Careers Job Description
General Description
Technical DG Ombudsman/Engineer
NYSolar Smart is a strategic effort led by the City University of New York (CUNY) that supports Federal, State, and City solar initiatives and works in partnership with: the New York Power Authority (NYPA); New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA); municipalities around the state; and more than 30 organizations representing utility companies, installers, government agencies and industry leaders. Since 2006 CUNY has led the implementation of multiple state and federal solar grants. CUNY is a member of the NY-Sun PV Trainers Network and provides training and technical assistance on solar issues to local governments across New York State. CUNY also received funding through the DOE’s SunShot Initiative Solar Market Pathways to implement the Smart DG Hub – Resilient Solar Project, which is creating a pathway to integrating resilient solar+storage systems in NYC. In NYC, CUNY leads the NYC Solar Partnership efforts to reduce market barriers for solar power, attract solar energy companies to New York City, and increase solar energy production capacity to meet the Mayor’s solar goal of 1 GW of solar installed by 2030. Under the Mayor’s One City: Built to Last plan, CUNY leads the implementation of Solarize NYC and the development of the City’s community shared solar program.
For more information on the CUNY program and past and present partnered efforts, please see: nysolarmap.com.
CUNY is seeking a Technical DG Ombudsman/Engineer to contribute to the technical aspects of the various programs under management by Sustainable CUNY.
Responsibilities: Under the direction of the University Director for Sustainability and the NYC Solar Partnership Manager, the Ombudsman will be responsible for leading or supporting the following efforts. Additional special project assistance may be required as needed.
NYC Grid Ready (See https://nysolarmap.com/installing-solar/grid-ready/)
Working with Con Edison, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, and members of the CUNY project team, the Technical Ombudsman will lead monthly calls to develop an interface to communicate interconnection constraints to users of New York Solar Map. Innovative solutions to alleviate interconnection constraints will be developed and analyzed in collaboration with partner organizations.
NYSolar Smart Net Metering Interconnection Working Group
The Technical Ombudsman will facilitate the monthly Net Metering Interconnection Working Group, which meets to discuss the latest changes to interconnection rules in New York State. This role requires the facilitator to stay informed on rulings from the Public Service Commission, interconnection policies implemented by the utilities, and issues that arise from industry. Working group members may include representatives from each of the utilities, NYSERDA, and NYPA. The working group aims to remove barriers to interconnection in NYS and address issues that arise as the volume of projects increases.
NYSolar Smart DG Hub Deliverables
The Technical Ombudsman will contribute to the Department of Energy DG Hub deliverables. Deliverables may include fact sheets, reports, case studies, training programs, and more. The deliverables also involve coordination with IT staff to manage the integration of a resilient PV calculator tool and GIS map layer into the NY Solar Map.
Research and Policy Implementation
The Technical Ombudsman will additionally help ensure coordination with changing NYS policies related to solar and energy storage, as well as write reports, case studies and assist with ongoing grant writing efforts as needed.
Data Analysis
The Technical Ombudsmen will assist in analyzing solar project data received from state and local agencies to track market progress and identify areas of focus. Work will include utilizing Excel and other database management programs to identify insights and create visualizations to illustrate these points to partners.
Training
The Technical Ombudsmen will assist in developing training assets, and also acting as an instructor to deliver material to attendees with a wide range of skill sets and focus areas. Delivery platforms include in person, webinar, podcast, and teleconference.
Other Duties
Event/Workshop Coordination
The Ombudsmen may assist in support planning and logistics for CUNY’s annual New York Solar Summit and Statewide policy support workshops for jurisdictions as well as other training workshops. Work will include writing outreach materials, coordination of speakers and panels, engaging event sponsors and logistics.
Energy Project Framing and Modeling
The Technical Ombudsmen may perform energy simulations of different solar and storage systems. Objectives will be the evaluation of general system feasibility, financial impacts of dispatching decisions, evaluating multiple rate tariffs, and site characteristics that will have an impact on performance. Studies will be done both independently and with partner organizations. Specific immediate projects include a vehicle to grid project implementation and solar+storage projects at CUNY.
Qualifications
Applicants must have proven experience with or knowledge of several of the following.
- New York City and State energy policy and solar programs and incentives
- Ability to think holistically through complex problems, with technical and non-technical components
- Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with non – technical groups
- Must possess deep technical knowledge of PV and energy storage technologies
- Knowledge of PV and/or energy storage installation processes
- Knowledge of PV and/or energy storage project financials
- Knowledge of different energy storage technologies
- Knowledge of the Reforming the Energy Vision proceeding and the electrical grid
- Basic knowledge of coding (i.e. VBA, Python, .net, json)
Successful applicants will have excellent writing skills, comfort with technical subject matters, public speaking ability in both large and small settings, the ability to facilitate discussion in-person as well as on conference calls, and project management experience. This position will a self-motivated individual with the ability to work independently as well as to collaborate with multiple stakeholders.
Preferred Qualifications: Graduate degree, particularly with a planning, engineering, or other technical background. Working knowledge of coding (i.e. VBA, Python, .net, json).
Required Qualifications
Three years of experience in a relevant field is required. Bachelor’s degree in engineering or other technical field. Applicants must be able and willing to travel across New York State. Knowledge of New York State interconnection procedures, incentives, and other aspects of the solar market.
RFCUNY Benefits
RFCUNY Employee Benefits and AccrualsAbout the Research Foundation
The Research Foundation of The City University of New York (RFCUNY) was established as a not-for-profit educational corporation chartered by the State of New York in 1963. RFCUNY supports CUNY faculty and staff in identifying and obtaining external support (pre-award) from government and private sponsors and is responsible for the administration of all such funded programs (post-award).
RFCUNY stands between CUNY’s principal investigators (PIs) and the sponsors who support them and strives to fulfill its essential responsibilities to both groups. Working closely with individual PIs and Grants Officers on the campuses, RFCUNY oversees employment, accounting, audit, reporting, purchasing, and special responsibilities that include management of a planned giving program; liaison with governmental agencies and foundations; negotiation of agreements; facility construction and renovation; protection and commercialization of intellectual property; and compliance with applicable standards in research involving human subjects, animal care, environmental and radiological safety, and conflicts of interest.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Key Features
Sustainable CUNY
Full Time
Depends on Qualifications
Apr 01, 2018 (Or Until Filled)