Solar Pile Driver Operator

GenPro Energy Solutions; Piedmont (SD); On-site; USD 3,221,000 - 4,886,000; Full time

Job summary

GenPro Energy Solutions is seeking a Solar Pile Driver Operator for a traveling role across Illinois and South Dakota. The 100% field-based position requires operating pile-driving equipment to install foundation piles for utility-scale solar projects, with strict adherence to QA/QC and safety standards.

The role demands strong situational awareness, a mechanical aptitude, and the ability to travel to remote project sites with weekend home time and a flexible home terminal in IL or SD.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of pile driving experience, preferably in solar projects.
• Valid Driver's License (Class A preferred) in good standing.
• OSHA 10-Hour Construction (OSHA 30 preferred).

Responsibilities

• Operate pile-driving equipment to install piles per engineered layouts and tolerances.
• Read and interpret construction drawings, pile maps, and GPS guidance systems.
• Maintain daily production logs and inspect equipment for safety and performance.
• Follow site safety requirements and PPE protocols; report issues promptly.

Skills

Strong communication

Safety-first mindset

Outdoor work adaptability

Willingness to travel

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

GPS machine control

Trimble Earthworks

Topcon

MDS

Carlson

Job description

GenPro Energy Solutions has led the charge as one of the Midwest's leading solar Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) firms. Our team ignited the Nebraska solar market, creating a thriving pipeline of community and municipal projects. Now, with a national footprint, over $168M in annual revenue, and a workforce of 100+ professionals, we partner with developers to build premier solar farms, focusing on community and utility-scale projects across the Midwest. At GenPro, we're not just constructing solar solutions—we're powering a sustainable future. Join us to shape the heart of our mission-driven team.

Solar Pile Driver Operator

Traveling Position

GenPro Energy Solutions has led the charge as one of the Midwest's leading solar Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) firms. Our team ignited the Nebraska solar market, creating a thriving pipeline of community and municipal projects. Now, with a national footprint, over $168M in annual revenue, and a workforce of 100+ professionals, we partner with developers to build premier solar farms, focusing on community and utility-scale projects across the Midwest. At GenPro, we're not just constructing solar solutions—we're powering a sustainable future. Join us to shape the heart of our mission-driven team.

Primary Function

At GenPro Energy Solutions, we're leading the charge in sustainable energy innovation. The Solar Pile Driver Operator is responsible for safely and efficiently operating pile-driving equipment to install foundation piles for utility-scale solar projects. This role requires strong situational awareness, mechanical aptitude, and strict adherence to project specifications, QA/QC requirements, and safety standards.

Reporting Relationship

Construction Manager

Pay Grade Range

$23.38-35.47 per hour Base Pay (prevailing wage differs By Project)

Essential Job Functions

• Operate pile-driving equipment (PD10, PD10R, Vermeer, Gayk, etc.) to install piles according to engineered layouts and tolerance specifications.
• Ensure equipment operation aligns with manufacturer guidelines and company standard operating procedures.
• Follow all site safety requirements, including proper PPE usage, JSAs, daily inspections, and LOTO procedures.
• Read and interpret construction drawings, pile maps, and GPS guidance systems to ensure accurate installation.
• Coordinate with layout and grade teams to maintain proper row alignment, embedment depth, and verticality tolerances.
• Perform daily equipment inspections, greasing, and basic maintenance; promptly report mechanical or operational issues.
• Track and communicate daily production quantities and identify any issues impacting progress.
• Assist ground crews with pile staging, material handling, QA checks, torque verification, and maintaining a clean, organized worksite.
• Maintain accurate digital logs, production records, and photo documentation for quality assurance and traceability.
• Perform additional duties as required.

Education

• High school diploma or equivalent.

Experience and Qualifications

• 2+ years' pile driving experience, with a strong solar background (PD10, Vermeer, Gayk experience preferred).
• Heavy equipment experience (excavator, skid steer, telehandler, crane) is a plus; willingness to learn solar-specific pile-driving equipment required.
• GPS machine control experience/String line experience (Trimble Earthworks, Topcon, MDS, Carlson etc.)

Skills/Ability/Other Characteristics

• Ability to work in fast-paced outdoor environments (heat, cold, dust, uneven ground).
• Strong communication, reliability, and safety-first mindset.
• Experience: Strong background in solar construction, with hands-on knowledge of site operations.
• GPS/machine control experience or string line.
• Physical and Travel Demands: Comfortable with frequent travel to remote project sites, physical labor (regularly lifting 75+ lbs.), ability to climb on/off equipment, and working in outdoor environments under varying weather conditions.

Licenses/Certifications

• Valid Driver's License (Class A preferred) in good standing.
• OSHA 10-Hour Construction (OSHA 30 preferred.)

Special Requirements

• This position is 100% field-based, traveling to utility-scale solar project sites primarily in Illinois and South Dakota, with most weekends home and a flexible home terminal in IL or SD.

Applicants being considered for hire must pass a background check and drug test before beginning work. Refusal to submit to a background check or drug testing will result in disqualification of further employment consideration.

The information contained in this position description describes the general nature and level of work being performed in this job. This description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of responsibilities, duties, and requirements for employees in this position. The incumbent is responsible for performing all duties in a safe and efficient manner in compliance with safe work procedures and safety regulations. This job description is not intended to constitute an offer or contract of employment. Job descriptions may and do change periodically.

GenPro Energy Solutions is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.