Solar Project Manager - Champaign, Illinois

Turnkey Solar Solutions; Champaign (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Paid Holidays

Paid Time Off

401k Plan

Job summary

Harvest Solar is seeking a Solar Project Manager to oversee multiple commercial PV projects, lead the installation workforce, and ensure safety and quality standards. The role reports to the Director of Project Management and supports the VP of Operations in financial feedback and continuous improvement.

The ideal candidate has 3–5 years of project management experience in utility-scale or behind-the-meter projects, plus MIOSHA 30 certification and a construction degree.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in construction management or related discipline is required.
• MIOSHA 30 Certification is required.

Responsibilities

• Lead safety, quality, productivity, cost reduction, and customer satisfaction on PV projects.
• Coordinate sub-contractors and site activities to meet schedule requirements.
• Oversee installation teams and ensure proper training and equipment readiness.
• Maintain documentation for safety, quality, and process improvements.

Skills

Leadership

Teamwork

Safety management

Problem solving

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in construction management

MIOSHA 30 Certification

Tools

Microsoft Office

Electrical installation experience

Job description

Harvest Solar, an equal opportunity employer, is a Michigan-based company that provides cost-effective renewable energy for agriculture, commercial, and utility customers yielding more energy independence by utilizing solar energy. We believe in energy independence and a sustainable future for our children and grandchildren. Our purpose is to empower people to create and use renewable energy by providing them with the best‑in‑class service, products, and experience.

Salary

The salary range for this role is $90,000.00 to 100,000.00 USD, salary commensurate with experience. AnAnnual Bonus Target representing 5% of your annual base salary/annual wages is paid based on meeting both organizational and individual targets.

Purpose of Position

Under the direction of the Director of Project Management and in full compliance with the employee handbook and all applicable laws, rules, and regulations, the Solar Project Manager (SPM) will perform all duties outlined in this position description. The ideal candidate will oversee multiple commercial photovoltaic (PV) projects, including supervision of the Installation work force to meet all schedule requirements, oversee and maintain a safe and clean work environment throughout the installation process and oversee and provide leadership for the Installation personnel. Support problem solving and continuous improvement activities and provide financial feedback and any other support required by the Vice President of Operations.

Major Responsibilities of Position

• Lead by example in all areas of safety, quality, productivity, cost reduction and customer satisfaction.
• Enforce company rules and regulations, taking disciplinary action when necessary and coordinating with Human Resources.
• Instruct and assist employees to install in a safe and productive manner while adhering to quality requirements.
• Maintain a clean, safe work area and job site.
• Coordinate all sub-contractors, LV electrical, MV electrical, Surveyor, concrete, temporary labor, civil inspectors and Miss Dig.
• Assist in scheduling the work force and installation projects.
• Ensure that employees are properly trained to safely install quality solar arrays.
• Ensure all necessary materials are on hand to install in a productive manner.
• Document all accidents and file required reports.
• Assist in hiring/staffing employees as required to meet the needs of the installation schedule.
• Evaluate the new job packets for cost savings and process improvements.
• Ensure that customer and internal quality standards are achieved on new jobs and maintain properly documented evidence.
• Promote and maintain good customer and supplier relationships.
• Work with Purchasing to order material/supplies in a timely manner and maintain appropriate inventory levels.
• Initiate continuous improvement methodology with installation team members.
• Key contact person for any issues with customers or suppliers while on a jobsite.
• Schedule and perform routine maintenance requirements on company owned equipment.
• Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
• Other duties as assigned.

THE ABOVE STATEMENTS ARE INTENDED TO DESCRIBE THE GENERAL NATURE AND LEVEL OF WORK PERFORMED BY INDIVIDUALS ASSIGNED TO THIS POSITION. THEY ARE NOT INTENDED TO BE AN EXHAUSTIVE LIST OF ALL RESPONSIBILITIES, DUTIES AND REQUIREMENTS.

Personal Competencies (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Other Attributes)

• Ability to work in a team environment.
• Proven record of continuous improvement in Quality, Productivity, Safety and Housekeeping.
• Basic understanding of and the ability to operate all job-related equipment, company owned and rented.
• Excellent leadership, analytic, organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to train, motivate and evaluate departmental personnel.
• Ability to handle and organize multi-task assignments with accuracy and in a timely manner..
• Must have full range or mobility in upper and lower body; ability to work in various positions & environments, including, but not limited to, stooping, standing, bending, sitting, kneeling and squatting for extended periods of time.
• Professional appearance and excellent customer service.

