Renewable Energy Solar Technician 3 or 4 [On-Site]

About Us

EDF power solutions North America has been providing clean energy solutions throughout the U.S., Canada, and Mexico since 1987. We are a market-leading independent power producer and service provider, serving utilities, corporations, industries, communities, institutions, and investors with reliable, low-carbon energy solutions that help meet growing demand.

From developing and building scalable wind (onshore and offshore), solar, storage (battery and pumped storage hydro), smart EV charging, microgrids, green hydrogen, and transmission projects, to maximizing performance and profitability through skilled operations and maintenance and innovative asset optimization, our teams deliver expert solutions along the entire value chain—from origination to commercial operation.

Be a part of an innovative and collaborative team environment that fosters our goal of delivering renewable solutions to lead the transition to a sustainable energy future.

Scope of Position

This position, under specific direction from the site manager or his/her designee, performs unsupervised field maintenance, troubleshooting, and repairs on one or more types of renewable energy generators. The scope includes full system installation, commissioning, maintenance, system performance evaluation and troubleshooting of power and energy systems. The Technician 3 may lead teams on routine tasks. The Technician 3 is expected to have knowledge of mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic systems in a renewable energy asset. Technician 3 demonstrates proficiency in using advanced diagnostic tools, understanding of system software, and familiarity with the latest industry standards.

Required Training

Each Renewable Energy Technician will attend mandatory five (5) week training and certification course at the start of their employment. The exact duration will be determined based on experience and qualifications. The training is in Albert Lea, MN, and travel, accommodation, and expenses will be provided.

Responsibilities

70% - Field Maintenance

• Performs unsupervised corrective and preventative maintenance on utility-scale renewable energy assets, plants and energy storage systems in a timely manner including:
• Routine testing and troubleshooting electrical systems and performing live electrical work in accordance with industry standard and company mandated safety practices
• Inspection and preventative maintenance on HV systems including substation collection and distribution systems, NERC (North American Electric Reliability Corporation) inspections and required maintenances
• Recommission renewable energy assets, PV (Photovoltaics) and energy storage systems including, but not limited to; insulation testing, insolation, and irradiance performance testing, IV curve testing, thermal / infrared imagery, torque testing, battery capacity and efficiency testing, and asset and project performance evaluations
• Working with engineering teams and subject matter experts to support a continuous improvement environment – upgrades, retrofits, and revisions to PV and BESS (Battery Energy Storage System) systems

10% - Training and Oversight

• Train and oversee technician 1 and 2 as outlined in the applicable qualification card and sign off on their competency

10% - Safety

• Conduct site safety assessments, team engagement visits and equipment inspections
• Identify all safety hazards on the job site
• Follow safety regulations and work procedures
• Lead daily safety meetings
• Accurately fill out required safety documentation
• Seek guidance from a competent source / subject matter expert for all work which you are unfamiliar with or do not feel safe performing

5% - Administrative

• Accurately complete daily maintenance logs, warranty and inventory management documentation, service orders, timecards, service reports, and any other required administrative work for the specific project / job / assignment
• Participate in 24/7 on-call rotation, monitoring systems and other components of large PV power plants and energy storage systems
• Identify system performance errors and resets as needed on faulted equipment

5% - Other Duties

• Other duties as assigned

Supervision of Others

Technician 3 Renewable Energy Technician may oversee and train lower-level technicians Renewable Energy Technicians as outlined in the applicable qualification cards covering corrective and preventative maintenances. This position may, under certain situations, supervise site crew and any contractors to support the site(s).

Working Conditions

• 100% of time is spent working in the renewable asset field with marginal time spent in the office environment, utilizing computers (frequent use of various Microsoft software/programs), phones, and general office equipment
• Requires working on platforms or skids, wearing appropriate personal protective equipment
• Repetitive use of legs, arms, hands, and fingers
• Eight (8) hours a day, forty (40) hours a week, with overtime and night shifts as required

Environmental Exposure

• Extreme weather conditions, including cold, heat, rain, wind, etc.
• High voltage and stored energy
• Moving mechanical parts and vibration
• Confined spaces
• Moderate noise level

Qualifications

Education/Experience

• High school Diploma or equivalent required
• A minimum of 2 years of renewable energy experience (Wind, Solar, and/or Battery Energy Storage System), and successful completion of the Technician 2 Standard, or equivalent external experience is required

