PV Solar Lead Technician

ACCIONA Energía is the biggest 100% renewable energy company with no fossil legacy in the world. With more than 30 years of experience and operations in 20 countries on five continents, ACCIONA Energía offers a wide portfolio of tailored energy solutions so that its corporate and institutional clients can meet their decarbonisation goals. This includes the development, engineering, construction, operation and maintenance of renewable power plants -mainly wind and photovoltaic technologies-, energy sales and management and marketing, energy services, self-consumption, electric mobility and new technologies such as storage and green hydrogen. ACCIONA Energía is governed by the most demanding environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) criteria.

Job Description

• This is the senior PV Solar Technician position and as such, is expected to lead, orient, train, and mentor all site technicians
• Supervise employees, contractors, and work on site with a continuous emphasis on safety, quality, the environment, and regulatory compliance by utilizing training, experience, and strict adherence to company policies & procedures
• Provide input and execute local responsibilities for the sustainability and social responsibility programs
• Manage subcontractors in the execution of building & grounds maintenance, vegetation control, snow plowing, module washing, etc.
• Maintain the site work and On Call schedules, ensuring proper staffing to perform planned and corrective maintenance
• Assist the Sitel Manager in completing employee performance reviews and succession planning
• Communicate with the Site Manager and direct the reporting requirements for any incidents, injuries or unsafe acts that have occurred
• Perform inspections, audits, and observations to ensure clean, orderly, and hazard free work sites
• Know the immediate actions required per the site Emergency Action Plan and actively manage the execution of the plan during training, drills, or emergency situations
• Conduct safety analysis and review of hazards and energy sources prior to and while performing any work
• STOP work when there are unsafe conditions or questions about high-risk activities.
• Supervise contracted personnel in the field to ensure compliance with safety, quality, environmental, and work schedule requirements
• Confirm the use appropriate safety gear, protective equipment, and control or dissipation of energy sources to ensure work is performed in safe manner
• Administer the Lock-out \ Tag-out Program at site, providing the necessary training for employees, visitors, and contractors, performing paperwork reviews and field audits to correct deficiencies
• Manage and report work orders, pending works, maintenance plans, and parts issues
• Focus on maintaining equipment in the highest operating condition to maximize production
• Inspect equipment, record and review data, looking for abnormal operating conditions and correcting or reporting them, as prescribed
• Perform assembly, commissioning, testing, operations, maintenance, and repairs on PV solar field, inverters, battery storage, balance of plant, communications, IT, and substation equipment
• Perform electrical switching activities in the solar field, balance of plant, and substation, working with voltages up to 345,000 Volts
• Perform maintenance in a professional manner, leaving equipment in a fully functional and clean condition with no unapproved alterations
• Administration of the Calibrated Tool Program.
• Maintain tools and equipment used to perform maintenance assignments, including the use and requirements for calibrated tooling
• Development and review of writing instructions and procedures for the testing, maintenance, and operation of equipment
• Maintain the parts inventory by accurately receiving, stocking, checking out, ordering, and shipping parts
• Perform activities, as required, to replace parts under warranty and track warranty terms
• Create purchase requisitions for needed services, tooling, and non-inventory parts
• Communicate effectively and promptly with the remote operations center and other entities
• Communicate cross-functionally across all necessary parts of the organization to achieve resolution to facility issues
• Assist in planning and executing on-site projects, installations, commissioning, quality audits & inspections, and performance testing.
• Ensure all documentation and required reports are complete, reviewed, submitted and filed
• Responsible for the maintaining accurate employee records for time keeping, operating logs, and maintenance work orders
• Provide the best training possible to others, as directed
• Conduct the necessary First Day \ First Hour training for all personnel coming on site and maintain accurate records of training completion
• Attend, participate, pass, and document all required training within prescribed due dates
• Maintain required training certifications and qualifications to safely perform work related tasks in a quality matter, including Lock-out \ Tag-out and Qualified Electrical Worker (Substation Level)
• Support Root Cause Analyses to assist in determining equipment failure and the reasons for failures when they occur
• Manage the maintenance activities required for the site vehicles to ensure that they are in a clean, safe, road worthy condition
• Other responsibilities as assigned

Required Skills and Competencies

• Able to work alone and independently
• Demonstrated ability to successfully lead people
• 2-4 years of experience in a related position
• High school diploma or equivalent, 2 year technical degree or equivalent. Journeyman Electrician certification and qualifications preferred
• Ability to travel for work and/or training for extended periods of time
• Flexibility to work overtime, night shifts, and rotating shifts, as required. There will be periods of time that require work at night (estimated at 25-35%).
• Ability to work in outdoor environments, and in adverse and extreme weather conditions, in dust, pollen, weeds, and grasses
• Strong understanding of PV solar and battery storage hazards, workplace safety requirements and dedication to follow safety procedures
• Demonstrated expertise in operating and maintaining power facility SCADA, control systems, electrical systems, fiber optic communications equipment, power electronics
• Demonstrated advanced abilities in using computers and Microsoft Office software
• Demonstrated knowledge and proficiency working with hand tools, calibrated tools, power tools, and electrical test equipment including multi-meters and meggers
• Deep knowledge of AC & DC electrical theory, power electronics, storage batteries, substation equipment and functionality
• Demonstrated ability to train others to read schematic, wiring, and one-line drawings
• Previous certification and work experience with both medium and high voltage equipment
• Have a valid driver’s license and satisfactory driving record