Solar Operations Manager (On-Site)

~ Longroad Energy is a Boston, MA-headquartered renewable energy developer focused on the development and operation of wind and solar energy projects throughout North America. ~

Position Overview

The Solar Operations Manager (On-Site) position will oversee and manage all operations and maintenance activities in accordance with applicable O&M agreements. The right candidate will lead a team of internal technicians, joining them in the field as needed. This includes providing operational readiness support from construction to commercial operations as well as managing the day-to-day operation, maintenance, fiscal and administrative functions in line with corporate strategies and objectives while ensuring and nurturing safety of all personnel and equipment after project turnover to operations.

Responsibilities

• Work closely with regional and department management, providing on-site and remote oversight and supervision of the assets.
• Maintain compliance with all EHS plans and regulatory standards to ensure a strong on-site safety culture including the administration, application, and monitoring of safety programs.
• This includes the safety requirement for all contractors, subcontractors, owner’s personnel, and any other visitors.
• Ensure (and develop) best practices and controls in coordination with internal and external resources up to and including the O&M Provider and the Inverter, Tracker and Module OEMs.
• Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations in all concerns, including but not limited to; environmental, NERC/FERC, local laws and regulations.
  Interact with local utilities, regulatory agencies, local government/community, and landowners.
• Provide monitoring and oversight of all on-site and remote contractors including the O&M Provider and any/all BOP contractors. For BOP contractors this includes hiring, managing, and coordinating BOP O&M functions in a manner to minimize plant downtime and losses, maximize availability and work to maximize generation/revenue.
• Develop and/or assist with development of procedures and policies.
• Responsible for ensuring a smooth transition of projects to operations (where applicable), up to and including involvement in projects during the development and construction phases.
• Partner with Procurement to source and manage on-site spare parts and consumables.
• Maintain all onsite records and documentation in an accurate and up to date manner, including but not limited to records for maintenance and site permit compliance.
• Provide support with monthly, quarterly, and annual reporting needed for Management.
• Manage site level budget and P&Ls, work to reduce costs and increase production as to be reasonably expected. This includes developing and tracking the monthly, quarterly and annual budgets.
• Maintain a good working relationship with all vendors and OEMs.
• Maintain and ensure teams are maintaining accurate site records of all events and day to day activities.
• Aid in the development of new business opportunities for the company.
• Attend meetings as a company representative as required.
• Prepare and present reports and presentations as required.
• Other tasks as assigned by management.
• Travel as required.

Qualifications

Minimum: 

• Technical college degree or comparable industry training and certificates strongly preferred.
• Minimum of 5 – 7 years’ experience in wind or solar energy operations. Traditional generation experience considered.
• Demonstrated ability managing a large team.
• Experience managing distributed generation with legacy equipment/OEMs.
• 3 + experience with planning and implementing routine O&M plans as well as minor and major corrective work.
• Ability to work proactively and productively with limited supervision.
• Disciplined in following protocols and procedures.
• Prior contract negotiation, execution and management experience.
• Experience with environmental and governmental compliance.
• Valid driver’s license.
• 24/7 on call availability.
• Hands on experience working on solar with a desire to perform in field work as needed.
• Must be commutable to Mendota, CA.

Desired & Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working within Work Order management systems.
• Experience reporting to senior management the performance of assets.
• NABCEP, OSHA 10 and/or NFPA 70e certification preferred.
• Training from solar inverter manufacturers for troubleshooting and repair.

Characteristics Necessary for Success:

• Personal accountability and integrity.
• Ability to make informed decisions in a quick and nimble fashion.
• Comfortable with a work environment that is fast paced and changes quickly.
• Ability to work within a team with a positive attitude.
• Enthusiastic about the renewable energy industry.