Trainee Solar Installer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

About GRID Alternatives

GRID Alternatives is a national leader in making clean, affordable solar power and solar jobs accessible to low-income communities and communities of color. GRID is an entrepreneurial, high-growth non-profit organization that provides direct solar installation and project development; clean mobility options; workforce training and service-learning opportunities; and low-income solar policy advocacy.

Our Vision: a rapid, equitable transition to a world powered by renewable energy that benefits everyone.

Our Mission: to build community-powered solutions to advance economic and environmental justice through renewable energy.

What it's like to work at GRID…

At GRID, we care about each other and know that each employee has a whole self that includes life outside of work. Our culture supports learning, growth and well-being of all of our team members.

Summary of the role:

The Construction Assistant (CA) at GRID Alternatives is an entry- to intermediate-level solar installation position. CAs bring valuable technical, teamwork, leadership, and communication skills to the construction department. Grid provides CAs with numerous opportunities for career advancement, including hands-on and classroom training from PV experts, and access to GRID Alternatives’ vast network of corporate and nonprofit partners. CAs will work on residential and commercial solar installations and designs, electrical systems installations (including battery/storage), all with a focus on safety

What you will be doing (essential responsibilities):

This is an on-site position in Los Angeles

• Support the installation of solar electric systems with crews of volunteers and/or job trainees, including but not limited to: installing racking systems and PV modules, bending conduit, wiring electrical boxes, penetrating roofs, climbing up and down ladders, and working with electrical equipment. Bending, reaching, and kneeling is required for all jobs; 90% of the job will be to assist with residential solar installations.
• Train and mentor volunteers and job trainees in solar installation and other construction related activities
• Work under the direct supervision of the Solar Installation Supervisor to ensure that all installations are installed according to GRID Alternatives safety and quality standards
• Assist in warehouse with receiving and picking up equipment and deliveries, tool organization, fleet maintenance, construction logistics, and systems implementation
• Responsible for staging, loading, unloading, stocking, and organizing equipment and tools before and after installations
• Other job duties include attending building inspections and assisting with permitting and site visits, maintaining safety certifications (OSHA, forklift, first aid, etc), participating in construction department and regional staff meetings, attending equity, inclusion, and diversity training, and speaking with homeowners, members of the community, and news media about GRID Alternatives and solar technology

Your areas of knowledge and expertise...

• Experience in PV system installation, troubleshooting, or design (min 3 months)
• Experience with residential and/or commercial scale PV systems
• Passion for GRID’s mission related to renewable energy technology, community development, green jobs, and/or helping families and communities in need
• Highly reliable, accountable, and detail-oriented
• Ability to travel extensively throughout target territory in GRID vehicles (typical installs are within a 1-2 hours radius of the Sacramento office)
• Excellent communication skills (ability to work with volunteers and clients, and represent GRID Alternatives positively to diverse populations)
• Flexibility and willingness to embrace change, go the extra mile, and bring ideas and energy to a rapidly growing organization
• Comfortable with computers (MS Office, especially excel, databases, Gmail/Google apps a plus)
• Ability to lift, push and pull up to 70 lbs. and familiarity with proper lifting procedures
• Ability to ascend and descend ladders to reach rooftops and install solar
• Requires work outdoors in inclement weather conditions: hot/cold, windy, low visibility, smoky (all within OSHA limits and with proper use of PPE, keeping health and safety in mind)
• Valid driver’s license, clean driving record,
• Must be able to successfully pass a pre-employment background screen

It would be great if you also had...

• NABCEP PV Associate or PV Installation Professional Certification
• Passion for sustainability, affordable housing, the environment, environmental justice, or just generally grounded in making the world a better place
• Experience in training and/or working with volunteers from diverse backgrounds
• Bilingual English / Spanish/ Other
• OSHA 10

Benefits and how we take care of you

Compensation:

The compensation range for this fulltime hourly position is $22-$24 per hour. The base pay that will actually be offered will vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, location, experience and take into account internal equity.

Benefits:

Medical, Dental, Vision/Eye Care insurance, 5 weeks paid time off (PTO),13 paid holidays, Commuter Checks, 403b Retirement Plan, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Flexible Spending Account (FSA), Health Savings Account (HSA), STD, LTD, and AD&D insurance

Where you will sit & the places you may go…

The ideal candidate will sit in LOS ANGELES, California. This position may require up to 25% out-of-town travel to regional offices and special projects such as org-wide celebrations, team building exercises, etc. Availability to work nights and weekends may very rarely be required. GRID Alternatives may provide vehicles for work travel and/or travel reimbursement for personal vehicle use. In this instance, applicants must hold a valid driver’s license and have a good driving record.

Important to note for California applicants:

**Hired CA candidates must be able to pass a screening for drugs that are illegal in the state of California, including: amphetamine, cocaine metabolite, opiates, and PCP.

Reasonable Accommodation for Job Seekers with a Disability:

If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to: RECRUITING@GRIDALTERNATIVES.ORG

Ready to Apply?

Submit a resume describing your interest. Due to the high volume of inquiries, mailed and emailed applications are not accepted.

GRID Alternatives provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability or genetics. Because we value EID at GRID Alternatives, we encourage folks from all backgrounds to apply, even if you do not meet all of the preferred qualifications. Every member of GRID Alternatives must be dedicated to participating in the organization's equity, inclusion, and diversity (EID) work.