Solar Project Manager

About Verde

Verde partners with communities most impacted by environmental injustices to develop solutions that create economic and collective well-being. We primarily work in NE Portland, but our work spans across the state. Verde advocates for environmental action that improves air quality, energy efficiency, transportation, and water justice for frontline communities. We organize our community to provide knowledge about environmental challenges in their neighborhood and share ways for them to take action to improve their community. Verde builds environmental wealth through the green economy by developing community solar, expanding green infrastructure, and installing affordable home energy efficiency upgrades. We partner with like-minded organizations to create economic justice and build environmental wealth. To learn more about our work visit our website verdenw.org.

Position Summary

The Solar Project Manager will lead the development of innovative community and commercial solar projects that expand access to clean energy across Portland. In partnership with the Bonneville Environmental Foundation and other local organizations, this role will help deliver solar installations that will provide affordable renewable energy to nearly 1,000 households. This is an exciting opportunity to manage high-impact projects that connect climate solutions, community benefit, and economic opportunity.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Project Management

• Plans, executes, and oversees solar projects from inception to completion, managing budgets, schedules, and resources.
• Coordinates internal teams, subcontractors, and vendors to ensure project milestones are achieved.
• Conducts weekly progress meetings and provides regular updates to stakeholders, including clients and senior leadership.
• Manages risk through ongoing oversight and evaluation of progress reports and resolution of project issues.
• Assists with grant writing, budgeting, and reporting for public and private funders.

Construction Management

• Reviews and approves project budgets and schedules, including permits, consultants, and construction costs, as needed.
• Negotiates construction contracts, ensures compliance with grant requirements.
• Ensures projects comply with local, state, and federal regulations and nonprofit funding requirements.
• Monitors productivity, profitability, and adherence to the National Electrical Code and solar-related standards.

Client and Stakeholder Engagement

• Collaborates with community partners, beneficiaries, government agencies, and contractors.
• Establishes and maintains strong and diverse relationships with clients, contractors, internal and external project teams.
• Communicates project progress and outcomes with internal and external stakeholders.
• Helps the project team facilitate community meetings and engagement sessions to ensure local input and transparency.
• Supports business and workforce development efforts by advising on-site and building configurations to enhance project outcomes.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in construction management, project management, environmental science, engineering, or a similar subject.
• 2 years of related experience.
• OSHA 30 Training Certification and Construction Contractors Board exam (both can be completed upon hire)

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Planning and Organizing: The ability to develop and implement plans, set priorities, and manage resources to achieve goals.
• Program Management: The ability to plan, execute, and monitor complex programs involving multiple projects or initiatives.
• Decision Making: The ability to make informed and timely decisions based on available information and critical thinking.
• Knowledge of Industry Trends: The awareness and understanding of current and emerging trends, technologies, and best practices in the industry.
• Technical Expertise: The possession of specialized knowledge and skills related to a particular field or industry.
• Networking: The ability to build and maintain professional relationships to facilitate collaboration and opportunities.

Working Conditions

• Moves regularly throughout the day in an office environment.
• Moves regularly throughout the day in job sites that vary in terrain.
• Must be able to occasionally lift, carry, push, and/or pull up to 50 pounds.
• Communicates regularly throughout the day via email, messages, and phone calls.
• The typical noise level is moderate.

At Will Employment: This position description does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” employment relationship.

Grant Funded Position: This position is a grant funded position, with funding available through Dec 31, 2027. There is the opportunity to extend the work beyond 2027 if new projects are identified and funded.

Reasonable Accommodation: Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to fulfill the functions of this position.

How to Apply: Please submit a cover letter and resume as PDF documents to info@verdenw.org and indicate in the subject line that you are applying for the Solar Project Manager position. Applications must be submitted by March 29th to ensure the application is reviewed. Thank you!