Assistant Solar Installation Trainer - Caguas, Puerto Rico

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, Mid-Atlantic/Washington D.C. region, and Tribal Lands within the U.S. Additionally, GRID has international operations in Nicaragua, Mexico, and Nepal. GRID has a dedicated staff of 400 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. Every member of GRID Alternatives must be dedicated to participating in the organization's equity, inclusion, and diversity (EID) work.

GRID Alternatives provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability or genetics. Because we value EID at GRID Alternatives, we encourage folks from all backgrounds to apply, even if you do not meet all of the preferred qualifications.

The Opportunity...
The Assistant Solar Installation Trainer is responsible for teaching GRID Alternatives Installation Basics Training (IBT) curriculum to students in a classroom, lab and on job sites in Puerto Rico. The IBT program trains people in entry-level solar installation and connects IBT graduates to solar industry jobs. We are seeking a trainer with a strong background in residential solar installation, a demonstrated command of the classroom, subject matter expertise, and an ability to relate to trainees from diverse backgrounds. The Assistant Solar Installation Trainer will assist the Solar Installation Trainer and work with other team members in Puerto Rico in addition to GRID staff who work remotely in other places.
The Assistant Solar Installation Trainer will:

• Teach and assist in classroom/workshop instruction in Caguas, Puerto Rico teaching job trainees GRID Alternative's Installation Basics Training curriculum, including electricity and solar installation, job site safety, employment readiness training, lesson planning, attendance and punctuality, and grading
• Provide feedback to improve training programs, curriculum, materials, workshops, labs and exercises and ensure compliance within industry standards, Puerto Rico laws and regulations and GRID Alternatives standards
• Serve as a role model, demonstrating the values of GRID, and mentoring trainees including modeling GRID's Equity Inclusion and Diversity values
• Assist in on-site solar installation work and guiding job trainees in on-site solar installations
• Attend job fairs and other industry events that support employment opportunities for job trainees
• Other job duties as assigned

What you need to bring to this role...

• Experience in residential solar electric system installation /troubleshooting
• Ability to assist in keeping the attention of a cohort of students during 8 hour training sessions
• Passion for GRID's mission related to renewable energy, community development, green jobs, and/or helping families and communities in need
• Highly reliable, accountable, punctual and detail oriented
• Self-starter and ability to work independently as well as in a team
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and leadership skills- i.e., ability to work well with co-workers, volunteers and clients, ability to represent GRID Alternatives positively at events and conferences.
• Strong teamwork, organizational, multi-tasking, and decision-making skills
• Flexibility and willingness to embrace change, go the extra mile, and bring ideas and energy to a rapidly evolving organization
• Ability to relate to and work with diverse populations
• Comfortable with computers, software and apps. (MS Office, Gmail/Google apps/Teams)
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. and familiarity with proper lifting procedures
• Requires some work in the early mornings, late evenings, and weekends as well as travel and overnight stays for meetings, events, and job sites nationally. GRID Alternatives provides travel reimbursement and per diem.
• Valid driver's license, clean driving record, and reliable vehicle required
• MUST be able to successfully pass a pre-employment background screen
• Must support women's empowerment including women working in technical roles in the solar industry
• Bilingual English/Spanish

It would be great if you also had...

• Training/instruction to underserved populations preferred
• License of "Ayudante de Perito Electricista" in Puerto Rico
• Certificate in solar, electrical or NABCEP certification
• General construction knowledge, experience, and skills
• Experience in training, teaching, and/or working with diverse crew with varying skill level and/or volunteers
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Salesforce, and solar design with Sketchup or AutoCAD
• OSHA-10 certified; forklift-certified; first aid and CPR certified

Where you will sit and the places you may go...
Looking for this position to start January 2025, this position will be located in Caguas, Puerto Rico. This position will require some travel to project sites within Puerto Rico. This position may require up to 10% out-of-town travel to GRID's 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.

Lets Talk Money!
This is a full-time, exempt position. Salary pay commensurate with experience within the pay band ($45,000-$55,000 annually), plus comparable 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!

Pay Range: $45,000 - $55,000 per year