Solar Crew Lead Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Organization Summary

Civic Works’ Energy Programs make it easy and affordable for Baltimore City and Central Maryland residents to go solar and upgrade their energy efficiency. Through our programs, residents of all income levels lower their energy bills, improve the comfort and safety of their homes, and have a positive impact on the environment. As an integral part of Civic Works’ job training center, we also play a pivotal role in expanding access to quality careers in the clean energy sector.

In 2023, Civic Works launched its low-income solar installation and roofing services program, providing free services to 17 Baltimore City homeowners. With key partners and funding in place, Civic Works is now poised to rapidly scale the program to serve about 70 low-income households each year. Civic Works is hiring a Senior Solar Crew Leader to support the expansion and implementation of this program. Civic Works’ green initiatives have been highlighted by The Baltimore Sun, The Washington Post, the US Conference of Mayors, and the Maryland Sustainable Growth Commission. Join us in creating a stronger, more resilient clean energy economy. Learn more about our transformative residential energy programs at http://energyprograms.civicworks.com.

Position Summary

The Senior Solar Crew Leader is responsible for leading field crews, ensuring high-quality workmanship, maintaining safety standards, and supporting the development of team members, including On-the-Job Trainees (OJTs). They will lead Civic Works' operations and maintenance team, overseeing customer service troubleshooting, quality assurance inspections, annual O&M visits, warranty coordination with vendors and manufacturers, and engagement with permit inspectors. They will supervise crews and evaluate the progress for each project. They will prepare and maintain required documentation and reports as needed. As a Senior Crew Leader, they will work with homeowners and will have a strong customer service focus and a passion for clean energy. They will be responsible for meeting monthly goals and will be evaluated based on performance metrics set by the Solar Field Manager and Solar and Roofing Construction and Training Manager. The Senior Solar Crew Leader will report directly to the Solar Field Manager. The ideal candidate brings strong hands-on installation experience, leadership capability, and advanced troubleshooting skills, along with a passion for community impact. 

Primary Responsibilities

Supervision of Solar Installation Team

1. Lead and manage residential solar installation crews on-site.
2. Set expectations daily and create a corrective action plan if performance metrics are not met.
3. Provide regular feedback and coaching.
4. Evaluate performance based on measurable outcomes.
5. Instruct and deliver curriculum to trainees in OJT.
6. Provide technical assistance on-the-job and make recommendations for additional hands-on training modules. 
7. Train, mentor, and develop crew members and OJTs to build technical and professional skills.
8. Support workforce development by fostering a positive, inclusive learning environment.
9. Serve as the primary point of contact on-site for crew-related questions and escalations.

Oversight of Installation Services and Safety Practices

1. Review project plans and coordinate installation workflow with team members.
2. Lead residential solar installations, including layout and assembly of solar modules/array and mounting hardware and mechanical/structural mounting of racking, modules, and electrical equipment.
3. Set the pace of work and help trainees develop the proficiency and speed that will be expected by employer partners.
4. Oversee work quality of all installers on site, according to industry standards and specific contract requirements.
5. Troubleshoot system issues during and after installation, identifying and resolving problems efficiently.
6. Conduct site assessments and provide feedback to improve installation processes.
7. Continuously work towards a 100% pass rate on quality control inspections and permit inspections; debrief and act upon all feedback received.
8. Provide day-to-day oversight of required supporting documentation of all installations (e.g. job notes, completion forms, photos, etc.).
9. Submit daily reports on all work completed to the Solar Field Manager.
10. Ensure that all team members are consistently in compliance with safety standards, according to federal and state standards and best practice guidelines, whether in the field or in the warehouse.
11. Maintain knowledge of current trends, developments, standards, and practices within the industry. Participate in educational programming or professional meetings as needed. 

Customer Service and Engagement 

1. Set and manage expectations with customers daily.
2. Break down technical language into general terms for customers. 
3. Ensure customer satisfaction; respond to all questions and concerns with professionalism.
4. Respond to quality control inspector questions and concerns with professionalism. 
5. Escalate problems to the Solar Field Manager, as needed.

