Battery Storage (BESS) General Foreman

About Us

Irby Construction Company has been building infrastructure for the power industry for more than 75 years. Our business values and performance-driven mindset guide our actions. Our approach to work starts with safety, puts people first, seeks to innovate, and promises to perform.

Irby is proud of its inclusive work environment, family-oriented culture, excellent benefits, and clear pathways for career growth. We strive to provide every employee with clear expectations and opportunities for advancement. What’s more, Irby has long long-valued tenure. In fact, many of our executive leaders started with Irby early in their careers and in the field.

When you join our team, you join an established firm, with a culture centered around its people. Teamwork is how we work. There is no other way. Pride is ever-present inside our offices and the bond of brotherhood runs strong among our crews. 

Irby Construction is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Quanta Services. That means team Irby gets the benefits of the company culture we’re known for along with the stability and resources of a Fortune 500 organization. (NYSE: PWR). 

Build your career at Irby Construction.

About this Role

Battery Storage (BESS) General Foremen at Irby Construction Company shall possess a minimum of five (5) years of experience in Battery Storage (BESS) construction and have maintained a minimum of two (2) years of continuous General Foreman level performing Battery Storage (BESS) construction. The individual will possess all of the skills required for assignment as a General Foreman for any craft within his/her area of responsibility. Such an employee shall also have in depth knowledge of all applicable OSHA, NESC (National Electrical Safety Code), and applicable utility owner safety standards. Must be able to direct multiple crews across a particular assigned region. Demonstrated experience with Battery Storage (BESS) equipment including power transformers, circuit breakers, disconnect switches, bus structures, grounding systems, and protection and control (P&C) wiring is required.

THIS JOB OPENING IS FOR OUR GREATER AUSTIN AREA.

What You'll Do

Pre-Construction Duties

• Attend pre-construction meeting with PM/Estimator.
• Provide technical assistance, interpretation of drawings, recommend construction methods and equipment etc. as required.
• Review and understand the entire bid package and overall electrical scope of work.
• Generate list of required personnel & equipment.
• Generate initial list of required tooling.

Construction Duties

• Accountable for quality of work to ensure that it is being performed according to specifications.
• Coordinate billings with owner representative (inspector) and Superintendent.
• Monitor and review equipment (use, storage, servicing, damage, rentals, fuel reports, etc).
• Ensure that tool inventories are completed and up to date.
• Direct field installation of BESS battery racks, module connections, DC bus assemblies, and enclosure terminations in accordance with OEM installation manuals and project specifications.
• Maintain daily crew timesheets and verify accurate documentation of hours worked and equipment utilized.
• Get feedback from owner’s inspector on quality, safety, schedule, materials etc.
• Coordinate major project activities
• Such as critical tasks
• Assist with updating schedules and/or progress reports.
• Maintain daily construction logs, manpower reports, and equipment utilization records.
• Verify that as-builts & progress charts are maintained.
• Coordinate with the utility owner and engineering team for equipment commissioning, startup, and energization procedures.
• Oversee installation of BESS equipment including battery energy storage enclosures, inverters, power conversion systems (PCS), DC cabling assemblies, and battery management systems (BMS) in compliance with OEM specifications, project drawings, and NFPA 855.
• Coordinate with BESS OEM vendor representatives and commissioning engineers during factory acceptance testing (FAT), site acceptance testing (SAT), and system energization.
• Enforce BESS-specific safety protocols including thermal runaway prevention procedures, DC arc flash boundary compliance, and emergency response plans per NFPA 855 and applicable utility owner safety requirements.
• Keep journal (Green Log Book) of major events/documentation from owner (such as delays, etc.).
• Ensure that all change-orders are documented and billed to the Owner.
• Monitor units completed versus proposed or bid.
• Ask for guidance from BU when negotiating any changes to scope of work and required additional pricing (bidding can assist with pricing). (Change Orders should be executed before work is started).
• Review final billing to ensure that all items are billed.
• Coordinate personnel & equipment transfers from project.

General Duties

• Arrange and/or participate in weekly foremen meetings (review if not attending).
• Arrange and/or participate in monthly safety meetings (review if not attending).
• Participate in monthly job safety review meetings.
• Accountable for cost, progress and schedule for duration of project.
• Assist BU with monthly forecast by the 10th of each month.
• Accountable for compliance with safety program and review all accidents.
• Mentor, develop, and evaluate craft personnel to support professional growth and workforce development.

What You'll Bring

• Adheres to all Company Safety and Health Policies
• High school diploma or GED required; technical or vocational degree preferred.
• OSHA 30-Hour Construction certification required; OSHA 10-Hour minimum.
• Working knowledge of NESC, OSHA 29 CFR Part 1926, and applicable utility owner safety standards.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings including one-line diagrams, protection and control schematics, grounding plans, and equipment layout drawings.
• Knowledge of Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) construction including battery enclosure installation, DC electrical systems, inverter and PCS setup, and integration with utility-scale substation and BESS infrastructure.
• Familiarity with NFPA 855 (Standard for the Installation of Stationary Energy Storage Systems) and applicable IEEE standards for energy storage system installations.
• Must have a valid driver’s license.
• Must be willing to stay out of town. Typical work weeks are 4-10 hour shifts or 5-10 hour shifts. Available to travel as the project requires.
• Willing to work over-time and be able to work extended periods of time.
• May work in storm restoration operations to rebuild and/or repair damaged power systems.
• May attend training classes or seminars to gather knowledge of new processes, safety regulations and/or refresher training.
• Walking and working across uneven terrain.
• Climbing on and off large trucks and equipment.
• Must be able to work outside 100% of the time. We work in inclement weather that includes heat, cold, rain and possible snow.
• Able to lift in excess 50 pounds on a daily basis.
• Willing to work off the ground in man baskets. Normal working heights are 20’-60’ with the possibility of working at 120’ heights.
• Must be able to work around energized systems.

What You'll Get

• Paid Vacation
• Paid Holidays
• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• 401K

Equal Opportunity Employer

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, and/or gender identity), age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, and/or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state or local law.We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status. We prohibit all types of discrimination and are committed to providing access and equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities. For additional information or if reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application, interview, or hiring processes or to perform the essential functions of a position, please contact us the Company’s Human Resources department.