Physical Sciences

Interest Area

Explore how nature shapes our earth, oceans, and universe. Students who complete an area of study in Physical Sciences will develop skills in the application of mathematics, analysis, scientific writing and laboratory techniques to a large cross section of physical phenomena. Areas of study include Astronomy, Physics, Chemistry, Geology, and Oceanography.

Programs of Study

Fast Track Career Path

Chemistry

UC Transfer
CSU Transfer
AS

Geology

UC Transfer
CSU Transfer
AS

Physics

UC Transfer
CSU Transfer
AS

Explore Careers

Solar Photovoltaic Installers

Median Salary

$47,398

Job Growth

+25%

Education

H.S. Diploma or Less
68%

Certificate
14%

Some College
2%

Associate's Degree
16%

View Career

Assemble, install, or maintain solar photovoltaic (PV) systems on roofs or other structures in compliance with site assessment and schematics. May include measuring, cutting, assembling, and bolting structural framing and solar modules. May perform minor electrical work such as current checks.

New workers start around $26,482. Normal pay is $47,398 per year. Highly experienced workers can earn up to $65,075.

Education

H.S. Diploma or Less
68%

Certificate
14%

Some College
2%

Associate's Degree
16%

Core Tasks

Install photovoltaic (PV) systems in accordance with codes and standards, using drawings, schematics, and instructions.
Assemble solar modules, panels, or support structures, as specified.
Apply weather sealing to array, building, or support mechanisms.
Determine appropriate sizes, ratings, and locations for all system overcurrent devices, disconnect devices, grounding equipment, and surge suppression equipment.
Identify electrical, environmental, and safety hazards associated with photovoltaic (PV) installations.
Identify methods for laying out, orienting, and mounting modules or arrays to ensure efficient installation, electrical configuration, or system maintenance.
Install module array interconnect wiring, implementing measures to disable arrays during installation.
Examine designs to determine current requirements for all parts of the photovoltaic (PV) system electrical circuit.
Check electrical installation for proper wiring, polarity, grounding, or integrity of terminations.
Test operating voltages to ensure operation within acceptable limits for power conditioning equipment, such as inverters and controllers.
Identify and resolve any deficiencies in photovoltaic (PV) system installation or materials.
Identify installation locations with proper orientation, area, solar access, or structural integrity for photovoltaic (PV) arrays.
Program, adjust, or configure inverters and controls for desired set points and operating modes.
Visually inspect and test photovoltaic (PV) modules or systems.
Install required labels on solar system components and hardware.
Determine photovoltaic (PV) system designs or configurations based on factors such as customer needs, expectations, and site conditions.
Determine connection interfaces for additional subpanels or for connecting photovoltaic (PV) systems with utility services or other power generation sources.
Determine materials, equipment, and installation sequences necessary to maximize installation efficiency.
Install active solar systems, including solar collectors, concentrators, pumps, or fans.
Perform routine photovoltaic (PV) system maintenance on modules, arrays, batteries, power conditioning equipment, safety systems, structural systems, weather sealing, or balance of systems equipment.
Activate photovoltaic (PV) systems to verify system functionality and conformity to performance expectations.
Measure and analyze system performance and operating parameters to assess operating condition of systems or equipment.
Demonstrate system functionality and performance, including start-up, shut-down, normal operation, and emergency or bypass operations.
Compile or maintain records of system operation, performance, and maintenance.

Median Salary

$47,398

Job Growth

+25%

Energy Auditors

Median Salary

$88,097

Job Growth

+6%

Education

H.S. Diploma or Less
23%

Certificate
27%

Some College
9%

Associate's Degree
5%

Bachelor's Degree
36%

View Career

Conduct energy audits of buildings, building systems, or process systems. May also conduct investment grade audits of buildings or systems.

New workers start around $49,806. Normal pay is $88,097 per year. Highly experienced workers can earn up to $149,743.