Quality Assurance and System Maintenance

1. Handle customer complaints quickly, efficiently, and professionally. May include on-site trouble shooting and handling of RMAs as needed.
2. Manage Operations and Maintenance requests to ensure installed systems work properly. 
3. Help facilitate yearly O&M visits to ensure systems continue to operate at peak functionality.
4. Inspect installed systems for quality assurance. Submit pass/fail QC reports in a timely manner and help to coordinate follow up to close out QA reports.
5. Collaborate with vendors and manufacturers to process RMAs (Return Merchandise Authorizations) and resolve equipment-related issues.

Equipment Management

1. Safely operate company vehicles to transport crew, materials, and equipment to and from job sites.
2. Maintain a proper supply of materials and inventory for each job and vehicle assigned. 
3. Ensure vehicles, equipment, and tools are in good working and safe condition.
4. Coordinate with the Solar Field Manager to provide advance notice when supply purchases may be required. 
5. Under supervision, maintain and purchase materials as needed. Submit and code all receipts daily.
6. Coordinate with the Solar and Roofing Construction and Training Manager to provide notice when professional repairs may be required. 

Education and Experience:

1. At least 5 years of solar installation experience is required.
2. Degree, certifications, and/or completed courses comparable with the curriculum taught at the Civic Works’ Center for Sustainable Careers.
3. Must have a valid driver’s license.
4. Must have extensive technical experience, expertise, and/or industry knowledge of residential construction.
5. Must have proven experience leading installation crews in the field.
6. Experience training new solar installers.
7. Experience working directly with vendors or manufacturers for equipment issues and RMAs.
8. Expertise with or ability to quickly learn web-based software such as Google Mail, Google Drive, and Google Calendar. 
9. Preferred 2–3 years of experience as a Solar Crew Lead or similar leadership role.
10. Preferred Strong solar electrical knowledge and hands-on experience (AC/DC systems, inverters, troubleshooting).
11. Preferred Experience with battery storage systems (installation, commissioning, or troubleshooting).
12. Relevant certifications (e.g., OSHA, NABCEP PV Associate and/or PV Installer Professional) are a plus.
13. Experience with flat roofs is a plus.

Skills and Abilities:

1. Well-organized with the ability to prioritize, multitask, and work independently under pressure and tight deadlines.
2. Excellent verbal communication, interpersonal relations, and writing skills.
3. Ability to adhere to a strict guideline of keeping and maintaining confidential information.
4. Physical ability to perform the work. Must be able to lift 50 lbs. or more, and perform during all types of weather conditions.
5. Comfortable working on roofs and ladders for extended periods. 
6. Team player, experience as a leader, a self-starter, a willingness to lead and initiate.
7. Ability to perform basic math.
8. Ability to prepare and submit accurate and reliable daily and quality control reports.
9. Ability to teach curriculum in a traditional and non-traditional manner.
10. Ability to effectively communicate technical concepts to customers in easy to understand terms.
11. Ability to read and interpret plans, schematics, and electrical diagrams.
12. Passion for renewable energy and an enthusiasm for energy efficiency and social justice.
13. Ability to build deep supporting relationships with program participants from historically marginalized communities.
14. Bilingual in English and Spanish is a plus.

Schedule and Location:

• Work schedule is Monday through Friday, with start times as early as 7am.
• This is an in-person position that will report to Civic Works’ office in Baltimore City and travel to solar installation locations.

Benefits

• Eligible for benefits, including but not limited to medical insurance, dental and vision insurance, long term and short term disability, life insurance, 401(k) plan with employer match, and paid time off.

Civic Works is committed to fostering a welcoming environment and denouncing racism in any form.  Civic Works is deeply committed to the dignity, equity, and inclusion of all persons regardless of race, sex, marital status, pregnancy, ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression, and veteran status