HV/MV Field Service Technician

About NovaSource

NovaSource Power Services is the world's #1-ranked solar operations and maintenance (O&M) provider and insight-driven total asset optimization partner for renewables asset owners ready to fuel smart growth. With over 20 years of operating experience and a presence on 5 continents, NovaSource has the global reach and strategic capabilities to achieve our clients' renewables goals around the world.


NovaSource's comprehensive approach to total asset optimization in addition to O&M services includes value engineering, performance analysis, strategic supply chain management, and advanced monitoring systems. The company operates in key global markets managing over 30GW of solar power plants. NovaSource's expertise extends beyond solar and includes battery energy storage systems (BESS), offering a complete suite of services for the evolving renewable energy landscape.

Basic Job Functions:

Perform required testing, preventative and corrective maintenance activities on O&M contracted job sites with High and Medium Voltage stations utilized in utility scale solar photovoltaic ("PV") power generation. The ideal candidate is comfortable with frequent travel (up to 80%), thrives in remote outdoor environments, and enjoys hands-on troubleshooting.


Role will include project management responsibilities, consisting of leading planned outages to test substation equipment, as well as troubleshooting, repairing, testing & start-up of substation equipment. Position will also be responsible for supporting existing equipment performance and reliability, work to support equipment testing schedules and assigning contract testers, technicians, and engineers to appropriate tasks while developing processes to improve O&M output quality.

This position is a travel based role requiring regular travel in support of business operations. While candidates may be considered from other locations, Nevada and Arizona is the preferred home base for this position.


Experience:

• A minimum of 3 years of experience in Utility Solar Operations & Maintenance.

• 5 years of experience in high and/or medium voltage.
  • Circuit breaker testing and maintenance.
  • Cable and cable testing, maintenance, terminations & repairs.
  • 1-500MVA Transformer testing and maintenance.
  • Protection system testing.
• Comprehensive knowledge of HV testing equipment, tools and procedures utilized in the maintenance of PV power generation system.

• Experience in operating and maintaining power plant electrical systems, SCADA and controls systems operation, troubleshooting advanced electrical components, and using procedures to perform equipment preventative and corrective maintenance.

Education:

• Electrical certifications, state, journeyman, etc.
• College or technical degree preferred.
• High School Diploma or equivalent required.

Required Skills/Competencies:

• Electrical substation knowledge and function.
• Knowledge of and comfortable in medium and high voltage environments as well as able to train safe work practices, learn and teach company clearance and operational procedures.
• Knowledge of Electrical Test Equipment: (Megger, Doble, Ductor, TTR, Hi-Pot, Relay Test Set).
• Knowledge of Grounding codes and practices.
• Knowledge of Transformer Oil Testing.
• Ability to train and develop associates.
• Intimate knowledge of electric utility grid interconnect standards for North America.
• Knowledge of OSHA 269.
• Knowledge of National Electrical Code, preferred.
• Proficient at medium & high voltage switching.
• Must have a strong safety background with experience in Lockout Tag Out and Job Hazard Analysis.
• Experience testing and troubleshooting medium voltage and high voltage equipment, including transformers, potential transformers, current transformers, breakers, relays, contactors, motors and inverters.
• Fully fluent in utilizing a CMMS system for maintenance tracking.
• Proven computer skills in a Windows environment (Microsoft Office Products) is required.

• Must demonstrate the ability to communicate in English both verbally and written.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and projects.
• Ability to work independently with little to no direction within company compliance and work processes.

• Valid Driver's License.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Troubleshoot and diagnose electrical issues in high-voltage systems.
• Develop and maintain relationships with suppliers and vendors for inverter components.
• Perform service and repair HV electrical distribution equipment, with a primary focus on the testing and commissioning of HV electrical specialty equipment.
• Work on both low, medium and high voltage switchgear including breakers with relays, motor-starters, VFD's, load break switches and transformers and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS).
• Assemble, install, test, and maintain electrical or electronic wiring, equipment using hand tools and power tools.
• Test electrical systems and continuity of circuits in electrical wiring and equipment, using standard testing devices such as ohmmeters, voltmeters, meggers, Hipot and TTR test equipment as well as observing functions to ensure compatibility and safety of components.
• Perform to quarterly key performance indicators.

• Ensure a safe work environment by promoting strict adherence to company protocols.
• Responsible for personal safety, quality and schedule adherence.
• Provide on-the-job coaching to improve technicians' skills in Utility Solar and safety.

• Promote a culture of electrical safety awareness.
• Communicate effectively and professionally with internal and external stakeholders.

• Coordinate on-site project planning, installations, commissioning, quality inspections, and performance testing.
• Write and enforce work and equipment testing instructions and procedures, including normal and maintenance operating procedures.
• Ensure work orders are complete in their entirety.
• Prepare documents necessary for procurement and utilization of materials and vendor services.
• Ensure all documentation and required reports are reviewed, complete, submitted and filed.
• Attend, participate in and pass all assigned training in safety, environmental and other areas as assigned.
• Maintain work area and site housecleaning to 5S standards.

• Adhere to Company vehicle maintenance standards and safety standards.

• Other duties as assigned.

Reporting Relationships:

• Will report to the Lead HV/MV Technician.

Physical Requirements / Work Environment:

• Sit, stand, or walk for the entire duration of a shift.
• Bend, knee, stoop, twist, and climb.
• 20/40 vision in each eye, with or without correction and ability to distinguish colors.
• Lift, push and pull up to 30 pounds (including overhead).
• Required to use hands to grasp, lift, handle, carry, or feel objects on a frequent basis.
• Wear full complement of PPE (personal protective equipment) for extended periods of time.
• Ability to work in high and low temperatures, sun exposure, and navigate on uneven ground on foot.

Travel:

• Must have the ability to travel up to 75-80% of the time, work on-call during off-shift hours and weekends.

US: Diversity Statement - Equal Employment Opportunity

It is NovaSource's policy to provide equal employment opportunity to all applicants and employees. NovaSource disapproves of, and will not tolerate, unlawful discrimination against any applicant or employee because of race, color, national origin or ancestry, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), gender identity, age, religion, disability, family care status, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, or any other basis protected by local, state or federal laws.