Solar Technician Apprentice

AES•US, Smith Field, VA, VA

11d•$26 - $31•Onsite

About The Position

AES CE is seeking a Solar Apprentice to perform and assist with operations and maintenance activities at utility-scale solar energy plants and associated substations in Surry, Virginia. The role involves preventative, corrective, and emergency maintenance on solar plant equipment, as well as electrical and mechanical operations, troubleshooting, documentation, and support for site procedures. The apprentice will work under direction from field service leads, team members, supervisors, and maintenance planners, and participate in ongoing training and professional development. Work may be performed independently or as part of a crew depending on skills, experience, and the task.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Experience with electrical systems and familiarity with basic safety principles, including lockout/tagout (LOTO) and electrical safety.
Experience operating personal computers and technical proficiency with standard business software.
Ability to read, write, and understand English.
Knowledge of applicable safety and environmental regulations.
Ability to pass a background check and possess a TWIC card within 60 days of employment.
Ability to work outdoors in high or low temperatures and humidity, and possibly at heights.
Ability to stand, sit, walk, kneel, twist, climb stairs and ladders, and enter plant equipment to access, inspect, or collect equipment data.
Ability to use required personal protective equipment and work around rotating and energized equipment, hazardous materials, and chemicals.
Ability to work overtime, non-standard hours, and on-call shifts as required.

Nice To Haves

Technical degree or solar certification.
Experience in solar system installation.
Basic knowledge of electrical or mechanical fundamentals.

Responsibilities

Perform assigned operations and maintenance activities at solar PV sites and associated substations.
Perform or assist with corrective, preventive, and emergency maintenance and operations on inverters, trackers, combiner boxes, PV modules, and DC and AC collection and distribution systems.
Perform or assist with routine electrical troubleshooting and repair, instrumentation calibration and troubleshooting, and basic inverter troubleshooting, as directed.
Assist with preparing and implementing switching and clearance orders.
Operate electrical and mechanical power plant systems.
Participate in comprehensive ongoing training.
Perform or assist with technical and administrative duties related to operating and maintaining a power plant.
Assist with site vegetation management, including operating tractors, riding mowers, and other vegetation maintenance equipment as needed.
Write or assist with plant orders, plant procedures, operating instructions, and other assigned documents.
Ensure work complies with environmental and safety requirements and is appropriately documented.
Work independently or as part of a crew, depending on skills, experience, and the work involved.
Travel to other sites in the region to support team members.
Perform on-call duties at least one week per month unless other team members cover the shift.
Work overtime and non-standard hours as required.
Perform other duties as assigned.