Dominion says three new solar facilities will create 800 construction jobs in Virginia

Dominion Virginia Power said Tuesday that 800 local jobs in the construction trades will be created as it prepares to build three separate large-scale solar energy facilities in Virginia.However, once construction is done, there would be no permanent jobs. 

To fill the positions, Dominion’s construction contractor, Tucker, Ga.-based Amec Foster Wheeler, plans to hold job fairs in July and August in Powhatan County and Charlottesville.

The State Corporation Commission approved the projects in Isle of Wight, Louisa and Powhatan counties on June 30. They are part of a commitment by Dominion Virginia Power to develop 400 megawatts of solar energy in Virginia by 2020.

The state is expected to see a cumulative economic impact of $74 million from the 2015 planning phase to the 2017 completion of the projects.

Amec Foster Wheeler is seeking electricians, general laborers, carpenters, solar panel installers and heavy equipment operators. General construction experience is required, but on-the-job training will be offered, the company said in a news release.

Job fairs will be held at Powhatan County Public Library on Friday, July 22, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.  and at the Charlottesville Workforce Center on Wed. Aug. 24 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.