NYC/NYS Solar Job Openings
New York city solar ombudsman
New York State Solar coordinator
NYC Solar Ombudsman (Balance of System Cost Focus)
All Applicants must apply hereOver the last seven years, CUNY has been working to identify and remove barriers to solar photovoltaics (PV) in the New York City (NYC) market. Supported by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) and the New York Power Authority (NYPA), CUNY is leading NYC and New York State (NYS) efforts to reduce non-hardware balance of system costs for PV.
CUNY seeks a NYC Solar Ombudsman to lead efforts with local partners, including but not limited to the NYC Mayor’s Office of Long-Term Planning and Sustainability, the NYC Economic Development Corporation, the NYC Department of Buildings, Con Edison, NYSERDA, and the NYC Fire Department, to identify and implement opportunities for reducing the time and cost of deploying solar PV in NYC.
For more information on the CUNY program and past and present partnered efforts, please see:
Salary: Commensurate with experience
Responsibilities
Under the direction of the New York City Solar Coordinator and the University Director for Sustainability, the Ombudsman will be responsible for leading or supporting the following efforts. Additional special project assistance will be required as needed.
NYC Permitting and Interconnection Working Group Coordination
The Ombudsman will lead organization of this working group (primarily with NYC Department of Buildings and Con Edison) to create and implement plans to further reduce PV process time and cost in NYC. Ombudsman will be responsible for ensuring the group meets regularly, sets aggressive yet realistic goals, and is meeting deliverables on time. This task will also require weekly time spent in person at DOB offices.
NYC Financing Options Working Group Coordination
The Ombudsman will lead organization of this working group (primarily with NYC Mayor’s Office and NYC Economic Development Corporation) to create and implement plans to improve availability of financing options for PV. Ombudsman will be responsible for ensuring the group meets regularly, sets aggressive yet realistic goals, and is meeting deliverables on time.
NYC Solar Industry Support
In addition to working group activities, this Ombudsman will serve as a central point of contact to the NYC solar industry. The Ombudsman will lead and manage the NYC Solar Installer Roundtable (100+) members, and serve as a resource to the industry on both project-specific and general questions.
Technical and Policy Support
Support CUNY and partners as needed to research and present on best practices for solar policy and technology. Provide technical expertise on solar PV and solar thermal technologies to residents, businesses, and City agencies. Assist with ongoing grant writing efforts as needed.
Event Coordination
Support planning and logistics for CUNY’s annual New York City Solar Summit and other events as needed. Work will include writing outreach materials, coordination of sponsors, speakers and panels, and conference logistics.
Experience and Qualifications
Applicants must have proven experience with or knowledge of several of the following:
- Installation of solar PV projects (preferably in NYC or other urban areas)
- Modeling of PV project financials
- New York City and State energy policy and solar programs and incentives
- Management of complex, long-term projects for high-level partners
- Solar thermal knowledge a plus
- GIS knowledge a plus
- NABCEP certified a plus
Successful applicants will have excellent writing skills, public speaking ability in both large and small settings, and project management experience. These positions will require initiative and the ability to work independently as well as to collaborate with multiple stakeholders. Applicants must have proven experience working with high-level stakeholders. Communication to both the general public and solar industry experts will be required.
Two to five years experience in a relevant field is required. Graduate degree preferred.
This is a grant-funded position and employees will be hired through the CUNY Research Foundation.An AA/EO/ADA Employer (Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer/Americans with Disabilities Act. All Applicants must apply here for NYC Solar Ombudsman
nys solar coordinator
All applicants must apply here
Over the last seven years, CUNY has been working to identify and remove barriers to solar photovoltaics (PV) in the New York City (NYC) and New York State (NYS) markets. Supported by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) and the New York Power Authority (NYPA), CUNY is leading NYC and NYS efforts to reduce non-hardware balance of system costs for PV.
To achieve these goals, CUNY is leading NYSolar Smart, a state-wide collaborative effort designed to reduce the non-hardware soft costs of installing solar throughout New York with support in part from the Governor's NY-Sun Initiative. NYSolar Smart will make available to interested NYS jurisdictions the tools and support to reduce administrative costs associated with solar, which can increase the expense of a PV system by up to 40%. CUNY is seeking a NYS Solar Coordinator to oversee program strategy and implementation and manage program staff (three NYS Solar Ombudsmen).
For more information on the CUNY program and past and present partnered efforts, please see:
The Coordinator will sit at a partner location, preferably in Buffalo, Syracuse, Albany, or Kingston. Travel throughout upstate New York is required.
Salary: Commensurate with experience
Responsibilities
The New York State Solar Coordinator will be tasked with ensuring that all program deliverables are met on time and on budget. The Coordinator will be responsible for managing all aspects of the statewide components of the NYSolar Smart program, and will work directly with the NYC Solar Coordinator to ensure transfer of best practices and lessons learned between NYC and NYS markets. Responsibilities will include:
- Creating and maintaining high-level NYS partner relationships with state agencies, NYS jurisdictions, utilities, industry representatives, advocates, and others
- Providing guidance and direction to staff on NYSolar Smart strategy, programs, and implementation
- Responding to program sponsor requests and communications in a timely and professional manner
- Managing three full-time staff in various locations
- Overseeing program budget
- Presenting on NYSolar Smart efforts to internal CUNY staff and external partners
- Assisting with statewide event coordination and trainings
- Writing and editing NYSolar Smart communications, including reports, articles, outreach materials, and grant applications
- Special project assistance as needed
The NYS Solar Coordinator will work closely with the New York City Solar Coordinator, the Communications Director, and the University Director for Sustainability. The Coordinator will report directly to the CUNY Director of Sustainability.
Experience and Qualifications
Applicants must have proven experience with or knowledge of the following:
- Basic technical background in and/or understanding of solar PV
- Strong understanding of solar and other renewable energy policy
- New York State energy policy, programs, and incentives
- High-level stakeholder engagement
- Management experience
The following experience and/or knowledge base is preferred but not required:
- Solar thermal experience
- Budget management experience
- Grant management experience
- Existing relationships with NYS solar stakeholders (e.g., utilities, NYSERDA, NYPA, etc)
The NYS Solar coordinator must have excellent writing skills, public speaking ability in both large and small settings, and project management experience. It is likely that the applicant will work remotely from NYSolar Smart team members and must be able to self-motivate and work independently.
Two to five years’ experience in a relevant field is required. Graduate degree required. Applicants must be able and willing to travel across the State on a regular basis.
This is a grant-funded position and employees will be hired through the CUNY Research Foundation. An AA/EO/ADA Employer (Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer/Americans with Disabilities Act).
All applicants must apply here for NYS Solar Coordinator