Solar Installation Trainer - Ceiba, Puerto Rico Why you want to work here...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.Based in Oakland, California, GRID has 8 regional offices and affiliates serving all of California, Colorado, Mid-Atlantic/Washington D.C. region, and Tribal Lands within the U.S. Additionally, GRID has international operations in Nicaragua, Mexico, and Nepal. GRID has a dedicated staff of 400 and growing!
What it's like 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. Every member of GRID Alternatives must be dedicated to participating in the organization's equity, inclusion, and diversity (EID) work.
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.
The Opportunity...The Solar Installation Trainer is responsible for teaching GRID Alternatives Installation Basics Training (IBT) curriculum to students in a classroom, lab and on job sites in Puerto Rico. The IBT program trains people in entry-level solar installation and connects IBT graduates to solar industry jobs. We are seeking a trainer with a strong background in residential solar installation, a demonstrated command of the classroom, subject matter expertise, and an ability to relate to trainees from diverse backgrounds. The Solar Installation Trainer will serve as the lead instructor and will work with an Assistant Trainer and a Program Manager in Puerto Rico in addition to GRID staff who work remotely in other places.
The Solar Installation Trainer will:
- Deliver GRID's IBT curriculum in Spanish, develop lesson plans, training calendars, and activities in line with content and standards. This includes set up and maintenance of the training classroom, training lab, and training equipment.
- Deliver curriculum ensuring participants achieve learning outcomes
- Teach and actively train/supervise solar installation skills including, but not limited to: jobsite safety, electricity basics, racking mounts, array layout, conduit bending, customer service and communication, site evaluation, commissioning and O&M, and the appropriate use of tools and equipment through demonstration and modeling skills.
- Teach and supervise the necessary safety procedures for use and handling of equipment & tools and clean up of the classroom, lab, and construction area through demonstration and modeling skills.
- Teach appropriate handling of construction problems arising at the building site through demonstration and modeling skills.
- Provide on the job training supervision for learners on customer installations
- Uphold and model GRID's value for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.
- Set up, supervise and maintain high standards for the execution of course exams
- Review, evaluate and document learners progress and skill attainment
- Turn in required documents in a timely manner
- Ensure learners compliance with attendance and other program policies.
- Assist in facilitating and leading recruitment and job placement activities.
- Build and maintain lab equipment
- Work closely with co-workers and partners in Puerto Rico and GRID HQ on program logistics, documentation, feedback, and improvements
- Assist in solar installation, service calls, site assessments or design projects as assigned
- Performs other duties as assigned including administrative tasks to ensure the program runs successfully, and working with partners as needed.
What you need to bring to this role... - A minimum of three years experience in solar installation or related construction experience.
- Enjoy teaching basic solar residential installation techniques in class, lab, and job site settings.
- Ability to multi-task and work cooperatively with others
- Enthusiasm, flexibility, positive attitude, and a commitment to growing a diverse solar workforce.
- Ability to speak and present to a group for extended periods of time
- A record of safe work practices and ability to demonstrate proper safety procedures for using tools and equipment
- Strong time management skills
- Ability to assess student skills and provide feedback for improvement
- Valid driver's license and clean driving record as determined by our insurance carrier.
- Physical ability to perform activities related to solar installation work, including but not limited to: standing for long periods (sometimes on a sloped surface), bending, stooping, squatting, kneeling, twisting, working above the shoulders, working with manual and electric hand tools, repetitive motions, lifting and carrying up to 50lbs, working in direct sunlight, working with trip hazards, and working at heights*
- Ability to travel to California for 2-4 weeks at a time for training and coordination with GRID's workforce and other programs
- Fluency in Spanish and English (written and spoken)
- In compliance with local regulations for installing solar in Puerto Rico including having at least an Ayudante de Perito Electricista certificate.
It would be great if you also had... - 1 or more years assisting individuals with diverse backgrounds in developing a variety of personal, professional skills and experience with competency-based assessment
- OSHA 10/30 certification
- CPR/First Aid certification
- NABCEP PV Associate certification
- Skills in basic carpentry
- Skills in conflict resolution and de-escalation
- Experience in people management
Where you will sit and the places you may go...This position will be located in Ceiba, Puerto Rico. This position will require some travel to project sites within Puerto Rico. This position may require up to 25% out-of-town travel to GRID's regional offices and special projects such as company-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.
Let's Talk Money!This is a full-time, exempt position. Salary pay commensurate with experience within the pay band ($50,000-$55,000 annually), plus benefits.
How we take care of you...
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
Start Date: January, 2025
Ready to Apply?Submit a resume describing your interest. Due to the high volume of inquiries, mailed and emailed applications are not accepted. Please do not call and/or email requesting an update.
Thank you for your interest in GRID Alternatives!Pay Range: $50,000 - $55,000 per hour
