Solar Operations & Maintenance Technician I

Southwest Generation Valmont Facility; Tallahassee (FL); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading energy company is seeking a Solar Operations & Maintenance Technician I to ensure the safe operation and maintenance of utility-scale solar PV power plants. Candidates should possess a high school diploma or GED, with a focus on electrical safety and operational compliance. This role involves a combination of hands-on maintenance tasks and monitoring the functionality of solar systems to meet performance standards. The position requires strong technical skills and a commitment to safety practices within the renewable energy sector.

Benefits

Comprehensive health benefits

Retirement savings benefits

Market competitive compensation

Qualifications

• Understanding of electrical codes and electrical safety standards.
• Experience with Lockout Tag Out and Job Hazard Analysis.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and maintain solar PV plant operations.
• Perform troubleshooting and repairs on solar systems.
• Ensure compliance with safety standards and procedures.

Skills

Safety awareness

Communication

Technical knowledge of PV Inverters

Education

High School Diploma or GED

College or technical degree

Electrical certifications

Job description

Solar Operations & Maintenance Technician I

Direct Reports: No Functional Unit: Asset Management & Operations

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

This position reports to the Solar O&M Supervisor. The Solar 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 modules, transformers, switchgears, trackers, and metering systems.

THE RESPONSIBILITIES

• Ensure the highest level of health and safety practices.
• Ensure a safe work environment by strict adherence to company protocols.
• Attend, participate in and pass all assigned training in safety, environmental and other areas as assigned.
• Responsible for personal safety, quality, and schedule adherence.
• Comply with Job Hazard Analysis, Pre-Job Brief and Lock-Out-Tag-Out procedures.
• 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 electrical principles.
• With oversight, able to retrieve relay files and submit to engineering for review.
• Utilize CMMS systems for maintenance tracking.
• Under supervision performs testing using IV Curve Tracers, Power Quality Meters, Insulation Resistance Testers, Multimeters, and other equipment, as needed
• With supervision, be responsible for various preventative and corrective maintenance work including measuring, reading, testing, and performing maintenance procedures on all site components.
• Keep track of quality, quantity, and stock levels of all materials on the sites
• Proven computer skills in a Windows environment (Microsoft Office Products) are required.
• Ensure all documentation and required reports are reviewed, complete, submitted and filed.
• Maintain the Plant’s vegetation requirements; by use of mechanical and or chemical in accordance with site regulations.
• Communicate cross-functionally across all necessary parts of the organization to achieve resolution to plant issues.
• Maintain work area and site housecleaning to company 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.

• 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 50 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.

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.