AgriSolar Energy Manager

• Work mode: remote with travel across Upstate NY
• Location of Resource: remote with preference to NY or adjoining states for travel
• Travel required: approximately 10% for project meetings, stakeholder engagement and site visits (1-2 days/month)
• Duration: 2 years with option to extend (possibility for FTE)

Contractor must have computer, cell phone, and access to reliable high-speed internet

Initiative: Agrivoltaics Project Management Support

Project: The Project Manager, Agrivoltaics will play an integral role in the responsible development of solar energy by advancing research into dual use opportunities and policies related to solar energy and agriculture, and by supporting Client engagement with agricultural stakeholders. The Project Manager will assist in managing Client applied research portfolio of Agrivoltaic Research and Demonstration project contracts with outside parties.

• Impact, cost and benefits of Agri/ Solar; Developing research portfolio; 5 research projects right now, farmers and development public partnership. PM who help several portfolios, research across the project what’s the learning and add another augmentation (New Req if needed), 1-2 site visit with client partners and internal meetings.
• Research and construction, research while working with 4-5 different developers, farmers, provide consultants research support. PM skills track progress, Complex portfolio
• It’s environmental research team of 6 people. Contract management like Vendors invoice, track record, timely deliverables, review tasks.
• Researcher exp is highly desire
• Utility funded Green program

Tasks

Essential Functions and Duties include but are not limited to:

• Serve as contract manager for a suite of multi-year Agrivoltaic Research and Demonstration projects, including task/work tracking, reviewing deliverables and invoices, and coordination with research entities; may involve occasional site visits.
• Support Client management of the NYS Agricultural Technical Working Group and specialist committees.
• Collaborate with interdepartmental teams on efforts to advance solar-agricultural research needs, technology innovation, market characterization and associated tasks.
• Support contractual and collaborative efforts with external parties to identify and advance state policies at the nexus of solar energy development and New York State agriculture.
• Develop and implement effective strategies to convey scientific information to policy makers, agricultural stakeholders, solar energy developers and other key constituencies. Occasionally attend and represent Client at pertinent meetings and conferences.
• Seek opportunities for collaboration with outside groups and organizations to leverage funding, data, and the dissemination of credible information.
• Support tracking of metrics and reporting on accomplishments.
• Maintain a network of stakeholders, market participants, policy experts, and other sources of insight to inform program and project design and enable ongoing improvement of Client strategies and interventions.
• Other duties as assigned that may contribute toward the key outcomes of the Environmental Research team.

What skills are needed to be successful in this role?

• Contract management experience (solar or agricultural projects preferred)
• Relevant experience in agricultural-environmental issues (preferred) or energy-related environmental issues
• Demonstrated abilities for problem-solving, resourcefulness, adaptability, and pragmatic solutions
• Skill in gaining and using insight from colleagues and external groups to formulate strategy and design solutions
• Skill in managing multiple diverse activities simultaneously, operating with speed, accuracy and strong judgment
• Proven presentation and interpersonal skills that resonate with audiences of different backgrounds
• Ability to communicate accurately, persuasively, concisely, and unambiguously in speech and in writing
• Stakeholder engagement and coordination; public speaking; meeting/event management; contract management; knowledge management

Are there any specialized skills that must be present for the position to be successful?

• Requires a working knowledge of New York State agricultural policies, practices and key stakeholders, and familiarity with issues and policies associated with implementation of New York State’s Climate Law

Certifications and qualifications, including education/degree

• Required: Bachelor’s in agricultural-related field, environmental science, biological or physical sciences, engineering, or a related discipline
• Preferred: Advanced agricultural or related Science or Engineering degree, Experience with members of New York State’s agricultural community, such as non-governmental groups, state agencies, research institutions, consulting firms, solar developers, and key influential stakeholders

IT systems that will be used: Outlook, Teams, NEIS, Asana, Salesforce