outside at the plant using rope access technology. But there is also work from plattforms available, which donĀ“t require rope access.

These specialists of height must also be well versed in surface coating, because the outer skin of the wind turbine is constantly attacked by weather and wind influences.

What does a service technician for wind turbines do?

The more wind turbines are built, the more technicians (m/f/d) are needed to maintain the turbines, repair them, install improvements and carry out the regular inspections during the operating phase.

The work is mainly done high up in the so-called nacelle and is carried out by skilled personnel with a mechanical (mechanics:inside) or electrical (electricians:inside) background. These are called service technicians for wind turbines.

(Source: https://www.windpersonal.de/berufe-in-der-windenergie/servicetechniker-windenergie/)

How can a lateral entry into wind energy be successful?

Actually, anyone who wants to can get into wind energy. Wind energy offers a wide range of international jobs: Outdoors in the wind farms, but also in planning, project planning, administration and processing.

Those who want to work “outdoors” in the wind farms must be willing to travel professionally, be physically fit and have a driver’s license. In addition, a willingness to tackle manual tasks and to be outside in all weathers is indispensable.

Since the industry is young and has only been gaining in importance for a relatively short time, career changers from other industries have very good chances of gaining a foothold.

Just ask us and we will advise you on what your entry could look like.

General wind energy questions

How is wind energy generated?

The kinetic energy of the air currents is used to generate electrical power, which means that the wind turbines convert the kinetic energy of the wind currents into electrical energy. (source: https://www.interconnector.de/energieblog/funktionsweise-windkraftanlage-wie-windenergie-erzeugt-wird/)

What are the disadvantages of wind energy?

Wind energy is difficult to store and the construction of the turbines involves a lot of effort and high costs. Also, there is always a risk of birds colliding with the rotor blades.

(Source:https://www.ewe.com/de/zukunft-gestalten/windenergie/vorteile-und-nachteile)

What types of wind turbines are there?

There are basically turbine types for the sea (offshore) and for the land (onshore). Each manufacturer, however, builds its turbines slightly differently and is thus specialized for certain conditions of the environment. The amount of energy produced by a wind turbine is also called the yield. Each wind turbine should produce the best possible yield in the place where it is located. To do this, the wind turbine must utilize the power of the wind as much as possible. With the help of a wind survey, about the wind conditions on site, the appropriate wind turbine with the best yield is selected.

What is offshore wind energy?

Offshore means that a wind farm is located at sea. In this case, the wind turbines are installed on pedestals in the coastal apron. On the water, the wind is more consistent. As a result, a total of 7,794 megawatts could be produced by 1,500 offshore wind turbines in 2021. This puts Germany in second place in a European comparison. By 2030, enough turbines are expected to be built to increase installed capacity to 30 gigawatts. (Source: https://www.wind-energie.de/themen/zahlen-und-fakten/)

What is onshore wind energy?

Wind turbines that are located on land are onshore wind turbines. The installation and maintenance of these turbines is much less expensive than that of offshore wind turbines. They are an important part of the renewable energy supply, but provide significantly less electricity than offshore turbines. (Source: https://www.enbw.com/unternehmen/eco-journal/onshore-wind-pfeiler-der-energiewende.html)

How quickly does a wind turbine deliver more energy than was needed to build it?

The production of a wind turbine usually takes only a few months and can be realized with relatively low material and energy expenditure. After only a short period of operation, the energy expended is produced again. This period is called the “energetic payback time”. An onshore wind turbine needs between three and seven months for the energetic amortization. Offshore turbines with several megawatts of capacity need four to five months to recover the energy consumed during production and installation. After that, the turbines usually provide clean electricity for 20 years. Over its lifetime, therefore, a wind turbine can provide 40 to 70 times more energy than was expended in its production, use and disposal, depending on the design.

(Source: https://unendlich-viel-energie.de/themen/faq/faq-windenergie/faq-windenergie2)

Which country is how strong in wind energy?

Worldwide, China continues to lead, followed by the USA, both in terms of total installed capacity and newly installed capacity. Germany is in third place in terms of total installed capacity. (Source: https://de.statista.com/statistik/daten/studie/37035/umfrage/windenergie-weltweit-im-jahr-2008/)

How reliable is wind energy?

Wind energy contributes the largest share of renewable energy in Germany. Almost 22% of gross electricity generation comes from wind turbines. So the turbines are definitely reliable. If this topic interests you, feel free to listen to this podcast episode:

https://www.br.de/mediathek/podcast/umweltkommissar/wie-zuverlaessig-ist-windkraft-als-energielieferant-in-deutschland/1884821

What is the history of wind energy?

Wind was one of the first sources of energy and propulsion to enable the transport of loads. It was sailing ships that made long-distance trade, the discovery of America and the establishment of the country as a major maritime power possible in the first place. In the Middle Ages, wind energy was used in the form of windmills to grind grain or lift water. Since then, mills have steadily evolved so that we can now use them for our energy supply.

(Source: https://www.leifiphysik.de/uebergreifend/regenerative-energieversorgung/geschichte/geschichte-der-windenergie)

What is Germany’s wind energy share?

Germany generated around 117.3 terawatt hours of electricity from wind power in 2021. This corresponds to 20 percent of gross electricity production. (Source: https://de.statista.com/statistik/daten/studie/239528/umfrage/anteil-der-stromerzeugung-aus-windkraft-in-deutschland/)

How is a wind turbine constructed?

Essentially, the wind turbine consists of a foundation, a tower, a nacelle, a generator and a rotor. The three rotor blades are driven by the wind and transmit the energy to the generator (Source: https://studyflix.de/erdkunde/windkraftwerk-3695)

How do wind turbines work?

The way a wind turbine works is actually quite simple: to generate electricity, the wind is converted into rotational energy by the rotor blades of a wind turbine, which drives an electricity generator inside the wind turbine. The generator then produces the electricity that is used to power homes and businesses. Electricity production depends on wind strength, or speed. To be effective, wind turbines must be located in an area where there is a constant wind flow. Thus, the location of the wind turbine is crucial for efficient power generation. (Source: https://group.vattenfall.com/de/newsroom/blog/2016/august/energiewende-wie-funktioniert-windkraftanlage)

Are wind turbines a threat to birds?

In recent years, it has been shown that the risk of collision is very low. Many animals get used to the changed environment relatively quickly. As a result, birds and wildlife are hardly displaced by wind turbines. Most birds and bats fly around wind turbines. In addition, the height of the new wind turbine eliminates the possibility of collisions with most bat species. To avoid the tragic individual cases, habitats and populations are investigated in the vicinity of planned wind farms. (Source: https://www.daserste.de/information/wissen-kultur/w-wie-wissen/Windkraft-Gefahr-fuer-Voegel-100.html)

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