Solar O&M Vegetation Technician l

Position Description

Position Title: Solar O&M Vegetation Technician

Reports To: Land and Vegetation Program Manager

Direct Reports: Asset Management & Operations

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Position Type: Full-Time

Plant

Location:

MS3 Solar, Hattiesburg, MS

Onward Energy is an independent power platform that owns and operates over 7 GW of utility‑scale wind, solar, and natural gas generation projects across the U.S. Our Vision is to reliably power a sustainable future. Our Mission is that as North America’s premier independent power generator, we will deliver renewable and reliable power to our customers, opportunities to our employees, sustainable returns to the families who invest in us, and a better world to the next generation.

Corporate Offices are in Denver, New York, and Charlotte.

This position reports to the Land and Vegetation Program Manager. The Solar O&M Vegetation Technician will manage the various components of the PV power plant vegetation management program as they relate to day‑to‑day maintenance at PV plant sites. This overall objective will be achieved by meeting the following plant objectives: health and safety performance, environmental stewardship, employee training and development, quality control, vegetation maintenance, evaluation of reliability improvements and technology, and process development and oversight.

• Ensure the highest level of health and safety practices.
• Ensure a safe work environment by strict adherence to company protocols.
• Attend, train, and participate in and pass all assigned training in safety, environmental and other areas as assigned.
• Responsible for personal safety, quality, and schedule adherence.
• Comply with Job Hazard Analysis, and Pre‑Job Briefs.
• Adhere to training programs.
• Assist in the hiring of temporary vegetation employees and onsite performance related issues.
• Ensure compliance with environmental and NERC standards and applicable governmental regulations.
• Ensure adherence to company and department policies and procedures.
• Responsible for maintaining the vegetation within an approved budget.
• Provide input for material and parts forecasting for corrective and preventive maintenance.
• Maintain accurate timekeeping for temp workers.
• Perform repairs and maintenance on equipment used in performing vegetation management including but not limited to tractors, mowers, skid steers, weed eaters, sprayers, saws, and other equipment as necessary.
• Incorporate routine spraying and chemical treatment into the overall management program.
• Monitor contractors’ work associated with substation and R/W mowing, chemical application, and other VM‑related activities.
• Monitor and manage the use and inventories of spare parts, maintenance supplies, equipment, tools, and reordering as necessary.
• Coordinate multiple activities and ensure safety, quality, and schedule adherence.
• Take direction, identify problems, develop solutions, conduct analysis independently and in collaboration with others.
• Liaise and negotiate with suppliers, manufacturers, retailers, and consumers in support of material and third‑party services.
• Lead field investigations to support predictive analytics, root cause analysis, and serial defect reports.
• Provide input for monthly, quarterly, and annual reporting and scheduling.

Associate or bachelor's degree in Agriculture and/or Management is preferred. Applicable years of experience may substitute for a degree.

• Five (2) years of related work experience with utility VM programs is desired. Certified Arborist and Certified Utility Specialist as defined by the International Society of Arboriculture.
• Ability to plan, organize, schedule, and direct the safe operation and maintenance activities of multiple complex projects.
• Excellent writing and presentation skills, verbal skills that are persuasive, and the ability to promote business initiatives.
• Proficient use of all Microsoft Office Suite programs.
• Ability to anticipate and accept changes in the organization and adapt to meet new requirements.
• Self‑starter with the ability to make decisions and take necessary actions without specific direction.
• Analyze conditions and issues;…