Careers at Northwind Solar

Photovoltaic Electrician

Position Title: PV Electrician

Reports To: Design and Technical Support

Supervises (Yes/No): Yes

FLSA Status:  Non-Exempt

Our Mission
Northwind’s Vision is to transition our society to one powered by renewable energy. As a member owned cooperative, we are demonstrating a better way to build a successful business in Central Wisconsin. Our members are empowered, educated, and engaged. We work with our clients to install the highest quality solar power systems. Our community is more resilient because Northwind Solar is helping build it. Together we are powering forward a more democratic economy.

We are not your typical contractor. We are re-defining the contractor experience. We pride ourselves on the quality of our installations and our client interaction. Our customers are our greatest source of future business. We treat all customers as we would like to be treated by contractors. 

Position Summary
Our PV Electricians work together with DC Leads and Photon Technicians to complete the installation of residential and commercial PV systems. Our installation teams work Monday through Thursday (rarely on Fridays or Saturdays for system interconnects), on rooftops and the ground, all over Wisconsin (Focusing on 5 central WI Counties) in all types of weather.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

1. Lead installation of AC components on photovoltaic systems, battery storage systems, EV charging equipment and smart panels

2. Coordination with DC Lead Foreperson and crew

3. Ensure crew and job site safety

4. Lead quality AC installations based on system design documents, manufacturer specifications and applicable code

5. Ensure that entire installation meets expected quality standards

6. Collaborate with Project Manager in pre-planning of project tool/equipment requirements, labor needs, workflow, and site utilization

7. Responsible for tool management and assigned vehicle

8. Assist in coordination of work schedule and all electrical work with other trades on project site

9. Ensure install resources are optimally utilized

10. Direct necessary revisions to workflow or resources to meet project schedule

11. Collaborate with designers and project managers to resolve field issues

12. Provide as-built installation and testing documentation in a timely manner

13. Understand and implement best practices while working near energized electrical components

14. Drives company vehicles and operates other equipment such as forklifts and scissors lifts following safety recommendations.

15. Cleans and maintains shop areas, work site, company vehicle, and storage areas

16. Loads and unloads supplies and materials.

17. Follows all safety regulations and guidelines at all times and wears appropriate personal protective equipment as required.

18. Reports any problems or discrepancies to the supervisor in a timely manner.

19. Works schedules as determined by customer needs. Traveling and overnight stays, up to 10-20% of work schedule, is required.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Minimum Education and Requirements:

• Must have current WI Journeyman Electrician (or be able to sit for exam in 3 months) 

• High school or equivalent

• Valid WI Driver’s License

• Must be able to successfully pass pre-employment screenings

Required Certifications/Licensure (within first year of employment):

• OSHA 10 

• NWREC Forklift Training

• Red Cross First Aid

• Preferred Certifications/Licensure:

• NABCEP Associates Certificate or Installer Certificate

Experience:

Required: 1-2 years working as a commercial or residential journeyman electrician

Preferred:

• 1-2 years solar installation experience

• 1-2 years carpentry skills

• Knowledge and Skills Required

• Aptitudes that lead to success:

• Strong ability to work with hands, troubleshooting, electrical aptitude,

• Positive attitude

• Excellent communication and customer service skills.

• Must work well in a team environment.

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this job, employee is required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; talk and hear. Employee must lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Must be able to lift and climb ladders to access roofs. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Driving required to site locations

Work environment: The noise level in this work environment is usually moderate. Work environment changes by project, but can be anticipated to be flat or pitched roofs or ground mounted installations on uneven terrain. High and potentially dangerous exposure to electricity. The daily temperature varies from hot to cold depending on the season.

Total Benefits Package

• Membership in the Cooperative after 2 years. Members share equally in the prosperity of the cooperative and have an equal vote in the cooperative’s decision making.

• Cooperative-wide Performance Based Bonuses. Critical numbers are established in the beginning of each year and quarterly achievements can equal bonus payout.

• Paid Time Off (PTO): 72 hours after 120-day introductory period. Adding 8 hours PTO per year of service.

