Solar Installer Trainee

are you ready to launch a hands‑on career in the electrical and renewable energy trades?

start your career in the skilled trades with the city of madison engineering division as a solar installer trainee! In this entry‑level position, you will build valuable solar installation and electrical skills through paid, on‑the‑job training while performing trainee‑level electrical work installing solar energy systems at city facilities. You’ll also gain hands‑on experience supporting a variety of other electrical projects, including high‑efficiency led (light emitting diode) lighting upgrades, electrical service changes, and electric vehicle charger installations.

All work is performed under the direct supervision of a licensed electrician in the engineering division, providing a strong foundation for a long‑term career in a trade‑related field.

watch this video to learn more about these exciting positions.

current recruitment will fill multiple vacancies.

hours: 6:30 am – 3:00 pm, monday through friday. Schedule may change slightly throughout the season, and there may be opportunities for overtime.

the hourly wage consists of a base wage of $20.29 per hour plus a $2.50 per hour bonus.

applications will be accepted until the closing date. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible as interviews and hiring will begin before the posting closes and will continue until the available positions are filled.

black, indigenous, people of color, women, trans, nonbinary, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. We value the unique blend of lived experiences and diverse perspectives that comes from non‑traditional education pathways and the variety of transferrable skills each candidate brings to the table. We value diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Even if every item on the job posting doesn’t match your experience perfectly, we encourage you to apply and share how your skills and experience can best serve our community.

• electrical: participants will learn basic electrical theory, codes and safety.
• photovoltaics (pv): participants will learn how pv systems work, identify system types, identify and describe components, discuss applications and limitations of each system type, define the solar window, make energy efficient recommendations and estimate system costs.
• osha 10 hour safety course for construction industry: participants will be provided an entry level construction worker’s general awareness on recognizing and preventing hazards on a construction site.
• computer training: participants will be provided access to computer training in outlook, word and excel.

• participants will work on a crew led by a licensed electrician who is also a nabcep (north american board of certified energy practitioners) certified pv installer. Participants will perform pv installations at city facilities. Participants will learn safety procedures, system design and layout, component selection and specifications, electrical and mechanical integration processes and troubleshooting techniques related to designing and installing battery based and interconnected systems.

• all applicants will be considered for these positions. Depending on the number of applications, random selection may be used to determine who will proceed to the interview process.

the city of madison strives to provide exceptional customer service to all its residents and visitors. Therefore, successful candidates will have demonstrated ability to work effectively with multicultural communities.

possession of a valid wi driver’s license.

• ability to lift/carry objects weighing up to 50 pounds.
• ability to climb ladders and work on roofs on a regular basis.
• ability to frequently walk, sit, bend, squat, climb, kneel, stoop, and lift arms overhead to perform work for extended periods of time.
• ability to work outdoors in all types of weather, including summer heat and direct sunlight.

payroll title for this position is trades helper (hourly).