Solar O&M Technician II

Onward Energy; Lemoore (CA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive total rewards package

Health and life insurance

Retirement savings benefits

Job summary

A renewable energy company located in California is seeking a Solar Site O&M Tech II. This full-time position involves the maintenance and operation of utility-scale solar PV power plants. Responsibilities include monitoring plant operations, adhering to safety protocols, and performing troubleshooting on electrical systems. Candidates should have a High School diploma, relevant experience in power generation, and strong computer skills. The role offers competitive compensation and a commitment to employee development.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required, college degree preferred.
• Two years of experience in operations and maintenance in power generation.
• Must have safety experience in Lockout Tag Out procedures.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and maintain operations of the solar plant.
• Ensure adherence to safety protocols and procedures.
• Assist with planning and executing on-site projects.

Skills

Electrical safety knowledge

Troubleshooting skills

SCADA operation

Computer skills (Microsoft Office)

Multi-tasking abilities

Safety protocol adherence

Education

High School Diploma or GED

College or technical degree

Electrical certifications

Tools

CMMS systems

Medium & high voltage equipment

PV Inverters

Job description

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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 O&M Manager of Renewable Operations – Solar. The Solar Site O&M Tech II will be responsible for assigned aspects of the maintenance and operation of utility scale PV power plant. Duties include 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. Additionally, this position is responsible for safe, high quality and timely performance of maintenance activities in the field.

THE RESPONSIBILITIES

• Ensure the highest level of health and safety practices on the assigned solar plant.
• Knowledge in electrical safety and arc flash standards.
• Understanding of and ability to follow operating, switching, maintenance, safety, and environmental procedures.
• Understanding of local and national electrical codes.
• Ability to read and understand Electrical schematics and prints.
• Experienced with medium & high voltage switching.
• Basic ability to perform testing and troubleshooting of medium voltage and high voltage equipment, including transformers, potential transformers, current transformers, breakers, relays, contactors, motors, and inverters.
• Capable of retrieving relay files and documentation.
• Fluent in utilizing a CMMS system for maintenance tracking.
• Proven computer skills in a Windows environment (Microsoft Office Products) is required.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks and projects.
• Self‑directed and accountable, able to think critically about processes and issues.
• Ensure a safe work environment by promoting strict adherence to company protocols
• Perform and document training on and ensure compliance to Job Hazard Analysis, Pre‑Job Brief and Lock‑Out‑Tag‑Out procedures.
• Communicate effectively with remote operators
• Assist in planning and executing on‑site projects, installations, commissioning, quality inspections, and performance testing.
• Assist with writing and enforcing work and equipment testing instructions and procedures, including normal and maintenance operating procedures.
• Ensure CMMS work orders are complete in their entirety. Prepare documents necessary for procurement and utilization of materials and vendor services.
• 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.
• Two (2) years of work experience in operations and/or maintenance in power generation, transmission and/or distribution.
• Experience in operating and maintaining power plant electrical systems, SCADA and controls systems operation, troubleshooting advanced electrical components, and using procedures to perform equipment preventative and corrective maintenance preferred
• Must have a safety background with experience in Lockout Tag Out and Job Hazard Analysis.
• Excellent writing and verbal skills.
• Familiar with CMMS systems for maintenance tracking
• Proficient use of all Microsoft Office Suite programs
• Some intermediate 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. Work is generally performed outside but may work in all weather conditions ranging from warm/hot - cool/cold. Occasional rain. Noise levels will be moderate to high. The job site will contain light to heavy equipment vehicles, small to large equipment, materials, communication equipment and tools. People standing, walking, sitting, signaling, and talking. Bells, whistles, and alarms.

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 Affirmative 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.