Tribal Workforce Technical Trainer
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.
- Hired CA candidates must be able to pass a screening for drugs that are illegal in the state of California, including: amphetamine, cocaine metabolite, opiates, and PCP.
Why is this a big deal...
GRID Alternatives’ Tribal Program has worked since 2010 with Indigenous Nations across the United States to achieve their renewable energy goals. Using a community-centric approach, we partner with Tribes to identify, develop, finance and implement solar power projects that meet community needs, including education, hands-on training, and energy cost reductions for tribal members.
The Opportunity...
We are offering a position for a Tribal Solar Technical Trainer to support the Tribal Program’s deployment of workforce development initiatives in Tribal communities throughout the United States. Through GRID Alternatives Tribal Program we are able to facilitate a variety of experiential learning opportunities. These programs are in support of Tribal members gaining the necessary skills and knowledge to be introduced to different concept areas of Tribal Renewable Energy.
The approach to GRID’s Tribal workforce development is to create economic and capacity impact by engaging communities in a way that promotes generational growth within renewable energy as an industry and as a pillar of advocacy for tribal sovereignty.
By providing pathways to careers in tribal renewable energy, we empower individuals to contribute to their communities' energy independence and sustainability. Graduates of our programs have the potential to secure employment in the growing field of renewable energy, leading to increased income, career advancement, and economic self-sufficiency.
The Tribal Workforce Technical Trainer will play a key role in reaching these goals by leading efforts in deploying GRID’s Installation Basics Training curriculum as well as providing thought-leadership for incorporating Tribal specific context and training.
Key Responsibilities Include:
- Assist in leading the Tribal team’s Installation Basics Training (IBT) programming across Indian Country (federally recognized tribes, Tribal Colleges, Tribal-led organizations, and other tribally focused place-based opportunities.
- Training site coordination includes; project development and design (create plan for goals and outcomes), schedule and coordinate training logistics (recruitment and outreach with staff and participants, develop project timeline, procure equipment, etc.). , and.
- Implement K-12, Tribal College and University, and community based solar education programming.
- Visit active job sites to assess progress and effectively evaluate the trainees at workforce development contracted sites.
- Travel to training sites and assist in preparing the site for training, implementation of training, and close out of training session.
- Serve as the lead and mentor for trainees going through training.
- Follow up with trainees and program staff to assist in trainees achieving their learning goals and objectives for their selected training program.
- Other responsibilities include equipment unloading and loading, answering client and trainee questions, inputting data into Customer Relationship Management software, ability to travel at least 50% of the time, and participating in activities necessary to achieve successful solar installations for tribal communities.
What You Need To Bring To This Role...
- 2 years as trainer of solar installation work and/or team members
- Minimum of 3 years of experience in residential solar electric system installation / troubleshooting and minimum of 1 year leading an installation crew.
- Ability to manage and keep attention of a cohort of trainees during 8-hour training sessions
- Flexibility and willingness to embrace change and bring ideas and energy to a rapidly evolving organization.
- Ability to relate to and work with diverse populations with an emphasis on working with Native communities.
- Comfortable with computers (MS Office, Gmail/Google apps)
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. and familiarity with proper lifting procedures
- Requires some work in the early mornings, late evenings, and weekend
- OSHA-10 and CPR/First Aid Certification
- Valid driver’s license, clean driving record, and reliable vehicle required
- MUST be able to successfully pass a pre-employment background screen
It would be great if you also had...
- 2 years of classroom/laboratory workshop instruction at a vocational school/program, high school, or community college
- 2+ years of community college or vocational school training preferred
- Certificates in solar or electrical installation and safety like NABCEP PV Associate, OSHA-30, OSHA Outreach Trainer, CPR/First Aid Trainer
- General construction knowledge, experience, and skills
- Experience in training, teaching, and/or working with diverse crew with varying skill level and/or volunteers
- Holds state electrical contractors license or electrician license
Where you will sit and the places you may go…
This position is remote within the US and may rarely require up to 50% 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, non-exempt position. Hourly pay commensurate with experience within the pay band
($31- $38 per hour), 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! 
