Associate, Projects Division: Clean Energy, Solar and Electrification

Association For Energy Affordability•Emeryville, CA

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Association for Energy Affordability (AEA), a nonprofit energy services and training organization focused on energy efficiency in buildings and affordable, healthy communities, is seeking a Project Associate for its Clean Energy, Solar and Electrification work. The role involves energy audits and modeling, green building assessments, feasibility analysis, and supporting property owners through energy retrofit projects. Associates coordinate with internal and external teams and work with building owners and other decision makers to advance energy efficiency, electrification, and renewable energy upgrades. The work includes field and remote data collection, building diagnostics, research, data analysis, job costing, construction feasibility, energy modeling, and report preparation. The position calls for an organized, self-starting problem solver who can work independently and as part of a team. The role may involve field travel within the region and California upon request. The posting describes a hybrid arrangement with up to two in-person days per week at a Santa Barbara coworking space, and separately states that the associate is hired based within 20 miles of Downtown Los Angeles, with candidates elsewhere in greater Los Angeles potentially considered.

Requirements

At least two years of prior experience in a related role.
Excellent communication, organization, presentation, and analytical skills.
Bachelor’s degree in engineering, architecture, building science, or energy conservation preferred; alternatively, an associate degree with on-the-job or trades experience in energy conservation, renewable energy, and energy audits.
Must be legally authorized to work in the country where the position is located without visa sponsorship.
Ability to travel within the greater Central Coast region by car is stated in the primary work location details; the posting also states candidates must be able to travel within California upon request.

Nice To Haves

Sound technical writing skills and experience.
Proficiency in MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint), collaboration platforms such as Slack and Teams, and other software or platforms used.
Knowledge of building systems, including mechanical systems, lighting technologies, and building envelope.
Basic knowledge and understanding of California Title 24 and other building codes.
Familiarity with local, state, and federal building energy incentive and rebate programs.
Experience managing construction, retrofit, and/or solar projects.
Ability to perform cost savings analyses and fuel data analyses.
Home Energy Rating Systems (HERS and HERS II) rater certification.
Building Performance Institute (BPI) certification.
Experience using energy modeling software such as EnergyPro, CBECC-Com and CBECC-Res, EnergyPlus, and CSE programs.

Responsibilities

Conduct energy audits, in-field energy assessments, on-site diagnostics, field data collection and analysis, and renewable energy feasibility assessments.
Perform energy modeling and building simulations.
Prepare energy and green building assessment reports, including equipment specifications and cost and emissions reduction analysis.
Perform job costing, construction feasibility assessments, and contractor bid walks.
Work with building owners, architects, and other decision makers to incorporate energy efficiency, electrification, and renewable upgrades into projects.
Visit construction sites to inspect work in progress and completed work.
Perform LEED, Green Point Rated, and HERS consulting services.
Perform commissioning and retro-commissioning studies.
Conduct internal and public training on energy efficiency technologies, energy auditing principles, and decarbonized building operations.
Contribute to national projects to help develop industry standards and guidelines.
Coordinate with internal and external team members to meet program goals.