Construction Assistant
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 participate 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 Construction Assistant (CA) at GRID Alternatives is an entry- to intermediate-level solar installation position. CAs bring valuable technical, teamwork, leadership, and communication skills to the construction department. Grid provides CAs with numerous opportunities for career advancement, including hands-on and classroom training from PV experts, and access to GRID Alternatives’ vast network of corporate and nonprofit partners. CAs will work on residential and commercial solar installations and designs, electrical systems installations (including battery/storage), all with a focus on safety, equity, inclusion, and diversity.
Support the installation of solar electric systems, including but not limited to: installing racking systems and PV modules, installing energy storage systems, bending conduit, wiring electrical boxes, penetrating roofs, climbing up and down ladders, and working with electrical equipment. Bending, reaching, and kneeling is required for all jobs; 90% of the job will be to assist with residential solar installations. Periodically working alongside crews of volunteers and/or job trainees.
Train and mentor volunteers and job trainees in solar installation and other construction-related activities
Work under the direct supervision of the Solar Installation Supervisor to ensure that all installations are installed according to GRID Alternatives safety and quality standards.
Assist in the warehouse with receiving and picking up equipment and deliveries, tool organization, fleet maintenance, construction logistics, and systems implementation.
Responsible for staging, loading, unloading, stocking, and organizing equipment and tools before and after installations
Other job duties include attending building inspections and assisting with permitting and site visits, maintaining safety certifications (OSHA, forklift, first aid, etc), participating in construction department and regional staff meetings, attending equity, inclusion, and diversity training, and speaking with homeowners, members of the community, and news media about GRID Alternatives and solar technology.
What you need to bring to this role...
- Experience in PV system installation and/or PV troubleshooting/design (min 3 months)
- Experience with residential and/or commercial scale PV systems
- Passion for GRID’s mission related to renewable energy technology, community development, green jobs, and/or helping families and communities in need
- Highly reliable, accountable, and detail-oriented
- Ability to travel extensively throughout target territory in GRID vehicles (typical installs are within a 1-2 hours radius of the Central Valley office)
- Excellent communication skills (ability to work with volunteers and clients, and represent GRID Alternatives positively to diverse populations)
- Ability to work independently and efficiently with minimal supervision
- Flexibility and willingness to embrace change, go the extra mile, and bring ideas and energy to a rapidly growing organization
- Ability to relate to and work with diverse populations
- Comfortable with computers (Salesforce, MS Office, especially Excel, databases, Gmail/Google apps a plus)
- Ability to lift, push, and pull up to 70 lbs. and familiarity with proper lifting procedures
- Ability to ascend and descend ladders to reach rooftops and install solar
- Requires work outdoors in inclement weather conditions: hot/cold, windy, low visibility, smoky (all within OSHA limits and with proper use of PPE, keeping health and safety in mind)
- Ability to work 8-hour shifts Monday - Friday (summer hours are 5:30am - 3:00pm; winter hours are 6:30am - 3:00pm); Occasionally available for overtime, as well as some weekends and rarely overnight stays throughout the target territory and beyond. GRID Alternatives provides travel reimbursement and per diem
- Valid driver’s license, clean driving record, and reliable vehicle required
- Must be able to successfully pass a pre-employment background screen
It would be great if you also had...
- NABCEP PV Associate or PV Installation Professional Certification.
- Passion for sustainability, affordable housing, the environment, environmental justice, or just generally grounded in making the world a better place
- Experience in training and/or working with volunteers from diverse backgrounds
- Bilingual English / Spanish/ Other
- OSHA 10
*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.
Where you will sit & the places you may go…
This position may require up to 25% out-of-town travel to regional offices and special projects. Availability to work nights and weekends may 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 (
$21.64-$23.08 per hour), plus the benefits listed 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 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!