Education

H.S. Diploma or Less
23%

Certificate
27%

Some College
9%

Associate's Degree
5%

Bachelor's Degree
36%

Core Tasks

Identify opportunities to improve the operation, maintenance, or energy efficiency of building or process systems.
Analyze technical feasibility of energy-saving measures, using knowledge of engineering, energy production, energy use, construction, maintenance, system operation, or process systems.
Identify and prioritize energy-saving measures.
Identify any health or safety issues related to planned weatherization projects.
Inspect or evaluate building envelopes, mechanical systems, electrical systems, or process systems to determine the energy consumption of each system.
Inspect newly installed energy-efficient equipment to ensure that it was installed properly and is performing according to specifications.
Prepare audit reports containing energy analysis results or recommendations for energy cost savings.
Collect and analyze field data related to energy usage.
Perform tests such as blower-door tests to locate air leaks.
Calculate potential for energy savings.
Measure energy usage with devices such as data loggers, universal data recorders, light meters, sling psychrometers, psychrometric charts, flue gas analyzers, amp probes, watt meters, volt meters, thermometers, or utility meters.
Quantify energy consumption to establish baselines for energy use or need.
Prepare job specification sheets for home energy improvements, such as attic insulation, window retrofits, or heating system upgrades.
Examine commercial sites to determine the feasibility of installing equipment that allows building management systems to reduce electricity consumption during peak demand periods.
Educate customers on energy efficiency or answer questions on topics such as the costs of running household appliances or the selection of energy-efficient appliances.
Oversee installation of equipment such as water heater wraps, pipe insulation, weatherstripping, door sweeps, or low-flow showerheads to improve energy efficiency.
Recommend energy-efficient technologies or alternate energy sources.
Determine patterns of building use to show annual or monthly needs for heating, cooling, lighting, or other energy needs.
Compare existing energy consumption levels to normative data.
Analyze energy bills, including utility rates or tariffs, to gather historical energy usage data.

Median Salary

$88,097

Job Growth

+6%

Geothermal Technicians

Median Salary

$43,188

Job Growth

-18%

Education

H.S. Diploma or Less
66%

Certificate
20%

Some College
12%

Associate's Degree
2%

View Career

Perform technical activities at power plants or individual installations necessary for the generation of power from geothermal energy sources. Monitor and control operating activities at geothermal power generation facilities and perform maintenance and repairs as necessary. Install, test, and maintain residential and commercial geothermal heat pumps.

New workers start around $25,490. Normal pay is $43,188 per year. Highly experienced workers can earn up to $83,853.

Education

H.S. Diploma or Less
66%

Certificate
20%

Some College
12%

Associate's Degree
2%

Core Tasks

Monitor and adjust operations of geothermal power plant equipment or systems.
Prepare and maintain logs, reports, or other documentation of work performed.
Identify and correct malfunctions of geothermal plant equipment, electrical systems, instrumentation, or controls.
Collect and record data associated with operating geothermal power plants or well fields.
Determine whether emergency or auxiliary systems will be needed to keep properties heated or cooled in extreme weather conditions.
Perform pre- and post-installation pressure, flow, and related tests of vertical and horizontal geothermal loop piping.
Identify equipment options, such as compressors, and make appropriate selections.

Median Salary

$43,188

Job Growth

-18%

Biomass Plant Technicians

Median Salary

$92,310

Job Growth

-28%

Education

H.S. Diploma or Less
53%

Certificate
22%

Some College
10%

Associate's Degree
6%

Bachelor's Degree
10%

View Career

Control and monitor biomass plant activities and perform maintenance as needed.

New workers start around $73,674. Normal pay is $92,310 per year. Highly experienced workers can earn up to $106,974.

Education

H.S. Diploma or Less
53%

Certificate
22%

Some College
10%

Associate's Degree
6%

Bachelor's Degree
10%

Core Tasks

Operate biomass fuel-burning boiler or biomass fuel gasification system equipment in accordance with specifications or instructions.
Perform tests of water chemistry in boilers.
Operate high-pressure steam boiler or water chiller equipment for electrical cogeneration operations.
Operate equipment to heat biomass, using knowledge of controls, combustion, and firing mechanisms.
Operate equipment to start, stop, or regulate biomass-fueled generators, generator units, boilers, engines, or auxiliary systems.
Inspect biomass power plant or processing equipment, recording or reporting damage and mechanical problems.
Record or report operational data, such as readings on meters, instruments, and gauges.
Operate valves, pumps, engines, or generators to control and adjust production of biofuels or biomass-fueled power.
Calculate, measure, load, or mix biomass feedstock for power generation.
Clean work areas to ensure compliance with safety regulations.
Perform routine maintenance or make minor repairs to mechanical, electrical, or electronic equipment in biomass plants.
Measure and monitor raw biomass feedstock, including wood, waste, or refuse materials.
Calibrate liquid flow devices or meters, including fuel, chemical, and water meters.
Assess quality of biomass feedstock.
Read and interpret instruction manuals or technical drawings related to biomass-fueled power or biofuels production equipment or processes.
Operate heavy equipment, such as bulldozers and front-end loaders.

Median Salary

$92,310

Job Growth

-28%

Chemical Plant and System Operators

Median Salary

$43,888

Job Growth

+15%

Education

H.S. Diploma or Less
62%

Bachelor's Degree
36%

View Career

Control or operate entire chemical processes or system of machines.

New workers start around $34,237. Normal pay is $43,888 per year. Highly experienced workers can earn up to $74,506.

