Power Generation and Electricity Technician

The Rwanda Institute for Conservation Agriculture (RICA) is a unique and innovative English language undergraduate institution dedicated to preparing the next generation of agricultural leaders of Rwanda and East Africa. Students at RICA will engage in curricular and co-curricular learning opportunities emphasizing Conservation Agriculture and One Health principles, oral and written communication, leadership, and entrepreneurship.

In an experiential learning environment, students will develop the knowledge and experience necessary for a wide range of careers in agriculture. Students at RICA will experience the six Enterprises including Beef Cattle and Small Ruminants, Dairy, Poultry and Swine, Row and Forage Crops, Vegetable and Tree Crops, Irrigation, and Mechanization. The curriculum is designed to incorporate threads of Innovation, Conservation, OneHealth Systems Thinking, and Entrepreneurship. Communication, One Health Systems Thinking, and Entrepreneurship are woven throughout the curriculum. All RICA graduates will be innovative problem solvers able to operate farms and ranches, start agribusinesses, assume management roles in cooperatives, NGOs, and other agricultural enterprises, serve their communities as extension agents and technical and policy experts, or assume positions of agricultural leadership in Rwanda.

DESCRIPTION

We are seeking a Power Generation & Electrical (PG&E) Technician to ensure that all power generation & electrical systems are well-maintained with minimum supervision. The PG&E Technician will work within the Facilities Department to contribute to the smooth running of the Campus facilities, reporting to the PG&E Manager.

The RICA electrical system is a 1.5 MW Photovoltaic solar powered generation facility located in Bugesera District utilizing EEI inverters, Ideematech tracking system, 3MWH LG chem battery backup, Caterpillar diesel generators {300KVA x4), a 3.9Km 15KV overhead transmission line, and 6 Distribution transformers to feed the LV distribution zones. The facility also includes several electro-mechanical installations relating to the pumping of water to irrigation systems, as well as commercial buildings with electrical systems installed.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist the PG&E Manager in the custodial duties, daily operation and maintenance and repairs of the solar power plant (inc. inspections on frames/mechanical tracking systems, solar panel cleaning, electrical tests on inverters, weather station maintenance…) with minimum supervision.
• Electrical repair works and maintenance tasks relating to the solar plant and building facilities (wiring, distribution boxes, appliances, generators/pumps) with minimum supervision; will receive training and guidance from engineers and managers – will not be expected to conduct electrical works on an independent basis until training has been
• Will work in shift rotations, including night and weekend shifts; accordingly.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• High School Diploma in Electricity or related technical field (or Solar System/Electrical Certificate).
• 5 or plus years of experience with electrical systems (i.e. electrician, maintenance) or solar technician.
• A good understanding of electrical drawings.
• Proficient in the use of test meters and other diagnostic equipment.
• Having worked with the RICA PV system installation is an added value
• Good communication skills
• A valid driving license, class B.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s or Advanced diploma in Electrical Engineering or related technical field
• Strong analytical capabilities to troubleshoot and correct issues
• 2 years of experience with electrical systems or solar technician.
• Having worked with the RICA PV system installation is an added value
• Good communication skills.
• A valid driving license, class B.