Electrician - Harvest Solar : Job Details

Solar technology has been around for decades, so why has the industry recently exploded? Solar costs less than traditional utility power providing immediate and long-term cost savings yielding it to be one of the fastest-growing industries in the nation.

Harvest Solar, an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, is a Michigan-based company that provides cost-effective renewable energy for agriculture, commercial, and utility customers yielding more energy independence by utilizing solar energy. With in-house design, engineering, installation, and manufacturing, Harvest Solar is a pivotal turnkey operation that believes in expanding energy independence today to achieve a sustainable future for tomorrow.

We believe in energy independence and a sustainable future for our children and grandchildren. Our purpose is to empower people to create and use renewable energy by providing them with the bestinclass service, products, and experience.

We are seeking Electricians to install solar photovoltaic (PV) installations. The Electrician will work side by side with crew members to install all photovoltaic system components, while completing the installation of a fully functional PV system. This position will also support associates within the apprentice program through hands-on coaching and committee work. The overall goal is to work with field personnel to achieve completion of the project with the highest level of safety, quality, efficiency, education and conformance to the original plans and specifications.

We are seeking Electricians for our satellite office in Jackson, Michigan and Champaign, Illinois. The hourly rate is $41 which is commensurate with related knowledge, skills, and experience.

Purpose of Position

This position is a multi-faceted Electrician for solar photovoltaic (PV) installations. The Licensed Electrician must be a mechanically minded individual to work in the field installing residential and commercial grid-tied PV systems and batteries. The Licensed Electrician will report to the Director of Construction and work side by side with the Master Electrician and other crew members to install all photovoltaic system components, while completing the installation of a fully functional PV system. The Licensed Electrician will also support associates within the apprentice program through hands on coaching and committee work. The overall goal is to work with field personnel to achieve completion of the project with the highest level of safety, quality, efficiency, education and conformance to the original plans and NEC specifications.

Major Responsibilities of Position

This position is a multi-skill level position to allow for development in the position. Electricians will be evaluated and compensated based on their ability to accomplish each skill in the levels below. The skill level builds on the individual's skill level, therefore additional tasks are added as the skill develops. An employee can “level up”, that is, test for the next level every 90 days until they reach the top of the scale.

• Skill Level 1
  • Connect solar panels, inverters, and other 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 continuity of circuits in electrical wiring, and equipment based on job specifications and local codes.
  • Install underground cabling, single and multiple conduit runs in an effective and efficient manner.
  • Inspect, evaluate, test, and maintain solar systems, mounting hardware, combiner fuse boxes, inverters, switchgear, circuit breakers, transformers, revenue meters, and other AC and DC equipment.
  • Inspect preexisting electrical systems in homes and businesses for code violations and safety to work with the PV system.
  • Understand and utilize blueprints and technical diagrams to complete projects.
  • Maintain, load, and secure trucks, trailers, and equipment.
  • Report safety incidents to your supervisor/crew leader and complete required accident reports.
  • Work in a collaborative manner with other installers and electricians to ensure the quality of our product.
  • Identify potential hazards before working with energized equipment and practice safety standards to reduce or eliminate the hazard.
  • Communicate with customers in a professional, considerate, and respectful manner, answering questions and concerns to the best of your ability.
  • Properly represent Harvest Solar through your professional dress, conduct and behavior on the site or with customers.
  • Maintain a high level of quality assurance and quality control with an emphasis on safety.
  • Meet with the authority of jurisdiction to provide explanations to their questions in a professional manner.
  • Maintain license through company provided education.
  • Document work completed and materials used.
• Skill Level 2
  • Is able to perform Level 1 tasks and must be able to pass practical testing on conduit bending, wiring a transformer, inverter wiring and written testing on lineside/loadside tap, and equipment spacing.
  • Review system and interconnection design for adherence to electrical code (NEC) and industry best practice.
  • Work with crew members to complete electrical projects within established codes, policies, and procedures.
  • Follow Harvest Solar best practices for PV installations and work with associates to develop and promote.
• Skill Level 3
  • Is able to perform Level 1 and 2 tasks and must be able to pass written testing on a complicated lineside/loadside tap, oneline 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
  • Has completed 12 months of employment with successful completion of Level 1-3 tasks above and has an average Skill Matrix rating of 3.
  • Support “electrical apprentice” program including training associates, participation on the apprentice committee and completing apprentice related documentation.
  • Evaluate new hires and apprentices for competency.
• Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Educational and Certification Background

• In the State of Michigan, a Journeyman or Master Electrician License.
• In the State of Illinois, an Electrician License or 4,000 documented hours and requirement to test within 6 months of hire and receive License within 1 year.
• North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) certification, preferred.
• General Construction knowledge
• Two to three years' experience with electrical systems; one to three years of solar installation experience preferred
• Valid state driver's license, Ability/desire to obtain CDL certification, preferred
• MIOSHA Certification, i.e. OSHA 30, etc.

Personal Competencies (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Other Attributes):

• Ability to manage daily priorities and task accomplishment.
• Ability to effectively communicate verbally.
• Ability to work extended hours; up to 12 hours, Monday through Friday.
• Ability to manage daily priorities and task accomplishment.
• Working knowledge of National Electrical Code (NEC), Uniform Building Code (UBC), local & utility jurisdiction requirements.
• Experience complying with OHSA safety requirements and regulations.
• Professional appearance and excellent customer service.
• Demonstrates flexibility and patience, adjusts quickly to changing priorities and conditions.
• Hard working attitude.
• Great attention to detail.
• Extremely reliable
• Maintains excellent attendance.

Physical demands:

• Ability to stand, walk and navigate construction job site terrain.
• Must have full range of mobility in upper and lower body; ability to work in various positions & environments, including but not limited to stooping, standing, bending, sitting, kneeling, and squatting for extended periods of time.
• Ability to lift, pull and push materials and equipment weighing approximately 50 pounds on a frequent basis.
• Ability to climb to heights and conduct work with proper safety restraints.
• Visual requirements include the ability to visually inspect work performed.
• Must have the ability to tolerate the above requirements for a minimum of 8 hours daily.

Work Environment

• Commercial Constructions Setting – Up to 95-100% - Job site terrain and outdoor work installing solar systems working 10- and 12-hour days during installation with exposure to construction site hazards. Extreme temperatures during the summer and winter months can be expected.
• Travel Required – 90 to 100% - Electricians travel to our job sites and working with our installation staff, install solar systems for our customers. Job site locations vary, therefore overnight travel is required. Harvest values our associates work life balance scheduling overnight travel Monday through Friday. Hotel and transportations costs are covered. Additionally, a $65.00 per day (taxable) food per diem is paid for overnight stays.
• Shop Environment 0 to 10% of the time: Position supports construction and shop activities therefore, exposure to industrial safety hazards, loud and sudden noises, hot/humid and cold conditions.

THE ABOVE STATEMENTS ARE INTENDED TO DESCRIBE THE GENERAL NATURE AND LEVEL OF WORK PERFORMED BY INDIVIDUALS ASSIGNED TO THIS POSITION. THEY ARE NOT INTENDED TO BE AN EXHAUSTIVE LIST OF ALL RESPONSIBILITIES, DUTIES AND REQUIREMENTS.