Electrician - Renewable Energy

Job Description

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.

FirstLight is wholly owned by PSP Investments, one of Canada’s largest pension investment managers. We have over 200 employees in Canada and the US with operations based in Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, Pennsylvania, Ontario and Quebec. In Canada, FirstLight operates through its subsidiaries H2O Power and the recently acquired Hydromega, which is headquartered in Montreal.

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 openings for experienced Electricians in our Northfield and Turners Falls, MA locations. These are unionized positions within the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.

The Station Electrician reports to the O&M Supervisor and is responsible for performing technical and non-technical assignments related to the safe, efficient and successful operation and maintenance of the assets at the projects. Responsibilities will include but are not limited to operation of the equipment, including generators, motors, gates for river management, construction of new project and/or equipment life extension projects, installation, maintenance, repair, and overhaul of all equipment used at the Operations North facilities and its related waterways, appurtenances, structures, and other facilities.

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 rate: $34.38-55.40/hour

Key Responsibilities Include, But Are Not Limited To

• Read and understand engineering prints, electrical and mechanical drawings and schematics.
• Use industry standards, procedures and best practices to achieve results.
• Routinely inspect plant equipment, calibration of devices, coordination, planning and set-up of work activities and facilities maintenance support.
• Operate the generating units (start, stop and load adjustment) in addition to performing switching/tagging and energy isolation responsibilities as required and in accordance with Company procedures and policies.
• Perform troubleshooting, analysis, and calibration of instrument and control devices, inspection and testing of electrical equipment and protective relays, maintenance and work on station equipment, including generators, motors, transformers, circuit breakers, control switches, batteries, rheostats, sequence control systems, PLC’s, hydraulic governors and other associated equipment typically found in a power generating station or other industrial facilities.
• Perform and/or assist the entire Operations North Team with implementing measures during planned and unplanned situations to achieve successful operation.
• Perform rigging needed to lift, move, and position heavy equipment.
• Communicate technical information and equipment status updates in a clear and concise manner.
• Make recommendations on potential solutions to address issues when applicable.
• Collaborate with personnel from other departments such as Operations, Engineering, Mechanics, Safety to ensure efficient and safe operation and maintenance of the facilities.
• Operate manual, pneumatic, hydraulic, and electrical tools.
• Operate motorized equipment such as lift trucks, winch trucks, and overhead cranes.
• Maintain operational records and maintenance history of station equipment.
• Act as a team member with all FirstLight employees.
• Must maintain all licenses required for position.
• Responds to emergencies or unanticipated needs outside of normal working hours.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
• Complies and enforces all FirstLight policies and procedures.

Job Qualifications / Skills

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• 4+ years of experience as an electrician in a related or industrial setting.
• Massachusetts journeyperson electrical license or a transferable license from another state.
• Must hold a MA Department of Public Safety Hoisting Engineer License with endorsements 1C & 3A or the ability to obtain one within 3 months.
• Must have a valid DOT Medical Card.
• Experience with industrial or utility generating plant equipment such as pumps, control valves, instrumentation, controllers, and associated equipment.
• General plant electrician experience including but not limited to MCC's, motor control circuitry, starters, fuses and heaters.
• Knowledge of safety and environmental regulations.
• Experience interpreting data, drawings, schematics, readings, and results of equipment checks.
• A valid motor vehicle operator’s license is required.
• Ability to work overtime and rotating shifts as well as vacation relief as applicable.
• Ability to respond to plant emergencies/call-ins including days, nights, holidays and weekends as applicable.
• Basic knowledge/skills to use a personal computer, calculator, etc.
• Proficient written and verbal communication skills.
• Highly organized self-starter with strong planning and multitasking capabilities.
• Self-motivated, independent, and effective in team environments.
• Must have a positive team attitude when working with other team members.

Physical Requirements

• Capable of frequently standing, walking, balancing, sitting, reaching, climbing (ladders, stairs, ramps, catwalks, stacks, etc.), bending, stooping, squatting, crouching, crawling, kneeling, grasping, pushing, pulling, lifting (up to 50 lbs.), feeling, talking and hearing for prolonged periods and performing repetitive motions.
• Ability to work indoors and outdoors, in any weather, on station structures, ladders, staging and equipment for extended periods of time as well as exposure to hazards associated with hydro power plants such as high voltage equipment, loud noises and working underground in confined spaces.
• Ability to hear and understand audible alarms and detect changes in noise levels of equipment.
• Must be physically capable of entering and working in a confined space (crawl spaces, shafts, small, enclosed areas, pipes and the like) as required.
• Must be physically capable of performing demanding work at various heights and in adverse conditions during operations, shutdowns, and in fire/emergency activities.
• Must be physically capable of wearing protective equipment (PPE) including but not limited to half and full-faced respirators, fall protection equipment, hard-hat, safety shoes, safety glasses, etc.;
• Ability to pass a respirator physical and respirator fit test (if applicable)
• Required to have eyesight corrected at 20/40 to accurately read and interpret items such as, but not limited to, instruments, gauges, and manuals.
• Manual dexterity sufficient to operate standard office equipment as well as the ability to write and/or type.

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. Some of our benefits for eligible employees include:

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, Vision, Life and Disability Insurance
• Paid Parental Leave
• Health and Wellness Programs
• Mental Health Care
• 401(k) with Employer Matching
• Flexible Spending Account
• Health Savings Account
• Annual Performance Incentive Plan
• Employee Assistance Program
• Generous Paid Time Off Plan
• Paid Holidays
• Professional Development
• Employee Referral Program
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Charitable Matching Program & Employer Sponsored Volunteer Program

FirstLight provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, disability, genetics, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by state, federal and local laws. In addition to federal law requirements, FirstLight complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

FirstLight’s values are:

Respect – Integrity – Safety – Excellence – Innovation - Team