Solar PV Installation Technician

Solar Ascent is hiring a Solar PV Installation Technician for a 15-week internship in Hammonds Plains, NS, Canada. The role involves installing solar systems at various sites, managing materials, and ensuring safety compliance. Candidates must be Canadian citizens aged 15-30, residing in Nova Scotia. The position offers hands-on experience and mentorship, with a wage of $26.00/hour for 35 hours per week, starting April 28, 2025.
Job title: Solar PV Installation Technician

Reports to: Installation Manager

Job location: 1880 Hammonds Plains Road, Hammonds Plains.

Wage: $26.00 / hour

Hours: 35 hours per week (15-week internship)

Start Date: Expected April 28 , 2025

Number of Positions: 3

Equity Hiring:  

Clean is committed to Employment Equity. Our goal is to be inclusive of a diverse workforce that is reflected at all job levels. The Clean Leadership Program welcomes candidates from diverse equity groups to apply and encourage you to self-identify on our registration form.

About the Clean Leadership Summer Internship Program

The Clean Leadership Summer Internship program helps grow the clean economy by matching interns (age 15-30) with employers for 9- and 15-week summer work placements. Participating interns will receive paid hands-on experience, mentorship opportunities, take part in a professional development conference and training, while supporting local environmental projects.

Program Requirements
• Must be a Canadian citizen, Permanent Resident, person who has been granted refugee status in Canada or legally entitled to work in Canada;
• Must be between the ages of 15 and 30 years old (inclusive) at the start of internship;
• From and/or will be residing in Nova Scotia for the duration of the internship;
• Must not be an immediate family member of host employer;

About the host employer

Solar Ascent is a small, local solar installation business based in Hammonds Plains, NS. Since 2019, Solar Ascent has installed over 4 megawatts of solar panels for residential and commercial clients all over the province. We are growing our on-site team to install the next 4 megawatts even faster!

We take pride in being a people centric organization for both our customers and our team. We provide all the necessary training and equipment to ensure that everyone can work safely and competently. We also strive to create an equal opportunity for anyone wishing to get involved in the solar industry here in Nova Scotia.

Summary of position

The host employer for this Summer Internship position through the Clean Leadership program will be Solar Ascent.

The Installation Technician is a member of the operations team and represents the company at the work site. They will work as part of the installation team in a safe and professional manner to install solar photovoltaic (PV) systems at homes and businesses throughout Nova Scotia. The Installation Technician will assist with all labour, materials management and clean-up onsite as well as loading, unloading and transporting materials to and from the shop. They will report directly to the Crew Lead who will be leading the installation. Training will come from senior staff such as the Crew Leads, the Installation Manager, and the Senior Installation Technicians. A typical day involves driving in the company truck to the worksite, unloading and unpacking, participating in a daily safety meeting, and then installing solar equipment (typically on roofs). The Installation Technician must be fluent in English, not be afraid of heights, and must be able to lift 60lbs repeatedly. It is essential that the installation technician is extremely safety conscious and adheres to Solar Ascent’s strict safety policies and rules.

Duties and Responsibilities

System Installation

● Participate in morning risk assessments and safety discussions

● Load all required project materials into the trailer/truck at the shop

● Safely secure materials in and on the truck/trailer before driving

● Assist with site set-up

● Set up / take down ladders and staging as required

● Set up and use fall arrest equipment before starting any work at height

● Install racking system in accordance with the approved system design

● Mount electrical equipment and conduit in accordance with the approved system design and layout

● Fish and pull wires through conduit as required

● Install solar modules and other system components

● Assist electricians on site if required

● Take required system photos for record keeping and approvals

Shop Logistics

● Assist in keeping shop organized when loading / unloading

● Assist with receiving materials from shipments when required

● Assist in allocating job materials to projects when required

General

● Record all worked hours in time tracking software at the end of each day

● Drive safely and responsibly, according to all applicable laws, posted speed limits and weather conditions

● Create and update processes, procedures, checklists, and other documentation

● Attend all safety talks, team meetings, and other meetings as requested

Requirements/Qualifications

General:

● Have an aptitude for safe work practices and the ability to multi-task in a busy work environment;

● Be able to work productively as part of a team while responding to feedback;

● Demonstrated interest in future employment in the environmental or clean sector is considered an asset;

Education:

● High School Diploma, GED or equivalent

● Post-secondary education in carpentry or electrical is preferred

● Equivalent relevant industry experience is preferred

● Post secondary education in a field related to sustainability or electrical is an asset (electrician, renewable energy, engineering technology, etc.)

● Current fall arrest, aerial lift training, and first aid certificates are an asset

Experience:

● 1+ year(s) working in roofing, carpentry, or solar

● Experience working with electricity preferred

● Experience working at heights and on ladders preferred

● Experience working in the renewable energy sector preferred

● Experience in customer service position is an asset

Skills:

● Knowledgeable with hand tools and some power tools (drill, impact gun, etc.)

● Comfortable working at heights and on sloped roofs

● Comfortable climbing and working from scaffolding, ladders and elevated platforms

● Able to lift, move and carry materials and equipment weighing 65lbs or more

● Strong verbal communication skills

● Strong organizational skills

● Ability to work within tight deadlines and still get the details right

● Ability to work both independently and as part of a team

Working Conditions

All the work is outdoors on worksites; therefore it is expected that the intern is comfortable working in direct sunlight, strong winds, heat, cold, and rain.

Physical Requirements

The job is physically demanding. Must be able to lift 60 lbs, climb ladders, and work full days outside wearing fall arrest gear and toolbelt. Most days are 7 to 9 hours, but some days, longer work hours might be required.