Solar Energy Instructor

The 548 Foundation is seeking a Solar Energy Instructor in Chicago, IL, to support technical and educational training for adult trainees in renewable energy, focusing on photovoltaic systems. Responsibilities include facilitating accredited curriculum, designing hands-on activities, and fostering trainee development towards NABCEP certification. Candidates should have teaching experience, solar industry knowledge, and preferred certifications. The role involves both onsite and remote training sessions.
Job description

The Solar Technician will work to support the technical and educational instruction associated with trainees entering the renewable energy career field, specifically photovoltaic systems, and solar energy applications. The Instructor will lead training sessions for adult trainees for approximately 11 weeks. The primary main responsibility will be adapting and facilitating Ecademy accredited curriculum supported by The National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER). The instructor will also support the trainee’s academic development and career goals to acquire the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) Associate Credentials; this certification recognizes individuals in the solar industry who have demonstrated knowledge of the fundamental principles of the application, design, installation, and operation of Photovoltaic, Solar Heating or Small Wind energy systems.

Duties and Responsibilities:

· Assist members and provide instruction and activities in the areas of photovoltaic systems, design, operations, construction, safety, and best practices.

· Designs and implements hands-on, lab-oriented solar technology, engineering, and construction-related activities.

· Provides structured, project-based lessons on industry standards and learning that interconnects career development and integral subject knowledge.

· Creates and maintains an effective environment for learning.

· Maintains meaningful positive rapport with trainees, staff, program partners, and stakeholders of the 548 Foundation d/b/a the 548 Energy Institute, organizational affiliates, and industry partners

· Encourages behavior that promotes character development and professional development.

· Implements rigorous lesson plans that are driven by technical and performance assessment.

· Ensures that trainees display knowledge of content standards.

· Uses Ecademy’s proprietary LMS and other technology to promote learning, creativity, and collaboration.

· Implements and analyzes computer-based tutorial lessons on the web or digital learning platforms associated with the industry standards and curriculum.

· Develops activities which align with standards in focus.

· Exposes members to a wide variety of skills and knowledge in topics ranging from initial exposure to a deeper understanding. To include lab work and “hands-on training” outside of the classroom, and any practice of learning associated with providing technical capacity for a career in renewable energy.

· Implements hands-on solar labs for both onsite and remote training.

Education and Experience:
• High School Diploma/Equivalent
• 3 years of experience as a certified teacher in a vocational/technical construction or maintenance-related training program (preferred)
• 1 year of experience at a Journey or Technician level in the solar industry (Minimum)
• OSHA Certified Trainer (Preferred)
• NCCER Trainer Certification (Preferred)
• NABCEP Certified (Preferred)
• Bilingual Spanish-speaking candidates (Preferred)

Related Skills

· “PV Installation Professional” Certified (Preferred)

· Comfort with different education techniques and openness to new developments in the field.

· Strong communication and organizational skills.

Ability to adapt to a changing environment and to address the varying needs of members in our program from diverse backgrounds.

Physical Requirements:

· Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

· Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds at times.

This job description is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of functions, responsibilities, skills, and abilities. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by 548 Foundation as deemed appropriate. This document does not represent a contract of employment, and [employer]reserves the right to change this job description and/or assign task for the team member to perform as 548 Foundation deems appropriate.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $79,800 annually

Benefits:
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:
• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Experience:
• Teaching: 1 year (Preferred)
• Renewable energy: 1 year (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $79,800.00 per year

Benefits:
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:
• Day shift
• Weekends as needed

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Ability to Commute:
• Chicago, IL 60601 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:
• Chicago, IL 60601: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Willingness to travel:
• 25% (Preferred)

Work Location: In person