Electrician - In State Travel - Illinois

Harvest Solar is a Michigan-based company providing cost-effective renewable energy solutions for agriculture, commercial, and utility customers. We specialize in in-house design, engineering, installation, and manufacturing of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, empowering customers to achieve energy independence through best-in-class service and products.

About the role

We are seeking Electricians for our satellite office in Champaign, Illinois. This multi-faceted role involves installing residential and commercial grid-tied PV systems and batteries. The Licensed Electrician will work alongside a Master Electrician and crew members to install all photovoltaic system components, ensuring projects meet safety, quality, and efficiency standards while conforming to NEC specifications. The role also includes supporting apprentices through hands-on coaching and committee work.

Pay

Electricians with a license or 4,000 documented hours (with a requirement to test within 6 months and obtain a license within 1 year) earn an hourly rate of $42.03 to $48.18, based on skill level achievement. Master Electricians are eligible for $44.08 to $50.23 per hour. Overtime is paid at 1.5 times the hourly rate for hours worked beyond 8 per day. The average work schedule ranges from 45 to 55 hours per week, Monday through Friday.

Schedule

The typical workweek ranges from 45 to 55 hours, Monday through Friday. Overnight travel is required for job sites, with travel expenses covered, including hotel, transportation, and a $65 per diem for food. Workdays may extend up to 12 hours, with exposure to outdoor construction site conditions and extreme temperatures.

Responsibilities

Electricians are evaluated and compensated based on their ability to perform skills across four progressive levels. Employees may test for the next level every 90 days until reaching the top of the scale.

• Skill Level 1:
  • Connect solar panels, inverters, and high-voltage equipment to a building’s power supply.
  • Assemble, install, test, and maintain PV-related electrical wiring, breakers, and equipment.
  • Test PV electrical systems and circuit continuity based on job specifications and local codes.
  • Install underground cabling and conduit runs efficiently.
  • Inspect, evaluate, test, and maintain solar systems, mounting hardware, combiner fuse boxes, inverters, switchgear, circuit breakers, transformers, revenue meters, and other AC/DC equipment.
  • Inspect preexisting electrical systems for code violations and safety.
  • Read and utilize blueprints and technical diagrams.
  • Maintain, load, and secure trucks, trailers, and equipment.
  • Report safety incidents and complete accident reports.
  • Collaborate with installers and electricians to ensure product quality.
  • Identify and mitigate potential hazards when working with energized equipment.
  • Communicate professionally with customers, addressing questions and concerns.
  • Represent Harvest Solar professionally in dress, conduct, and behavior.
  • Maintain high standards of quality assurance and safety.
  • Interact professionally with authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs).
  • Maintain licensure through company-provided education.
  • Document work completed and materials used.
• Skill Level 2:
  • Perform all Level 1 tasks.
  • Pass practical testing on conduit bending, transformer wiring, and inverter wiring.
  • Pass written testing on line-side/load-side taps and equipment spacing.
  • Review system and interconnection designs for NEC and industry best practice compliance.
  • Complete electrical projects within established codes, policies, and procedures.
  • Follow and promote Harvest Solar’s best practices for PV installations.
• Skill Level 3:
  • Perform all Level 1 and 2 tasks.
  • Pass written testing on complex line-side/load-side taps, one-line values, and DC wiring.
  • Repair or replace PV-related wiring and equipment.
  • Inspect, evaluate, and test batteries, data acquisition systems, relays, programmable logic controllers, and weather stations.
  • Diagnose and troubleshoot system malfunctions and operational issues.
• Skill Level 4:
  • Complete 12 months of employment with successful completion of Levels 1–3 and an average Skill Matrix rating of 3.
  • Support the “electrical apprentice” program, including training, committee participation, and documentation.
  • Evaluate new hires and apprentices for competency.

Requirements

• Valid State Driver’s License (required).
• Electrician License or 4,000 documented hours, with a requirement to test within 6 months and obtain a license within 1 year (required).
• Two to three years of experience with electrical systems; 1 to 3 years of solar installation experience (preferred).
• General construction knowledge (preferred).
• North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) certification (preferred).
• MIOSHA Certification (e.g., OSHA 30) (preferred).
• Working knowledge of National Electrical Code (NEC), Uniform Building Code (UBC), and local/utility jurisdiction requirements.
• Experience complying with OSHA safety requirements.
• Ability to work extended hours (up to 12 hours per day, Monday through Friday).
• Ability to manage daily priorities and task accomplishment.
• Strong verbal communication skills.
• Professional appearance and excellent customer service.
• Flexibility, patience, and adaptability to changing priorities.
• Hardworking attitude, attention to detail, reliability, and excellent attendance.

Physical Demands

• Ability to stand, walk, and navigate construction site terrain.
• Full range of mobility in upper and lower body, including stooping, bending, sitting, kneeling, and squatting for extended periods.
• Ability to lift, pull, and push materials and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds frequently.
• Ability to climb to heights and work with proper safety restraints.
• Visual acuity to inspect work performed.
• Ability to tolerate physical demands for a minimum of 8 hours daily.

Work Environment

• Commercial construction setting with 95–100% outdoor work installing solar systems, often in extreme temperatures.
• Exposure to construction site hazards, loud noises, and industrial safety hazards.
• Travel required (90–100%), with overnight stays Monday through Friday. Hotel, transportation, and a $65 per diem for food are covered.
• Shop environment exposure (0–10% of the time), including industrial safety hazards and varying temperatures.

Benefits

• Immediately after Hire:
  • Nine paid holidays per year: New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Eve.
  • Paid vacation accrued weekly at a rate of 1.5384 hours to reach 80 hours annually. Unused vacation may be paid out or up to 40 hours rolled over at year-end.
• The First of the Month after Hire:
  • Health Insurance: 80% of premiums covered by Harvest Solar, with options for:
    • UnitedHealthcare Choice Plus HSA 2000 Plan: Covers preventive care at 100% in-network. HSA-compatible with weekly employer contributions:
      • Associate: $10.64
      • Associate & Spouse: $27.25
      • Associate & Child(ren): $21.65
      • Family: $37.55
    • UnitedHealthcare Choice Plus 500 Plan: Not HSA-compatible; covers preventive care at 100% in-network.
  • Dental Insurance: 80% of premiums covered by Harvest Solar.
  • Vision Insurance: 80% of premiums covered by Harvest Solar.
  • Group Life Insurance: $50,000 coverage with an Accidental Death clause, fully covered by Harvest Solar.
  • Group Short-Term Disability: 60% of earnings (up to $1,000 weekly) after a seven-day waiting period, fully covered by Harvest Solar.
  • Voluntary Supplemental Programs: Accident, Critical Illness, and Hospital Indemnity plans available at the associate’s expense through Allstate.
• At 90 Days of Employment:
  • 40 hours of Paid Time Off (PTO) annually for personal appointments. PTO does not roll over or payout at year-end.
• The First of the Month After 90 Days:
  • Harvest Solar 401k Plan with auto-enrollment.