Solar Operations & Maintenance Supervisor

POSITION DESCRIPTION

THE COMPANY

Onward Energy is an independent power platform that owns and operates over 7 GW of utility-scale wind, solar and natural gas generation projects across the U.S. Our Vision is to reliably power a sustainable future. Our Mission is that as North America’s premier independent power generator, we will deliver renewable and reliable power to our customers, opportunities to our employees, sustainable returns to the families who invest in us, and a better world to the next generation. Corporate Offices in Denver, New York and Charlotte, we are where renewable meets reliable. See www.onwardenergy.com for more information.

THE CHALLENGE

This position reports to the Solar O&M Manager. The Solar O&M Supervisor will manage the various components of the PV power plant management program as they relate to day-to-day operations and maintenance at PV plant sites. This overall objective will be achieved by meeting the following plant objectives: health and safety performance, environmental stewardship, employee training and development, quality control, work management system, performance management, operation and maintenance of generation assets, evaluation of reliability improvements and technology, process development and oversight, budget development, including oversight and adherence.

THE RESPONSIBILITIES

• Ensure the highest level of health and safety practices.
• Ensure a safe work environment by strict adherence to company protocols.
• Attend, train, and participate in and pass all assigned training in safety, environmental and other areas as assigned.
• Responsible for personal safety, quality, and schedule adherence.
• Comply with Job Hazard Analysis, Pre-Job Brief and Lock-Out-Tag-Out procedures.
• Understanding of electrical safety and arc flash standards.
• Ability to create, follow and lead operating, switching, maintenance, safety, and environmental procedures.
• Knowledge of local and national electrical codes.
• Expert understanding of Electrical schematics and electrical principles
• Responsible for all plant personnel, policies, and programs. Examples include employee morale, staffing levels, training efforts, and safety issues.
• Create training programs to address skill gaps in employees.
• Assists in the hiring of site personnel and conducts employee performance reviews based on job descriptions to determine competency, knowledge, and contribution of the site maintenance personnel.
• Ensures compliance with environmental and NERC standards and applicable governmental regulations.
• Ensure adherence with company and department policies and procedures.
• Responsible for operating the Plant within an approved budget.
• Provide input for material and parts forecasting for corrective and preventive maintenance.
• Maintain accurate timekeeping for associates.
• Ensures compliance with all contracts, including LGIA, CUP and PPA contracts to protect the long-term interests of the company.
• Interfaces with the various central support groups to review the operation of plant equipment and systems continuously, to minimize unplanned downtime, anticipate and solve problems in a timely manner, and to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Manages the plant programs based on best practices in the PV industry, with an emphasis on planning/scheduling and preventive/predictive maintenance.
• Monitors and manages the use and inventories of spare parts, maintenance supplies, equipment, tools, and reordering as necessary.
• Manages the use of the CMMS at the site and assures the complete and accurate integration of the system.
• Ability to coordinate multiple activities and ensure safety, quality, and schedule adherence.
• Ability to take direction, identify problems, develop solutions, conduct analysis independently and in collaboration with others.
• Oversee the troubleshooting and repairs of advanced electrical, electronic, mechanical and network troubleshooting utilizing schematics, prints, drawings, and one-lines
• Trains technicians on testing and troubleshooting low, medium, and high voltage equipment, including transformers, breakers, relays, contactors, motors, trackers, DC array and inverters, to name a few.
• Liaising and negotiating with suppliers, manufacturers, retailers, and consumers in support of material and third-party services.
• Lead field investigations to support predictive analytics, root cause analysis, and serial defect reports.
• Authorizing payments and managing purchasing expenses with meticulous record-keeping
• Write and enforce work and equipment testing instructions and procedures, including normal and maintenance operating procedures.
• Provide input for monthly, quarterly, and annual reporting and scheduling.

THE PROFILE TO SUCCEED

Associate or bachelor’s degree in engineering, Physics, or Power preferred. Applicable years of experience may substitute for a degree.

• Five (5) years of work experience in operations and/or maintenance in power generation, transmission and/or distribution, including at least 2 years in the solar industry, and including at least 1 year in a lead or supervisor position.
• Ability to plan, organize, schedule, and direct the safe operation and maintenance activities of multiple complex projects
• Demonstrated understanding of power plants, EH&S compliance, budgeting, personnel management, operations, and maintenance
• Excellent writing and presentation skills, verbal skills that are persuasive, and the ability to promote business initiatives.
• Proficient use of all Microsoft Office Suite programs
• Some level of advanced technical knowledge of PV Inverters and tracking systems.
• Ability to anticipate and accept changes in the organization and adapt to meet new requirements.
• Self-starter with the ability to make decisions and take necessary actions without specific direction.
• Analyze conditions and issues; take appropriate actions to achieve results when necessary.
• Effective time management and organizational skills, keen multi-tasking capabilities and attention to detail.
• Ability to work well independently and as part of a cross-functional team.
• Valid U.S. Driver license with acceptable MVR history.

THE PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Must be able to accomplish physical requirements with or without reasonable accommodation.

• Hazardous conditions include working in confined spaces, exposure to bloodborne pathogens, exposure to energized electrical equipment, and working in extreme hot and cold conditions.
• The work may require providing first aid/CPR. This requires maintenance of First Aid/CPR/AED certification.
• The work will require irregular work hours depending upon the required response of site operations to address the unpredictable needs of the solar plant.
• Ability to travel up to 10%.
• Ability to wear personal protective equipment is required (including but not limited to; steel/composite toed shoes, gloves, safety glasses, hearing protection, protective jacket or apron and arm guards)
• Will sit, stand, or walk short distances for the entire duration of a shift
• Will lift, push, or pull up to 50 pounds on an occasional basis
• Must be able to comply with all safety standards and procedures

THE TEAM

Onward Energy team is comprised of industry professionals who embrace our values of accountability, adaptability, collaboration, and excellence. At Onward Energy, we seek to find solutions rather than assign blame.

THE WORK ENVIRONMENT

Performing this job without full/focused attention may cause serious injury or even fatality. Work is generally performed outside but may work in all weather conditions, ranging from warm/hot - cool/cold. Occasional rain. Noise levels will be moderate to high. The job site will contain light to heavy equipment vehicles, small to large equipment, materials, communication equipment and tools. People standing, walking, sitting, signaling, and talking. Bells, whistles, and alarms.

THE TOTAL REWARDS

Onward Energy total rewards philosophy is motivated by a key tenet of People First, and offers associates a comprehensive total rewards package which includes market-competitive compensation, health, life insurance, and retirement savings benefits.

If you require an accommodation for any part of the employment process due to a disability to

HR@onwardenergy.com

EEO STATEMENT:

Onward Energy is an Affirmative Action Employer, Females/Minority/Veterans/Disabled/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.