Solar Technician

NextGenEnergyJobs; City of Newburgh (NY); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

NextGenEnergyJobs is seeking a Solar Technician (Trainee) to support PV solar systems across Newburgh, NY, Shoreham, NY, New London CT, and Bridgeport CT. The role involves learning under supervision to troubleshoot, maintain, and repair equipment while keeping safety a priority.

Candidates should show mechanical aptitude, a willingness to learn, and be prepared for on-call shifts including weeknights and weekends.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED; willingness to obtain within 6 months.
• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record.
• Demonstrable mechanical aptitude; no prior electrical experience required.
• Able to travel as required and work in various climates.
• Willing to work overtime and non-standard hours as needed.

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot, maintain, service, and repair solar PV systems and related equipment.
• Shadow and assist experienced technicians; progress through levels I–III.
• Operate and maintain a service vehicle; participate in on-call rotations.
• Follow safety procedures and maintain a safe work environment.
• Assist with administrative duties and maintain tools in good order.
• Travel to assets in Newburgh NY, Shoreham NY, New London CT, and Bridgeport CT.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Communication skills

Willingness to travel

Driver's license

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Hand tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Job description

• Reporting to the Maintenance Manager, the Solar Technician is responsible for troubleshooting, maintaining, servicing, and repairing solar PV systems and associated equipment. The primary objective is to maintain safe, effective, efficient, and profitable solar PV operation.
• This position will be supporting our assets in the Newburgh, NY, Shoreham, NY, New London, CT, and Bridgeport, CT area.
• If you don’t meet 100% of the below qualifications but see yourself contributing, please submit your resume.
• Trainee
• Follow safety procedures, observe safe working practices, and maintain a safe working environment under direct supervision.
• Shadow and assist experienced technicians in the performance of PV systems and electrical component maintenance.
• Maintain hand tools in good working order and well organized.
• Operate and maintain a service vehicle.
• Work a flexible on-call schedule when needed. This may include weeknights, weekends, and holidays.
• Demonstrate a strong willingness to learn and accept guidance from supervising technicians and site leadership.
• Must pass an advancement exam and oral board upon training program completion within six (6) months from hire.
• Other duties as assigned within the Trainee scope.
• Level I
• Assists higher-level Technicians in performing troubleshooting, maintaining, servicing, and repairing solar PV systems and associated equipment.
• Performs other technical and administrative duties associated with operating and maintaining a power facility.
• Willingness to progress as a technician and take guidance from superiors.
• Helps in all areas of site operations as directed by the Site Lead and Site Manager with minimal supervision.
• Ensures work is performed in accordance with Environmental and Safety requirements.
• Performs other duties as assigned within the Level I scope.
• Level II (Additions)
• Performs corrective, preventive, and emergency maintenance and operations for which they are qualified to safely and efficiently perform.
• Performs work independently and/or in work crews.
• Travel required as needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned within the level II scope.
• Level III (Additions)
• Executes routine electrical troubleshooting and repair, instrumentation calibration, and troubleshooting.
• Performs complex maintenance work such as distributed control systems and inverter troubleshooting as assigned by supervisor based on level of skill and ability.
• Completes work orders for the preventive maintenance management system.
• Performs corrective, preventive, and emergency maintenance on all PV Solar equipment.
• Prepares and implements switching and clearance orders, while working with the Operations Center.
• Operates all electrical and mechanical PV Solar power plant systems.
• Participates in training as required, JHA, PJB, LOTO documentation.
• Writes Plant Orders, Plant Procedures, Operating Instructions, and other documents as assigned by supervisor.
• Must pass an exam and oral board upon training program completion within six (6) months from hire.
• Performs other duties as assigned within the level III scope.

Requirements

• Trainee
• A high school diploma or GED required, or willing to obtain within the first 6 months of employment.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and good driving record.
• Demonstrable mechanical aptitude; no prior electrical experience required.
• Able to safely work in a wide range of adverse climates and environments.
• Able to travel as required.
• Knowledge of and the ability to use various hand tools.
• Able to communicate verbally and in writing.
• Able to create, edit, or modify Microsoft Word and Excel documents.
• Ability to work overtime and non-standard working hours (nights, holidays, weekends), when needed.
• Professionalism and excellent communication skills.
• Level I
• Possess demonstrable mechanical aptitude and basic electrical knowledge gained through direct work experience. Qualifying backgrounds include: electrical work in a construction trade, employment in a power generation or utility environment, or experience as a licensed or apprentice electrician. Able to work with electrical wires and differentiate between color-coded wires.
• Understanding of general workplace safety and the ability to follow safety standards, as well as help the company improve upon the standards in place.
• Ability to read schematics and wiring diagrams is preferred.
• Able to communicate verbally and in writing and able to work without direct supervision during performance of work.
• Able to meet the requirements of Clearway Energy Group’s Qualified Electrical Worker program.
• Knowledge of applicable safety and environmental regulations.
• Able to work both independently and as part of a multi-tasking team.
• Level II (Additions)
• 1+ years of experience in a power plant or PV Solar O&M/EPC experience.
• 2+ years of field experience with significant I&E, I&C, and/or C&I Electrician experience will be considered in lieu of applicable solar experience.
• Demonstrated knowledge of electrical or mechanical fundamentals (single craft journeyman skills) such as electrical measurements, control circuits, and solid-state theory application.
• Basic knowledge of operational characteristics of equipment and associated control devices installed in power facilities.
• Possess demonstrable mechanical aptitude and basic electrical knowledge.
• Level III (Additions)
• 4+ years of PV solar experience is required. I&E, I&C and/or C&I Electrician experience will be considered in lieu of applicable experience.
• Proven experience with a multitude of electrical/construction projects.
• Demonstrated knowledge of electrical or mechanical fundamentals (Journeyman skills) such as electrical measurements, control circuits, and solid-state theory application.
• Knowledge of complex analog and digital instrumentation and control systems.
• Proper methods for troubleshooting, repairing, and adjusting instruments and control systems.
• Experience administering safe methods to clear equipment, use of tools, and plant safety rules.
• Understanding reporting procedures and practices and maintenance procedures and practices.
• Knowledge of electrical and mechanical prints.
• Familiarity with PV Solar plant terminology and nomenclature.
• Qualified to perform routine and emergency operations at a solar generation facility and Switchyard.