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 specific experience for each position. Include all job duties, responsibilities, and employment dates. Any gaps in employment must have an explanation and dates of unemployment. Please be sure that your application is a reflection of your entire work history.
 

Statements such as “see resume” will not be accepted. You may use “N/A” for fields that are not applicable. Starting salary will be based on overall relevant experience from your employment application. Supplemental information or changes to your application will not be accepted after the job posting closes.

The responses to the supplemental questions must reference the employment history listed in the employment history section. Once the requisition has closed, the application cannot be changed to update work history, supplemental questions, or any other information.

We reserve the right to verify high school and college education for the top candidate(s).

If you have any questions regarding your City of Austin employment application, please use the official website of the City of Austin as reference. www.austintexas.gov

VETERAN INTERVIEW PREFERENCE:
Military/Veterans must provide a copy of their DD214 verifying honorable discharge, at the time of initial interview to receive military/veteran interview preference.

CRIMINAL HISTORY BACKGROUND CHECK:
The top candidate will be subject to a minimum 7 year criminal history background check.

Important Note to Applicants:
Please be aware that the Job Posting Close Date reflects the final day to apply, but the posting will close at 11:59 PM the day before the date listed. All application steps, including attachments and submission, must be fully completed before that time.

We also recommend that you save or print a copy of the job posting for your records. Once a posting has closed, it will no longer be viewable in the system.

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JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAM

 

At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer—we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles – Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity – that anchor our delivery of services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee.

 

What Makes the City of Austin Special?

• Make a Difference: Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.

• Value and Innovation: Work in an environment where employees are valued, and innovation thrives.

• Competitive Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.

• Retirement Security: Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.

• Sustainable Transportation Options: Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.

• Focus on Wellness: Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.

• Career Growth: Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.

• Modern Workspaces: Work in innovative and sustainable environments that foster collaboration and inspiration.

 

By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country.

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EEO Statement for City of Austin:

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.

City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.