Solar Farm Apprentice Jobs in Champaign, IL (NOW HIRING)

TURNKEY SOLAR SOLUTIONS

Comprehensive Engineering, Procurement, and Construction Solutions

16 Years of Experience 100 Team Members 11 States Serviced

Harvest Solar delivers top-quality solar energy solutions for commercial, industrial, and agricultural use. Founded in 2010, we began with wind energy and quickly expanded into solar, serving over 11 states across the Midwest.

As a Michigan-based company, we provide full-service installations backed by a 30-year warranty. From homes to businesses and farms, our mission is to meet energy needs with sustainable, reliable solutions.

We consistently seek exceptional individuals eager to make a difference and grow with us. With locations in Jackson, Michigan, and Champaign, Illinois, we value innovation, sustainability, and craftsmanship. Working here means being part of a collaborative environment where your contributions drive a greener future.

Explore our open positions below and take the first step toward joining our team.

• Two Health Plan Choices with Excellent Cost Sharing
• Dental and Vision Plans with Excellent Cost Sharing
• Group Life Insurance Paid by Company
• Group Disability Insurance Paid by Company
• Supplemental Insurance Plans Available
• Nine Paid Holidays
• Paid Time Off and Paid Vacation
• 401k Matching Plan
• Paid Weekly
• Electrical Apprentice Program
• Download Benefit Offering Summary

Position: Solar Project Manager - Champaign, Illinois

Location: Champaign, IL

Job Id:197

# of Openings:1

APPLICANTS ONLY - NO RECRUITERS PLEASE

Harvest Solar, an equal opportunity employer, is a Michigan-based company that provides cost-effective renewable energy for agriculture, commercial, and utility customers yielding more energy independence by utilizing solar energy. We believe in energy independence and a sustainable future for our children and grandchildren. Our purpose is to empower people to create and use renewable energy by providing them with the best‑in‑class service, products, and experience.

Salary
The salary range for this role is $90,000.00 to 100,000.00 USD, salary commensurate with experience. AnAnnual Bonus Target representing 5% of your annual base salary/annual wages is paid based on meeting both organizational and individual targets.

Purpose of Position Under the direction of the Director of Project Management and in full compliance with the employee handbook and all applicable laws, rules, and regulations, the Solar Project Manager (SPM) will perform all duties outlined in this position description. The ideal candidate will oversee multiple commercial photovoltaic (PV) projects, including supervision of the Installation work force to meet all schedule requirements, oversee and maintain a safe and clean work environment throughout the installation process and oversee and provide leadership for the Installation personnel. Support problem solving and continuous improvement activities and provide financial feedback and any other support required by the Vice President of Operations.

• Lead by example in all areas of safety, quality, productivity, cost reduction and customer satisfaction.
• Enforce company rules and regulations, taking disciplinary action when necessary and coordinating with Human Resources.
• Instruct and assist employees to install in a safe and productive manner while adhering to quality requirements.
• Maintain a clean, safe work area and job site.
• Coordinate all sub-contractors, LV electrical, MV electrical, Surveyor, concrete, temporary labor, civil inspectors and Miss Dig.
• Assist in scheduling the work force and installation projects.
• Ensure that employees are properly trained to safely install quality solar arrays.
• Ensure all necessary materials are on hand to install in a productive manner.
• Document all accidents and file required reports.
• Assist in hiring/staffing employees as required to meet the needs of the installation schedule.
• Evaluate the new job packets for cost savings and process improvements.
• Ensure that customer and internal quality standards are achieved on new jobs and maintain properly documented evidence.
• Promote and maintain good customer and supplier relationships.
• Work with Purchasing to order material/supplies in a timely manner and maintain appropriate inventory levels.
• Initiate continuous improvement methodology with installation team members.
• Key contact person for any issues with customers or suppliers while on a jobsite.
• Schedule and perform routine maintenance requirements on company owned equipment.
• Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
• Other duties as assigned.

THE ABOVE STATEMENTS ARE INTENDED TO DESCRIBE THE GENERAL NATURE AND LEVEL OF WORK PERFORMED BY INDIVIDUALS ASSIGNED TO THIS POSITION. THEY ARE NOT INTENDED TO BE AN EXHAUSTIVE LIST OF ALL RESPONSIBILITIES, DUTIES AND REQUIREMENTS.

Personal Competencies (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Other Attributes)

• Ability to work in a team environment.
• Proven record of continuous improvement in Quality, Productivity, Safety and Housekeeping.
• Basic understanding of and the ability to operate all job-related equipment, company owned and rented.
• Excellent leadership, analytic, organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to train, motivate and evaluate departmental personnel.
• Ability to handle and organize multi-task assignments with accuracy and in a timely manner.
• Must have full range or mobility in upper and lower body; ability to work in various positions & environments, including, but not limited to, stooping, standing, bending, sitting, kneeling and squatting for extended periods of time.
• Professional appearance and excellent customer service.

Educational and Certification Background Valid State Driver's License, required.

Bachelor’s degree in construction management or directly related discipline required. Two years of directly related experience may substitute for one year of university degree.

3-5 years of Project Management experience, required. Experience dealing with utility scale projects of 5 Mega Watts or higher or behind the meter Commercial/Industrial projects, preferred. AC and DC electrical installation experience, preferred.

MIOSHA 30 Certification, required.Training assistance is available.

Work Environment

• Office Environment 50% of the time: Busy office with frequent interruptions and multi-tasking required; standard office equipment is available including Microsoft Office
• Day travel Required 50% of the time to support job sites and customers.
• Over Night Travel Required 25% of the time to support job sites and customers.

