The Clean Energy States Alliance (CESA) seeks a Research Associate to carry out research and provide project support for two CESA projects—the 100% Clean Energy Collaborative and the Offshore Wind Accelerator Project—as well as to assist on the Building Decarbonization project. The successful candidate will have strong research skills and solid knowledge of clean energy policies and technologies, as well as understanding of policies and programs to advance energy equity.
CESA is a national, nonprofit coalition of public agencies and organizations working together to advance clean energy. CESA members—mostly state agencies—include many of the most innovative, successful, and influential public funders of clean energy initiatives in the country. CESA is managed and staffed by Clean Energy Group (CEG). For more information, see www.cesa.org.
Location
CESA employees can choose to work remotely or in the Montpelier, VT office. A combination of remote and in-office work is also possible.
Availability
This is a full-time position, with responsibilities commencing immediately upon selection of the most qualified candidate. The position is currently funded for one year, but CESA hopes to secure funding so that it can be extended for a longer term.
Position Description
The Research Associate will carry out research, writing, and administrative tasks related to the 100% Clean Energy Collaborative and the Offshore Wind Accelerator Project and will assist with the Building Decarbonization Project. Responsibilities will include the following:
- Provide information and analysis to support states’ 100% clean energy activities and their offshore wind development activities.
- Help organize online meetings, webinars, and other events that highlight issues related to energy equity, 100% clean energy goals, offshore wind, and building decarbonization. In the case of offshore wind, meetings will focus on helping US policymakers forge connections with European officials and strengthening communication between state energy agencies and environmental justice organizations.
- Research and help to draft white papers, reports, and memos that address topics of interest to CESA members. Carry out other research, writing, and administrative tasks as necessary.
- Research equity implications of offshore wind development, 100% clean energy, and building decarbonization, including understanding the perspectives of frontline environmental justice organizations.
- Monitor clean energy market trends and policy developments in order to identify relevant information for state policymakers, agency staff members, and other stakeholders.
Desired Qualifications
This position requires a diverse set of knowledge and skills. CESA will consider candidates who have gaps in their knowledge, as long as they are self-starters who are prepared to learn and grow to fill those gaps.
- Knowledge of the types of policies used to advance clean energy at the state level
- Understanding of clean energy technologies, especially those related to offshore wind and clean heating and cooling technologies (e.g., air source heat pumps)
- Understanding of the energy challenges facing LMI households and environmental justice communities
- Familiarity with state and other efforts to decarbonize the electricity sector
- Ability to juggle several projects and varied work tasks
- Ability to effectively work with a diverse range of people
- Strong research and organizational skills
- Excellent communication and writing skills
Education and Experience
- Two years’ relevant work experience
- Undergraduate college degree
- Master’s degree in a related field preferred but not required
Salary Range
- Anticipated starting salary is $49,000 – $54,000, depending upon qualifications.
Travel
Occasional domestic travel will be required. Business travel typically lasts from two to three days with some weekend travel necessary.
To Apply
Submit a cover letter, resume, two references, and a writing sample via email to meghan@cleanegroup.org. For the email’s subject line, enter “Research Associate.” Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.
Clean Energy Group and CESA provide competitive salaries and benefits, including health insurance. CEG is an equal opportunity employer. CEG does not discriminate in hiring or employment practices on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, marital or familial status, national origin, ancestry, non-job-related disability, or status as a veteran.
In addition to actively pursuing diversity among our staff and Board of Directors, we have embarked on a year+ long training and learning experience to educate our staff and Board members on understanding, practicing and implementing Diversity, Equity,Inclusion and Justice in our efforts to promote clean energy and a safe, vibrant, diverse work place.