ABOUT THE COMPANY
The Company was conceived in early 2002. Two Dawson Creek businessmen with a keen interest in renewable energy and energy conservation, Don Pettit and Paul Kurjata, realized the potential for wind energy in the Peace River Country. The Peace is rich in fossil fuels that are extracted by a handful of giant and mostly multi-national companies. Pettit and Kurjata argued that as a cooperative, The Company can pool resources and expertise from local people who can then actually own some of this new resource industry in the Peace Region.
The Company is committed to make renewable energy accessible and affordable for its members in the Peace Region of northern British Columbia and Alberta. This includes wind energy, geothermal heating, solar power, bio fuels, as well as energy conservation methods.
ABOUT THE JOB
The Company is looking for a Solar Technology Trainee. This is an excellent opportunity for someone interested in entering into the exciting and expanding field of solar energy technology in the BC and Alberta Peace Region.
It will involve a combination of on-the-job field work for solar site evaluation, and in-house computer based solar PV system design, on-line learning and client interaction.
RESPONSIBILITIES
This trainee position will consist of two primary areas for learning opportunities:
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COMPUTER WORK IN-HOUSE:
- Training in the solar design software Helioscope, both online and with our designer Greg Dueck as mentor and teacher. With this knowledge the applicant will, (after training and practice) begin to design custom solar arrays for clients using this software and Google Earth and Google Mapping. Over time, the applicant will also begin to learn solar equipment / installation pricing and ordering, but these will primarily be the responsibility of Greg during the training period.
- On-line courses on solar technology and applications from: HES PV (equipment, solar design, sales and pricing), Solar Alberta (Solar PV Design and Modeling), Enphase (solar optimizers and inverters), Solar Edge (inverters) and others as they become available. With knowledge the applicant will be able to advise potential clients as to technology choices, their pros and cons, costs and benefits.
- Assist our Office Administrator Tammy Lawrence and ED Don Pettit with initial solar inquiries, data entry, follow-up calls with clients and other client-oriented tasks, as knowledge and ability allow. (This will also help provide real-time learning about practical solar applications for homes, businesses, etc and practice in talking to and educating the public about solar energy.)
- Becoming expert on solar grants as they become available (such as the Federal Greener Homes Grant) to help and advise clients to apply for such, to research new grants that may apply and to talk to clients about financing options.
- Using the Microsoft Office Suite, Zoom, Indesign and Photoshop and other software for correspondence, spreadsheets, writing reports, data entry, record keeping, pricing, newsletters, press releases, website content, etc. Knowledge and experience in marketing, social media and public speaking are also assets.
- Training in the solar design software Helioscope, both online and with our designer Greg Dueck as mentor and teacher. With this knowledge the applicant will, (after training and practice) begin to design custom solar arrays for clients using this software and Google Earth and Google Mapping. Over time, the applicant will also begin to learn solar equipment / installation pricing and ordering, but these will primarily be the responsibility of Greg during the training period.
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ON-SITE LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
- A potential solar sale and design often requires a site visit to the client’s home, business or farm. You will accompany and assist Greg Dueck for solar site assessments across the BC and AB Peace regions, with the goal of being able to set up and perform such site visits independently. Client interaction, accurate note taking, photography (with and without a drone) may be involved.
- On an occasional basis you may accompany and assist our primary solar installer Ron Moch with solar installations across our service area, again providing on-site, hands-on learning. This hands-on learning will be invaluable when dealing with solar client inquiries and custom solar design, but the job is not focused on solar installation as such.
- A potential solar sale and design often requires a site visit to the client’s home, business or farm. You will accompany and assist Greg Dueck for solar site assessments across the BC and AB Peace regions, with the goal of being able to set up and perform such site visits independently. Client interaction, accurate note taking, photography (with and without a drone) may be involved.
APPLICANT QUALITIES
- The applicant should have great communications skills and be able to work effectively in both a self-directed and team environment.
- Good computer and organizational skills will be needed
- Interest in math and science will be assets.
- Experience with Excel spreadsheets, Helioscope, Word, Outlook, Digital mapping software, computer design software, Indesign and Photoshop will all be assets.
- On-the-job training will be available for some of these, but prior knowledge is preferred.
- Applicants will need to show proof of a valid driver’s license and may need the use of their personal vehicle from time to time (reimbursed by PEC per kilometer at current CRA rates).
- Experience working within the cooperative business structure will also be valuable but not necessary.
- After or during the training period, this position will be reevaluated regarding wage and hours expected, with the long-term goal of having a full-time (or near full time) solar expert as part of the team with the goal of increasing our solar business and income to the cooperative.
ADDITIONAL DETAILS
COMPENSATION AND HOURS
Hours can be flexible, but the successful applicant will be expected to be in the PEC Dawson Creek office for three full days per week during the training period. There may also be opportunities to accompany and assist our solar installers and solar design and site evaluation specialist, but this is primarily an office position.
LOCATION
BC and Alberta Peace Region.
THIS IS A JOB OPENING POST
This position is posted by Iron & Earth. Your interest in this position would involve participating in the Net-Zero Pathways (NZP) Program, once hired by the employer.
The Net-Zero Pathways Program will enable self-identified and engaged Indigenous and fossil fuel workers, members of underserved communities (list or not?) to diversify their skills into the net-zero sector.
NZP is a 7-week program that provides one-on-one case management, employability soft skills teachings, and engagement with employers to recruit and hire skilled workers seeking reliable employment opportunities.
Week 1: Introduction /overview of the renewable energy sector. NZP offers a fully paid 5-day (including wrap-around financial assistance) employability and employer-based workshop with an overview of the opportunities in the renewable energy sector.
Weeks 2-7: Hands on training. We will assist you for the first 6 weeks of your employment onboarding with an employer in the renewable energy industry.
HOW TO APPLY
Interested candidates should send their résumé/CV and cover letter to [email protected]
Please mention Job 16 when applying.
We believe in everyone. We see the strength in your unique history.
You've read all this way, you may as well apply!
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This project is funded in part by the Government of Canada's Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program.
