Electrician - Renewable Energy (m/w/d)

FirstLight is a leading clean power producer, developer, and energy storage company serving North America. With a diversified portfolio that includes over 1.65 GW of operating renewable energy and energy storage technologies and a development pipeline with 4+ GW of solar, battery, hydro, onshore wind and offshore wind projects, FirstLight specializes in hybrid solutions that pair hydroelectric, pumped-hydro storage (including Northfield Mountain, the largest energy storage facility in New England), utility-scale solar, large-scale battery, and wind assets. The company’s mission is to accelerate the decarbonization of the electric grid by supporting the development, operation, and integration of renewable energy and storage to meet the world’s growing clean energy needs and deliver an electric system that is clean, reliable, affordable, and equitable. Based in Burlington, MA, with operating offices in Northfield, MA, New Milford, CT, Oshawa, ON and Montréal, QC, FirstLight is a steward of more than 14,000 acres and hundreds of miles of shoreline along some of the most beautiful rivers and lakes in North America.

In Canada, FirstLight operates through its subsidiaries H2O Power and the recently acquired Hydroméga which is headquartered in Montréal. We operate 18 hydroelectric generating stations located in Ontario and Quebec and we are one of the largest providers of hydroelectric power in these provinces. FirstLight is wholly owned by PSP Investments, one of Canada’s largest pension investment managers and we have over 200 employees in Canada and the US.

We proudly serve our host communities and beyond through our clean energy assets, the recreation spaces we steward, the jobs we produce, and the economic benefit we deliver through our operations and charitable actions.

We are a team of caring, passionate professionals who are driven to deliver positive climate impact and to have fun while doing it! We value diversity, equity and inclusion and encourage people with diverse perspectives, skills and experiences to apply.

Position Detail

We currently have an opening for an experienced Electrician for this role based in Lachute, Québec.

The electrician reports to the Sr. Operations Manager and is responsible for the safe and effective operation and performance of technical work associated with the construction, installation, maintenance, repair and overhaul of all electrical equipment related to power generation at our Lachute, Québec sites.

Our ideal candidate possesses the experience, passion and energy to be a driving force in FirstLight’s continued evolution to accelerate the decarbonization of the electric grid to meet the clean energy needs of tomorrow.

Pay range: $37.00-39.00 per hour

Key Responsibilities Include, But Are Not Limited To

• Read and understand engineering prints, electrical and mechanical drawings and schematics;
• Routinely inspect plant equipment, lay out and set-up of work activities and perform maintenance support of facilities;
• Perform electrical troubleshooting, maintenance and repair work on station equipment, including generators, motors, transformers, generator circuit breakers, control switches, batteries, liquid rheostats, sequence control systems, and other associated equipment typically found in a hydro generating plant, using critical thinking and problem solving abilities;
• Perform troubleshooting and preventative and corrective maintenance on instrumentation, controls, breakers, motors, drives (electrical, hydraulic and pneumatic), circuit boards, PLC’s as well as minor mechanical work on other associated equipment typically found in a generating facility;
• Responsible to react and troubleshoot other emergencies in accordance with documented safety procedures using sound judgement and good utility practices;
• Review and complete work orders in CMMS;
• Use testing equipment to identify and report on electrical problems;
• Perform rigging needed to lift, move and position heavy equipment;
• Communicate technical information in a clear and concise manner;
• Operate manual, pneumatic, hydraulic and electrical tools;
• Operate motorized equipment such as lift trucks, winch trucks and overhead cranes;
• Maintain and adjust unit governors;
• Maintain calibration records and maintenance history of station electrical equipment;
• Adhere to all Safety protocols and procedures;
• Maintain a safety focus by monitoring activities with an emphasis on adherence to all safety/environmental regulations and policies;
• Regularly communicate with the Team Lead to provide timely updates regarding work and projects;
• Complies with all Corporate policies and IT procedures;
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Job Qualifications / Skills

• Must have a high school diploma or equivalent;
• Must have a valid Red Seal Electrician certification or equivalent;
• 5+ years of industrial experience as a Journeyperson in an Electrical trade;
• Experience in hydropower generation, a plus;
• Willing to work on other operational systems with provided safety training;
• Must be a motivated, self-starter who is able to work with minimal supervision and be eager to learn;
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with a strong attention to detail;
• Bilingual – French and English, preferred;
• Computerized control systems experience, a plus;
• Hydraulics knowledge/experience is preferred;
• Experience with Confined Space Entry requirements is preferred;
• Must have a valid class G driver’s license with a clean driving record;
• Intermediate MS Office skills;
• Able to work overtime and respond to call-in’s outside of normal working hours including evenings, weekends and holidays;
• Able to respond to emergencies within 30 minutes of call-in;
• Able to travel to other company sites within Quebec including overnight trips as needed.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to climb heights and work in confined spaces, on station structures, ladders, stairs, staging and equipment as well as lift, stand and walk, all over considerable distances and for extended periods of time;
• Occasional exposure to factors such as temperature extremes, moving machinery and noise which cause noticeable discomfort.

Why Work for FirstLight?

We consider our employees to be our most valuable resource and we strive to provide a challenging, collegial, and rewarding workplace. FirstLight embraces a company-wide commitment to recruit, develop, and retain a dedicated, diverse, and engaged workforce that is motivated to be ever better both professionally and personally.

Joining the FirstLight Team is an opportunity to experience a unique and exciting culture. We are proud to offer a competitive benefits package.

FirstLight is an Equal Opportunity Employer; promoting accessibility and inclusivity at work and offering accommodation for applicants as required and requested.

FirstLight’s values are:

Respect – Integrity – Safety – Excellence – Innovation - Team