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Overnight Solar Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Several utility-scale solar generation plants also are operated and maintained, as well as PG&E ... Regular travel (up to 75%), which may require staying overnight, and performs work onsite at ...

Overnight Solar Operator information

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

An Overnight Solar Operator typically earns less than $4,000 per week, as most solar industry roles pay hourly wages that amount to lower weekly earnings without specialized certifications. High-paying jobs that can reach or exceed $4,000 weekly without a degree often include skilled trades like commercial truck driving, certain sales positions, or entrepreneurship, but these usually require experience, licensing, or specific skills rather than formal degrees.

What are some unique challenges faced by Overnight Solar Operators, and how can they be managed effectively?

Overnight Solar Operators often encounter challenges such as monitoring and maintaining equipment when sunlight is unavailable, handling unexpected alarms or equipment faults, and ensuring site security during off-hours. Effective management involves being vigilant with remote monitoring systems, following established protocols for troubleshooting, and maintaining clear communication with the daytime operations team for seamless handovers. Staying organized and prepared for periodic site visits, even at night, helps ensure optimal system performance and safety.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Overnight Solar Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Overnight Solar Operator, you need a solid understanding of solar power systems, electrical troubleshooting, and basic mechanical skills, typically backed by a high school diploma or technical certification in a related field. Familiarity with SCADA monitoring systems, remote diagnostics tools, and safety protocols is essential for managing solar plant operations overnight. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective communication help you quickly identify and resolve issues while coordinating with team members or on-call engineers. These abilities are crucial to ensure continuous, safe, and efficient solar energy production during off-peak hours.

What are Overnight Solar Operators?

Overnight Solar Operators are professionals responsible for monitoring and managing the operations of solar power plants during nighttime hours. Their duties typically include overseeing system performance, responding to alarms or faults, performing routine checks, and ensuring the site remains secure and operational when sunlight is not available. They play a crucial role in maintaining the efficiency and safety of the facility by handling issues that may arise outside of regular daytime shifts. This position often requires familiarity with solar energy systems, monitoring software, and basic troubleshooting skills.

How to get into solar with no experience?

To become an overnight solar operator with no experience, start by gaining basic knowledge of solar energy systems through online courses or certifications. Entry-level positions often require a high school diploma and physical ability to work outdoors, with on-the-job training provided for specific equipment and safety procedures.

How to become a solar operator?

To become a solar operator, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with technical training or an apprenticeship in solar energy systems. Relevant skills include understanding electrical systems, safety procedures, and operating solar equipment, often supported by certifications such as OSHA or solar-specific credentials. On-the-job experience and familiarity with monitoring tools are also valuable for this role.

What solar jobs pay the most?

Among solar jobs, roles such as solar project managers, senior solar engineers, and solar operations managers tend to have the highest salaries due to their experience and responsibilities. These positions often require specialized skills, certifications, and leadership experience, and they typically offer higher compensation compared to entry-level roles like solar installers or technicians.

What is the difference between Overnight Solar Operator vs Solar Technician?

AspectOvernight Solar OperatorSolar Technician
CertificationsOSHA safety training, basic electrical knowledgeElectrical certifications, PV system training
Work EnvironmentNight shifts, outdoor solar sitesDay shifts, outdoor/indoor solar installations
Job FocusMonitoring, operating solar systems overnightInstalling, maintaining solar panels

While both roles work within the solar industry, the Overnight Solar Operator primarily monitors and operates solar systems during night shifts, requiring safety and electrical knowledge. In contrast, the Solar Technician focuses on installing and maintaining solar equipment during daytime hours. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find the right role based on their skills and preferred work schedule.

What are the most commonly searched types of Solar Operator jobs in California? The most popular types of Solar Operator jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Overnight Solar Operator jobs in California? For Overnight Solar Operator jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Overnight Solar Operator jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Overnight Solar Operator jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Overnight Solar Operator jobs? Cities in California with the most Overnight Solar Operator job openings:
Infographic showing various Overnight Solar Operator job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 43% Full Time, 54% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Excavator Operator, Commercial Self Perform

Tesla

Burbank, CA • On-site

$19.30 - $56.54/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago


Tesla rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 679 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

1st of 44 rated automakers


Job description

What to Expect

As an Excavator Operator, you will be expected to contribute on job sites in Southern California. This is a travel-based position for which nearly all work will occur on the road. Job durations will range from 1 to 4 weeks and will be undertaken by a cross functional team of 2 to 3 members handling all trades required to get the work done, together. The crew will remain consistent throughout the job and from job to job allowing for team cohesion and improvement as a group. This team will be expected to push the limits of construction technology and techniques, and as such will have direct feedback contact with design engineers, project managers, and business developers related to the program. A well-qualified applicant will have experience in many aspects of civil and underground utility installation. The role will be asked to work alongside and participate in various trades as well as train new employees and educate other members of the organization about the complexities of construction implementation.

Equipment Operators are responsible for manipulating heavy equipment. Usual duties for this role include performing maintenance checks, implementing safety measures, handling inventories, and removing debris. Essential skills include attention to safety, communication, stamina, accuracy, teamwork, and time management.In-between concrete projects, the candidate will be trained to support Powerpack and solar panel installations.

What You'll Do
  • Operate excavators and other heavy equipment to perform tasks such as digging, grading, and material handling
  • Ensure proper maintenance and safety checks of equipment before and after use
  • Follow site plans and instructions to execute precise excavation work
  • Adhere to Tesla's safety protocols and industry standards during all operations
  • Communicate effectively with team members to coordinate tasks and resolve issues
  • Support other construction activities as needed to meet project goals

What You'll Bring
  • Minimum 7+ years as an equipment operator, carpentry and concrete finishing experience is a plus
  • Validdriver's license required, flexibility to work on weekends and/or overtime along with overnight stay to support Tesla's critical mission
  • Proven experience as an Excavator Operator or in a similar heavy equipment role
  • Valid certification or license for operating heavy machinery (as required by local regulations)
  • Strong understanding of construction site safety practices and procedures
  • Ability to read and interpret site plans and technical details
  • Excellent hand-eye coordination and attention to detail

Compensation and Benefits Benefits

Along with competitive pay, as a full-time Tesla employee, you are eligible for the following benefits at day 1 of hire:

  • Medical plans > plan options with $0 payroll deduction
  • Family-building, fertility, adoption and surrogacy benefits
  • Dental (including orthodontic coverage) and vision plans, both have options with a $0 paycheck contribution
  • Company Paid (Health Savings Accounts) HSA Contribution when enrolled in the High-Deductible medical plan with HSA
  • Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
  • 401(k) with employer match, Employee Stock Purchase Plans, and other financial benefits
  • Company paid Basic Life, AD&D
  • Short-term and long-term disability insurance (90 day waiting period)
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Sick and Vacation time (Flex time for salary positions, Accrued hours for Hourly positions), and Paid Holidays
  • Back-up childcare and parenting support resources
  • Voluntary benefits to include: critical illness, hospital indemnity, accident insurance, theft & legal services, and pet insurance
  • Weight Loss and Tobacco Cessation Programs
  • Tesla Babies program
  • Commuter benefits
  • Employee discounts and perks program
Expected Compensation $19.30 - $56.54/hour + cash and stock awards + benefits

Pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package for this position may also include other elements dependent on the position offered. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment.


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