Traveling Solar Electrical Technician

Job Description

The Power Plant Maintenance (PPM) Special Projects Field Technician I is a developing solar electrical technician who performs electrical, telecommunication, and mechanical maintenance and repair activities on utility-scale solar photovoltaic ("PV") power generation systems and balance-of-system components, working under the direction of higher-level Special Projects technicians and the Field Supervisor. The technician supports testing, inspection, and troubleshooting of major and balance-of-system components, develops the electrical safety qualifications required for independent energized work, and maintains accurate documentation. This role requires extensive travel up to 75% of the time to remote solar sites, with extended stays of up to (but not limited to) 5 consecutive days.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Ensure that all peers and subcontractors demonstrate safe work practices in accordance with OSHA, NFPA, state and local codes, and Strata Solar Clean Energy O&M safety policies and procedures in the performance of plant maintenance activities.
• Participate in and learn to lead safety briefings that identify potential electrical hazards within the scope of work and the means to mitigate exposure to hazardous conditions.
• Work on and around energized electrical parts only under the direct supervision of a qualified technician and in compliance with all electrical codes, NFPA 70E, and company policies.
• Perform Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) activities under the direction of a qualified person to ensure work is performed in compliance with intended electrical isolation procedures; build competency toward independent energized-work qualification.
• Use multimeter, low resistance Ohmmeter, PV Analyzer, IR thermometer, IR camera, and hand-held irradiance meter, as well as a variety of hand tools, in the performance of electrical maintenance work, with guidance as needed.
• Support troubleshooting and diagnosis of common Direct Current ("DC") faults within the PV plant under the direction of higher-level technicians.
• Review and update work orders for accuracy.
• Complete and submit all assigned inspection and testing data as required.
• Create detailed, accurate documentation.
• Travel to various sites across the company portfolio.
• Other duties as assigned.

Environmental Responsibilities

• Participate in environmental compliance programs, inspections, and administrative recordkeeping.
• Support and maintaining compliance with Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) and Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations.
• Assist with environmental incident response and mitigation activities as required.

Education and/or Work Experience Requirements

• High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent.
• One (1) to three (3) years of experience working with energized AC or DC systems, electrical/PV installation or maintenance, or other relevant experience.
• Ability to demonstrate basic working knowledge of electrical theory and PV power generating system fundamentals.
• Working knowledge of testing equipment, tools, and procedures utilized in the maintenance of PV power generation systems, with the ability to build proficiency.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with other Power Plant Maintenance technicians, interdepartmental technicians and other personnel, vendors, and subcontractors in the performance of scheduled and unscheduled plant maintenance activities.
• Proficiency with MS Office applications to include but not limited to MS Word, MS Excel, and SharePoint, as well as the ability to learn various industry-related software platforms to include but not limited to CMMS, Flir Tools, and PV Analyzer.
• Ability to operate in a professional workmanlike manner consistent with the organization's policies, procedures, and vision.
• Valid driver's license.

Physical Requirements/Work Environment

• Must be able to work in an outdoor environment for extended periods of time.
• Must have the ability to travel for extended duration to remote project sites.
• Must be able to stoop, kneel or bend.
• Must be able to lift, push or pull 50 lbs. overhead repeatedly.
• 20/40 vision in each eye, with or without correction and ability to distinguish colors.
• Ability to wear full complement of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
• Must have the ability to travel, work on-call during off-shift hours and weekends.