Thomas Pochardt
Stevenson,WA
Summary
Senior Operations Manager with 13+ years of experience in the operation of utility-scale wind and solar power generation, with a proven track record of exemplary performance. Operations experience including leadership, O&M strategy, budgeting, and procurement. Successfully internalized solar O&M from external vendors, administered multi-million dollar wind O&M contracts, accountable for a regional budget for 8 wind plants.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Manager, Solar Operations
Avangrid Renewables
Stevenson, WA
06.2021 - Current
- Managed transition from 3rd party O&M to self-perform
- Created preventative maintenance plan for utility-scale solar O&M
- Hired and developed new PV O&M team from bottom up
- Collaborated with Project Development on future O&M needs, incorporating lessons learned
- Assisted Projects and Construction teams with contract review, subcontractor oversight, site QA/QC
- Collaborated with Projects & Construction to provide O&M support during construction phase
- Lead budget creation, implementation, and oversight for 6 solar plants with 760 MW DC capacity. Operated significantly below budget
Regional Planner
Avangrid Renewables
Austin, TX
05.2020 - 06.2021
- Assisted TX/NM region of wind plants on pertinent business processes, purchasing needs, budget management, project planning, accountability
- Performed budget creation, implementation & oversight, financial analysis of budget performance, best practices, and compliance with policies and procedures for 8 wind plants
- Facilitated inter-departmental collaboration to reach corporate, regional, and plant goals.
- Performed data analysis of work order management, maintenance completion, and turbine fault data.
- Administered multi-million dollar O&M service contracts
Solar Site Supervisor
Avangrid Renewables
Mosca, CO
07.2017 - 05.2020
- Managed all aspects of a 30MW photovoltaic power generation facility with zero injuries
- Oversaw end of warranty, held warranty provider accountable for all outstanding warranty issues. Developed preventative and corrective maintenance strategies for self-performance O&M
- Assisted other solar facilities with corrective and preventative maintenance tasks
- Provided Electrical Safety Training to technicians at wind plants
Lead/Senior Wind Turbine Technician
Avangrid Renewables
Elkton, SD
04.2009 - 07.2017
- Planned, coordinated, and performed wind turbine O&M, and replaced major components on a plant of 100 GE 1.5 turbines and 24 Suzlon S88 turbines
- Created and maintained Work Control Packages to oversee 3rd party led projects. Oversaw 3rd party QA/QC
- Aided in coordination of inspection, repair and maintenance of high voltage BOP infrastructure
- Collaborated with coworkers to solve problems and successfully execute tasks in a team or partner setting
Education
Bachelor of Science - Business Leadership & Management
Bellevue University
Bellevue, NE08.2020
Associate of Applied Science - Wind Energy and Turbine Technology
Iowa Lakes Community College
Estherville, IA05.2009
Skills
- Data Analysis & Interpretation
- Contractor Management
- Recruiting and Hiring Personnel
- Managing Renewable Generation Facilities
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Leadership of Small/Intermediate Teams
- Budget Creation & Management
- Collaborating Across Departments
- Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint proficiency
- EHS Management
- Time Management
- High Attention to Detail
- Achieving Optimum Plant Performance
Timeline
Senior Manager, Solar Operations
Avangrid Renewables
06.2021 - Current
Regional Planner
Avangrid Renewables
05.2020 - 06.2021
Solar Site Supervisor
Avangrid Renewables
07.2017 - 05.2020
Lead/Senior Wind Turbine Technician
Avangrid Renewables
04.2009 - 07.2017
Bachelor of Science - Business Leadership & Management
Bellevue University
Associate of Applied Science - Wind Energy and Turbine Technology
Iowa Lakes Community College
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