Solar O&M Technician I

Southwest Generation Valmont Facility; Bakersfield (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Onward Energy seeks a Solar Site O&M Tech I to support the maintenance and operation of a utility-scale PV plant in California. Responsibilities include SCADA monitoring, testing, inspection, and repair of inverters, modules, transformers, switchgear, and metering systems.

The role emphasizes safety, adherence to procedures, and documentation across CMMS and reporting, with opportunities for training and advancement within Asset Management & Operations.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required; college or technical degree preferred.
• Electrical certifications (state, journeyman, etc.) a plus.
• One year of work experience in operations and/or maintenance in power generation, transmission and/or distribution.
• Demonstrated understanding of power plant, EH&S compliance, operations and maintenance.
• Excellent writing and verbal skills; proficient use of Microsoft Office.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and operate the solar PV plant, including monitoring via SCADA, commissioning, testing, inspecting, troubleshooting, and repairing AC/DC systems.
• Follow operating, switching, maintenance, safety and environmental procedures.
• Ensure health and safety practices at the solar plant; adhere to electrical codes and safety standards.
• Retrieve and manage relay files, documentation, and CMMS work orders.
• Ensure all documentation and reports are complete, submitted, and filed.
• Communicate cross-functionally to resolve plant issues and participate in required safety/environmental training.

Education

High School Diploma or GED

College or technical degree preferred

Electrical certifications

Job description

Reports To: Site Manager, Renewable Operations - Solar

Direct Reports: No Functional Unit: Asset Management & Operations

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Position Type: Full-Time

THE COMPANY

Onward Energy is an independent power platform that owns and operates over 7 GW of utility-scale wind, solar and natural gas generation projects across the U.S. Our Vision is to reliably power a sustainable future. Our Mission is that as North America’s premier independent power generator, we will deliver renewable and reliable power to our customers, opportunities to our employees, sustainable returns to the families who invest in us, and a better world to the next generation. Corporate Offices in Denver, New York and Charlotte, we are where renewable meets reliable. See www.onwardenergy.com for more information.

THE CHALLENGE

This position reports to the Site Manager of Renewable Operations – Solar. The Solar Site O&M Tech I will be Responsible for assigned aspects of the maintenance and operation of utility scale PV power plant. Duties include supervised monitoring PV Plant operation through SCADA, commissioning, testing, inspecting, troubleshooting, repairing, and modifying AC and DC solar PV systems, including inverters, PV module arrays, transformers, switchgear, and metering systems

THE RESPONSIBILITIES

Ensure the highest level of health and safety practices on the assigned solar plant.

Understanding of electrical safety and arc flash standards.

Ability to follow operating, switching, maintenance, safety and environmental procedures.

Knowledge of local and national electrical codes.

Basic understanding of Electrical schematics and prints

Understanding of electrical principles

With oversight, able to retrieve relay files and documentation.

Familiar with CMMS systems for maintenance tracking.

Proven computer skills in a Windows environment (Microsoft Office Products) is required.

Ability to prioritize multiple tasks and projects.

Ensure a safe work environment by strict adherence to company protocols

Responsible for personal safety, quality and schedule adherence.

Comply with Job Hazard Analysis, Pre-Job Brief and Lock-Out-Tag-Out procedures.

With supervision be responsible for a variety of PM work including measuring, reading, testing and performing maintenance procedures on all site components.

Ensure CMMS work orders are complete in their entirety.

Ensure all documentation and required reports are reviewed, complete, submitted and filed.

Communicate cross-functionally across all necessary parts of the organization to achieve resolution to plant issues.

Attend, participate in and pass all assigned training in safety, environmental and other areas as assigned

Maintain work area and site housecleaning to 5S standards

Must be available for night, overtime, weekend, and holiday work as required.

May be required to support job responsibilities as needed outside of scheduled work hours.

Occasional travel may be required.

Other duties as assigned.

THE PROFILE TO SUCCEED

High School Diploma or GED required. College or technical degree preferred. Electrical certifications, state, journeyman, etc. a plus.

One (1) year of work experience in operations and/or maintenance in power generation, transmission and/or distribution.

Demonstrated understanding of power plant, EH&S compliance, operations, and maintenance.

Must have a safety background with experience in Lockout Tag Out and Job Hazard Analysis.

Excellent writing and verbal skills.

Proficient use of all Microsoft Office Suite programs

Some level of technical knowledge of PV Inverters and tracking systems.

Ability to anticipate and accept changes in the organization and adapt to meet new requirements.

Effective time management and organizational skill; keen multi-tasking capabilities and attention to detail.

Ability to work well independently and as part of a cross-functional team.

Valid U.S. Driver license with acceptable MVR history.

THE PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Must be able to accomplish physical requirements with or without reasonable accommodation.

Hazardous conditions include working in confined spaces, exposure to bloodborne pathogens, exposure to energized electrical equipment, and working in extreme hot and cold conditions.

The work may require providing first aid/CPR. This requires maintenance of First Aid/CPR/AED certification.

The work will require irregular work hours depending upon the required response of site operations to address the unpredictable needs of the solar plant.

Ability to travel up to 10%.

Ability to wear personal protective equipment is required (including but not limited to; steel/composite toed shoes, gloves, safety glasses, hearing protection, protective jacket or apron and arm guards)

Will sit, stand, or walk short distances for up to the entire duration of a shift

Will lift, push, or pull up to 27 pounds on an occasional basis

Must be able to comply with all safety standards and procedures

THE TEAM

The Onward Energy team is comprised of industry professionals who embrace our values of accountability, adaptability, collaboration, and excellence. At Onward Energy, we seek to find solutions rather than assign blame.

THE WORK ENVIRONMENT

Performing this job without full/focused attention may cause serious injury or even fatality. The position functions in a smoke and vaping free professional office environment. The role routinely utilizes standard office equipment such as laptop computer, phone, and scanner/photocopier.

Onward Energy total rewards philosophy is motivated by a key tenet of People First, and offers associates a comprehensive total rewards package which includes market competitive compensation, health, life insurance, and retirement savings benefits.

Onward Energy is an Affiliated Action Employer, Females/Minority/Veterans/Disabled/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.