Affordable Solar Jobs (NOW HIRING)

About GRID Alternatives

GRID Alternatives is a national leader in making clean, affordable solar power and solar jobs accessible to low-income communities and communities of color. GRID is an entrepreneurial, high-growth non-profit organization that provides direct solar installation and project development; clean mobility options; workforce training and service-learning opportunities; and low-income solar policy advocacy.

Our Vision: a rapid, equitable transition to a world powered by renewable energy that benefits everyone.

Our Mission: to build community-powered solutions to advance economic and environmental justice through renewable energy.

What it's like to work at GRID… 

At GRID, we care about each other and know that each employee has a whole self that includes life outside of work. Our culture supports learning, growth and well-being of all of our team members. 

Summary of the role:

The Workforce Solar Trainer is responsible for teaching Installation Basic Training (IBT) curriculum and other related workforce programming to trainees in the classroom, lab, and on installation sites. Training Officers require a strong background in residential solar installation, a demonstrated command of the classroom, subject matter expertise across all IBT curriculum areas, and an ability to relate the knowledge and skills covered in IBT. 

This is an ON-SITE position based out of our OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA location and will travel 40% of the time.

What you will be doing (essential responsibilities):

• Implement curriculum, lesson plans, training calendars, and activities in line with content and standards. This includes set up and maintenance of the training classroom, training lab, and training equipment. 
• Deliver curriculum ensuring participants achieve learning outcomes 
• Teach and actively train/supervise solar installation skills including, but not limited to jobsite safety, electricity basics, racking mounts, array layout, conduit bending, customer service and communication, site evaluation, commissioning and O&M, and the appropriate use of tools and equipment through demonstration and modeling skills. 
• Teach and supervise the necessary safety procedures for use and handling of equipment & tools and cleanup of the classroom, lab, and construction area through demonstration and modeling skills. 
• Teach appropriate handling of construction problems arising at the building site through demonstration and modeling skills. 
• Provide on the job training supervision for learners on customer installations 
• Uphold and model GRID’s value for EID
• Set up, supervise and maintain high standards for the execution of course exams 
• Help supervise worksite activities and schedules with the Workforce Program Manager  
• Keep the Solar Installation Training Officer informed regarding performance issues of learners 
• Review, evaluate and document learners’ progress and skill attainment 
• Turn in required documents in a timely manner 
• Ensure learners compliance with attendance and other program policies. 
• Assist in facilitating and leading recruitment and job placement activities. 
• Collaborate and provide feedback to the workforce development team  
• Build and maintain lab equipment 
• Work closely with Solar Installation Training Officer on training logistics, documentation, feedback, and improvements
• Assist in solar installation, service calls, site assessments or design projects as assigned 
• Performs other duties as assigned 

Your areas of knowledge and expertise...

• A minimum of 3 years' experience in solar installation 
• Ability to pass a baseline solar installation capstone exam 
• Completion or ability to complete GRID Alternatives’ train the trainer program or equivalent training 
• Ability to speak and present to a group for extended periods of time 
• Skills to teach basic residential installation techniques in class, lab and customer installation settings 
• Knowledge of safety hazards in solar installations 
• Ability to demonstrate proper safety procedures for using tools and equipment  
• Basic math skills and ability to teach basic calculations as they relate to solar installations 
• Skills in group facilitation and classroom management 
• Skills in conflict resolution and de-escalation 
• Ability to assess student skills and provide feedback for improvement 
• Familiarity and comfort with fundamental computer skills and tools (MS Office, Gmail/Google apps, CRMs)
• Physical ability to perform activities related to solar installation work, including but not limited to standing for long periods (sometimes on a sloped surface), bending, stooping, squatting, kneeling, twisting, working above the shoulders, working with manual and electric hand tools, repetitive motions, lifting and carrying up to 50lbs, working in direct sunlight, working with trip hazards, and working at heights 
• Requires work in the early   mornings as well as travel and overnight stays (up to 40%) to conduct   training. GRID Alternatives provides travel reimbursement and per diem.
• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record as determined by our insurance carrier  
• MUST be able to successfully pass a pre-employment background screen (please note that GRID Alternatives is a second chance employer)

It would be great if you also had...

• Supervisory experience 
• 1 or more years teaching individuals with   diverse backgrounds in developing a variety of personal and professional   skills 
• BI-Lingual/Bi-Literate preferably in   Spanish

Required Licenses and Certifications: [1] 

• OSHA-10 
• CPR 
• First Aid 

Benefits and how we take care of you 

Compensation:

The compensation range for this fulltime position is $52,286-$70,000.  The base pay that will actually be offered will vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, location, experience and take into account internal equity. 

Benefits: 

Medical, Dental, Vision/Eye Care insurance, 5 weeks paid time off (PTO),13 paid holidays, Commuter Checks, 403b Retirement Plan, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Flexible Spending Account (FSA), Health Savings Account (HSA), STD, LTD, and AD&D insurance 

Where you will sit and the places you will go:

The ideal candidate will be based out of the Oakland office.  This position may require up to 40 % out-of-town travel to regional offices, remote training locations, and special projects such as org-wide celebrations, team building exercises, etc. Availability to work nights and weekends may very rarely be required. 

GRID Alternatives may provide vehicles for work travel and/or travel reimbursement for personal vehicle use. In this instance, applicants must hold a valid driver’s license and have a good driving record      

Important to note for California applicants: 

**Hired CA candidates must be able to pass a screening for drugs that are illegal in the state of California, including: amphetamine, cocaine metabolite, opiates, and PCP. 

Reasonable Accommodation for Job Seekers with a Disability: 

If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to: RECRUITING@GRIDALTERNATIVES.ORG 

Ready to Apply?

Submit a resume describing your interest. Due to the high volume of inquiries, mailed and emailed applications are not accepted.   

GRID Alternatives provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability or genetics. Because we value EID at GRID Alternatives, we encourage folks from all backgrounds to apply, even if you do not meet all of the preferred qualifications. Every member of GRID Alternatives must be dedicated to participating in the organization's equity, inclusion, and diversity (EID) work.