Solar Operations Technician (SPC Rutherford)
JOB SUMMARY
Want an innovative challenge? Solar technology is rapidly developing in the traditional Southern Company footprint and here’s an opportunity to be a part of it. We are seeking strong technical individuals for Solar Operations Technician position for Southern Power’s Rutherford Farm solar facility in Rutherford County, North Carolina.
This position will also support our Granville Solar Facility as needed in Granville, County, NC.
Rutherford Solar Facility – 74 megawatts
- The project is located on 489 acres in Rutherford County. Rutherford Farm consists of 289,104 fixed-tilt, monocrystalline solar panels manufactured by Trina Solar.
Granville Solar Facility – 2.5 megawatts
- The Granville Solar Facility is a 2.5-megawatt solar facility located on 40 acres of private land in Granville County, North Carolina. The 2.5-megawatt solar facility consists of poly crystalline photovoltaic solar modules manufactured by MEMC.
The responsibilities include operating and maintaining utility scale solar photovoltaic electric systems as well as monitoring, troubleshooting, and repairing the plant's electrical and mechanical equipment and various other duties. In addition, the successful candidates will maintain plant maintenance records in the computer-based work order system, Maximo®, and participate in the plant system owner program. The candidate will need to have the willingness to serve on any Operations Review Board (ORB) action teams when required. Shift work required, including nights.
This position will be filled at a level commensurate with experience.
JOB REQUIREMENTS:
(Education, Experience, Knowledge, Skills)
- HS Graduate or Equivalent
- 2-year College/Technical Degree or equivalent relevant work experience required
- Electrical background is highly preferred
- Strong mechanical and electrical aptitude and a demonstrated ability to troubleshoot and repair electrical and mechanical equipment are required
- Solar Utility Scale Inverter maintenance experience preferred (i.e. Advanced Energy or SMA)
- Strong technical background in electrical and electronic devices and equipment - Instrumentation experience is a plus; PV and/or experience with inverters is desired
- Must be a self-starter with the ability to work with little to no direction as well as possess an ability to follow directions when required.
- Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions.
- Ability to apply principle of logical thinking and deal with situations that will be encountered.
- Excellent communication and problem-solving skills are required.
- Must be able to learn how to independently operate a solar plant and communicate effectively with plant stakeholders.
- Ability to perform physically demanding activities (i.e. climbing stairs and ladders, lifting heavy equipment) while working safely in all types of weather.
- The successful candidate will be expected to support multiple solar sites at times. This support will require overnight travel for multiple days at times.
- Travel may be up to 25% of the time. Overnight travel for multiple days will be required for training, site support, company meetings, etc. Some travel will be across multiple state requiring travel by flight.
Relocation assistance may be available for this position.
Practice Test Many of our tests have practice tests available; there is one available for the TECH test. Logon to: https://secure.eei.org/eeitests/onlineproducts/
Use the following information to log into the site to access the practice test:
- Name: southern
- Password: testing
Practice tests: TECH - Technician Occupations
Southern Power , a subsidiary of Southern Company, is a leading U.S. wholesale energy provider meeting the electricity needs of municipalities, electric cooperatives, investor-owned utilities, and other energy customers. Southern Power and its subsidiaries own 55 facilities operating or under construction in 14 states with more than 12,500 MW of generating capacity in Alabama, California, Delaware, Georgia, Kansas, Maine, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, West Virginia, and Washington.
Southern Company (NYSE: SO ) is a leading energy provider serving 9 million customers across the Southeast and beyond through its family of companies. Providing clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy with excellent service is our mission. The company has electric operating companies in three states, natural gas distribution companies in four states, a competitive generation company, a leading distributed energy solutions provider with national capabilities, a fiber optics network and telecommunications services. Through an industry-leading commitment to innovation, resilience and sustainability, we are taking action to meet customers' and communities' needs while advancing our goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Our uncompromising values ensure we put the needs of those we serve at the center of everything we do and are the key to our sustained success. We are transforming energy into economic, environmental and social progress for tomorrow. Our corporate culture has been recognized by a variety of organizations, earning the company awards and recognitions that reflect Our Values and dedication to service. To learn more, visit www.southerncompany.com .
Southern Company invests in the well-being of its employees and their families through a comprehensive total rewards strategy that includes competitive base salary, annual incentive awards for eligible employees and health, welfare and retirement benefits designed to support physical, financial, and emotional/social well-being. This position may also be eligible for additional compensation, such as an incentive program, with the amount of any bonus/awards subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable incentive plan(s). A summary of the benefits offered for this position can be found here https://seo.nlx.org/southernco/pdf/SOCO-Benefits.pdf . Additional and specific details about total compensation and benefits will also be provided during the hiring process.
Southern Company is an equal opportunity employer where an applicant's qualifications are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other basis prohibited by law.
Job Identification: 14123
Job Category: Power Plant Operations & Maintenance
Job Schedule: Full time
Company: Southern Power