Renewable energy and Off-grid living 

Job Title: Off-Grid MicroHydro Systems Manager
Project: Roline
Location: Near Lillooet BC, housing included

• Employment type: Part Time, with housing included.
• Honorarium: $12 000 annually
• Timing: ideal start time, summer 2025
• Reports to: ROLINE – a cooperative group of co-owners

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Job Summary:

The Off-Grid Systems Manager is responsible for the operation and maintenance of our off-grid micro hydro and water distribution system that powers and delivers water to multiple neighbouring homesteads. Our system has been operating for the past 25 years! This role ensures reliable performance of systems that support our off-grid community.

The Off-grid Systems Manager would be offered nearby housing in this rural, offgrid, semi-cooperative, homesteading-focused community of approximately 65 people. The system is a 50 kW pelton wheel system, powering 15 households and distributing water to 20 homes within the community.

A good fit to this role is someone who is interested and impassioned by offgrid living, cultivating a sustainable lifestyle, community-minded, and is interested in living in Northern St’át’imc territory, 45 minutes from Lillooet – a small southern interior BC town. We grow organic gardens and orchards, raise some of our own meat, make hay, and feel so fortunate to live in this beautiful valley surrounded by semi-intact wilderness. We live on both sides of the valley; the south-facing side is a more arid climate with ponderosa pines, balsamroot and rabbit brush while the north-facing side has a more dense forest of fir with some cedar and deciduous trees. You would be living on the north-facing side, close to the power station.

Socially, we are a community of various sorts; working on some things collectively and other things independently while sharing resources, showing up when help is needed, collectively organizing fun events like our annual Solstice gatherings, and more. We are all quite different and of mixed ages but seem to all value the land and local/sustainable living.

We’re looking to fill the position as our long term systems manager is retiring from the role. He would be acting as a mentor during the transition period. We are open to a single person, a couple, or a family that wishes to relocate for this position.

Compensation is an honorarium of $12,000 a year; hours are not fixed, as they fluctuate seasonally; an agreement which suits both parties will be formulated after a probationary or introductory period. Accommodation will be arranged based on the individual’s needs (couple, family, or single person); specifics will be discussed upon application.

For the right individual, with diverse skills and the ability to connect with neighbours, there is lots of potential for local part-time work to supplement this income.

Key Responsibilities:

• Operations and Maintenance:

  • Monitor system performance and optimize energy production

  • Conduct routine inspections, troubleshooting, and repairs.

  • Maintain records of system performance, maintenance activities, and operational function, as well as related communication with the users/shareholders.

  • Ensure all systems are managed throughout seasonal weather changes and water levels.

• Team Coordination and Management:

  • Periodically coordinate technicians and contractors involved in maintenance.

  • Provide training on system operations (once fully trained up) for your own temporary replacement when you go away for breaks!

  • Periodically coordinate with specialists and suppliers to source components and resolve technical issues.

  • Communicate regularly with users/owners when necessary regarding needed parts, maintenance or member participation

• Sustainability and Innovation:

  • Strategize to increase system efficiency.

  • Stay informed of advancements in off-grid technologies and sustainable practices.

  • Recommend upgrades or replacements to improve performance and sustainability over time.

Qualifications:

• Experience:

  • A good base in electrical and plumbing systems, preferably some practical mechanical experience, and ability to work in various conditions,

• Skills:

  • Strong understanding of renewable energy systems and off-grid living is definitely an asset.

  • The ability to gain knowledge from the current manager and learn from other specialists who will continue in support roles

  • Excellent problem-solving and troubleshooting abilities.

  • Proficient using hand tools and power tools.

Personal Attributes:

• Self-motivated and capable of working independently.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Commitment to sustainable living and a passion for off grid community!
• Ability to work in remote and challenging environments.

Working Conditions:

• Semi Remote community setting (4wd is necessary during seasonal conditions, we are 45 minutes from a grocery store or gas station!)
• Variable work hours: hours are limited to management and monitoring in summer/spring/fall, and particularly managing the system shutdowns and monitoring the intake/managing the back up generator in winter- it's difficult to map the hours required as they will always vary.
• Physically demanding: including lifting, using hand tools, using power tools, operating machinery periodically, and working outdoors in various weather conditions.

How to Apply:

Please send your resume and cover letter to jacques.marmen@gmail.com with the subject line “Off-Grid Systems Manager Application – [Your Name].” Please inquire if you're curious about this role!

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