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Solar Grading Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

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 Tennessee are hiring for Solar Grading jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Solar Grading job openings:

Infographic showing various Solar Grading job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution.

Civil Engineer - Renewable Energy

LaBella Associates

Nashville, TN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago


LaBella Associates rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

186th of 450 rated engineering


Job description

LaBella Associates was established in 1978 and has been voted a Top Workplace for the last five years. We are headquartered in Rochester, NY with offices across New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, North and South Carolina, and Madrid, Spain. LaBella is a multi-disciplined architectural and engineering firm dedicated to client satisfaction through teamwork, respect, and trust. We provide services that take a project from start to finish-from an initial study to determine a project's feasibility to construction administration and start up, and everything in between.
We are currently seeking a Civil Engineer in our Civil division at our Nashville or Chattanooga TN location with 2-5 years' experience. Flexible work arrangements, including hybrid or remote options, may be available for candidates with the right level of experience and demonstrated ability.
LaBella's Renewable Energy Group provides comprehensive civil engineering and permitting services for utility-scale and distributed energy projects, including solar, battery energy storage, and other renewable energy developments. Our team supports projects from early-stage feasibility and permitting through detailed design, construction administration, and coordination with local agencies and stakeholders.
Responsibilities
The Civil Engineer will contribute to all phases of Civil Engineering projects including the development of design concepts, performing detailed calculations, collaborating with other engineers and technical staff during detail design, producing effective and high quality drawings and specifications, managing bid phases, and supporting projects through construction and final closeout.
Contributing to all phases of Civil Engineering projects including the development of design concepts, performing detailed calculations, collaborating with other engineers and technical staff during detail design, producing effective and high quality drawings and specifications, managing bid phases, and supporting projects through construction and final closeout.
Requirements
  • The ability to communicate effectively using oral, graphic, and written forms is critical for success in this position.
  • Minimum requirements include a BS in Civil Engineering with 2 to 5 years of design experience.
  • FE certification is not a requirement, but is also preferred.
  • Design experience in Nashville preferred
  • Experience with renewable energy projects such as solar, battery energy storage systems (BESS), or utility infrastructure is preferred.
  • Experience with AutoCAD/Civil 3D and/or Microstation/InRoads and the ability to use either in designing utilities and grading is mandatory.
  • Additionally, proficiency with HydroCAD, AutoTURN is necessary to satisfactorily complete the assignments of this position.
  • Experience preparing construction drawings, technical reports, and permit application packages.
  • Understanding of hydrology and stormwater design principles.
  • Ability to manage multiple tasks and coordinate with internal multidisciplinary teams and external clients.
  • Willingness to perform occasional field visits and attend project meetings.
  • Ideal candidates will have specific experience designing storm water management systems including compliance with local county/municipal guidelines; stormwater management calculations/reports grading schemes; erosion and sediment control measures; and roadways.
  • Ideal candidates will be self-motivated, and possess a strong desire to satisfy clients.

Benefits
Body, mind, and wallet-LaBella's benefits support a holistic approach to your health and wellness, creating the foundation for physical, mental, and financial well-being. Our benefit offerings cover the must-haves (healthcare and retirement), the just-in-cases (insurances and employee assistance programs), and the cherry-on-tops (fitness reimbursements, year-end incentive pay, and tuition assistance). Visit our website for more details on benefits listed below.
  • Flexible Work Schedule
  • Health/Dental Insurance
  • 401k Plan with Employer Match
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Short & Long Term Disability
  • Profit Sharing
  • Paid Time Off
  • Leadership Development Program
  • Fitness Reimbursement
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Referral Bonus Program
  • Wellness Program
  • Team Building Events
  • Community Service Events

LaBella is committed to facilitating a culture where diversity, equity, and inclusion are respected, valued, and celebrated by implementing thoughtful, practical, and innovative strategies that support our employees and serve the communities in which we reside. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or other related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, characteristic or membership in any other group protected by federal, state or local laws.
LaBella Associates does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiting professionals or agencies, nor do we accept resumes from any source that does not reference a specific, open position. LaBella Associates will not be responsible for any fees arising from the use of resume submitted by recruiting professionals or agencies that do not have a current placement fee agreement with LaBella Associates. All initial communication with recruiting professionals or agencies must go through human resources.

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