Rural Energy Specialist

The Tanana Chiefs Conference is seeking a Rural Energy Specialist in Fairbanks, AK, to lead energy initiatives in tribal communities. This role involves creating and implementing climate action plans, managing projects and contractors, and providing education on energy resources. The Specialist will oversee grant writing and management, collaborate with various organizations, and support rural economic development through sustainable energy solutions. A degree or certification in a relevant field is required.
Description

Job Title

Rural Energy Specialist

Location

Fairbanks, AK, US

Organization Name

Tribal Government & Client Sevices

Job Summary

Job Summary: The TCC Energy Program is recognized as a state leader in assisting rural tribal communities with energy resources and has managed more than $11M in federal, state and local project funds aimed at reducing the region’s dependence on imported Diesel fuel. Past projects have ranged from planning, design and installation of solar-diesel-battery hybrid renewable systems, ground source heat pumps, bulk tank farms, and insulated community buildings. The Rural Energy Specialist will work with Tribes, rural utilities, municipalities, school districts, and other large energy users to create and implement climate action plans, managing contractors and projects, and providing education and outreach. The Energy Specialist will oversee grant writing and management, on-the-ground project management, community and regional energy planning, outreach and education, utility management assistance, contractor selection, contractor scheduling and logistics, energy loan financing preparation, and coordinate with existing energy programs at other agencies.

Adhere to the TCC Ch’eghwtsen’ model of service and guiding principle which requires providing timely and effective service along with the ability to interact with others in a way that inspires trust and demonstrates respect, compassion and empathy.

Essential Functions

Essential Functions: This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by incumbent(s).

Representative Duties: Under the general supervision of the Rural Energy Manager, the job incumbent will:

1. Communicate with and support tribal members, rural utilities, school districts, and other large energy users to create a climate action plan and implement investment-ready policies, programs, and projects to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the near time.

2. Manage contractors, employees and consultants as necessary to develop and complete projects.

3. Provide education, outreach and training opportunities for rural constituents regarding energy.

4. Develop and manage grants.

5. Work with Communications to maintain the TCC Energy Program website.

6. Provide administrative support, technical assistance, and oversight for energy grants and projects.

7. Coordinate with partner organizations (e.g., ACEP, AEA, DOE, ANTHC) on energy programs, regional energy planning, and creating opportunities for rural economic development through access to lower cost electricity and heat.

8. Attend conferences and make presentations on TCC Energy Program and opportunities for growth and development in the energy sector.

9. Coordinate maintenance schedules and contractor visits with rural utilities in the TCC region.

10. Oversee TCC’s development of a sustainable Independent Power Producer (IPP) model and facilitate long term power purchase agreements (PPAs) with partner utilities.

11. Oversee design and engineering efforts related to Battery Energy Storage Systems and their integration into remote Alaska Powerhouses and energy grids.

Other Responsibilities:

1. Perform other job related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

1. Bachelor’s or Associate degree or certificated program showing experience in Engineering, Project Management, Business or related field or five (5) years equivalent experience with project coordination and management, community development, Renewable Energy or energy efficiency, Engineering or related field.

2. At least two to three (2-3) years of experience with project management and basic knowledge of construction techniques and heating/electrical systems.

3. Experience contracting and managing contractors in a rural setting is preferred.

4. Must pass background check pursuant to federal Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act requirements and State of Alaska background check.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

1. Effective written and verbal communication using positive interpersonal skills with a variety of stakeholders.

2. Ability to organize, prioritize, and manage work assignments efficiently.

3. Knowledge and understanding of climate energy planning.

4. Ability to function as an effective team member to build productive, collaborative relationships that achieve program goals and objectives.

5. Proven ability to be self-directed in problem-solving and decision-making.

6. Knowledge of social, cultural and economic conditions in rural Alaska; cross-cultural experience working with Alaska Natives preferred.

7. Proficiency using MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher and Outlook.

Supervision: Supervision of contractors and potential intern hires may be required.

Supervision

Physical demands: Must be able to work in a busy and sometimes stressful environment. Requirements are typically those of normal office type work with frequent field visits to project locations on small planes to rural communities for one to four (1 to 4) nights stays. It is common to go on one to three (1-3) trips per month during the summer. Field work will be required and applicant must be comfortable assisting with construction projects at times. When in the office, extended hours of sitting and operation of standard office and computer equipment are expected. The applicant must be able to lift, pull, push and carry up to fifty pounds.

Summation

Summation: The TCC Energy program is looking for a “player-coach” style individual who is comfortable making decisions, handle complex tasks, and thinks on their feet. Incumbent must be self-directed, have a strong desire to learn new skills, solve unique and challenging problems and be able to initiate projects independently while coordinating activities with TCC supervisor.