Renewable Energy Field Specialist - Appaloosa

Job Description

Please note this role is for one opening, but is posted at two different levels: Renewable Energy Program Manager (6010) & Renweable Energy Field Specialist (6011).

The Field Specialist will be based at our Appaloosa Solar / Lower Snake River Wind O&M Facility located outside of Pomeroy, Washington in Garfield County. The Field Specialist will work directly under the PSE Appaloosa Construction Manager during construction of the solar facility, once construction is complete the Field Specialist will become a member of the Appaloosa Solar / Lower Snake River Wind operations team.

Responsible for providing oversight, coordination and facilitation of wind, solar and battery generation facility tasks, activities and special projects. These include inspections, oversight of preventive/corrective maintenance, testing, monitoring, retrofits and modifications of Renewable Energy Assets (Wind, Solar, and Battery Energy Storage System) and facility equipment and systems. Projects may also include the addition of new generation facilities (Wind, Solar, Battery) and modifications and upgrades to existing facilities and equipment. This involves coordination with internal and external customers/departments such as Engineering, Substation, Environmental, Safety, Resource Acquisition and Equipment Suppliers. This includes providing guidance to service providers on interpretation of work standards, processes and variances where required. This position will support and assist in the management, oversight and monitoring of services performed by contractors for plant-related work activities.

Upholds the safety compliance standards inherent in PSE’s operating and/or field procedures related to work responsibilities. Promotes and supports a culture of total safety.

Demonstrates commitment to conduct business honestly, ethically and consistent with our core values and Code of Conduct.  Ensures duties are performed in accordance with all regulatory compliance obligations.

This job is considered “safety sensitive” as defined in RCW 49.44.240 and is subject to pre-employment drug screening that includes screening for the presence of marijuana and marijuana metabolites.

Job Responsibilities

• Under general direction of the Plant Manager, provides oversight, direction and support to team members, service providers, contractors and vendors.
• Coordinates and communicates daily with operations personnel.
• Facilitates communication between Plant Manager, service providers and internal customers, including technical support at the direction of the Plant Manager.
• Reviews and provides support and coordination on project-related documentation, technical memorandum, design plans, specifications, and other project related materials; and manages specific project related tasks as directed by the Plant Manager.
• Fields customer concerns and works with appropriate parties for resolution.
• Applies basic project management concepts and practices.
• Tracks project milestones and deliverables and reports on project and program progress as directed.
• Performs generation facility, equipment & system inspections.
• Performs wind turbine inspections. Climbs wind turbines > 300 feet in severe hot and cold weather conditions.
• Fields landowner concerns and works with appropriate parties for resolution.
• Facilitates and provides technical assistance to service providers and internal and external customers.
• Supports emergency response work, outage response as requested.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in engineering, business, science or related technical discipline, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• At least two years of relevant work experience.
• Demonstrated strong written and verbal communications skills and ability to work as part of a team.
• Basic knowledge of cost estimating and scheduling concepts.
• Proficient with basic computer programs: MS Word, Excel, Outlook or equivalent E-Mail.
• Knowledge of electro-mechanical equipment and systems, tooling, techniques and procedures involved in maintenance and repair of operating equipment.
• Demonstrated ability to make decisions independently, influence others and resolve issues.
• Customer-oriented, a positive, team-oriented attitude, flexibility, an understanding of the business issues driving the need for the project, and solid work ethics are expected.
• Must maintain a valid driver’s license.
• Must get qualified and maintain working at heights qualification.

Desired Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, construction management, project management or related discipline.
• Experience managing projects and programs.
• Project management training.
• Understanding of underground and overhead electrical – communication equipment systems.
• Strong communication and presentation skills and techniques to bring about agreement between different points of view.  Ability to write clear, concise and direct narrative and reports.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and conceptual skills for single or multiple technical areas.
• Understanding and experienced with electro-mechanical equipment and systems.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and conceptual skills for single and multiple technical areas.
• Advanced Project Management Training and Project Management or Construction Management Certification from an accredited institution (PMI or College). Ambition to expand knowledge and experience and seek increasing levels of responsibility.

Additional Information