Renewables Specialist (Crescent Wind, Michigan)

Consumers Energy, the principal subsidiary of CMS Energy and headquartered in Jackson, Michigan, provides natural gas and electricity to nearly 6.8 million of Michigan's 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties.

Join a diverse and dynamic team that makes and delivers the most valuable services in the world: electricity and natural gas.  At Consumers Energy, our customers are at the heart of everything we do.  Our employees work around the clock to provide service to our customers in honor of our history and to fulfill our promise to Michigan - Count on Us!  

Responsibilities 

Under general supervision, the Renewables Specialist is responsible for site maintenance and site support functions required at the wind farm(s), solar installations, or battery storage installations, and, in addition perform duties such as:

• Lead and perform maintenance activities including coordination and oversight of not more than three (3) Renewables Specialists and/or Renewable Apprentices, and external contractors including but not limited to wind turbine, solar or battery storage maintenance.  This is also inclusive to oversight of repair companies and suppliers.
• Perform turbine transformer switching and maintenance as needed.
• Troubleshoot, calibrate, install and repair components and instrumentation such as, but not limited to:
  • Change out printed circuit board components.
  • Analyze circuits and systems (both AC and DC sides of power conversion electronics).
  • Malfunction diagnosis.
  • Torqueing and tensioning: hydraulic torque and impact wrench.
  • Conduct replacement of solar and/or battery storage components such as photovoltaic modules (PV module) and inverter assemblies.
  • Ability to assess PV module and battery performance utilizing specialized diagnostic tools, such as current-voltage curve tracing equipment, etc.\
• Troubleshoot, install, and repair cabling in turbine transformers and junction boxes.
• Perform associated administrative duties such as but not limited to:
  • Basic Systematic Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) control system operation.
  • Document control and record maintenance (electronic).
  • Revise and edit documents in conjunction with plant and/or systems engineering (Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams, schematics, etc.).
• In conjunction with management, monitor and utilize site computer hardware/software systems including maintenance and work asset management systems. 
• In conjunction with management, update and maintain procedures, site policies and work practices to assure the safe and efficient operation of the wind farm, solar site or battery storage installation.

Qualifications

Must have all of the qualifications of a Renewables Apprentice listed below:

• Must pass an appropriate aptitude test and physical assessments (climb test and self-rescue test).
• Be able to work at heights and be able to climb turbine towers up to 350 feet or greater.
• Be able to work any shifts, overtime, and travel to other Renewable Generation assets as needed.
• Maintain a valid driver’s license.
• Must have general knowledge of software programs for word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.

Must have one of the following:

• A two-year degree in Wind Energy Technology or Renewable Energy Technology.
• Completed an approved Renewable Energy Technology Apprenticeship.
• 2 years of related experience or wind industry training.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience in power generation and electrical systems, with at least one year in wind.

Additional Qualifications:

• Performed maintenance on and demonstrated proficiency in at least one wind platform utilized at Consumers Energy. 
• Be able to travel to other Renewable Generation assets as needed.  
• Ability to operate motorized equipment for facility maintenance and have a working knowledge of crane, powered hoist, and rigging requirements.
• Familiarity with mechanical and electronic testing equipment, such as voltage testers, amp clamps, oscilloscopes, signal tracers, specialized diagnostic tools, and various hand and power tools.
• Must have a working knowledge of software programs for word processing, spreadsheets and databases.