PV/BESS O&M Technician (Entry Level)

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

SUMMARY

Terra-Gen is seeking a PV/BESS (Photovoltaic / Battery Energy Storage System) O&M (Operations & Maintenance) Technician III to perform scheduled and unscheduled fieldwork required to operate and maintain the Edward / Sanborn projects to standards above industry best practice. Fieldwork includes, but is not limited to installing new systems, troubleshooting, testing, preventive maintenance, corrective maintenance, and assisting site visits. The PV/BESS Technician may also be assigned the responsibility for observing the quality and safety practices of contractors performing PV/BESS technical maintenance and commissioning type work. The ideal candidate would be a self-starter and reports to and takes directions from the Operations Site Supervisor. The site is located in the vicinity of Mojave (CA). This is a full-time position and may include working rotating schedules, overtime, nights, weekends and/or holidays. Some travel may be required for this position. This role provides opportunities for professional growth.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The candidate may perform work independently and/or in a team environment, depending upon skills, experience and job task. 

Responsibilities include troubleshooting and repair of DC, low voltage AC, data acquisition, meteorological stations, PV and ESS system components, including grounded circuits, safely and efficiently while using all safety practices. Tests to be performed by a technician include but are not limited to: Open circuit voltage; Operating DC current; and Resistance test. 

• Understand, participate and promote general workplace safety and the ability to follow established environmental, safety and procedural standards as well as assist Terra-Gen to improve upon the existing standards.
• Ability to excel individually or in a team atmosphere within a collaborative, cross-functional and diverse organization.
• Ability to establish and maintain a positive and professional working relationship with all individuals.
• Maturity, professionalism and excellent communication skills, both verbally and in writing with superiors and colleagues.
• Models professional behaviors of conduct that reflect positively on themselves and the company.
• Developed interpersonal skills, strong work ethic with High-energy.
• Detailed orientated with excellent hands-on abilities.
• Perform preventive maintenance on PV systems to include thermography of low and medium voltage equipment.
• Audit third party systems as directed for potential safety concerns, quality of work performed and possible improvement opportunities.
• Identify, coordinate, and observe contracted workers performing troubleshooting and repairs to OEM equipment to include medium voltage equipment.
• Document time, material, expenses and maintenance records in O&Ms computer-based maintenance management system (CMMS).
• Complete assigned training and qualification requirements within a specified time frame, including meeting or exceeding minimum test score requirements.
• Demonstrate technical aptitude and skill performing field tasks, learning progression and ability to apply training along with the ability to recognize and use stop work authority.
• Complete Safe work permits and conducts level appropriate JHA’s. 
• Prepare reports and communicate to site management the results of maintenance activities.
• Travel to alternate worksites as assigned, to perform essential duties and to provide operational coverage.
• Perform other qualified duties as assigned.

Requirements:

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Practical knowledge of PV electrical systems and their components and how to safely LOTO the equipment.
• Basic knowledge of ESS and the equipment to include related hazards and how to safely shut it down.
• Ability to safely troubleshoot system failures, to include ground faults.
• Strong analytical, diagnostic, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent verbal, written, communication and presentation skills.
• Strong prioritization skills.
• Driver’s license.
• Journeyman or licensed industrial electrician preferred.
• Knowledge of building and structural construction techniques preferred.
• Certified inverter training by Power Electronics, Sungrow and/or EPS preferred.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

• High school graduate or GED.
• 1-3+ years’ experience at a Utility-scale Solar Plant.
• Practical experience with electrical wiring and basic construction practices required.
• Technical/science/engineering degree, certificate with energy systems preferred.
• Experience with metering and test equipment.
• Ability to organize, prioritize and complete multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Ability to demonstrate a responsive, customer service approach to listening and responding to requests.
• Ability to communicate status of work activities and issues with peers and management as they relate to projects and tasks.
• Experience reading and interpreting electrical, I&C, and mechanical drawings and technical manuals.
• Proficient with the use of a computer and the Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• OSHA 10 and CPR qualification preferred.
• NFPA 70E preferred.

COMMUNICATION SKILLS:

• Provide information/analysis to leadership and department managers.
• Create written reports/memos/emails to effectively communicate findings internally and externally.
• Effectively and professionally communicate with leadership, project managers and engineers.
• Effectively and professionally communicate with vendors and contractors.
• Effectively and professionally communicate with Quality/Product Development/Purchasing departments.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS:

• Ability to analyze operating data and identify anomalies.
• Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as percentages, lengths, and electrical values. 
• Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra, geometry, and statistical analysis.
• Ability to analyze and troubleshoot problems with utility scale PV systems.
• Ability to analyze, troubleshoot and identify problems with utility scale BESS systems.

REASONING ABILITY & DECISION-MAKING SKILLS:

• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization may exist. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, verbal, diagram, architectural or electrical drawing, or schedule form.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Be able to inspect and work maintenance activities in outdoor construction type areas without handicap access.
• Regularly required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and reach with hands to dexterously maneuver small parts in confined spaces, such as wires, screws, and various components within electrical equipment. 
• Regularly required to kneel, crawl, climb ladders and stairs, use scissor lifts and manlift (cherry picker).
• Lift 50 pounds unassisted and up to 100 pounds assisted.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Some of the work will be performed in an office environment; however, the environment for field inspections exposes the employee to the risk of electric shock, heights, moving mechanical parts, hazardous materials, chemicals, fumes, and airborne particles. Additionally, while working outdoors, the employee is exposed to heat, cold, inclement weather, and ultraviolet radiation from the sun. The noise levels may require hearing protection.

Terra-Gen is an equal opportunity employer, drug-free workplace, and complies with Americans with Disabilities Act and related laws and regulations as applicable. All applicants are considered for all positions without regard to age, race, religion, color, sex, gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy, national origin, ancestry, physical/mental disability, medical condition, military/veteran status, genetic information, marital status, ethnicity, alienage, or any other protected classification, in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.

All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a pre-employment background check and drug screening. All qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with federal, state or local requirements such as the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act. Employees must be authorized to work in the US and employment is contingent upon presentation of acceptable documents as evidence of identity and employment authorization, as detailed on Form I-9.

Terra-Gen provides a comprehensive benefits package that promotes employee ownership, employee health, performance, and success, which includes medical, dental, vision, short and long-term disability, life insurance, an employee assistance program, paid time off, paid holidays, and 401(k) retirement savings plan with employer match.

The posted compensation is the range that we in good faith anticipate relying on when setting wages for this position. We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range and this range is only applicable for jobs to be performed in California. This salary range may also be modified in the future, depending upon skills, experience, education, and geographical location.