Company Overview
Ideal Energy is a Veteran-Owned solar energy company based in Iowa, dedicated to providing cost-effective, end-to-end solar solutions throughout the Midwest and beyond.
Founded in 2009, Ideal Energy is recognized as one of Iowa’s trailblazing solar companies. We are driven by a mission to make clean, affordable electricity accessible for homes, businesses, and communities, while supporting a vibrant and sustainable future for the planet.
With extensive experience in solar installations, a robust project portfolio, and flexible financing options, Ideal Energy has established itself as a trusted leader in the region. Our expert in-house teams handle every stage of the process—from design and procurement to construction and service—delivering fully integrated EPC (engineering, procurement, and construction) solutions tailored to each client’s needs.
Key Responsibilities
Prevailing Wage Compliance
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Ensure adherence to all prevailing wage regulations, including state laws and the Davis-Bacon Act, across all solar construction projects.
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Review and verify certified payroll reports, fringe benefit calculations, and wage classifications to confirm compliance.
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Collaborate with project managers, accounting teams, and payroll provider (ADP) to monitor job-specific rates, apprenticeship ratios, and labor categories.
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Conduct routine audits to identify wage discrepancies, resolve issues, and ensure complete and accurate documentation.
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Stay current on prevailing wage legislation and provide compliance training to staff.
Recruitment & Talent Management
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Design and implement recruitment strategies to attract top talent across installation, engineering, and administrative functions.
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Partner with department leaders to maintain a strong candidate pipeline aligned with company growth.
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Oversee new hire onboarding, ensuring consistent communication of wage policies and company standards.
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Lead the performance management cycle, employee development programs, and succession planning.
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Train hiring managers on best practices for interviewing, candidate selection, and compliance with hiring protocols.
Employee Relations
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Act as the main HR point of contact for employee concerns, facilitating conflict resolution when needed.
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Prepare timely reports and documentation of employee relations matters for management.
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Foster a positive work environment that aligns with the company’s mission of advancing renewable energy.
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Ensure fair, consistent application of policies, especially those tied to compensation and labor practices.
Benefits & Compensation
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Manage all employee benefit programs, including health coverage, 401(k), and profit sharing.
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Ensure fringe benefit offerings remain compliant with prevailing wage laws.
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Partner with leadership to develop compensation structures that are both competitive and compliant with regulations.
Training & Development
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Deliver HR-related training for managers, covering HRIS usage, performance reviews, pay adjustments, and disciplinary procedures.
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Collaborate with leadership to create and lead training programs on prevailing wage compliance, OSHA standards, and DEI initiatives.
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Support workforce development efforts, including managing apprenticeship and trade skill programs.
Policy Development & Risk Management
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Regularly update HR policies to reflect legal requirements and industry best practices.
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Proactively manage risk through strict adherence to labor laws such as FLSA, FMLA, ADA, and OSHA regulations.
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Maintain thorough documentation to support compliance audits by regulatory agencies and government contractors.
HRIS & Recordkeeping
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Maintain complete and compliant employee records in accordance with local, state, and federal laws.
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Administer and optimize HRIS systems, ensuring efficient operations, system upgrades, and integrations with other platforms.
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Collaborate with other departments to streamline HR-related system processes.
Qualifications
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Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field (Master’s or HR certifications like SHRM-CP or PHR preferred).
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At least 5 years of HR experience, with 2+ years focused on prevailing wage compliance or labor law in construction, renewable energy, or related industries.
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In-depth understanding of prevailing wage regulations, Davis-Bacon Act, and certified payroll procedures.
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Prior experience in the solar or clean energy sector is highly desirable.
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Strong command of employment law, including FLSA, OSHA, EEO, and related standards.
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Skilled in using HRIS platforms, payroll systems, and Microsoft Office tools.
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Excellent organizational, analytical, and communication skills with the ability to meet deadlines independently.
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Demonstrated success working collaboratively with cross-functional teams including legal, payroll, and operations.
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Commitment to confidentiality and handling sensitive information with integrity.
Preferred Skills
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Knowledge of labor trends in the solar industry, particularly in high-demand roles such as electricians, installers, and engineers.
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Experience managing HR functions for government-funded or publicly regulated projects.