Solar Technician in Gainesville

Energy Jobline ZR; Gainesville (VA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

Energy Jobline ZR is seeking a Solar Field Meteorological Sensor Technician to install, calibrate, and maintain meteorological instruments at utility-scale solar facilities. You will troubleshoot data acquisition systems, secure data integrity, and ensure safe operation in outdoor environments.

The role requires an associate degree or equivalent experience, 2+ years in instrumentation maintenance, and travel between solar sites. Proficiency with SCADA and solar monitoring equipment is preferred.

Qualifications

• Associate degree or equivalent experience in electronics or renewable energy.
• 2+ years maintaining instrumentation or industrial control systems.
• Knowledge of meteorological instrumentation and solar monitoring equipment.
• Ability to read electrical schematics and wiring diagrams.

Responsibilities

• Install and maintain meteorological towers and weather stations.
• Calibrate sensors including pyranometers, anemometers, and temperature/humidity sensors.
• Diagnose data logger, PLC, and SCADA communication issues.
• Prepare maintenance and calibration records.
• Follow safety procedures including lockout/tagout and fall protection.

Skills

Troubleshooting

Independent work

Communication

Electrical schematics

Attention to detail

Education

Associate degree or equivalent in electronics/renewable energy

Tools

Digital multimeters

Electronic test equipment

SCADA systems

Job description

Job DescriptionJob Description

Position Summary

The Solar Field Meteorological Sensor Technician is responsible for the installation, calibration, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of meteorological instruments used to monitor environmental conditions at utility-scale solar power facilities. These systems provide critical data for plant performance analysis, forecasting, and regulatory compliance. The technician ensures all sensors and data acquisition systems operate accurately and reliably while maintaining a safe work environment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Install, commission, and maintain meteorological towers and weather stations.
• Calibrate and troubleshoot sensors including:
  • Pyranometers
• • Anemometers
• • Temperature and humidity sensors
• • Barometric pressure sensors
• • Rain gauges
• Inspect and repair sensor wiring, connectors, and mounting hardware.
• Verify sensor alignment, leveling, and cleanliness for accurate measurements.
• Perform preventive maintenance according to manufacturer recommendations.
• Diagnose communication issues involving data loggers, PLCs, and SCADA systems.
• Replace defective components and document all maintenance activities.
• Perform data quality checks and assist with identifying faulty or drifting sensors.
• Follow lockout/tagout (LOTO), electrical safety, and fall protection procedures.
• Maintain inventory of spare parts and calibration equipment.
• Prepare maintenance reports and calibration records.

Required Qualifications

• Associate degree in electronics, instrumentation, renewable energy technology, or related field, or equivalent experience.
• 2+ years of experience maintaining instrumentation or industrial control systems.
• Knowledge of meteorological instrumentation and solar monitoring equipment.
• Ability to read electrical schematics and wiring diagrams.
• Experience using digital multimeters and electronic test equipment.
• Familiarity with SCADA and data acquisition systems.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel between solar sites.

Qualifications

• Experience at utility-scale solar facilities.
• Knowledge of IEC and ASTM standards for solar resource measurements.
• Experience with Campbell Scientific data loggers.
• OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 certification.
• First Aid/CPR certification.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong troubleshooting and diagnostic skills.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and maintenance management software.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to data accuracy.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Walk long distances over uneven terrain.
• Perform repetitive bending, kneeling, and reaching.

Working Conditions

• Primarily outdoor work at utility-scale solar facilities.
• Exposure to heat, cold, wind, dust, and precipitation.
• Occasional overtime and on-call support may be required.
• Travel to multiple sites as needed.

This position plays a critical role in ensuring accurate weather and solar resource data, supporting plant performance optimization, energy forecasting, and reliable operation of utility-scale photovoltaic facilities.