Temporary Distributed Energy Electrical Inspector

About This Position

Under minimal supervision, this position ensures safe installation of distributed energy resources; compliance with AE interconnection criteria; and performs investigations and inspections and researches and evaluates code violations

Job Description:

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities:

Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

• •Performs inspections for renewable energy interconnections and electrical upgrades by conducting field visits and electrical plan review at customer sites.
• •Evaluates potential distributed energy resource (e.g. solar, battery, and energy efficiency) projects and technical scope with customers and contractors.
• •Evaluates new technologies and develops safety and interconnection requirements for inclusion in local codes and standards.
• •Determines work requirements for distributed energy resources based on reviewing job packets, which include: program applications, electrical diagrams, sizing and audit calculators, material list, workorder, and job summary.
• •Works on and around energized lines and equipment and performs troubleshooting of electrical systems using various test equipment (i.e. Multi-Range Voltage Detector [sRVD], phasing sticks, rotation meters, Digital Multi-Meters [DMM], and clamp-on amp meters).

• •Provides technical electrical expertise to customers, contractors, and internal/external stakeholders.
• •Attends refresher, continuing education, and annual trainings to maintain required certifications and licenses necessary for performing residential and commercial electrical inspections.

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:

May provide leadership, work assignments, evaluation, training, and guidance to others.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

• •Knowledge of the electrical theory and principles related to electricity, magnetism, circuits, and electrical equipment.
• •Knowledge of applicable interconnection requirements, building codes, ordinances, and regulations.
• •Knowledge of the hazards involved in working on and around energized lines and equipment.
• •Knowledge of installation, construction, maintenance, and repair of electrical systems and electrical/electronic instruments.
• •Skill in planning and organizing personnel and work assignments.
• •Skill in handling conflict and uncertain situations.
• •Skill in operating computers and related software applications.
• •Skill in troubleshooting electrical systems using various electronic test equipment.
• •Skill in reading, preparing, interpreting, and modifying blueprints, diagrams, sketches, and drawings.
• •Skill in interpreting building codes and interconnection requirements and recognizing the need for correction of construction activities that deviate from specifications.
• •Ability to organize, inspect, and safely use various hand and powered tools, equipment, materials, cables, and conductors.
• •Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with city employees, less tenured AE staff, and the public.
• •Ability to climb ladders (up/down), walk in rough terrain and confined spaces of construction sites with varying environmental conditions.
• •Ability to perform strenuous work in all types of weather conditions.
• •Ability to meet and maintain driver eligibility standards in the COA Driver Safety Program
• •Ability to properly lift and carry equipment and supplies weighing up to 25 pounds.

Minimum Qualifications:

Graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent plus four (4) years of related work experience.

Licenses and Certifications Required:

Master Electrician License issued by the state of Texas

Residential and commercial electrical inspector certification or Electrical inspector general certification by International Code Council (ICC) or International Association of Electrical Inspectors (IAEI) within six (6) months of hire.

Electrical Plans Examiner certification by Internal Code Council (ICC) within 6 months of hire.

Texas Class C Driver License.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience designing, installing, and or inspecting solar systems (NABCEP certification preferred), and good knowledge of electrical code and solar PV design and installation best practices.

Experience with solar permitting and inspection requirements in the City of Austin.

Experience with correctly reading and interpreting plans, specifications, codes and City ordinances related to building construction, electrical, plumbing and mechanical installations.

Experience using a keyboard and computer systems including smart devices to perform daily record keeping and in performing inspection tasks.

Experience recognizing conditions and installations that do or do not comply with codes and City ordinances, recognize faulty and hazardous conditions, and respond with appropriate actions for corrections or solutions.

Experience developing or administering solar incentive programs or energy technology research or pilot programs.

Experience with solar policy, solar markets dynamics, and electric utility regulatory environment in Texas.

Experience dealing effectively and professionally with the public, and provide excellent customer service through telephone, e-mail, mobile technology, and face-to-face interactions.

Notes to Candidate:

This position will provide inspection services to support the Solar Program and coordinate internally and with other City departments to develop, improve, communicate and enforce interconnection guidelines, standards, procedures, and best practices.

Primary duties include:

1) Inspecting solar systems for electrical code, AE design and interconnection guideline compliance, and rebate program compliance.

2) Processing permits, initiating new meter installation, and processing enrollments in the web based incentive application processing tool.

3) Communicating solar program's requirements and processes with customers and contractors.

4) Communicating with AE units and other City departments to implement processes and ensure smooth program operation and that safety standards are met.

5) Liaise internally and externally to develop interconnection criteria and standardize process to streamline and enable the safe installation of renewable energy on the distribution grid.

6) Communicating solar program details to the public by phone, email, web, and during events

7) Supporting solar program design and continuous process improvement.

8) Negotiate permit and or plan revisions with project engineers and contractors.

This position has been designated as a Critical Employee position. Critical Employees are considered necessary and vital and supports activities that impact City or department operations. This work can be done while at a designated work site or while working at an alternate work location. Critical employees who are able to work at an alternative work location are required to do so. Schedules may be modified, and employees may be reassigned to another area during extraordinary situations or emergency conditions to provide essential services.

Work Location : 4815 Mueller Blvd., Austin, TX 78723

Pay Range : $44.53(Min) to $56.78 (Mid)

Days/Hours : Monday through Friday; 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

• WHEN COMPLETING THE CITY OF AUSTIN APPLICATION:
• The City of Austin employment application is an official document; incomplete applications will not be considered. Please be sure that your application is a reflection of your entire work history. A detailed and complete employment application is required to help us better evaluate your qualifications and will be used to determine salary if you are selected for this position. Describe your specifi