Photon Technician (Solar Installer)

Northwind Solar is seeking a Photon Technician to install photovoltaic (PV) systems in Amherst, WI. Responsibilities include assembling and installing solar systems, operating tools, adhering to safety regulations, and performing electrical work. The role requires a high school diploma, a valid WI driver's license, and may involve traveling up to 50% of the time. Preferred experience includes 1-2 years in solar installation and carpentry skills.
Position Title: Photon Technician

Reports To: DC Lead or Electrician
Supervises (Yes/No): No

Our Mission

North Wind’s vision is to transition our society to one powered by renewable energy. As a member-owned cooperative, we are demonstrating a better way to build a successful business in Central Wisconsin. Our members are empowered, educated, and engaged. We work with our clients to install the highest quality solar power systems. Our community is more resilient because North Wind is helping build it. Together we are powering forward a more democratic economy.

Position Summary

The Photon Technician is responsible for assembling and installing photovoltaic (PV) systems on a roof or other structures as directed. This will include, but not limited to, installation of racking, grounding hardware, DC conductors, components, and modules, trenching, setting up job sites, cleaning up, and restocking.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities
• Installs PV systems in accordance with codes and standards as directed.
• Operates hand tools and power tools and equipment such as impact drills, hammer drills, shovels, and screwdrivers.
• Uses hand and power tools to install PV systems as directed.
• Follows all safety regulations and guidelines at all times and wears appropriate personal protective equipment as required.
• Sets up workstations from a variety of elevated positions using ladders, personnel lifts, and scaffolding.
• Lifts and carries required equipment, products, and trash to and from the work area.
• Loads and unloads equipment, products, and trash to and from vehicles.
• Cleans and maintains shop areas, work sites, company vehicles, and storage areas.
• Applies weather sealing to array, building or support mechanisms, understands effective weather tight sealing and notifies supervisor of any deficiencies.
• Performs excavation as needed for ground racking systems and trenching conduit runs.
• Performs electrical work including pulling wire, mounting electrical boxes and running conduit on walls or attics.
• Assists in checking electrical installation for proper wiring, polarity, grounding or integrity of terminations as needed.
• Operate electrical testing equipment, Digital Multi-Meters.
• Drives company vehicles and operates other equipment such as forklifts and scissors lifts following safety recommendations.
• Reports any problems or discrepancies to the supervisor in a timely manner.
• Work schedules are determined by customer needs. Traveling and overnight stays, up to 50% of the work schedule, is required.

Qualifications & Requirements

Minimum Education and Requirements:
• High school or equivalent
• Valid WI Driver’s License
• Must be able to successfully pass pre-employment screenings

Required Certifications/Licensure (within first year of employment)
• OSHA 10
• NWREC Forklift Training
• Red Cross First Aid

Preferred Certifications/Licensure;
• NABCEP Associates Certificate or Installer Certificate

Experience

Required: None

Preferred:
• 1-2 years solar installation experience
• 1-2 years carpentry skills

Knowledge and Skills That Lead to Success
• Strong ability to work with hands, troubleshooting, electrical aptitude
• Positive attitude
• Excellent communication and customer service skills
• Works well in a team environment.

Physical Demands / Work Environment
• While performing the essential functions of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, kneel, bend, walk, climb, use hands, reach with hands and arms, and talk or hear. The employee is regularly required to lift/move materials of 50 pounds, occasionally overhead, unassisted
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to high, precarious places, outdoor weather conditions, confined spaces, and extreme temperatures.
• Occasionally performing work in tight spaces such as an attic, crawl space or closets.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Total Benefits Package
• Membership in the Cooperative after 2 years. Members share equally in the prosperity of the cooperative and have an equal vote in the cooperative’s decision making.
• Cooperative-wide Performance Based Bonuses. Critical numbers are established in the beginning of each year and quarterly achievements can equal bonus payout.
• Paid Time Off (PTO): 72 hours after 120-day introductory period. Adding 8 hours PTO per year of service.
• Disability Insurance both long and short term
• Group Health Insurance and Dental Insurance plans available
• Life Insurance
• Paid Education: Both Professional Development and Personal Enrichment
• Solar Installation on your home at cost
• Nine paid holidays

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $21.00 - $28.00 per hour

Expected hours: 30 – 40 per week

Benefits:
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Referral program

Schedule:
• 10 hour shift

Supplemental Pay:
• Bonus opportunities

Experience:
• Solar industry: 1 year (Required)

Ability to Commute:
• Amherst, WI 54406 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:
• Amherst, WI 54406: Relocate with an employer provided relocation package (Required)

Willingness to travel:
• 50% (Preferred)

Work Location: In person