Operations Supervisor - Photovoltaic and Battery Storage

About the role

The Terra-Gen Photovoltaic and Battery Storage Operations Supervisor leads all operational and maintenance functions for the Photovoltaic and Battery Storage Facilities near Mojave, CA and other designated sites. This supervisory position manages multiple employees performing duties specified in an executed O&M service agreement between Terra-Gen Operating Company as the O&M Service Provider and several entities owned by Terra-Gen as Owner. The Operations Supervisor ensures facilities are available to produce optimally, maintains safety and regulatory compliance, and fosters a positive, supportive, collaborative, and safe culture. This role implements site policies and procedures, supports team building, and promotes professional development of employees. The position reports to the Site Manager – Photovoltaic and Battery Storage, with the main office located near Mojave, California, and requires some travel.

Responsibilities

• Ensure safe and efficient operations and maintenance of power plants and all associated instrumentation, electrical, and DCS equipment in accordance with procedures, guidelines, and operating directives.
• Provide direction, guidance, training, and supervision to assigned personnel to accomplish company goals and directives.
• Monitor and ensure all facets of instrumentation, electrical, and control systems maintenance are completed per industry standards, OEM specifications, and regulatory compliance.
• Maintain material conditions of each component and ensure reliable function through inspection, repair, and system testing/troubleshooting.
• Identify equipment deficiencies and coordinate with departments to maintain peak plant performance.
• Adhere to and support company safety and environmental policies; ensure all employees, contractors, and visitors follow safety policies and regulatory guidelines.
• Use the Terra-Gen work management system to plan and schedule work to meet warranty and service contract commitments.
• Review metrics and direct improvements in plant performance, work progress, and work backlog.
• Perform scheduling, performance monitoring, vegetation management, module cleaning, and related tasks.
• Direct contractor/vendor selection, initiate contracts, and manage contractors/vendors for operations, spare parts, and maintenance technicians to fulfill O&M service agreement obligations.
• Manage and track warranty claims; understand installation and equipment warranty responsibilities to maximize warranty benefits.
• Schedule and manage additional services based on monitoring data to ensure acceptable quality of execution.
• Conduct monthly site inspections and assist EHS with implementing an OSHA-compliant safety program and culture.
• Develop and promote compliance with written procedures for plant operations and maintenance.
• Ensure regulatory compliance including NERC, CPUC GO 167, Conditional Use Permit, and Air Permit compliance.
• Promote and administer the Continuous Improvement Program (CIP) and assist in Root Cause Analysis to ensure continuous improvement.
• Oversee O&M Provider(s) and manage their operating and repair/troubleshooting efforts to ensure compliance with service agreements and standards.
• Keep current on reporting for energy regulatory agencies including PUCs, FERC, CEC, and EIA; prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual reports.
• Provide data for reports to lenders and local, state, and federal regulatory organizations according to agreements and contracts.
• Maintain a database tracking operations, contract administration, regulatory compliance, and financial reporting.
• Develop and manage an annual budget for multiple concurrent projects; maintain financial responsibility and operational performance of multiple sites.
• Analyze financial performance of operating solar plants and recommend cost-saving methods to ensure financial efficiency.
• Analyze production data for operating solar plants and report deficiencies to the Plant Manager and/or OEM for warranty corrective actions.
• Review performance modeling results and compare with actual performance data; propose solutions for improving performance with positive cost/benefit analysis.
• Manage contract labor relations and administer company and station policies/procedures.
• Provide coaching and written and/or verbal reprimands to employees as necessary; complete employee reviews as required.
• Responsible for team-building and professional development of team members; conduct or supervise training.
• Ensure immediate corrective action in response to emergency situations to minimize safety hazards and reduce damage or downtime.
• Call employees to emergency duty when assessing plant conditions and determining the need for additional support.
• Schedule overtime and vacation requests; review assigned personnel timecards.
• Maintain discipline, morale, and employee relations; prepare performance reviews and assist with disciplinary recommendations.
• Understand and follow proper procedures for control and shipment of all hazardous waste streams.
• Direct all instrumentation/electrical/DCS preventative and corrective maintenance, including equipment overhauls and system modifications.
• Coordinate with company personnel, outside consultants, and vendors to plan outages and new construction projects; ensure proper staffing and correct maintenance problems.
• Provide technical guidance and direction to assigned personnel during repairs, troubleshooting, and overhauls; document equipment problems and write work orders, work instructions, and maintenance repair requests.
• Train to improve personal skills and those of co-workers related to the job and required advancement.
• Responsible for the completion of special tasks and projects as assigned.