Solar Safety & Quality Specialist

Position Description:

The Safety & Quality Specialist (SQS) utilizes their thorough understanding of solar installation safety standards, electricity, and Photovoltaic systems to ensure that SLP installations are conducted safely and result in the highest possible quality outcomes. The SQS will coordinate with the Director of Innovation & Technical Excellence to set installation standards and set priorities.

The perfect person for this position is someone who has an in-depth understanding of solar safety, both commercial and residential Photovoltaic systems, and also enjoys creating metrics and administrative products. Additionally, the ideal candidate understands the value of working for a “green” company and embraces new technology and products.  

Tasks and Responsibilities

• Produce relevant content for and lead safety meetings

• Keep all safety policies updated per local, State, and federal compliance requirements

• Train all staff on safety procedures and required reporting

• Quality Assurance site walks.  Coordinate with Superintendents & Forepersons so QA site walks can be conducted at appropriate intervals

• Coordinate the investigation and proper record keeping following any safety incidents

• Perform impromptu site safety inspections

• Mentor and advise Crew Leaders & Forepersons on best practices and methods

• Provide regular technical training sessions to Entry-level and Intermediate PV staff

• Collaborate with the Director of ITE, PV Superintendents, and Engineering Director to update and maintain a clear set of QA standards

• Assist with procurement and maintenance of field crews’ PPE (electrical, fall protection, sun, general)

• Accurately track billable hours

• Contribute to production quality control and cost-reduction efforts

• Able to participate in installation activities including: 

  • Mounting system for solar modules and roof attachments, weatherproof penetrations, rack components, and structural members;
  • Manage rooftop wires, install conduit, pull & terminate wire; install and/or disconnect, inverters, small and large; and
  • Setting up, upgrading and trouble-shooting monitoring systems

• Operate general carpentry and hand-tools

• Complete work in a timely and accurate manner

• Ensure the work site is clean and clear site of clutter and other hazards

• Occasionally travel overnight to out-of-town projects <10%

Experience and Qualifications 

• OSHA30 certification or equivalent

• Must have at least 5 years of experience working with Photovoltaic systems, including commercial (non-residential) systems

• Ability to read a schematic drawing

• Experience running commercial size conduit

• Experience working on commercial, new-construction job sites with multiple trades

• Ability to troubleshoot an entire solar system from start to finish

• Ability to assess job: recognize potential problems, bottle-neck tasks, (length of) task times, materials and tools needed, engineering/design oversights, etc.

• Have a professional demeanor on the job at all time and have the ability to effectively communicate with stakeholders

• Ability to interface with multiple departments in order to report and solve any problems concerning the job (with an eye towards preventing the repeat of problem in the future)

• Thorough knowledge of electrical, solar, and general construction safety standards

• Knowledge of basic arithmetic, fractions, algebra, and basic high school geometry

• Required to have a current CA driver license with an acceptable driving record

• Familiar with a warehouse environment and truck inventory practices

• Have the ability to follow instructions and ask questions when not clear on what is expected

• Strong work ethic, attentive, and ready to learn

• Adaptability and versatility. These two qualities should apply to any task—whether dealing with people or pipe racks

• Commitment to excellence and an eye for detail

• Must be able to climb ladders and be comfortable working at various heights; work in extreme environments (in the rain, hot sun, crawl spaces and attics)

• Able to lift at least 75 pounds

• Strong administrative skills including knowledge of Microsoft Office suite (Excel, Word, PPT) and Adobe

• Knowledge of Google Suite a plus

• Able to type at least 40 WPM

Work Location:

Berkeley Office and job sites around the Bay Area

Work Environment & Physical Requirements:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is often exposed to moving mechanical parts and vehicles, and will be asked to lift up to 75 pounds on a common basis.  They may be required to climb a ladder to a height of 15 feet daily; must be able to work in extremely hot conditions and must be able to work productively while wearing a harness. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. A physical exam may be required. 

Benefits: Sun Light & Power offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes, but is not limited to: 

• Health: Sun Light & Power offers 8 different medical plans through Health Net and Kaiser.

• Dental: Sun Light & Power covers 100% through Beam

• Vision: Sun Light & Power covers 100% through Beam

• Long-term disability insurance: Sun Light & Power covers 100%.

• FSA, HSA and Commuter program

• 13 PTO days, 9 paid holidays

• 2 paid days for volunteering

• 401(k) retirement plan - Sun Light & Power will match 50% of 401(k) deferments, up to $1,000

• $500 annual stipend for tuition

• Company Stock: Sun Light & Power annually allocates 8% of our 1,000,000 issued shares of the company to ESOP Participants based on a formula considering the number of employees, employee’s years of service and employee’s total compensation. Shares are vested over a 6-year period.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: 

It is the policy of Sun Light & Power to provide equal employment opportunity to all persons without regard to sex, race, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, religion, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, military or veteran status, marital status, registered domestic partner status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable federal or state law.  This policy applies to all aspects of employment, including but not limited to: recruitment, selection, training, promotion, transfer, compensation, demotion, termination, etc.