• Disability Insurance both long and short term

• Group Health Insurance and Dental Insurance plans available

• Life Insurance

• Paid Education: Both Professional Development and Personal Enrichment

• Solar Installation on your home at cost

• Nine paid holidays

Job Type: Full-time

Salary: $28.00 - $35.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance

• Employee discount

• Health insurance

• Health savings account

• Life insurance

• Paid time off

• Referral program

Schedule:

Monday through Thursday (sometimes Friday) 10 hour shift

Supplemental pay types:

Bonus pay

APPLY

Position Title: Photon Technician
Reports To: DC Lead or Electrician
Supervises (Yes/No): No

Our Mission
Northwind’s Vision is to transition our society to one powered by renewable energy. As a worker-owned cooperative, we are demonstrating a better way to build a successful business in Central Wisconsin. Our members are empowered, educated, and engaged. We work with our clients to install the highest quality solar power systems. Our community is more resilient because Northwind Solar is helping build it. Together we are powering forward a more democratic economy

We are not your typical contractor. We are redefining the contractor experience. We pride ourselves on the quality of our installations and our client interaction. Our customers are our greatest source of future business. We treat all customers as we would like to be treated by contractors. 

Position Summary
The Photon Technician is responsible for assembling and installing photovoltaic (PV) systems on a roof or other structures as directed. This will include, but not limited to, installation of racking, grounding hardware, DC conductors, components, and modules, trenching, setting up job sites, cleaning up, and restocking.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

1. Installs PV systems in accordance with codes and standards as directed.

    

2. Operates hand tools and power tools and equipment such as impact drills, hammer drills, shovels, and screwdrivers.

    

3. Uses hand and power tools to install PV systems as directed.

    

4. Follows all safety regulations and guidelines at all times and wears appropriate personal protective equipment as required.

    

5. Sets up workstations from a variety of elevated positions using ladders, personnel lifts, and scaffolding.

    

6. Lifts and carries required equipment, products, and trash to and from the work area.

    

7. Loads and unloads equipment, products, and trash to and from vehicles.

    

8. Cleans and maintains shop areas, work sites, company vehicles, and storage areas.

    

9. Applies weather sealing to array, building or support mechanisms, understands effective weather-tight sealing, and notifies supervisor of any deficiencies.

    

10. Performs excavation as needed for ground racking systems and trenching conduit runs.

     

11. Performs electrical work including pulling wire, mounting electrical boxes and running conduit on walls or attics.

     

12. Assists in checking electrical installation for proper wiring, polarity, grounding or integrity of terminations as needed.

     

13. Operate electrical testing equipment, Digital Multi-Meters.

     

14. Drives company vehicles and operates other equipment, such as forklifts and scissors lifts, following safety recommendations.

     

15. Reports any problems or discrepancies to the supervisor in a timely manner.

16. Work schedules are determined by customer needs. Traveling and overnight stays, up to 50% of the work schedule, is required.

Minimum Education and Requirements:

• High school or equivalent
• Valid WI Driver’s License
• Must be able to successfully pass pre-employment screenings
• Preferred Certifications/Licensure: NABCEP Associates Certificate or Installer Certificate

Required: None

Preferred:

• 1-2 years solar installation experience

• 1-2 years carpentry/construction skills

Knowledge and Skills That Lead to Success

• Strong ability to work with hands, troubleshooting, electrical aptitude

• Positive attitude

• Excellent communication and customer service skills

• Works well in a team environment

Physical Demands / Work Environment

• While performing the essential functions of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, kneel, bend, walk, climb, use hands, reach with hands and arms, and talk or hear. The employee is regularly required to lift/move materials of 50 pounds, occasionally overhead, unassisted.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to high, precarious places, outdoor weather conditions, confined spaces, and extreme temperatures.

• Occasionally performing work in tight spaces such as an attic, crawl space or closets.

• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Total Benefits Package

• Membership in the Cooperative after 2 years. Members share equally in the prosperity of the cooperative and have an equal vote in the cooperative’s decision-making.

• Cooperative-wide Performance-Based Bonuses. Critical numbers are established in the beginning of each year, and quarterly achievements can equal bonus payout.

• Paid Time Off (PTO): 72 hours after 120-day introductory period. Adding 8 hours PTO per year of service.

• Disability Insurance, both long and short term

• Group Health Insurance and Dental Insurance plans available

• Life Insurance

• Paid Education: Both Professional Development and Personal Enrichment

• Solar Installation on your home at cost

• Nine paid holidays

• Job Type: Full-time

Salary: $18.00 - $22.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance

• Employee discount

• Health insurance

• Health savings account

• Life insurance

• Paid time off

• Referral program

Schedule: Monday through Thursday (sometimes Friday) 10 hour shift

Supplemental pay types: Bonus pay

APPLY