Solar Maintenance Technician II – Field Operations (Knoxville, TN site)

Location: Knoxville, TN

Department: Operations & Maintenance (32-3202)

Silicon Ranch is a fully integrated provider of customized renewable energy, carbon, and battery storage solutions for a diverse set of partners across North America.

• We are known for putting community partnerships first, and are the only renewable energy company in the U.S. that owns and operates all of its solar ranches and has a 100% track record for successful delivery.

• We have the largest utility scale agrivoltaics portfolio in the country under Regenerative Energy®, our nationally recognized holistic approach to project design, construction, and land management. Our model incorporates regenerative ranching and other regenerative land management practices to restore livelihoods and soil health, biodiversity, and water quality.

• Through our subsidiary, Clearloop, we are able to help businesses of all sizes reclaim their carbon footprint with a direct investment in building new solar projects while also helping bring renewable energy and economic development to distressed communities.

By joining Silicon Ranch, you will be joining a team of experienced and dedicated individuals who have proven time and again that it is indeed possible to not only “make solar do more”, but to make the promise of carbon-free, renewable energy that benefits people right where it comes from a tangible, measurable, and replicable reality. 

Silicon Ranch is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace that is reflective of the communities in which we work and serve. We are an equal opportunity employer and will consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.

Job Description

Position: Solar Maintenance Technician II – Field Operations

Location: On-site, primarily in Knoxville, TN

Overview: This position is responsible for the performance of corrective and preventative maintenance tasks within a defined set of facilities. These tasks include the inspection, troubleshooting, diagnosis, and remedy of issues impacting the production of the solar PV facility. This includes repair and/or replacement of electrical and mechanical components and subcomponents such as contactors, breakers, motors, bearings, PV modules, PLCs, transformers, etc. This position may also act as a safety second and assist more senior technicians as needed.

The ideal candidate is a self-starter with a strong mechanical inclination and verifiable experience performing in the electrical trade, electrical or multicraft maintenance, or solar operations and maintenance. Experience performing maintenance tasks on DC, AC, and MV systems, communications equipment, and mechanical systems will translate well to this position. 

No direct solar PV experience is required.

Main Responsibilities: 

• Perform scheduled preventive maintenance tasks at each facility, including the full PV system, UPS, SCADA, substation, and MV/HV/OHE systems.
• Perform corrective maintenance tasks, both scheduled and unscheduled, at each facility, including the full PV system, UPS, SCADA, substation, and MV/HV/OHE systems.
• Respond to directives for emergency dispatches for critical systems as directed.
• Log all work performed via the Silicon Ranch CMMS platform.
• Perform electrical testing using IV Curve Tracers, Power Quality Meters, Insulation Resistance Testers, Multimeters, and other testing equipment as needed.
• Assist management with field investigations to support predictive analytics, root cause analysis, and serial defect reports.
• Provide site access to third party contractors and as directed.
• Assist with other site tasks, including land management, module washing, and vegetation management as directed.
• Attend internal and external training sessions as directed.
• Must be able to communicate effectively, collaboratively and responsibly with team members and management.
• Must be able to work alone as a self-starter and work within a team driving towards a common goal.
• Must be able to stand for long periods of time.
• Must be able to work outside in most weather conditions.
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds.

Qualifications:

• Intermediate skills with computers and electronic equipment required
• Intermediate skills with Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat required
• Working knowledge of NEC, NFPA70E, and OSHA standards
• Valid Driver’s License Required
• OSHA 30 (must be obtained within 4 weeks of employment)
• CPR/BLS (must be obtained within 4 weeks of employment)
• State electrical license or NABCEP certification desired
• Ability to perform localized travel of up to 2 hours each way. Note: The first hour and Last hour of daily driving/travel is not paid. It is considered normal commute time.

Education:

• High School Diploma or GED

Experience:

• 3+ years of experience in the electrical trade, electrical maintenance, multicraft maintenance, or the completion of a recognized apprenticeship program required.
• Solar installation, commissioning, or operations and maintenance experience highly desired.
• Experience with MV/HV systems, IT systems, inverters, T&D systems, substations, or other specialized electrical systems desired.

Our interview process:

A typical interview process at Silicon Ranch might include the below stages. Please note that we may make changes to these steps as needed, and details will be provided to you early on in the process.

1. Introductory Interview with our recruiter
2. Hiring Manager Interview to dive into technical skills and behavioral questions
3. Panel Interview to assess cross-functional skills and dive deeper into technical skills
4. Executive Interview to answer high-level questions about SRC and the team