What are the responsibilities and job description for the Solar Project Manager (Contingent-Special Project) - County Administration, Community Sustainability position at Howard County Government?
STARTING SALARY HIRING RANGE:
$36 - $48/hourly
$75,000 - $100,000/annually
*This is a contingent position, meaning that it is not a part of the Howard County Classified Service and does not accrue County service time for the purpose of calculating any service benefit. This position is paid hourly and may work a varying number of hours per week, based on the availability of funding and a continued need. A contingent employee is only eligible for fringe benefits required by State or Federal law.*
Project Management and Development:
• Oversee all phases of solar development from initial scoping and preliminary design through construction and commissioning.
• Manage project scope, schedule, and budget while ensuring alignment with organizational goals and stakeholder expectations.
• Coordinate and facilitate project planning meetings.
• Assess risk, manage schedules, and address delays or challenges with proactive problem-solving.
• Ensure project requirements are met with high standards of quality and compliance.
• Serve as the primary liaison among County departments, offices, and project teams (engineers, contractors, utilities, regulatory agencies).
Contracting, Procurement and Financial Oversight:
• Manage contract administration, procurement, and financial oversight, ensuring cost control and proper funding allocation.
• Review proposals, negotiate contracts, and manage change orders and payments.
• Manage grant reporting, invoicing, and budget tracking for Maryland Energy Administration, IRS direct pay, and other funding sources.
• Maintain thorough knowledge of grant agreement terms, general provisions, and related requirements.
Stakeholder and Community Engagement:
• Coordinate with nonprofit organization partners to promote community solar subscriptions for low- and moderate-income customers.
• Participate in sustainability outreach and education events, as needed.
• Prioritize equity, diversity, inclusion, and environmental justice in County programs, projects, activities, and policies.
Energy and Climate Program Support:
• Assist the Energy Manager and County staff with the implementation, measurement, and verification of Climate Action Plan strategies and goals.
• Support additional energy management and climate policy tasks as needed.
PREFERRED EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
- Bachelor's degree in environmental sciences, environmental policy, engineering, architecture, energy management, or related field.
- Strong project management skills with ability to manage multiple projects, contractors, and stakeholders simultaneously.
- Experience in solar project management and/or microgrid or resiliency hub project management.
- Experience managing state or federally funded grant programs with compliance and reporting responsibilities.
- Knowledgeable in solar regulations, including federal, state and local codes and regulations.
- Exceptional at documentation and organization, including budgeting and data tracking.
- BPI certification, Certified Energy Manager (CEM), LEED Green Associate or LEED AP, and/or NABCEP Entry Level credential a strong plus.
- Familiarity with Maryland utility interconnection processes, Permission to Operate (PTO) requirements, and SREC markets.
- Understanding of IRS elective payment provisions (IRA §6417) for nonprofits and local governments and IRC §48(e) bonus credit.
- Experience working in a large organization and with a diverse group of stakeholders.
- Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to convey complex, technical concepts to non-technical persons.
- Detail oriented, organized, self-motivated, able to work independently.
Salary : $62,400 - $156,000