Civil Engineer - Renewable Energy

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 Hydroméga. We operate 18 hydroelectric generating stations in Ontario and Québec 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 Civil Engineer for this remote role based in Oshawa, ON.

Reporting to the Senior Engineering Manager, the Civil Engineer is responsible for leading projects and carrying out assignments associated with civil / structural assignments in support of FirstLight’s renewable energy generating station structures and facilities. Work assignments will include projects located in Ontario and Quebec.

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.

Salary range: $93,000-103,000

Key Responsibilities Include, But Are Not Limited To

• Provide engineering and technical support on civil/structural related projects;
• Support periodic dam inspections and prepare routine internal reports;
• Perform project management functions on CAPEX and major maintenance projects, projects might be related to other disciplines such as mechanical and electrical;
• Provide oversight of contractors and consultants working at the FirstLight facilities;
• Ensure assignments meet quality standards, regulatory requirements and are completed on time and within budget;
• Develop schedules and evaluate work plans required to support engineering assignments;
• Document maintenance and repair activities; coordinate assignments with other station departments and associated Company and contractor activities;
• Prepare technical studies and reports;
• Perform cost-benefit analyses in support of proposed engineering assignments;
• Prepare specifications and evaluate proposals for contractor and consultant’s services and/or equipment purchases;
• Prepare structural calculations for concrete, steel and timber members;
• Complies with all Corporate policies and procedures;
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Job Qualifications / Skills

• Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering from an accredited institution;
• Bi-lingual: proficiency in French/English preferred;
• 5+ years’ relevant experience involving civil and structural engineering design;
• P.Eng (PEO) or ing. (OIQ) designation, or in the process of obtaining;
• Proficient in MS Office Suite (Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, etc);
• Strong analytical and reporting experience;
• Superior written and verbal communication skills;
• Natural leader who easily takes initiative and enjoys managing tasks and projects to meet or exceed deadlines;
• Strong sense of integrity and ability to work independently;
• Ability and eagerness to travel within Canada for short term periods;
• Must be highly organized and approach their work with creativity, diligence and a positive problem-solving mindset;
• Strong multi-tasker with an excellent attention to detail;
• Valid driver’s license.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to climb heights and work in confined spaces as well as lift, work indoors and outdoors in a variety of weather conditions, on station structures, ladders, staging and equipment for extended periods of time;
• Ability to be physically mobile (stand, walk, reach, climb, bend) and also the ability to sit for prolonged periods throughout the day/work hours;
• Must be able to occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 lbs.

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 an excellent benefit 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