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Solar Grading Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Staff Civil Engineer

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

$80K - $85K/yr

Support site layout and grading design for renewable energy solar farms and related facilities. * Preparation of permit and bidding documents. * Preparation of construction and repair cost estimates.

... wind, solar, and storage renewable energy projects-including engineering, permitting ... e.g., grading, drainage, utility crossings), ensuring regulatory compliance through detailed ...

... wind, solar, and storage renewable energy projects-including engineering, permitting ... e.g., grading, drainage, utility crossings), ensuring regulatory compliance through detailed ...

Power projects may include substations, solar farms, wind farms, and battery storage facilities ... grading, storm water design, rail and roadways, utilities, and agency and railroad coordination.

... solar, electric substation, battery energy storage sites and utility-related civil site work. A ... Experience with site civil grading and stormwater design. * Experience with roadway and ...

Power projects may include substations, solar farms, wind farms, and battery storage facilities ... grading, storm water design, rail and roadways, utilities, and agency and railroad coordination.

Power projects may include substations, solar farms, wind farms, and battery storage facilities ... grading, storm water design, rail and roadways, utilities, and agency and railroad coordination.

... solar, electric substation, battery energy storage sites and utility-related civil site work. A ... Experience with site civil grading and stormwater design. * Experience with roadway and ...

Showing results 21-40

Solar Grading information

What is solar grading?

Solar grading refers to the process of preparing and leveling land for the installation of solar panels and related infrastructure. This involves removing obstacles, shaping the terrain, and ensuring proper drainage to support solar arrays. Proper grading ensures stability, maximizes sunlight exposure, and helps prevent issues like erosion or water pooling around the solar equipment. It is a crucial step in constructing efficient and long-lasting solar energy systems.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a solar grading technician?

In a solar grading role, your daily tasks typically include operating heavy machinery to level and prepare land for solar panel installation, ensuring that the ground is stable and properly sloped for optimal panel alignment and drainage. You'll work closely with site engineers and construction teams to interpret site plans, address any unexpected terrain challenges, and maintain safety standards on-site. This role is critical to the overall success of a solar project, as precise grading directly impacts the structural integrity and efficiency of the solar array. Attention to detail and teamwork are essential, as you’ll collaborate with multiple trades throughout the installation process.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a solar grading technician?

To thrive as a Solar Grading Technician, you need experience in site preparation, earthmoving, and familiarity with construction drawings, often supported by a high school diploma or relevant vocational training. Proficiency with heavy machinery such as graders, bulldozers, and GPS-based grading systems is typically required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and strong problem-solving abilities are vital soft skills for this role. These skills and qualifications ensure safe, efficient, and precise preparation of sites for solar panel installation, which is critical for project success.

What is the difference between Solar Grading vs Solar Installer?

AspectSolar GradingSolar Installer
CredentialsTypically requires electrical or construction certificationsRequires electrical, roofing, or general construction certifications
Work EnvironmentPrimarily on rooftops or solar sites, focusing on system assessmentOn-site installation, including mounting panels and wiring
Industry UsageInvolved in system evaluation and preparationHands-on installation and setup of solar systems

Solar Grading and Solar Installer roles often overlap but differ mainly in focus. Solar Grading involves assessing and preparing sites, while Solar Installers handle the physical installation. Both require technical certifications and work outdoors, but their daily tasks and responsibilities vary significantly.

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Solar Grading jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Solar Grading job openings:

Staff Civil Engineer

GEI Consultants

Chicago, IL • Hybrid

$80K - $85K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago


GEI Consultants rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

286th of 449 rated engineering


Job description

Description

Your role at GEI. 
Essential Responsibilities & Duties 
 
We have a need for a Staff Civil Engineer to work on a variety of projects. The desired civil skills include:
  • Collaborate with project team to integrate civil design and overall project requirements.
  • Preparation of engineering drawings, specifications, technical memos and reports in compliance with local, state, and federal standards.
  • Support civil site design projects, including grading, drainage, utilities, stormwater management, and erosion control/SWPPP.
  • Support site layout and grading design for renewable energy solar farms and related facilities.
  • Preparation of permit and bidding documents.
  • Preparation of construction and repair cost estimates.
  • Convert field information to final drawings.
  • Perform field inspections during design and construction phases.
 Minimum Qualifications
 
