National Grid Renewables is a full-service renewable energy company headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota. National Grid Renewables has developed over 2,400 megawatts of wind and solar projects that are either operational or currently under construction throughout the United States. National Grid Renewables has a multi-gigawatt development pipeline of wind and solar projects in various stages of development throughout the United States. National Grid Renewables provides custom solutions for utilities and corporations looking to harness renewable energy for business growth. With deep roots in agriculture, National Grid Renewables prides itself on developing renewable energy projects that are farmer-friendly, community-driven, and beneficial for rural communities.
Position Description
National Grid Renewables is seeking a Lead Technician to join our team. The Lead Technician provides the onsite day to day direction for the safe and reliable operation of the 125MW Jackson Solar plant in Jackson County, MI. The Lead Technician will perform maintenance, repairs, and replacement of equipment on solar generation plant, and leads in all areas of plant operations as directed by the Area Manager with a focus on which focus on safety, reliability and fiscal responsibility. The Lead Technician will report to the Area Manager.
Responsibilities
- Ensure the solar plant provides maximum availability / reliability in a safe, economical, and proactive manner by providing direction and supervision to operations personnel.
- Ensure strict management and compliance of all company and project environmental, health and safety (EHS) programs.
- Participate in and promote job / work package safety analysis, job site safety observations, audits, safety meetings, safety training, and injury / event assessment.
- Manage day to day activities of the site completing all scheduled preventative work in a timely manner and performing corrective maintenance.
- Tracking all activities at site and ensure documentation is filed as needed, specifically withing the company’s computerized maintenance management system.
- Ensure execution of work schedule by planning day to day activities and coordinating outages.
- Assist with performing QA / QC of the project while still in the construction phase and ensure successful transition from construction to operations.
- Assist in the set up site for proper tooling, inventory, spare parts, and other equipment necessary to perform efficiently and effectively.
- Assist the Area Manager to administer warranties. Submit and track warranty claims. Track all on loan parts and reconcile with appropriate parties
- Participate in root cause analysis
- Operate and maintain equipment, including HV equipment, combiner systems, Inverters, pad mount transformers, panel, etc.
- Read schematics to troubleshoot complicated mechanical and electrical control systems and components.
- Perform mechanical and electrical component repair or replacement of parts to correct malfunctions following all manufacturers' requirements. Includes PV panels, inverter components, string inverters, met tower equipment, tracker components, or other.
- Perform preventive maintenance in accordance with equipment maintenance manuals.
- Adhere to effective internal controls.
- Assist in Inventory control and ensure all WO’s are completed daily with accuracy
- Assist in performing cycle counts of inventory
- Set up sites for proper tooling, inventory, spare parts, and other equipment necessary to perform efficiently and effectively.
- Assist the Area Manager to administer warranties. Submit and track warranty claims. Track all on loan parts and reconcile with appropriate parties
- Assist with capital improvement programs and retrofits.
- Assist with vegetation management as needed and determined by the Area Manager.
- Occasional travel to other plants (local and further away) to support maintenance, troubleshooting, retrofits support other campaigns or for training.
- Other duties as assigned
Qualifications
Four-year college degree or technical school certificate; or 3 years of related experience or power industry training; or the equivalent combination of education and experience.At least 3 years’ experience in electrical facility operations and maintenance, experience within the renewable industry and specifically solar is preferredAbility to work in a fast-paced environment and communicate effectively across all levels of the organization.Computer skills utilizing word processing, spreadsheets, email, facility control, management and reporting systems, including the use of computerized diagnostic, and troubleshooting tools.Self-directed, motivated, goal oriented, and mission driven with a positive attitude.Valid Driver's License & ability to work in adverse weather conditions and travel between site locations. Additional travel may be required on occasion.Ability to work around low and medium voltage.Proficient interpreting electrical schematics and prints.Must live withing 60 miles or a 60 minute drive of the primary plant location.Willing to work overtime on holidays, weekends, and on short noticePreference may be given to candidates with the following :
Experience in solar plant or other power plant operations.Experience managing peopleMaster or Journeyman electrical license certified.Experience in high voltage maintenance and switching & ability to run test equipment for troubleshooting.Experience working with Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS).Willing to work overtime on holidays, weekends, and on short notice to maintain plant operations.Willingness to travel basis or as determined by the Area Manager for repairs and maintenance of equipment.Pay Range for the posted level : Minimum of $42.00 – 50.00 per hour.
We offer a comprehensive benefit package, including Medical, Dental, 401(k) and disability benefits.
National Grid Renewables believe fostering diversity, equity and inclusion is everyone’s responsibility. Open, honest and respectful ways of working, learning and communicating are the cornerstones of a successful business, and leveraging inclusion and diversity lead to better business results. At National Grid Renewables, we’re focused on creating a work environment where our people feel respected and included, and therefore empowered to be themselves.