Education

H.S. Diploma or Less
62%

Bachelor's Degree
36%

Core Tasks

Monitor recording instruments, flowmeters, panel lights, or other indicators and listen for warning signals to verify conformity of process conditions.
Regulate or shut down equipment during emergency situations, as directed by supervisory personnel.
Control or operate chemical processes or systems of machines, using panelboards, control boards, or semi-automatic equipment.
Inspect operating units, such as towers, soap-spray storage tanks, scrubbers, collectors, or driers to ensure that all are functioning and to maintain maximum efficiency.
Move control settings to make necessary adjustments on equipment units affecting speeds of chemical reactions, quality, or yields.
Draw samples of products and conduct quality control tests to monitor processing and to ensure that standards are met.
Record operating data, such as process conditions, test results, or instrument readings.
Patrol work areas to ensure that solutions in tanks or troughs are not in danger of overflowing.
Turn valves to regulate flow of products or byproducts through agitator tanks, storage drums, or neutralizer tanks.
Interpret chemical reactions visible through sight glasses or on television monitors and review laboratory test reports for process adjustments.
Confer with technical and supervisory personnel to report or resolve conditions affecting safety, efficiency, or product quality.
Start pumps to wash and rinse reactor vessels, to exhaust gases or vapors, to regulate the flow of oil, steam, air, or perfume to towers, or to add products to converter or blending vessels.
Notify maintenance, stationary engineering, or other auxiliary personnel to correct equipment malfunctions or to adjust power, steam, water, or air supplies.
Repair or replace damaged equipment.

Median Salary

$43,888

Job Growth

+15%

Biofuels Processing Technicians

Median Salary

$71,386

Job Growth

-42%

Education

H.S. Diploma or Less
73%

Certificate
18%

Some College
3%

Associate's Degree
6%

View Career

Calculate, measure, load, mix, and process refined feedstock with additives in fermentation or reaction process vessels and monitor production process. Perform, and keep records of, plant maintenance, repairs, and safety inspections.

New workers start around $52,478. Normal pay is $71,386 per year. Highly experienced workers can earn up to $97,282.

Education

H.S. Diploma or Less
73%

Certificate
18%

Some College
3%

Associate's Degree
6%

Core Tasks

Monitor batch, continuous flow, or hybrid biofuels production processes.
Operate valves, pumps, engines, or generators to control and adjust biofuels production.
Collect biofuels samples and perform routine laboratory tests or analyses to assess biofuels quality.
Monitor and record biofuels processing data.
Operate equipment, such as a centrifuge, to extract biofuels products and secondary by-products or reusable fractions.
Process refined feedstock with additives in fermentation or reaction process vessels.
Operate chemical processing equipment for the production of biofuels.
Inspect biofuels plant or processing equipment regularly, recording or reporting damage and mechanical problems.
Monitor and record flow meter performance.
Measure and monitor raw biofuels feedstock.
Preprocess feedstock in preparation for physical, chemical, or biological fuel production processes.
Calculate, measure, load, or mix refined feedstock used in biofuels production.
Monitor stored biofuels products or secondary by-products until reused or transferred to users.
Assess the quality of biofuels additives for reprocessing.
Clean biofuels processing work area, ensuring compliance with safety regulations.
Perform routine maintenance on mechanical, electrical, or electronic equipment or instruments used in the processing of biofuels.
Calibrate liquid flow devices and meters, including fuel, chemical, and water meters.
Rebuild, repair, or replace biofuels processing equipment components.

Median Salary

$71,386

Job Growth

-42%

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Physical Sciences

School of Physical Sciences Contact

Programs of Study

Chemistry

Geology

Physics

Explore Careers

Solar Photovoltaic Installers

Energy Auditors

Geothermal Technicians

Biomass Plant Technicians

Chemical Plant and System Operators

Biofuels Processing Technicians

Is this Interest Area right for you?

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About IVC

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Plan Your Classes

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Costs & Payments

Supporting You

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Welcome Lasers

Get Involved

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Campus

Finish Your Path at IVC

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Earn Your Degree or Certificate

Transcripts & Records

Physical Sciences

School of Physical Sciences Contact

Programs of Study

Chemistry

Geology

Physics

Explore Careers

Solar Photovoltaic Installers

Energy Auditors

Geothermal Technicians

Biomass Plant Technicians

Chemical Plant and System Operators

Biofuels Processing Technicians

Is this Interest Area right for you?

Business Sciences

Humanities

Integrated Design, Engineering & Automation

Kinesiology, Health & Athletics

Languages & Learning Resources

Life Sciences & Technologies

Mathematics & Computer Science

Social & Behavioral Sciences

The Arts

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