Address
Form of workSolar Installation Trainer (Bay Area) Oakland, CA
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’s Installation Basics Training (IBT) curriculum to learners in the classroom, lab and on the installation site. GRID’s training staff play an essential role in ensuring IBT is delivered at a consistently high quality that maximizes learner understanding, as well as their potential for obtaining employment as a Junior Solar Installer. As a result, our IBT instructors are carefully selected such that they have 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 report directly to the regional Workforce Development Manager.
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’s Installation Basics Training (IBT) curriculum to learners in the classroom, lab and on the installation site. GRID’s training staff play an essential role in ensuring IBT is delivered at a consistently high quality that maximizes learner understanding, as well as their potential for obtaining employment as a Junior Solar Installer. As a result, our IBT instructors are carefully selected such that they have 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 report directly to the regional Workforce Development Manager.
- Implement curriculum, 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
- Help supervise worksite activities and schedules with the Workforce Development Manager.
- Keep the Workforce Development Manager informed about issues regarding performance issues of learners
- 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.
- Collaborate and provide feedback to Assistant Instructor as well as Workforce Development Manager
- Build and maintain lab equipment
- Work closely with regional Workforce Development Manager 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
What you need to bring to this role…
- A minimum of three years experience in Solar Installation or related construction experience.
- Have successfully completed IBT 200 training with GRID Alternatives or be able to pass the capstone exam.
- Enjoy teaching basic residential installation techniques in class, lab, and customer 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*
**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.
It would be great if you also had…
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
- Proficiency in another language (preferably Spanish)
Where you will sit & the places you may go…
This position will be located in our Bay Area office in Oakland, CA. This position will require some travel to project sites within the Bay Area. This position may rarely require up to 25% out-of-town travel to 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, non-exempt position. Hourly pay commensurate with experience within the pay band $26 - $36, plus the benefits below.
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
This position will be located in our Bay Area office in Oakland, CA. This position will require some travel to project sites within the Bay Area. This position may rarely require up to 25% out-of-town travel to 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, non-exempt position. Hourly pay commensurate with experience within the pay band $26 - $36, plus the benefits below.
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
Ready to Apply?
Submit both a resume and a cover letter 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!
