Solar Field Manager

Organization Summary

Civic Works’ Energy Programs make it easy and affordable for Baltimore City and Central Maryland residents to go solar and upgrade their energy efficiency. Through our programs, residents of all income levels lower their energy bills, improve the comfort and safety of their homes, and have a positive impact on the environment. As an integral part of Civic Works’ job training center, we also play a pivotal role in expanding access to quality careers in the clean energy sector.

In 2023, Civic Works launched its low-income solar installation and roofing services program, providing free services to 17 Baltimore City homeowners. With key partners and funding in place, Civic Works is now poised to rapidly scale the program to serve 150 low-income households over the next 2 years. Civic Works is hiring a Solar Field Manager to support the expansion and implementation of this program. Civic Works’ green initiatives have been highlighted by The Baltimore Sun, The Washington Post, the US Conference of Mayors, and the Maryland Sustainable Growth Commission. Join us in creating a stronger, more resilient clean energy economy. Learn more about our transformative residential energy programs at http://energyprograms.civicworks.com.

Position Summary

The Solar Field Manager will support Civic Works’ single-family solar installation program with a focus on expanding access to solar for low- and moderate-income Baltimore residents. Working under the Solar Construction Manager, the Solar Field Manager will oversee the installation team, ensuring departmental goals related to safety, quality, and efficiency are met. This role supports recruiting, onboarding, training, and developing team members while maintaining strong relationships with colleagues, customers, subcontractors, and other external partners. The Solar Field Manager will also manage on-the-job training (OJT) participants from Civic Works’ Solar job training program, providing instruction, coaching, and tracking the performance of participants, both on the worksite and more broadly.

Primary Responsibilities:

Field Management of Solar Installation Team

1. Participate in the recruitment, onboarding, and training of new solar construction staff.
2. Supervise, manage, and continuously develop the skills and abilities of solar construction staff and OJT Participants while on work sites.
3. Participate in and lead in-house solar installations, ensuring each project is completed on schedule, within scope, and in accordance with quality and safety standards.
4. Oversee installation workflows, including job site setup, installation, system testing, and final inspection, while troubleshooting technical issues.
5. Conduct pre- and post-installation walk-throughs to ensure installations meet design, permitting, and code requirements.
6. Safely drive Civic Works vehicles, transporting tools, materials, and team members in accordance with company policies.
7. Ensure tools are kept clean and safely stored for the entire team.
8. Ensure vehicles are kept clean and well-maintained for the entire team.
9. Read, interpret, and instruct based on solar design plans, permits, and engineering documents, etc.

Staff Management:

1. Identify and support career advancement plans, identifying internal and external opportunities for professional development.
2. Work with the staff members to set and communicate performance standards that are specific and measurable. Provide regular feedback and coaching. 
3. Create a strong team environment that fosters cooperation, interdependence, commitment, and the incorporation of lessons learned.
4. Evaluate all aspects of team effectiveness and continuously improve program operations. Analyze data in order to identify areas for improvement.
5. Make sure all team members are well integrated into Civic Works and the Center for Sustainable Careers.

Project Coordination

1. Ensure exceptional customer experience at all times and represent Civic Works professionally in all communications.
2. Work closely with the Senior Associate Director of Social Enterprise Construction and the Solar Construction Manager to efficiently direct subcontractors and vendors to ensure quality.
3. Manage project schedules, submit progress logs and photos, provide daily feedback and communication with the team, and ensure timely, safe, and code-compliant installations.

Quality and Safety Assurance

1. Implement, monitor, and enforce adherence to quality and safety policies related to solar installs enforced by both OSHA and Civic Works.
2. Complete on-site quality control and safety inspections as needed, according to industry standards and specific contract requirements.  
3. Ensure all aspects of projects are safely built to specification, meeting codes, and industry best practices.

Support Training & Development of On-the-Job Training Participants

1. Ensure the solar business adheres to Civic Works’ mission focus and provide curriculum and instruction to trainees during the OJT period.
2. Provide technical training support to participants during the OJT period.
3. Support ongoing feedback for OJT participants on their progress in meeting the expectations for employment in the solar industry.
4. Ensure program participants understand and follow all safety rules during on-the-job training.

Secondary Responsibilities:

1. Work with the Solar Construction Manager to purchase materials and tools as needed. 
2. Performs other duties as assigned by the Senior Associate Director of Social Enterprise Construction and Solar Construction Manager.

Schedule and Location:

• Work schedule is typically Monday through Friday, with start times of 7am.
• This is an in-person position that will report to Civic Works’ office in Baltimore City and travel to solar installation locations.

Education and Experience:

• 5 years working experience installing residential Photovoltaic (PV) systems for pitched and flat roofs required.
• 5 years of construction staff management experience in solar or a related field required.
• Experience overseeing the training and development of staff and/or OJT Participants preferred.
• Previous work experience focused on job quality and safety preferred.
• NABCEP PVIP certification required within 12 months of hire; OSHA 30 certification required within 6 months of hire (training costs covered by Civic Works).
• Strong understanding of both the mechanical and electrical aspects of Residential PV Construction.
• Knowledge of PV commissioning requirements and experience commissioning systems.
• Roofing experience is a plus.

Skills and Abilities:

• Must possess a valid driver’s license.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, Google Earth, and data/document management platforms (e.g. Salesforce, Dropbox, Google Drive).
• Ability to assess whether a roof is viable for solar installation.
• Proficient in reading and understanding design plans, blueprints, and construction/electrical diagrams.
• Physical requirements: ability to climb ladders, lift and carry up to 50lbs, and stand consistently for a full workday.
• Ability to work outdoors for extended periods in a variety of weather conditions, including high temperatures, low temperatures, high humidity, and dry/arid conditions.
• Comfortable and able to work on rooftops, with extension ladders and/or scissor lifts, and around energized electrical equipment on a regular basis.
• Highly flexible and receptive to changing responsibilities as needed.
• Must work well under pressure and be able to manage competing demands in order to meet tight deadlines.
• Bilingual (English and Spanish) proficiency is a plus.
• Organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Exceptional personal responsibility for meeting goals and a track record of success.
• Ability to write accurate and reliable reports.
• Excellent coaching and relationship-building skills, and a dedication to worker development in a high-quality, respectful environment.