Educational and Certification Background

Valid State Driver's License, required. Bachelor’s degree in construction management or directly related discipline required. Two years of directly related experience may substitute for one year of university degree. 3-5 years of Project Management experience, required. Experience dealing with utility scale projects of 5 Mega Watts or higher or behind the meter Commercial/Industrial projects, preferred. AC and DC electrical installation experience, preferred. MIOSHA 30 Certification, required.Training assistance is available.

Work Environment

• Office Environment 50% of the time: Busy office with frequent interruptions and multi-tasking required; standard office equipment is available including Microsoft Office
• Day travel Required 50% of the time to support job sites and customers.
• Over Night Travel Required 25% of the time to support job sites and customers.

Benefit Offerings

Harvest Solar employees are eligible for the following benefits programs:

Immediately After Hire

• Nine Paid Holidays per Year. Including: New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Day after Thanksgiving, and Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Years Eve.
• Paid Vacation: Vacation time is accrued each week at a rate of 1.5384 to achieve 80 hours in the calendar year. Unused vacation can be paid out and/or up to 40 unused hours can be rolled over at year end.

The First of the Month after the Date of Hire

• Health Insurance. The premiums are a shared expense with 80% covered by Harvest Solar and 20% covered by the associate via a weekly payroll deduction. Premiums are based on level of coverage, (i.e., Associate only, Associate & Spouse, Associate & Child(ren), Family).
  • Option 1: Priority Health, POS HSA 2000 Plan
    • Members can seek care from in‑network providers (Cigna provider network).
    • Preventive care covered 100% when received in‑network.
    • HSA compatible health plan. An HSA is a tax‑deductible savings account used in conjunction with the health plan. Contribution limits are determined by the IRS. Harvest Solar will make the following weekly deposit into your HSA account based on the coverage options: Associate: $10.64; Associate & Spouse: $27.25; Associate & Child(ren): $21.65; Family: $37.55
  • Option 2: Priority Health, Traditional POS 1000 Plan
    • Members can seek care from in‑network providers (Cigna provider network).
    • Preventive care covered 100% when received in‑network.
    • Not an HSA compatible health plan.
• Dental Insurance The premiums are a shared expense with 80% covered by Harvest Solar and 20% covered by the associate via a weekly payroll deduction. Premiums are based on level of coverage, (i.e., Associate only, Associate & Spouse, Associate & Child(ren), Family).
• Vision Insurance: The premiums are a shared expense with 80% covered by Harvest Solar and 20% covered by the associate via a weekly payroll deduction. Premiums are based on level of coverage, (i.e., Associate only, Associate & Spouse, Associate & Child(ren), Family).
• Group Life Insurance: $50,000.00 of group life insurance, with and Accident Death clause. Premiums are covered by Harvest Solar
• Group Short Term Disability: 60% of your earnings, with a $1,000.00 weekly maximum, are available for injury or illness after a seven-day waiting period. Premiums are covered by Harvest Solar.
• Voluntary Supplemental Programs: Accident, Critical illness, and Hospital Indemnity are available at the associate’s expense. Plans are organized through Allstate and premiums are paid through payroll deduction.

At 90 Days of Employment

• Paid Time Off (PTO): 40 Hours are available each year on January 1. PTO Is available to assist you in managing your time off work for personal appointments. PTO does not rollover, nor is it paid out at the end of the year, unused PTO is forfeited. In the first year of employment available hours are prorated based on your date of hire.

The First of the Month After 90-Days of Employment

• Harvest Solar 401k Plan: Associates are auto enrolled at a 3% deferral rate. The plan is administered by Vestwell. Auto enrolled contribution is invested in a “Retire‑On‑Time” plan. Once enrolled, the associate may make changes that include:
  • Increasing the Deferral Rate to the Applicable IRS Limits: A company match is available. When the associate defers 3%, Harvest Solar matches 3%. When the associate defers 4%, the Harvest Solar the first 3.5%. When the associate defers 5%, Harvest Solar matches the first 4%.
  • Changing the Account Type: Both a pre‑tax and Roth account is available.
  • Changing the Investment Type: The plan offers standard plans to address risk or age of retirement, or the associate can customize their own investment.