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering
  • 3-5 years of relevant civil design experience
  • AutoCAD/Civil 3D, Microsoft office programs
  • Excellent Communication and Writing Skills
  • Passed the FE exam (preferred)
  • Drainage/Surface water management programs (HEC-RAS, HyrdoCAD) (preferred)
  • GIS modeling (preferred)
We are GEI.  
 
Some of the world’s most pressing problems – from climate change to sustainable development, to critical infrastructure and the future of our energy supply – need our brightest and diverse minds working together to create safer, more resilient communities for tomorrow.  
 
 We are technical experts, collaborators, and entrepreneurs who draw from diverse backgrounds to solve our clients’ most complex challenges.  
 
 With several offices across North America, we offer a range of engineering, science, and technical consulting services. Our range of expertise, project types, and culture make us the choice for top talent in the AEC industry. See all our office locations here.
 
Employee-owned. Employee-focused.   
 
As an employee-owned company, our employees support our flat leadership structure, have a say in how our business operates and benefit from our financial success. We are committed to employee growth with career development opportunities, competitive total rewards, a well-being program, flexible work arrangements and more.  Our company culture is driven by our 4 Cs – we are Client-Centered, Curious, Collaborative, and Community Minded – which support our focus on sustainability, safety, diversity, equity and inclusion. Get to know us better by visiting GEI’s career site here.
 
GEI’s Total Rewards Package Includes  
 
  • Market-Competitive Compensation, including Eligibility for an Annual Performance Bonus
  • Pay Range For This Position: $80,000.00 – $85,000.00/year
  • Comprehensive Benefits Program, including Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability and More
  • Well-Being Program and Paid Parental Leave
  • Commuter Benefits
  • Hybrid Work Schedules and Cell Phone Stipends
  • GEI University (GEIU) with Continuing Education Assistance and Tuition Reimbursement
  • Connecting Conversation Program with a Focus on Professional Development and Opportunities for Advancement
  • Support and Financial Rewards for Publication Awards, Professional Dues, and Professional Licenses
  • Paid Holidays and Generous Paid Time Off Program
  • Rewards and Recognition
  • GEI-Funded Profit Sharing and 401(k)
  • Opportunity to be an Owner and Shareholder (Learn more here)
  • A Vibrant Culture that is Focused on Partnership, Sustainability, Giving Back to Our Communities and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
  • And More…
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
WORK ENVIRONMENT  
  
  
  
Functional Demands:    
 
 
 
 
Sedentary
 
Light
Medium
Other
 
 
Activity Level Throughout Workday (check one per row) 
Physical Activity Requirements
Occasional
(0-35% of day)
Frequent
(33-66% of day)
Continuous
(67-100% of day)
Not Applicable
Sitting
 
4-6 hours 
 
 
Standing
 
2 hours 
 
 
Walking
 
2 hours 
 
 
Climbing
30 min. 
 
 
 
Lifting (floor to waist level) (in pounds)
20lbs 
 
 
 
Lifting (waist level and above) (in pounds)
20lbs 
 
 
 
Carrying objects
 
 
 
Push/pull
 
 
 
Twisting
 
 
 
Bending
10 min 
 
 
 
Reaching forward
10 min 
 
 
 
Reaching overhead
10 min 
 
 
 
Squat/kneel/crawl
10 min 
 
 
 
Wrist position deviation
 
 
 
Pinching/fine motor skills
 
 
 
Keyboard use/repetitive motion
 
4-6 hours 
 
 
Taste or smell (taste=never)
 
 
 
Talk or hear
 
 
 
Accurate 20/40 
Very Accurate 20/20 
Not Applicable
Near Vision
 
Far Vision
 
 
 
 

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