Solar & BESS Technician I - Bellefield Solar + Storage Project

About the role

The AES Operations team at AES CE is seeking a Solar Technician I to join the team at the Bellefield Solar project in Mojave, CA. This role plays a crucial part in ensuring the efficient operation of solar PV, BESS sites, and substations.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for assigned O&M activities associated with solar PV, BESS sites and substations.
• Performs/assists with corrective, preventive, and emergency maintenance and operations for inverters, trackers, combiner boxes, PV modules, DC and AC collection equipment.
• Prepares and implements switching and clearance orders.
• Operates electrical and mechanical power plant systems.
• Participates in training as required.
• Performs/assists with technical and administrative duties associated with operating and maintaining a power plant.
• May assist with site vegetation management plans including running tractors, riding mowers, and other vegetation maintenance equipment.
• Writes/assists with Plant Orders, Plant Procedures, Operating Instructions and other documents as assigned.
• Ensures work is performed in accordance with Environmental and Safety requirements.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• Experience in solar system installation (preferred).
• Basic knowledge of electrical or mechanical fundamentals (single craft journeyman skills) such as electrical measurements, control circuits, and solid-state theory application, and/or basic knowledge of operational characteristics of equipment and associated control devices installed in power facilities.
• Experience with personal computers and standard business software.
• Experience with SCADA and Computerized Maintenance Management Systems is highly recommended.

Desired Skills, Expertise and Competencies

• Understands and promotes general workplace safety and follows safety standards.
• Familiarity with basic safety principles to include LOTO and Electrical Safety.
• Technical proficiency with standard business software.
• Experience with SCADA and Computerized Maintenance Management Systems.
• Maturity, professionalism, and excellent communication skills.
• Collaborative, cross-functional, and geographically diverse organizational skills.
• Proactive enthusiasm for problem-solving and adding value to the company.
• Ability to establish and maintain a positive and professional working relationship with all individuals.
• Detail-oriented with strong technical skills.
• Knowledge of applicable safety and environmental regulations.

Education / Experience

• Possess high school diploma or GED.
• Technical degree or Solar certification preferred.
• Experience in solar system installation an asset.
• Basic knowledge of electrical or mechanical fundamentals (single craft journeyman skills) such as electrical measurements, control circuits, and solid-state theory application, and/or basic knowledge of operational characteristics of equipment and associated control devices installed in power facilities is a plus.

Working Conditions

• Working outside in a normal solar power plant and/or office environment, including high/low ambient temperatures and high/low humidity areas, and possibly working at heights.
• Requires standing, sitting, walking, kneeling, twisting, climbing stairs and ladders, and entering plant equipment to access, inspect, or collect data on plant equipment.
• Requires use of personal protective safety equipment (respirators, safety glasses, hard hat, appropriate footwear, ear plugs, etc.).
• May be required to work around rotating and energized equipment, hazardous materials and chemicals.
• Occasionally requires lifting as appropriate to perform duties and responsibilities.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Work overtime and non-standard working hours as required.

Pay

The expected salary for this position, at commencement of employment, is between $28.50 and $34.21 per hour; however, base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package for this position also includes annual bonus. The benefits offered for this position are: medical, dental, and vision coverage, life insurance, 401(k) eligibility, and paid time off (including vacation, sick leave time, and parental leave).