Renewable Energy Systems Technician

About Us

The Cape Eleuthera Island School (CEIS), a not-for-profit organization based in The Bahamas, was founded to create and support transformational educational experiences with the vision of leadership effecting change, on the island of Eleuthera. The diverse CEIS educational initiatives, including our Island School Semester and Summer Term, our Deep Creek Middle School, our Elementary Learning Center, and our Community Engagement and Partnerships, deliver unique educational journeys in partnership with the authentic and meaningful work our organization undertakes in research, sustainable development and innovation at the Cape Eleuthera Institute.

The Cape Eleuthera Institute (CEI) is the hub for research and innovation at The Island School in South Eleuthera, The Bahamas. As part of an organization devoted to research, education, and conservation, CEI seeks to create a connection between people and the environment as a path toward a more sustainable future. The Island School’s Cape Eleuthera Institute is internationally recognized for its environmental research and education programmes, facilitated by outstanding access to a range of tropical habitats.

Job Summary

The renewable energy portfolio of The Island School includes grid-tied solar and wind (87 kilowatt) and waste-to-energy (WTE) systems of biodiesel and anaerobic digestion. Our Systems Technicians are the technical experts that are responsible for the operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of our campus sustainable systems. Our Systems Technicians devise new and innovative approaches to the production and management of our campus’ flagship renewable and waste-to-energy systems which connect people with addressing clean energy, climate change adaptation, and sustainable development. You must be willing to stretch beyond a traditional job description as you live and work closely with the local community and students ages 3 to PhD-level enrolled in programs at The Island School, and have a passion for community engagement, sustainability, and environmental conservation.

Systems Technicians are expected to take initiative, be well-organized and resilient, with a capacity to independently generate production and build support for their work. The Systems Technician will work in a team environment with the research & education teams throughout The Island School, and report directly to the Assistant Director of Research & Innovation to ensure efficient production and (data) management of renewable energy systems. You should be excited about working at a non-traditional academic institution that believes in integrating education of every level into applied research and being a model for sustainable development.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of educational programming in sustainable systems, including an Island School research class each semester
• Coordinate the operation and production of liquid biofuels (biodiesel and biogas), and processing of their by-products
• Monitor, operate, and troubleshoot existing renewable energy systems (solar, wind) on The Island School and Deep Creek Middle School’s campus
• Monitor and maintain production records, including a proprietary cloud-based data management software for The Island School campus utilities to ensure quality control, and data integrity
• Deliver quarterly updates and technical reports
• Develop collaborations between The Island School research & education staff, as well as external (science-based, technical & vocational) entities, to design and implement additional renewable energy capacity and production on campus
• Prepare bid packages, obtain permits, and procure materials for renewable energy projects.
• Assist with grant writing and grant proposals, and lead budget and production forecasting
• Coordinate and in many cases, lead the installation team for renewable energy projects
• Promote and develop local business connections and partnerships that lead to the growth of renewable energy systems on Eleuthera
• Assist with Community Engagement education initiatives
• Under general supervision, conduct an independent evaluation, selection, and updating of standard techniques and procedures inclusive of compliance with industry standards & safety protocols
• Assist with the recruiting, orienting, and mentoring of junior staff and interns
• Represent the organization at national and international events
• Assist in the public dissemination of The Island School sustainable systems including preparing social media content

Other Duties

Please note that this job description does not contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that may be required of the employee for this job. Duties and responsibilities may change at any time, with the needs of the organization. Staff with additional specialist skills that may benefit other parts of the organization will be expected to assist activities in these areas, for example:

• Welding, plumbing and carpentry certifications
• Dive professionals (PADI Divemaster/Instructor or equivalent; Freediver Instructor)
• Certified boating, sailing or kayaking instructors
• Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) or Wilderness Medicine specialists
• Certified or Experienced Educators

Skills and Qualifications

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

• Education

• • Associate’s degree (or higher) or equivalent education in Mechanical, Environmental, Chemical or Electrical Engineering or related sciences is required. In lieu of education, a minimum of 3-5 years of experience in solar installation, renewable energy, bioenergy, electrical technology, wastewater management or relevant fields.
• • National Center for Construction Education & Research (NCCER) certification or equivalent certifications in solar, wind and/or bioenergy a plus

• Experience and Skills

  • Possess good working knowledge of and demonstrable experience in working on the technical and commercial aspects of solar PV projects (including project management and finance)
• • Possess good working knowledge of the process equipment and systems typically used in processing fats & oils into biodiesel, and wastewater into biogas
  • Prior experience in solar PV yield prediction software, e.g. PVSYST
  • The ability to produce high quality technical reports to predefined deadlines
  • Strong problem solving, mechanical and analytical skills to troubleshoot
  • Plumbing and wastewater management skills
  • Good organizational/project management skills
  • Ability to work both individually and as part of a multi-disciplined team
  • Proven ability to manage complex international projects
  • Understanding of categorisation and mitigation of risk

• Communication Skills

  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills (oral, email, written, phone)
  • Public speaking and verbal presentation of work
  • Working competency of Google Suite and Microsoft Office applications
  • Can adapt communication style to different educational audiences
  • Proficient in scientific and grant writing

• Analytical Skills

  • Expertise in experimental design, data analysis
  • 3D modeling or CAD-related software (AutoCAD, ChemCAD, AutoDesk, Shapr3D)
  • Solar design software
  • Ability to create and interpret P&IDs

• Driving Skills

  • Must have a valid driver’s license

• Adaptability

  • Able to survive and thrive in a small and tight-knit community located in a remote part of The Bahamas
  • Respect for diversity & inclusivity of a multi-national community

• Commitment to Organizational Mission

  • This position requires a commitment to the wider mission and values of The Cape Eleuthera Island School

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary commensurate with experience
• Accommodations (if hired off-island)
• Access to on-campus meals when Dining Hall is open
• Life & Medical insurance
• 10 days of paid vacation per year
• Eligibility for matching retirement plan after two years of service
• Professional development opportunities

Schedule

This is a full-time position with annual review.  The Cape Eleuthera Island School and its related divisions operate year-round and working hours vary depending on needs but are typically 40 hours/week, however, evening and weekend work will be required.  Special events will require periods of time outside of normal working hours when staff must be on-site for extended periods. The successful candidate should expect and desire to work on a variable and mission driven schedule.

Application

Use this link: https://ceis.bamboohr.com/jobs/view.php?id=152 to apply for this position and upload all documents (PDF format) noted below:

• Letter of application that states career interests, why you would like to work for the Cape Eleuthera Institute and your relevant experience and qualifications for the position.
• Current curriculum vitae, resume
• Three references (to include name, address, telephone number, and email address) familiar with the applicant's work.

The anticipated start date is: ASAP.

We are a Bahamian equal opportunity employer and preference will be given to suitably qualified Bahamians.