Construction Assistant

GRID ALTERNATIVES•Los Angeles, CA

1d•$22 - $24•Onsite

About The Position

GRID Alternatives is a national leader in making clean, affordable solar power and solar jobs accessible to low-income communities and communities of color. GRID is an entrepreneurial, high-growth non-profit organization that provides direct solar installation and project development; clean mobility options; workforce training and service-learning opportunities; and low-income solar policy advocacy. Our Vision: a rapid, equitable transition to a world powered by renewable energy that benefits everyone. Our Mission: to build community-powered solutions to advance economic and environmental justice through renewable energy. At GRID, we care about each other and know that each employee has a whole self that includes life outside of work. Our culture supports learning, growth and well-being of all of our team members. The Construction Assistant (CA) at GRID Alternatives is an entry- to intermediate-level solar installation position. CAs bring valuable technical, teamwork, leadership, and communication skills to the construction department. Grid provides CAs with numerous opportunities for career advancement, including hands-on and classroom training from PV experts, and access to GRID Alternatives’ vast network of corporate and nonprofit partners. CAs will work on residential and commercial solar installations and designs, electrical systems installations (including battery/storage), all with a focus on safety.

Requirements

Experience in PV system installation, troubleshooting, or design (min 3 months)
Experience with residential and/or commercial scale PV systems
Passion for GRID’s mission related to renewable energy technology, community development, green jobs, and/or helping families and communities in need
Highly reliable, accountable, and detail-oriented
Ability to travel extensively throughout target territory in GRID vehicles (typical installs are within a 1-2 hours radius of the Sacramento office)
Excellent communication skills (ability to work with volunteers and clients, and represent GRID Alternatives positively to diverse populations)
Flexibility and willingness to embrace change, go the extra mile, and bring ideas and energy to a rapidly growing organization
Comfortable with computers (MS Office, especially excel, databases, Gmail/Google apps a plus)
Ability to lift, push and pull up to 70 lbs. and familiarity with proper lifting procedures
Ability to ascend and descend ladders to reach rooftops and install solar
Requires work outdoors in inclement weather conditions: hot/cold, windy, low visibility, smoky (all within OSHA limits and with proper use of PPE, keeping health and safety in mind)
Valid driver’s license, clean driving record,
Must be able to successfully pass a pre-employment background screen

Nice To Haves

NABCEP PV Associate or PV Installation Professional Certification
Passion for sustainability, affordable housing, the environment, environmental justice, or just generally grounded in making the world a better place
Experience in training and/or working with volunteers from diverse backgrounds
Bilingual English / Spanish/ Other
OSHA 10

Responsibilities

Support the installation of solar electric systems with crews of volunteers and/or job trainees, including but not limited to: installing racking systems and PV modules, bending conduit, wiring electrical boxes, penetrating roofs, climbing up and down ladders, and working with electrical equipment. Bending, reaching, and kneeling is required for all jobs; 90% of the job will be to assist with residential solar installations.
Train and mentor volunteers and job trainees in solar installation and other construction related activities
Work under the direct supervision of the Solar Installation Supervisor to ensure that all installations are installed according to GRID Alternatives safety and quality standards
Assist in warehouse with receiving and picking up equipment and deliveries, tool organization, fleet maintenance, construction logistics, and systems implementation
Responsible for staging, loading, unloading, stocking, and organizing equipment and tools before and after installations
Other job duties include attending building inspections and assisting with permitting and site visits, maintaining safety certifications (OSHA, forklift, first aid, etc), participating in construction department and regional staff meetings, attending equity, inclusion, and diversity training, and speaking with homeowners, members of the community, and news media about GRID Alternatives and solar technology