Renewable Energy Consultant

Job Title: Project Manager 1/Solar-Agricultural LiaisonLocation: RemoteDuration: 3 Years ContractJob TasksThe Solar-Agricultural Liaison will play an integral role in the responsible development of solar energy by galvanizing Client's engagement with agricultural stakeholders to further develop and advance research and dual-use opportunities and policies related to solar energy and agriculture.The Liaison will also assist in managing the applied research portfolio of research and demonstration project contracts with outside parties.This position 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.Essential Functions and Duties include but are not limited to:Lead, manage, and support the evolution of the NYS Agricultural Technical Working Group and specialist committees.Serve as point of contact at Client on solar-agricultural issues and attend and represent NSYERDA at agricultural meetings and conferences.Assist in contracting and management of long-term research and demonstration projects related to impacts and opportunities associated with renewable energy deployment.Organize and 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.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's strategies and interventions; and​​​​​​​Other duties as assigned that contribute to the key outcomes of the Environmental Research team.Additional Job Details:Technical & Professional Skills & Knowledge –Has well developed understanding of relevant technical principles and their application to a program area. Develops/formulates Deployment issues, problems and needs in at least one technical area. Has acknowledged expertise at conceptual level of technical skills and knowledge in at least one program area. Has basic understanding of State energy/environmental economic development issues.Creativity in Project & Program Development- Has developed and managed projects with little specific direction. Develops new projects and co-funding sources with own initiative. Carried out development of several projects through competitive solicitation phase that may or may not result from own initiative. Has provided ideas and rationale for program development in at least one technical area.Organization Skills & Productivity - Has demonstrated ability to implement projects in a timely manner. Demonstrates the capability to manage all aspects of ongoing projects with no supervision. Can prioritize workload with other responsibilities. Effectively discharges general technical and project management assignments in a timely manner. Demonstrates strategic thinking connected to the organization's goals.Leadership / Interpersonal Relations / Judgement - Has demonstrated ability to effectively head working groups or program teams. Provides guidance to junior staff when appropriate and can supervise the day-to-day work of interns. Has full confidence of peers and superiors. People skills have developed to show leadership and an ability to motivate others.Communication Skills & External Relations - Has demonstrated ability to produce both written material and verbal presentations that are direct, recognize and focus on issues, are both comprehensive and concise and require editing only in most sensitive and complex areas. Can negotiate effectively with contractors and interface effectively with customers and other outside contacts. Has demonstrated ability to prepare and present papers at professional meetings, seminars, and conferences.Primary Responsibilities, and Minimum and Preferred QualificationsRelevant experience in agricultural-environmental issues (preferred) or energy-related environmental issues.Skill in gaining and using insight from colleagues and external groups to formulate strategy and design solutions.Demonstrated abilities for problem-solving, resourcefulness, adaptability, and pragmatic solutions.Skill in managing multiple diverse activities simultaneously, operating with speed, accuracy, and strong judgment.Contract management experience.Proven presentation and interpersonal skills that resonate with audiences of different backgrounds; the ability to communicate accurately, persuasively, concisely, and unambiguously in speech and in writingRequired:Bachelors in agricultural-related field, environmental science, biological or physical sciences, engineering, or a related discipline.Preferred:Familiarity with agriculture and/or renewable energy projects and related New York stakeholders 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