Benefit Offerings Harvest Solar employees are eligible for the following benefits programs:

• Nine Paid Holidays per Year. Including: New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Day after Thanksgiving, and Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Years Eve.
• Paid Vacation: Vacation time is accrued each week at a rate of 1.5384 to achieve 80 hours in the calendar year. Unused vacation can be paid out and/or up to 40 unused hours can be rolled over at year end.

The First of the Month after the Date of Hire:

• Health Insurance. The premiums are a shared expense with 80% covered by Harvest Solar and 20% covered by the associate via a weekly payroll deduction. Premiums are based on level of coverage, (i.e., Associate only, Associate & Spouse, Associate & Child(ren), Family).
• Option 1: Priority Health, POS HSA 2000 Plan
• • Members can seek care from in-network providers (Cigna provider network).
  • Preventive care covered 100% when received in-network.
  • HSA compatible health plan. An HSA is a tax-deductible savings account used in conjunction with the health plan. Contribution limits are determined by the IRS. Harvest Solar will make the following weekly deposit into your HSA account based on the coverage options: Associate: 10.64; Associate & Spouse: 27.25; Associate & Child(ren): 21.65; Family: 37.55
• Option 2: Priority Health, Traditional POS 1000 Plan
• • Members can seek care from in-network providers (Cigna provider network).
  • Preventive care covered 100% when received in-network.
  • Not an HSA compatible health plan.

Dental Insurance The premiums are a shared expense with 80% covered by Harvest Solar and 20% covered by the associate via a weekly payroll deduction. Premiums are based on level of coverage, (i.e., Associate only, Associate & Spouse, Associate & Child(ren), Family).

Vision Insurance: The premiums are a shared expense with 80% covered by Harvest Solar and 20% covered by the associate via a weekly payroll deduction. Premiums are based on level of coverage, (i.e., Associate only, Associate & Spouse, Associate & Child(ren), Family).

Group Life Insurance: $50,000.00 of group life insurance, with and Accident Death clause. Premiums are covered by Harvest Solar

Group Short Term Disability: 60% of your earnings, with a $1,000.00 weekly maximum, are available for injury or illness after a seven-day waiting period. Premiums are covered by Harvest Solar.

Voluntary Supplemental Programs: Accident, Critical illness, and Hospital Indemnity are available at the associate’s expense. Plans are organized through Allstate and premiums are paid through payroll deduction.

At 90 Days of Employment:

• Paid Time Off (PTO): 40 Hours are available each year on January 1. PTO Is available to assist you in managing your time off work for personal appointments. PTO does not rollover, nor is it paid out at the end of the year, unused PTO is forfeited. In the first year of employment available hours are prorated based on your date of hire.

The First of the Month After 90-Days of Employment:

• Harvest Solar 401k Plan: Associates are auto enrolled at a 3% deferral rate. The plan is administered by Vestwell. Auto enrolled contribution is invested in a “Retire-On-Time” plan. Once enrolled, the associate may make changes that include:
  • Increasing the Deferral Rate to the Applicable IRS Limits: A company match is available. When the associate defers 3%, Harvest Solar matches 3%. When the associate defers 4%, the Harvest Solar the first 3.5%. When the associate defers 5%, Harvest Solar matches the first 4%.
  • Changing the Account Type: Both a pre-tax and Roth account is available.
  • Changing the Investment Type: The plan offers standard plans to address risk or age of retirement, or the associate can customize their own investment.

Harvest Solar is an amazing place to work. They truly model excellence in every aspect of the business. And they really put their employees first, which is what makes us all want to continue to exhibit this same excellence that has become the Harvest brand. From safety, to compensation, and everything in between, Harvest provides the very best for their people."

Beth Fronczak

Harvest Solar is a family-centric organization that encourages sustainable growth. It's exciting to be a part of something that I can be proud to share with my kids, and at the same time, help families and businesses secure their future of clean energy independence."

Alex Brown

The people here at Harvest Solar take care of you, communicate well, and are very skilled. Overall, it's just a great place to be."

Caleb Gordish

I enjoy working at Harvest Solar because the team actually supports each other, and I get to work on meaningful projects every day. It feels good knowing the work I do directly impacts real communities."

Brenden Jewsbury

Working at Harvest Solar has been one of the most rewarding parts of my career. The culture is genuinely supportive and collaborative, and every project feels meaningful because we’re helping our customers and our communities move toward cleaner energy. What makes it truly special is being part of an amazing team that shows up every day with pride, purpose, and a shared commitment to doing good work for the environment.

Jamie MacDonald

Working at Harvest Solar has been an incredibly rewarding experience. From day one, I was welcomed into a team that values accuracy, integrity, and innovation. What I appreciate about Harvest Solar is the culture-people who care about their work and are genuinely committed to delivering high-quality renewable energy solutions. Communication is open, teamwork is strong, and leadership is supportive and approachable. Working here has reinforced my passion for accounting and given me a sense of purpose in contributing to a cleaner, more sustainable future.

Shaunte’ Martinez

I honestly love working at Harvest Solar. The owners know every one of us by name, leadership listens and actually cares how we’re doing, and the whole team feels like a big family that looks out for each other. I’ve never been anywhere that feels this supportive and genuine. People celebrate your wins and make coming to work something I look forward to every single day."

Bryan Schultz

Harvest Solar is exactly the kind of workplace you hope to find. The company encourages training and personal growth, gives you every tool you could possibly need to be successful, and provides a work environment that’s supportive, collaborative, and genuinely enjoyable."

Russell Hawkins

3 years in and I've never regretted joining this great team. I love the mission, people, and helping our customers."

Allen Bonthuis

I’ve been with Harvest Solar for several years and couldn’t imagine a better place to work. The team is genuinely passionate about renewable energy; the projects make a real difference for our customers, and the company truly feels like a family. I’m proud to be part