Associate, Projects Division: Clean Energy, Solar and Electrification

Association For Energy Affordability • Emeryville, CA

7d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Association for Energy Affordability (AEA), a nonprofit energy services and training organization, is seeking a Project Associate for its Clean Energy, Solar and Electrification division. The role supports energy efficiency, building decarbonization, electrification, energy conservation, and renewable energy projects, particularly for multifamily buildings. Associates conduct audits and assessments, perform analyses and modeling, and help property owners plan and manage energy retrofit projects. The position includes field and remote data collection, building diagnostics, research, data analysis, job costing, construction feasibility analysis, energy modeling, and report production. Associates work with internal and external team members, building owners, architects, contractors, and other decision makers to meet program goals.

The primary work location is within 20 miles of Downtown Los Angeles, with a hybrid arrangement of up to two days per week at a Downtown LA coworking space. The role involves in-person field work and travel within California, including the greater Southern California region. Candidates must be able to travel by car within that region. AEA may consider candidates elsewhere in the greater Los Angeles region.

The Associate title covers Associate I and Associate II levels, based on relevant prior experience. Responsibilities may be revised over time to respond to AEA and federal and California state program requirements.

Requirements

• At least two years of prior experience in a related role.
• Excellent communication, organization, presentation, and analytical skills.
• Ability to legally work in the country where the position is located without visa sponsorship.
• Ability to travel within California upon request; in-person field work requires the ability to travel by car within the greater Southern California region.
• Live within 20 miles of Downtown Los Angeles; candidates outside this boundary in the greater Los Angeles region may also be considered.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, architecture, building science, or energy conservation is preferred; an associate degree combined with on-the-job or trades experience in energy conservation, renewable energy, and energy audits is also identified as a qualification pathway.
• Sound technical writing skills and experience.
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite, including 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, and field data collection and analysis.
• Assess renewable energy feasibility.
• Perform energy modeling and building simulations.
• Prepare energy and green building assessment reports based on analytical findings, including equipment specifications and cost and emissions-reduction analyses.
• Perform job costing, construction feasibility analysis, 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.
• Conduct commissioning and retro-commissioning studies.
• Provide internal and public training on energy efficiency technologies, energy auditing principles, and decarbonized building operations.
• Contribute to national projects to develop industry standards and guidelines.
• Coordinate with internal and external team members to meet program goals.
• Conduct research and data analysis and produce project reports as needed.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision benefits.
• Commuter plan.
• 401(k) with matching contribution.
• Generous paid time off.
• Educational assistance.
• Paid parental leave.
• Eligible employer for student loan forgiveness.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree