Position: Senior Technical Project Manager – Solar for All Reports to: Senior Program Manager, Solar for All Compensation*: Starting salary range: $81,600 - $102,800 commensurate with skills and experience, Full Pay Range: $81,600 - $124,000 Energy Trust is committed to pay equity. Energy Trust is committed to fair employment practices and non-discrimination, including pay equity for all employees. We do not discriminate on the basis of protected class (race, sex, veteran status, disability, age, color, religion, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation) in the payment of wages or screen applicants on the basis of their current or past compensation. We determine salary by completing a review of your application materials to evaluate your related education, experience and training. • Actual compensation packages are based on several factors that are unique to each candidate, including but not limited to skill set, depth of experience, and certifications in the pay equity assessment to determine equitable salary placement. Candidates should expect compensation offers within the starting compensation range. The full pay range is included to show the earnings potential for this position with sustained high performance. Employment Classification: Full Time, Exempt – Limited Term Duration Anticipated Start Date: Late July/Early August Office Location: Portland Metro Area, Oregon, USA Application Deadline: Priority consideration will be given to applications received by Friday, June 13th 5:00PM PST. We reserve the right to close the application process early or keep the posting open based on candidate volume and progress in the recruitment process. Candidates are encouraged to apply early. BACKGROUND About Energy Trust of Oregon Energy Trust of Oregon is an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to energy efficiency and renewable energy development. We serve Oregon customers of Portland General Electric, Pacific Power, NW Natural, Cascade Natural Gas and Avista, and SW Washington customers of NW Natural. Year over year Energy Trust is recognized as one of the 100 Best Nonprofits to Work For in Oregon. Our Vision Clean, affordable energy for everyone. Our Commitment to Diversity We recognize the lack of diversity in our industry, and we actively seek to address it with our hiring and retention practices as well as our values. We believe every person and their lived experience is integral to building a vibrant culture and delivering effective services to all customers we serve. We are committed to the principles of diversity, equity and inclusion, and we encourage candidates with diverse backgrounds and experience to apply. Our Location Energy Trust operations on a fully flexible working model which includes hybrid option or onsite-office work. We are open to candidates who live throughout Oregon and Washington. What We’re Looking For: Given its funding source, the estimated end date of this position is 4/30/2029, with potential for other opportunities after its conclusion. The Sr. Technical Project Manager – Solar for All will lead the technical support for advanced community solar developments, with a strong emphasis on overcoming utility interconnection challenges. This includes direct coordination with utilities, management of external engineering consultants, and resolution of complex compliance issues. This role is part of a broader statewide initiative funded by the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Solar for All grant and contributes directly to achieving its goals to expand access to solar energy for eligible low-income and priority customer groups. Additionally, this position provides early project development guidance to a wide range of stakeholders - including public, nonprofit, tribal, and community-based organizations - many of whom are new to solar energy and construction. The incumbent offers hands-on guidance across all stages of project development. The role also includes executing competitive procurement processes and developing Requests for Proposals (RFPs) to select and manage consultants providing tailored technical assistance that ensures project success and maximizes community benefits. This position is based in Portland, Oregon, and requires quarterly in-person attendance at Energy Trust’s office, monthly participation in core department meetings, and occasional travel to project sites for field evaluations or stakeholder engagement. Total travel time is estimated to be no more than 10% cumulative. What You’ll Do: • Support community-solar projects ranging in size from 25kW to 3MW in navigating the utility Small Generator Interconnection Process (GIP) within the Oregon Community Solar Program (OCSP). • Facilitate utility-developer coordination to address interconnection barriers. • Design and run competitive RFPs to select consultants, community partners, and contractors to support low-income serving community solar projects. • Play an active role in providing technical support for community-led, nonprofit-driven solar project development by connecting organizations with installation contractors and overseeing the planning and development process. • Support financial planning and project modeling, including exploring community ownership structures and creative financing options to ensure long-term project sustainability. • Explore the feasibility and benefits of integrating battery storage for backup power and grid dispatch capacity, especially for projects serving as community hubs and emergency gathering centers. • Establish and maintain effective collaboration with external partners, including developers, contractors, and community-based organization (CBO) project proponents, ensuring projects stay on track and aligned with goals. • Cultivate a relationship with the OCSP Administrator and relevant Oregon Public Utility Commission (OPUC) staff to ensure projects comply with OCSP program requirements and remain aligned with program expectations. • Track community solar project progress and ensure financial and technical assistance or installation incentives are processed correctly and in compliance with federal grant requirements, including Build America, Buy America (BABA) compliance and other project-specific design terms. • Evaluate and continuously improve the Solar for All Community Solar Program based on feedback and performance data. • Perform other job-related duties as assigned. • Perform all functions of the job in a safe manner. SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY • This position does not have direct employee supervisory responsibilities but will oversee and manage 10-15 subcontractors and 20-30 unique community solar project developments over a 3–4-year period. What You’ll Need: • Bachelor’s degree (engineering, energy systems, construction management, public planning or environmental science preferred) or equivalent professional experience. • Minimum five years of professional experience in project evaluation, technical customer support or design/construction/development (direct experience with at least one renewable energy technology preferred). • Minimum three years of experience in managing program initiatives or project management. • Deep understanding of utility interconnection processes, distributed generation regulations, and solar system design for systems up to 3 MW. • Understanding of solar energy project development, solar system design and engineering basics, as well as project financial modelling. • Excellent interpersonal communication skills and writing ability. • Demonstrated ability to work constructively with parties that may have divergent interests. • Ability to oversee contractors, project developers and consultants. • Strong Excel skills and demonstrated experience in financial modeling for renewable energy, in addition to Power Point and Word software applications. • Familiarity with renewable energy incentives, tax credits (including ITC, bonus credits, depreciation), and financing options for community-based projects. • Must be able to interact with a diverse workforce and be comfortable working in culturally diverse settings and groups. • Public speaking experience is preferred. The above information is designed to outline the major functions and position requirements of this job. It does not identify all tasks that may be expected, nor address the performance standards that must be maintained. What You’ll Get: • Health/dental/vision insurance • Employer sponsored and paid life/disability • 401(k) with a company contribution of 6% of your salary after 90 days of employment • TriMet pass • Access to health and dependent FSA/HSA accounts • Generous paid vacation, holidays and sick days • Paid volunteer hours • Employee assistance program • Career advancement opportunities • Great colleagues and culture • Flexibility to work from home and/or an office space at the Portland, OR location • Work from home laptop provided • Read more about our benefits here INTERVIEW PROCESS: Our interview process will consist of the following: • Recruiter Screen • Hiring Manager Screen • Panel Interview APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: Please submit a cover letter and resume on Energy Trust’s website www.energytrust.org/About/careers. Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that candidates from certain demographics are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification—for example, women and People of Color. At Energy Trust we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace—if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply. You may be the right candidate for this or other roles. Energy Trust of Oregon is committed to providing equal employment opportunity for all persons regardless of race, color, religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, pregnancy, medical condition, genetic information, mental and physical disability, political affiliation, union membership, status as a parent, military or veteran status or other non-merit based factors. We will provide reasonable accommodations throughout the application, interviewing and employment process. If you require a reasonable accommodation, contact us. Energy Trust of Oregon is an E-Verify employer. This policy is applicable to all phases of the employment relationship, including hiring, transfers, promotions, training, terminations, working conditions, compensation, benefits, and other terms and conditions of employment. www.energytrust.org
See More Details >>Job Summary: Are you passionate about renewable energy and hands-on work? Neil Kelly, one of the nation’s largest and most respected remodeling companies, is seeking a Solar Racking Tech / Installer to join our expanding solar department. As a Solar Racking Tech / Installer, you'll play a crucial role working with a team of skilled professionals to mount solar racking on roofs and assist as a materials handler for electrical work. Our projects include residential, commercial, and battery storage installations across the Portland Metro area. Required Skills and Qualifications: • Ability to safely handle physical tasks, including lifting up to 50 lbs. unassisted. • Comfortable with heights, climbing ladders, and working on roofs in all weather conditions. • Strong teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills. • Ability to use hand tools and power tools safely. • Must have a vehicle, valid driver’s license, good driving record and proof of insurance. • Willingness to meet First Aid/CPR and OSHA safety standards (training provided). • Occasional driving of small commercial delivery vehicles. Preferred Skills and Qualifications: Solar installation or residential construction experience. Compensation: $24-$28/hour DOE Please apply on our website: https://www.neilkelly.com/careers
See More Details >>Description Competitive Pay + Benefits • *MUST have Valid LRT License or Journeyman Electrician License in Oregon** POSITION SUMMARY: The Journeyman Electrician-Service will report to the Regional Service Manager and is responsible for completing service calls as dispatched, providing diagnostic, troubleshooting solar panel systems and electrical, preventive, and corrective maintenance services to Freedom Forever's installed Residential systems. ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: • Responsible for the preventative and corrective maintenance of Photovoltaic (PV) inverters, string boxes and solar panels and other components • Assist in the commissioning of the solar array and monitoring systems during project installation when needed • Ensure that PV systems are setup correctly • Perform re-roofs, roof repairs, drywall repairs as needed • Install hardware, PV modules, inverters, and monitoring equipment • Perform commissioning of inverters and inspection of solar panels • Mechanical/structural mounting of racking, modules, and electrical equipment • Respond to corrective maintenance cases on PV inverters, string boxes and solar panels; this includes troubleshooting, testing, and repairing activities • Electrical wiring of solar array/system (AC and DC) • Perform voltage testing using appropriate PPE and procedures • Prepare reports, if needed, to comply with deliverables in O&M contracts • Help in all areas of preventative and corrective maintenance as directed by manager with minimal supervision • Attend mandatory training sessions on new products, installation methodology, maintenance and safety • Ensure tasks are performed according to organizational requirements for quality management and environmental, health and safety standards, policies and procedures • Maintains adherence to Company policies, environmental health and safety policies and good housekeeping practices; identifies gaps in safety standards as well as safety risks in the environment and provides recommendations to higher level technical staff and management · Ability to repair all types of Roofs as well as Ground Mounts · Ability to add or remove panels on roof mount and ground mounted solar systems · Ability to troubleshoot, Identify and repair isolation and arc faults with roof and ground mounted solar systems · Ability to track, replace faulty Optimizers and Microinverters on roof mount and ground mounted solar systems · Ability to understand or have experience in Electrical Panels including Sub Panels (MBD derate, conduit bending, relocating circuits) · Ability to understand or have experience in Monitoring equipment (Cat5, Zigbee, Router, Range Extender) · Able to read and understand plans · Ability to understand or have experience with all AHJ guidelines within region · Ability to troubleshoot an inverter that is reporting production loss · Ability to understand or have experience with all types of Solar Equipment (Enphase, Solar Edge, Sunpower) · Complete RMA’s and log project documentation · Understand of battery backup systems (Enphase, LG, Tesla, and Solar Edge) · Experience in Electrical troubleshooting (Power outage, shorts, faults) • Understanding of Standalone Metering equipment (CT for production and consumption) • May perform required travel for extended periods at a timePerform other duties as assigned QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: Education & Certifications: • High School Graduate or GED • Must possess and maintain a current and valid State Journeyman License/LRT License for applicable state Experience: • Must have a minimum of 1+ year solar experience • Must have electrical and roof racking experience • Experience installing all types of grid-tier inverters and be able to work with various ground and roof mount racking systems • Experience in PV Component performance and HALT testing · Experience in Electrical troubleshooting (Power outage, shorts, faults) Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: • Familiarity with electrical plans and field layouts • Ability to read and comprehend electrical and mechanical schematics, technical manuals, procedures, and regulations • Must understand NEC (National Electrical Codes) codes that relate to PV installations • Good motivation with an attention to productivity, detail, and safety • Able to work safety with heights on ladders and in confined areas • Be able to lift, pull and push materials and equipment to complete assigned job tasks • Must be willing and able to climb ladders, stairs, work on rooftops and able to work on your feet for long periods of time • Be able to lift 50 pounds of weight frequently throughout assigned workday • Attention to detail • Excellent written and verbal communication skills • Excellent customer service skills • Regular, reliable, and predictable attendance • Ability to work well with others in a collaborative team environment • Ability to work in extreme environments (example: hot sun, cold, rain, crawl spaces, etc.) • Well skilled with power and hand tools as well as showing others how to safely use them • Maintain a clean and safe working environment • Must have a valid state driver's license • Must have a clean driving record PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND ABILITIES • Ability to drive a vehicle frequently throughout the normal course of a business day • Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls • Stand for long periods of time • Walk or run for long periods of time • Climb ladders, scaffolds, or poles • Kneel, stoop, crouch, or crawl • Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out • Repeat the same movements • See details of objects that are less than a few feet away • Determine the distance between objects • Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects • Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls • Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm • Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects • Understand the speech of another person • Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects • See differences between colors, shades, and brightness • Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place • Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired • Keep or regain the body's balance or stay upright when in an unstable position • React quickly using hands, fingers, or feet • While looking forward, see objects or movements that are off to the side • Lift 50+ pounds Freedom Forever is an equal opportunity employer. In accordance with applicable law, we prohibit discrimination against any applicant or employee based on any legally-recognized basis, including, but not limited to: veteran status, uniformed service member status, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age (40 and over), pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation and related medical conditions), national origin or ancestry, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, genetic information (including testing and characteristics) or any other consideration protected by federal, state or local law. Our commitment to equal opportunity employment applies to all persons involved in our operations and prohibits unlawful discrimination by any employee, including supervisors and co-workers. Employees of Freedom Forever must submit to a criminal history check, MVR check and a 9-panel drug screen that includes the following: Amphetamines, Cocaine Metabolites, Opiates, Phencyclidine (PCP), Barbiturates, Benzodiazepines, Methadone, Methaqualone, Propoxyphene.
See More Details >>Entering the solar trade in Portland, OR, often begins with a Registered Apprenticeship Program, which combines on-the-job training with technical education, allowing individuals to earn while they learn. These apprenticeships typically last about four years, requiring extensive hands-on experience under seasoned professionals. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the solar industry employed 279,447 workers nationwide as of December 2023, with a 5.9% growth from 2022. In Portland, solar professionals can expect to earn an average wage of $1,046 per week, with experienced workers often surpassing $1,100 weekly. Training programs, community colleges, and organizations like NABCEP provide pathways to these apprenticeships, leading to a promising career with strong earning potential, often exceeding $54,000 annually for seasoned solar technicians.