Skills/Knowledge/Abilities

• Must possess a valid current driver's license and successfully meet organizational requirements to operate motor vehicles
• Ability to understand, read, write, and speak clearly in English
• Successful completion of the Senior Renewable Energy Technician Qualification Standard
• Working knowledge of the National Electric Code and industry related OSHA regulations
• Ability to work independently and within a team
• Ability to work in company provided: software as a service (SaaS), data acquisition systems (DAS), and computer maintenance management systems (CMMS), including Microsoft Suite (Teams, Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint), ECRM, and OEM SCADA systems
• Demonstrate competency in SAP for:
• Resource Planning
• Project Management
• Resource allocation and budgeting
• Proficiency in using advanced diagnostic tools, understanding of system software, and familiarity with the latest industry standards
• Ability to communicate clearly and instruct and train less experienced technicians on how to complete corrective and preventative maintenances for the Renewable Energy Assets they jointly maintain
• Filling out and understanding safety documentation, service/work orders, control instructions for maintenances, inspection forms, parts sheets, and other job-related forms
• Be able to read and understand electrical and mechanical schematics, drawings, technical data, and construction documents
• Competence in the theory of Renewable Energy systems and all sub-components and knowledge of the generation theory of each system
• Knowledge in electrical safety and arc flash standards and requirements
• Experience in a technical role, participation in team projects, and informal leadership experiences
• Ability to mentor junior staff
• Must have a working knowledge of industry best practices, NEC requirements, and diagnosis of renewable energy asset generator and energy storage systems; understanding the theory of operation, documentation and schematics, mechanical and electrical controls and voltages, system hazards and mitigation controls, and DAS navigation and fault identification on these systems and sub-components
• Knowledge of EDF Renewable Energy policies and procedures and understand how to find and use all necessary documents and find the appropriate company contacts to perform work-related duties
• Must be familiar with testing and measuring equipment including multimeters, ammeters, inclinometers, pyranometers, albedometers, megohmmeters, IV curve tracers, and infrared cameras, at minimum
• Ability to train other technicians in preventative and corrective maintenance procedures on renewable energy assets and sub-components
• Must have demonstrated safe work habits

Physical Requirements

• Due to weight restrictions associated with life-saving fall-arrest equipment employees are required to wear while working at heights, maximum employee weight (for Wind only) must not exceed 285 lbs. Employee weight is subject to review at any time throughout employment and required annually at a minimum.

While performing the duties of this job the employee is regularly required to:

• Use hands and fingers to handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms
• Possess good hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity for working with small parts and tools
• Possess good vision and hearing to frequently detect potential hazards and communicate effectively with team members
• Stand, crouch, walk, and work for extended periods of time
• Operate company vehicles (field trucks) on site and on public roads and highways
• Regularly lift and/or move up to 35 pounds and frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds
• Work in an electrical-mechanical environment
• Climb ladders, stairs, and structures to heights more than 91 meters (300 feet)
• Work at heights, including climbing up and descending towers, entering nacelles and hubs at extreme heights
• Work in various weather conditions, including extreme heat, cold, wind, and rain
• Work comfortably at heights and in confined spaces

Fiscal Responsibilities

Support site budget by ensuring costs are within budget and maintenances and repairs are made in a timely manner by finding efficiencies and working with appropriate subject matter experts to decrease operating loss factor (OLF) and striving for continuous improvement.

Benefits & Perks

• Competitive bonus incentives (position is eligible for annual bonus program)
• Comprehensive health coverage (low-cost health & wellness coverage for employees and their eligible dependents)
• Generous 401k matching contribution
• Favorable paid time off programs, including paid parental leave after one year of service
• Rewarding learning & career development and advancement opportunities
• Supportive mentorship & buddy programs

Compensation

Salary range: The full pay range for this role is $26.00 to $48.00 per hour depending on level, and the good faith estimated starting pay for this position upon hire is $30.00 to $38.00 per hour. Salary decisions are generally based on factors including but not limited to relevant work and leadership experience, education, demonstrated performance, internal equity, and in some cases, geographic location.

Reasonable Accommodations

Reasonable accommodation may be provided by EDF Renewables to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions, as defined per Company policy.