GRID Alternatives

Construction 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, Washington D.C., Virginia, Maryland, and Delaware; GRID also works in Nicaragua, Mexico and Nepal. GRID has a dedicated staff of 350 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. Any Director/Manager at GRID Alternatives must be able to advance the organization's equity, inclusion, and diversity work and understand that this can only be achieved within a framework of social, economic, and environmental justice.

Opportunity…

Above all else, the candidate must be committed to the GRID Alternatives mission to serve economic and environmental justice communities while creating a rapid and equitable transition to a world powered by renewable energy that benefits everyone. Any Manager at GRID Alternatives must be able to advance the organization's equity, inclusion, and diversity work and understand that this can only be achieved within a framework of social, economic, and environmental justice.

Responsibilities:

• Responsible for technical, safety and quality aspects of all in-house installations including residential, multi-family and commercial projects as well as day to day oversight of assigned projects to ensure execution on time, on budget, and to the highest quality.
• Scope and site visit potential commercial projects needed for bidding, design and contract negotiations
• Review designs for compliance with GRID Alternatives design and installation standards
• Partner and collaborate with Bay Area Department and Program Managers to create project timelines and deliverables
• Troubleshoot technical issues and review PV system designs when necessary
• Work proactively and collaboratively with other GRID teams to meet installation, service call, program and funding-related goals in a timely manner
• Review weekly and monthly installation schedules
• Run regular construction meetings while emphasizing training, development and learning opportunities for staff
• Help guide GRID Bay Area operations as part of the regional management team
• Provide leadership by clearly communicating GRID’s mission, goals, and values
• Provide coaching, technical training and performance reviews for staff
• Responsible for coordinating all equipment purchases for all installations with the Warehouse Manager
• Participate in preparation and review of estimates 
• Participate in the business development process including client contacts, relationships, proposals, presentations, and negotiations for selected projects.
• Prevent claims, identify potential claims, quantify, mitigate/resolve the effects of those that do occur on a timely basis.
• Assist in the interviewing and hiring of support staff.
• The duties and responsibilities are intended to describe the general nature and scope of work being performed by this position. This is not a complete listing and other duties may be assigned.

What you need to bring to this role...

• At least 5 years of experience with the design, installation, and troubleshooting of grid-tied, residential and commercial-scale photovoltaic systems
• Experience with renewable energy systems
• Self-starter – extremely motivated, ability to work independently, and manage multiple projects
• Similar experience with a commercial electrical contractor is acceptable
• Experience in an engineering field may be acceptable.
• Four‐year construction‐related degree, engineering-related degree, or equivalent combinations of technical training and/or related experience.
• Experience working with and coordinating design teams 
• Experience with construction permitting processes
• Must be capable of managing multiple tasks under time constraints
• Must possess the ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of specific variables in situations where only limited standardization exists
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks, changing priorities as necessary
• Ability to work under time pressure and adapt to changing requirements with a positive attitude
• Ability to accurately read and interpret construction drawings
• Knowledge of contract documents, materials, equipment utilization, scheduling systems, productivity analysis, construction operations, and cash flow procedures
• Demonstrated capabilities with construction planning including scheduling and budgeting
• Proficient use of all Microsoft Office Suite programs
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Strong persuasive and interpersonal skills
• Ability to identify and meet customer’s needs, expectations and requirements
• Familiarity with team-building techniques
• Ability to interact effectively and professionally with all levels of employees, both management and staff alike, vendors, clients, and others
• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record
• Flexible and willing to embrace change, go the extra mile, and bring ideas and energy to a rapidly growing organization

It would be great if you also had...

• Electrical construction or project management experience
• Experience leading a crew in PV installation and managing multiple crews
• Electrical engineering experience
• Experience with project estimation
• Knowledge of electric utilities, interconnection processes, and tariffs
• Familiarity with software such as Aurora Solar, Energy Tool Base, PVwatts, AutoCAD, SketchUp
• Experience using relevant solar design software (Helioscope, PV Watts, EPBB Calculator, AutoCAD) to correctly size solar systems and provide production estimates for proposal, and create plansets for necessary stamps, interconnection approval, and AHJ approval
• Experience and understanding of Community Solar Projects
• Relevant project management certifications

Where you will sit and the places you may go…

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, exempt position. Hourly pay commensurate with experience within the pay band ($110k-$120k annually), 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 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!