Landscape Technician

The AES Corporation; Locust Grove (VA); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

The AES Corporation in Locust Grove, VA seeks a Land Maintenance Technician to support vegetation control around solar arrays and waterways. You will ensure environmental laws are followed and safety is the top priority while performing trimming, mowing, and debris disposal.

You will operate common landscaping equipment, coordinate with contractors and ranchers, and assist with pond cleanup and panel washing as needed, contributing to reliable solar plant operations.

Qualifications

• Ability to follow safety and environmental regulations.
• Willingness to learn and follow company procedures.
• Read, write and understand English for the role.

Responsibilities

• Supports safe operation of the solar plant by ensuring vegetation does not impact operations and complies with environmental guidelines.
• Operates trimmers/edgers and performs area clean-up to minimize vegetation around arrays, equipment, fences and gates.
• Works with land maintenance contractors and sheep ranchers.
• Operates and maintains landscape equipment (tractors, mowers) and assists with daily maintenance and debris disposal.
• Supports maintenance of ponds and waterways, possibly from a boat, and may assist with panel washing.
• Identifies process improvements and communicates them to the Land Maintenance Supervisor.
• May apply over-the-counter chemicals as directed.

Skills

Safety awareness

Collaboration

Hands-on ability

MS Office

English literacy

Safety regulations knowledge

Problem solving

Professional conduct

Team player

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

• Supports the safe and reliable operation of the utility solar power plant by ensuring that vegetation does not impact operations of the solar arrays, and ensures that applicable environmental laws, regulations, and guidelines are followed for the care and maintenance of the land, roads, fence line, ponds, creek, and other waterways on the property.
• Keeps safety and environment as number one priority and utilizes PPE when required.
• Operates trimmers/edgers, including cleaning-up area and equipment routinely to minimize or prevent growth of vegetation in solar arrays, around equipment, and on fences and gates. This may include pulling and removing weeds and larger vegetation that cannot be managed with trimmers/edgers, as well as cleaning and disposal of debris and waste. May also include mowing, raking, sweeping, and minor equipment maintenance.
• Works with/support land maintenance contractors and sheep ranchers.
• May operate and perform maintenance on landscaping equipment including tractors, sitting mowers, push mowers, and other required land maintenance equipment.
• Assists with daily maintenance of all mowing and trimming equipment, and area clean-up and disposal of debris.
• May be required to support maintenance and clean-up of ponds and waterways on site, including working from a boat, if necessary.
• May support washing PV Panels utilizing panel washing equipment.
• Recognizes process improvements and communicates them to the Land Maintenance Supervisor.
• May apply over-the-counter chemicals (e.g. Round-Up, fertilizer, etc.) as directed.

Desired Skills, Expertise and Competencies:

• Understanding of general workplace safety and the ability to follow safety standards as well as help the company improve upon the standards in place.
• Ability to excel in a collaborative, cross-functional and geographically diverse organization.
• Excellent hands on abilities with strong mechanical and technical skills.
• Basic computer knowledge including Microsoft Office suite, email, expense reporting, and work order management systems.
• Ability to read, write and understand English.
• Knowledge of applicable safety and environmental regulations.
• Demonstrates proactive enthusiasm for solving problems and adding value to the company.
• Ability to establish and maintain a positive and professional working relationship with all individuals
• Communicates openly and honestly, does not engage in gossip.
• Models professional behaviors of conduct and decorum.
• Is a strong team player and willing to assist others when necessary and as needed.

Education / Experience:

• Possess high school diploma or GED.

Working Conditions

• Outdoor work at solar power plants that includes some windy, dusty, and high heat/humidity conditions during the summer, and wet, windy, and cold conditions during the winter.
• Driver's License preferred and/or ability to travel to site. Valid driver's license required to operate company equipment and vehicles.
• Requires standing, sitting, walking, kneeling, twisting, climbing stairs and ladders, and entering plant equipment to access, inspect, or collect data on plant equipment.
• Requires use of wear personal protective safety equipment (respirators, safety glasses, hard hat, appropriate footwear, ear plugs, etc.).
• May be required to work around rotating and energized equipment, hazardous materials and chemicals.
• Occasionally requires lifting as appropriate to perform duties and responsibilities.