Technician (Solar), York

RES; York; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

RES is seeking a Technician (Solar) to join our renewable energy team in York. This vital role involves operations and maintenance of solar PV plants to ensure high safety and performance standards. Ideal candidates will be fully qualified electricians with experience in MW-scale power plants, available for weekend on-call duties. Join us for career growth opportunities and comprehensive benefits, including pension and health insurance.

Benefits

Contributory pension

Private health insurance

Role-specific training

Company vehicle

Smartphone and laptop/tablet provided

Qualifications

• The candidate must have a good knowledge of solar PV technology and High Voltage operations principles.
• Experience in preparing and modifying Risk Assessments and Method Statements.
• Experience in liaising with equipment vendors for fault diagnosis.

Responsibilities

• Adhere to and manage health and safety requirements.
• Perform planned inspections and maintenance.
• Conduct AC and DC system testing, troubleshooting, and fault-finding.
• Manage subcontractors and perform quality checks.
• Travel between sites and offices as required.

Skills

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Problem-solving

Computer skills

Strong commitment to safe working practices

Ability to work independently

Adaptability

Education

Full UK driving licence

Approved Electrician qualification

Inspection and testing qualifications (C&G 2391 or 2394/5)

First aid certification

Health & Safety qualifications (e.g., IOSH Managing Safely, SMSTS)

Job description

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Job Purpose

The Technician (Solar) is a field-based role responsible for operations and maintenance duties on utility-scale ground-mounted solar PV plants & BESS. The main goal is to ensure the plants achieve high safety, quality, and performance standards within operational budgets, as part of a leading renewable energy team. The ideal candidate will be a fully qualified electrician with experience in operating and maintaining MW-scale power plants, possessing DC and HV electrical competencies. This is a permanent position requiring availability for weekend on-call duties on a rota, with an overtime system in place. A company vehicle, smartphone, and laptop/tablet are provided. RES offers a comprehensive benefits package including contributory pension, private health insurance, and role-specific training. Strong candidates will have the opportunity to progress towards Authorised Person (AP) or Senior Authorised Person (SAP) status. We pride ourselves on our in-house training program, encouraging technicians with the right attitude and aptitude for career growth to advance to industry-recognized HV AP or SAP levels. Our values of Passion, Accountability, Collaboration, and Excellence underpin our growth opportunities.

Key Accountabilities

1. Adhere to and manage health and safety requirements at all times, contributing to safety standards across the plants.
2. Achieve and maintain Authorised Person status aligned with training, experience, and role requirements.
3. Perform planned inspections and maintenance as per legal, technical, manufacturer, and contractual standards.
4. Inspect, test, and maintain plant and equipment.
5. Conduct AC and DC system testing, troubleshooting, and fault-finding.
6. Carry out reactive maintenance, fault diagnosis, and resolution promptly.
7. Troubleshoot and repair sensors and communication equipment, including RS485, Ethernet, and fibre optic networks.
8. Configure computer-based devices and update firmware as needed.
9. Assist with ground maintenance, cleaning, or mechanical work occasionally.
10. Manage subcontractors, ensure safe working practices, and perform quality checks on their work.
11. Maintain accurate maintenance records and compile reports.
12. Communicate closely with the O&M office and team functions.
13. Travel between sites and offices as required.
14. Occasionally work away from home for training or site coverage for up to one week.
15. Perform other duties as appropriate to the role.

Knowledge

• Desirable: Knowledge of central inverters.
• Understanding of High Voltage operations principles.
• Strong technical understanding of AC, DC, SCADA, instrumentation, and communications networks.
• Essential: Good knowledge of solar PV technology.
• Desirable: Knowledge of HVAC, fire protection, and security systems.
• Basic understanding of battery storage technology; training can be provided if needed.

Skills

• Strong commitment to safe working practices.
• Excellent communication skills, fluent in written and spoken English.
• Attention to detail.
• Positive, proactive attitude.
• Ability to work independently and in a team.
• Adaptability to changing priorities and issues.
• Enthusiasm for personal development.
• Strong problem-solving skills, ability to interpret schematics and manuals.
• Computer skills for reporting and communication.
• Values: Passion, Accountability, Collaboration, Excellence.

Experience

• Experience in preparing and modifying Risk Assessments and Method Statements.
• Experience liaising with equipment vendors for fault diagnosis.
• DC and LV installation, fault finding, testing, and commissioning.
• Experience working remotely without close supervision.
• Solar PV installation and O&M experience at MW-scale or large commercial ground-mount sites.
• Desirable: Battery storage MW-scale installation and O&M experience.
• Experience with ethernet and fibre optic communications.
• Experience with SCADA or data monitoring systems.
• Experience with Central inverters and High Voltage switchgear.

Qualifications

• Full UK driving licence.
• Approved Electrician qualification.
• Inspection and testing qualifications (C&G 2391 or 2394/5) highly valued.
• First aid certification.
• Health & Safety qualifications (e.g., IOSH Managing Safely, SMSTS).