Battery Storage (BESS) General Foreman

Irby Construction Company•Austin, TX

7d•Onsite

About The Position

Irby Construction Company, a leader in power industry infrastructure for over 75 years, is seeking a Battery Storage (BESS) General Foreman for its Greater Austin Area operations. This role requires a minimum of five years of experience in Battery Storage (BESS) construction, with at least two years at a General Foreman level. The ideal candidate will possess comprehensive knowledge of safety standards (OSHA, NESC, utility owner standards), the ability to direct multiple crews, and demonstrated experience with BESS equipment such as power transformers, circuit breakers, disconnect switches, bus structures, grounding systems, and protection and control (P&C) wiring. Irby Construction offers an inclusive, family-oriented culture, excellent benefits, and clear career growth opportunities, backed by the stability of Quanta Services (NYSE: PWR).

Requirements

Minimum of five (5) years of experience in Battery Storage (BESS) construction.
Minimum of two (2) years of continuous General Foreman level performing Battery Storage (BESS) construction.
Possess all skills required for assignment as a General Foreman for any craft within his/her area of responsibility.
In-depth knowledge of all applicable OSHA, NESC, and applicable utility owner safety standards.
Ability to direct multiple crews across a particular assigned region.
Demonstrated experience with Battery Storage (BESS) equipment including power transformers, circuit breakers, disconnect switches, bus structures, grounding systems, and protection and control (P&C) wiring.
High school diploma or GED required.
OSHA 30-Hour Construction certification required; OSHA 10-Hour minimum.
Working knowledge of NESC, OSHA 29 CFR Part 1926, and applicable utility owner safety standards.
Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings including one-line diagrams, protection and control schematics, grounding plans, and equipment layout drawings.
Knowledge of Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) construction including battery enclosure installation, DC electrical systems, inverter and PCS setup, and integration with utility-scale substation and BESS infrastructure.
Familiarity with NFPA 855 (Standard for the Installation of Stationary Energy Storage Systems) and applicable IEEE standards for energy storage system installations.
Must have a valid driver’s license.
Must be willing to stay out of town.
Available to travel as the project requires.
Willing to work over-time and be able to work extended periods of time.
Walking and working across uneven terrain.
Climbing on and off large trucks and equipment.
Must be able to work outside 100% of the time, in inclement weather.
Able to lift in excess of 50 pounds on a daily basis.
Willing to work off the ground in man baskets.
Must be able to work around energized systems.
Adheres to all Company Safety and Health Policies

Nice To Haves

Technical or vocational degree preferred.
May work in storm restoration operations to rebuild and/or repair damaged power systems.
May attend training classes or seminars to gather knowledge of new processes, safety regulations and/or refresher training.

Responsibilities

Attend pre-construction meetings with PM/Estimator.
Provide technical assistance, interpretation of drawings, and recommend construction methods and equipment.
Review and understand the entire bid package and overall electrical scope of work.
Generate lists of required personnel, equipment, and tooling.
Ensure quality of work according to specifications.
Coordinate billings with owner representative and Superintendent.
Monitor and review equipment usage, storage, servicing, damage, rentals, and fuel reports.
Ensure tool inventories are completed and up to date.
Direct field installation of BESS battery racks, module connections, DC bus assemblies, and enclosure terminations.
Maintain daily crew timesheets and verify accurate documentation of hours worked and equipment utilized.
Obtain feedback from owner’s inspector on quality, safety, schedule, and materials.
Coordinate major project activities and critical tasks.
Assist with updating schedules and/or progress reports.
Maintain daily construction logs, manpower reports, and equipment utilization records.
Verify that as-builts & progress charts are maintained.
Coordinate with the utility owner and engineering team for equipment commissioning, startup, and energization procedures.
Oversee installation of BESS equipment including battery energy storage enclosures, inverters, power conversion systems (PCS), DC cabling assemblies, and battery management systems (BMS).
Coordinate with BESS OEM vendor representatives and commissioning engineers during testing and energization.
Enforce BESS-specific safety protocols including thermal runaway prevention, DC arc flash boundary compliance, and emergency response plans.
Keep a journal (Green Log Book) of major events/documentation from the owner.
Ensure that all change-orders are documented and billed to the Owner.
Monitor units completed versus proposed or bid.
Request guidance from BU when negotiating changes to scope of work and required additional pricing.
Review final billing to ensure all items are billed.
Coordinate personnel & equipment transfers from project.
Arrange and/or participate in weekly foremen meetings.
Arrange and/or participate in monthly safety meetings.
Participate in monthly job safety review meetings.
Accountable for cost, progress, and schedule for the duration of the project.
Assist BU with monthly forecast by the 10th of each month.
Accountable for compliance with safety program and review all accidents.
Mentor, develop, and evaluate craft personnel to support professional growth and workforce development.