Solar Operations & Maintenance (O&M) Technician - NAES

Description

Aquamarine is a 300 MW solar photovoltaic project that forms a part of the Westlands Solar Park in Lemoore, CA. The project is complemented by the installation of a 230 KV Westland Transmission line, which strengthens the park's overall energy infrastructure. Together, these initiatives contribute to the development of a sustainable and renewable energy ecosystem in the region.

Opportunity Summary

The Solar Operations & Maintenance Technician performs various Operations and Maintenance (O&M) services during pre-commercial and commercial phases of a large utility scale solar photovoltaic site.  . Responsibilities include, but are not limited to preventative maintenance, corrective maintenance, monitoring, and on-site operation of photovoltaic system equipment including central inverters, single-axis trackers, weather monitoring equipment, system control and data acquisition (SCADA) equipment, communications equipment, transformers, switchgear, panelboards, a medium-voltage collection system, and a medium-voltage to high-voltage substation.

Primary Duties

Your focus will include the following duties:

• Ensure safe work practices by adhering to all NAES safety standards and procedures.
• Conduct routine preventative maintenance meticulously, encompassing equipment inspections, cleaning, torque checks, thermography (both aerial and ground-based), IV Curve tracing, and other necessary checks to guarantee the safe and reliable operation of equipment.
• Address low voltage issues promptly and methodically.
• Under the direct supervision of a competent and qualified technician, troubleshoot medium and high voltage issues.
• Execute entry-level corrective maintenance repairs as per training, qualification, and authorization, ensuring adherence to NAES standards and manufacturer requirements for safe and professional repairs.
• Thoroughly document all work performed on NAES-provided checklists, service reports, and CMMS.
• Carry out site activities in strict accordance with environmental permits, equipment warranty requirements, training plans, tool and spare parts lists, and milestone schedules.
• Maintain, store, and utilize all vehicles, tools, and equipment assigned by NAES to the site for productive completion of assigned tasks.
• Enforce and comply with departmental procedures and reporting requirements.
• Initiate equipment warranty claims as needed.
• Complete all necessary administrative tasks before deadlines, including but not limited to time sheets, expense reports, service reports, and incident reports.
• Fulfill other duties as assigned.

NAES Safe

Safety is a core value of NAES and as a condition of employment, all employees are expected to be mentally alert and work safely at all times. Additionally, employees are required to adhere to all safety warnings and posted safety signs whenever on company property. Furthermore, employees must follow all NAES safety rules and procedures. Effectiveness in carrying out this responsibility is part of the evaluation of each employee’s performance.

Working Relationships

This position reports directly to the O&M Supervisor.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

This position can be physically demanding while working frequently in an outdoor environment in a variety of weather and working conditions. Must be able to work in heat and cold, i.e. full sun where temperatures can be triple digits, or no sun where temperatures can be below freezing. In addition to extreme weather conditions, other physical requirements include standing for extended periods of time, stair and ladder climbing, lifting up to 50 pounds, bending and working in confined spaces. 

Protective equipment must be worn in the performance of some duties (e.g. hard hats, safety glasses, air masks, ear protection, chemical suits, hot gloves and high voltage protective equipment, etc.). Work with hazardous materials may be required. There are extensive smoking restrictions in and around the facility.

Fitness for Duty

All employees will participate in the Fitness for Duty Program. This program includes a post-offer physical examination and drug screening and post-employment random drug screening.

Work Schedule

Regular scheduled work days are Monday to Friday, during normal day shift hours. Position requires extended working hours and varied shifts with weekend and holiday work, as required by schedules, work load and plant conditions. "On call" status will periodically be required

Compensation

Initial starting compensation will range from $35.00 to $40.00 per hour.

Job Qualifications

• Experience in solar photovoltaic plant operations and maintenance is essential, with preference given to candidates possessing PV construction experience, although it is not mandatory.
• Candidates should have experience and/or training as an electrician or electrical technician.
• Hands-on experience in testing, analyzing, conducting preventive maintenance, and troubleshooting photovoltaic inverter systems, data acquisition systems (DAS), and various other components within PV power plants is required.
• Proficiency in utilizing Microsoft Word and Excel is necessary.
• In-depth knowledge of solar industry best practices, national electric code (NEC) requirements, and diagnosis/repair of common solar equipment is expected.
• Experience with SCADA systems for monitoring and troubleshooting is highly desirable.
• Strong proficiency in verbal and written communication is essential, along with exceptional analytical and quantitative abilities.
• Candidates should demonstrate exemplary organizational skills, self-drive, and consistency in meeting deadlines for assignments and tasks.
• A keen attention to detail, coupled with strong problem-solving abilities, is crucial.
• Candidates should be capable of analyzing and interpreting data to make sound professional judgments and recommendations.

Licenses/Certification:

• NABCEP certification or other component specific solar certifications preferred
• Must possess and maintain a valid Drivers License at all times.

About NAES

NAES Corporation is the leading provider of operations, maintenance, and engineering services for energy facilities. We have established ourselves as a reliable partner for clients in North America and internationally, offering services across power generation, oil and gas, and renewable energy sectors. Additionally, our growing family of companies enables us to address the entire life cycle of power generation and other industrial plants.

NAES is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. It is the practice of NAES to seek employees of the highest quality and to select individuals on the basis of merit and competence, without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, military status or affiliation protected under USERRA, or any other basis of discrimination prohibited by applicable local, state and federal law.

Qualifications

Behaviors

Motivations

Education

Experience

Licenses & Certifications