Technician (Solar)

Renewable Energy Systems is hiring a Solar & Battery Storage Technician for field-based operations and maintenance of utility-scale solar PV and battery storage plants in the Hastings/Lewes/Royal Tunbridge Wells areas. The role requires a qualified electrician with experience in MW-scale power plants. Benefits include a comprehensive package, training opportunities, and career progression. Weekend on-call duties are required, and a company vehicle and equipment will be provided.
Do you want to work to make Power for Good?

We're the world's largest independent renewable energy company, guided by a simple yet powerful vision to create a future where everyone has access to affordable, zero carbon energy.

We know that achieving our ambitions would be impossible without our people. Because we're tackling some of the world's toughest problems, we need the very best people to help us. They're our most important asset so that's why we continually invest in them.

RES is a family with a diverse workforce, and we are dedicated to the personal and professional growth of our people, no matter what stage of their careers they're at. We can promise you rewarding work which makes a real impact, the chance to learn from inspiring colleagues from across a growing, global network and opportunities to grow personally and professionally.

Our competitive package offers a wide range of benefits and rewards.

Job Purpose

This role will cover sites in the Hastings/ Lewes/ Royal Tunbridge Wells areas.

The Solar & Battery Storage Technician is a field-based role performing operations and maintenance tasks on utility-scale battery storage plants and ground mounted solar PV plants. You will ensure the plants achieve outstanding levels of safety, quality and performance at a cost that meets operational budget, as part of an industry-leading team of renewable energy specialists.

You will be a qualified electrician with experience operating and maintaining MW-scale power plants, with DC and HV electrical competencies. This is a permanent role and will require availability for weekend on-call duties as part of a rota. An overtime system is in place.

A company vehicle, smart phone and laptop/tablet will be provided. RES provides a comprehensive package of benefits including contributory pension, private health insurance and investment in role specific training. You will have the opportunity to work towards Authorised Person (AP) or Senior Authorised Person (SAP) status.

RES pride ourselves on our in-house training programme and this is provided. Technicians who demonstrate an attitude and aptitude for career progression will be encouraged to broaden their experience to advanced levels such as an industry recognised HV Authorised Person (AP) or Senior Authorised Person (SAP). For team members who embody our values of Passion, Accountability, Collaboration and Excellence, the opportunities for growth are huge.

Accountabilities

Reporting to the Solar & Storage O&M Manager, you will:
• Follow and manage health and safety requirements and help to maintain and improve safety standards across the plants
• Achieve and maintain Authorised Person status determined by training received, experience gained and in line with individual job role requirements
• Undertake planned inspection and maintenance according to legal, technical, manufacturer and contractual requirements
• Inspect, test and maintain plant and equipment.
• Undertake AC and DC system testing, troubleshooting and fault-finding
• Perform reactive maintenance, fault diagnosis and resolution promptly
• Troubleshoot and repair on sensors and communication equipment including RS485, Ethernet and fibre optic networks.
• Configure computer-based devices and components, including firmware updates
• Occasionally assist with ground maintenance, cleaning or mechanical work
• Induct and manage sub-contractors, ensure their safe working and undertake quality checks on their work.
• Keep accurate maintenance records and compile reports
• Keep in close communication with the O&M office and team functions
• Travel between the sites and offices
• Occasionally work away from home for training courses or to cover other sites for up to 1 week at a time
• Other tasks determined by the role

Knowledge
• Knowledge of central inverters desirable
• Principles of High Voltage operations
• Technical understanding of AC, DC, SCADA, instrumentation and communications networks
• Good knowledge and understanding of solar PV technology is essential
• Good knowledge and understanding of HVAC, fire protection, security systems is desirable
• Good knowledge and understanding of battery storage technology, although training can be given in this area

Experience
• Experience, reading, writing and amending Risk Assessments and Method Statements
• Experience working with equipment vendors to support diagnosis of faults
• DC and LV installation, fault finding, testing and commissioning
• Experience working remotely
• Solar PV installation and O&M experience (MW-scale or large commercial ground-mount)
• Battery storage installation and O&M experience (MW- scale) is desirable
• Experience installing or maintaining ethernet and fibre optic communications
• Experience working with SCADA or data monitoring systems
• Work with Central inverters
• Work with High Voltage switchgear

Skills and Attributes
• Approach to safe working practices
• Excellent communication skills, fluent written and spoken English
• Able to respond to changing priorities and emergent issues
• Enthusiasm for personal development
• Able to read and interpret schematic diagrams and technical manuals
• Computer skills for writing reports, reporting progress and communicating by email
• Passion, Accountability, Collaboration, and Excellence

Qualifications
• Full UK driving licence
• Approved Electrician
• Inspection and testing qualifications (C&G 2391 or 2394/5) highly valued
• First aid qualifications
• Health & Safety qualifications (e.g. IOSH Managing Safely, SMSTS)

At RES we celebrate difference as we know it makes our company a great place to work. Encouraging applicants with different backgrounds, ideas and points of view, we create teams who work together to solve complex problems and design practical solutions for our clients. Our multiple perspectives come from many sources including the diverse ethnicity, culture, gender, nationality, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, marital status, parental status, education, social background and life experience of our people.

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