Plant Manager - Copperhead - National Grid Renewables

National Grid Renewables is a full-service renewable energy company headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota. National Grid Renewables has developed over 2,400 megawatts of wind and solar projects that are either operational or currently under construction throughout the United States. National Grid Renewables has a multi-gigawatt development pipeline of wind and solar projects in various stages of development throughout the United States. National Grid Renewables provides custom solutions for utilities and corporations looking to harness renewable energy for business growth. With deep roots in agriculture, National Grid Renewables prides itself on developing renewable energy projects that are farmer-friendly, community-driven, and beneficial for rural communities. 

Position Description

National Grid Renewables is seeking a Solar/Storage Facilities Manager to join our operations team. The Facilities Manager will manage the day-to-day field operations and maintenance of the Utility scale solar solar/storage facility.   The facility, near Waco, TX, includes a 150 MWAC solar facility combined with a 125 MWHr Battery Energy Storage System (BESS).  This includes development and compliance with an operating budget, outage coordination and scheduling with the interconnect entity, oversight of operations and maintenance to ensure work is carried out using Prudent Utility Practices. In addition, this position will play a vital role in establishing procedures, training, a strong safety culture, and tooling as National Grid Renewables moves towards self-performance of solar facilities.

Responsibilities

• Ensure the solar and BESS facility provides maximum availability/reliability in a safe, economical, and proactive manner by providing direction and supervision to operations personnel.
• Ensure strict management and compliance of all company and project environmental, health and safety (EHS) programs.
• Assist with hiring key personnel, establish training, work and safety procedures, maintenance schedules, and other critical areas required as part of self-performance of operations and maintenance.
• Perform staffing activities, counseling, coaching, training, and corrective actions of subordinate employees. Prepare performance evaluations per company instructions and guidelines. 
• Manage SWPP permits at each site along with vegetation permit requirements.
• Assist in preparing annual budget for solar sites and maintain operating expenses within.
• Participate in and promote job/work package safety analysis, job site safety observations, audits, safety meetings, safety training, and injury/event assessment.
• Ensure execution of work schedule by planning day to day activities and coordinating outages.
• Oversee facility performance and assist with troubleshooting, repairs, maintenance, and warranty activities/claims of all equipment, ensuring compliance with manufacturers' requirements.
• Prepare weekly/monthly reports which include but are not limited to, project status, plant statistics, expenses, and adherence to contractual requirements.  
• Assist with performing QA/QC of the project while still in the construction phase and ensure successful transition from construction to operations.
• Participate/lead in the development and revision of site procedures ensuring input from subject matter experts.
• Set up sites for proper tooling, inventory, spare parts, and other equipment necessary to perform efficiently and effectively.
• Administer warranties. Submit and track warranty claims.  Track all on loan parts and reconcile with appropriate parties
• Manages implementation of capital improvement programs and retrofits.
• Manages National Grid Renewables field personnel performing balance of plant inspections, operations, maintenance, and warranty activities of all equipment. 

Qualifications

• Four-year college degree or technical school certificate; or 5 years of related experience or power industry training; or the equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated experience in solar facility operations and maintenance including a minimum of 3 years’ experience in a broad range of renewable or other power generation development, design, permitting, construction, or operations.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and communicate effectively across all levels of the organization.
• Advanced computer skills utilizing word processing, spreadsheets, email, facility control, management and reporting systems, including the use of computerized diagnostic and troubleshooting tools. 
• Valid Driver's License & ability to work in extremely adverse weather conditions.
• Ability to work around low and medium voltage.
• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
• Knowledge of equipment required for facility maintenance. 
• Proficient interpreting electrical schematics and prints.
• Ability to complete and pass a fit for duty physical

Preference may be given to candidates with the following: 

• Experience in solar plant and/or BESS operations.
• Experience in high voltage maintenance and switching & ability to run test equipment for troubleshooting.
• Experience establishing and improving preventative maintenance programs.
• Experience working with Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS).
• Willing to work overtime on holidays, weekends, and on short notice
• Previous supervisory or management experience.

All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of reference check & background check. National Grid Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

National Grid Renewables believe fostering diversity, equity and inclusion is everyone’s responsibility. Open, honest and respectful ways of working, learning and communicating are the cornerstones of a successful business, and leveraging inclusion and diversity lead to better business results. At National Grid Renewables, we’re focused on creating a work environment where our people feel respected and included, and therefore empowered to be themselves.