Community Energy Advisor

Cornell Cooperative Extension•New York, NY

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Community Energy Advisor assists with teaching energy efficiency and clean energy education programs in the Mohawk Valley Region, serving Oneida, Herkimer, Schoharie, Otsego, Fulton, and Montgomery Counties. Working with the Energy Team, the Advisor informs residents, multifamily building owners, and small businesses—particularly people in low-to-moderate income and priority communities—about clean energy strategies for homes and businesses. The role contributes to program implementation and evaluation and provides input to the supervisor. The Advisor builds and maintains relationships with community partners and local stakeholders, supporting efforts to address energy inequities. Educational outreach takes place in varied settings and may include community event booths, presentations, phone calls, client follow-up, assistance navigating program applications, troubleshooting adoption barriers, and coordinating with local energy contractors. The Advisor collaborates with community groups, contractors, the supervisor, and team members to deliver engaging programs; serves as a subject matter resource; and completes administrative work that supports the programs and funding requirements. This is an onsite position based at the Oneida County CCE office in Oriskany, New York, with no remote work available. The expected schedule is 37.5 hours per week. The stated wage is $25.00 per hour. Work may include flexible hours, including evenings and/or weekends, as appropriate.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree, or an associate degree plus two years of transferable program or functional experience.
Relevant experience, which may include teaching non-formal educational programs; social work focused on housing or energy assistance; or assisting low-income households receiving subsidized housing services.
Ability to work independently and effectively as a team member.
Demonstrated ability to learn new information and communicate effectively orally, in writing, and visually.
Ability to manage multiple priorities set with the team and immediate supervisor.
Desire to empower households and communities to create change, with patience to move at the speed of trust.
Valid New York State driver’s license and ability to meet the position’s travel requirements.
Ability to meet acceptable DMV and criminal background check standards.
Ability to work flexible hours, which may include evenings and/or weekends, as appropriate.
Proficiency or ability to learn and effectively use the internet and Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Publisher, and Excel.

Nice To Haves

Fluency in Spanish and/or other languages.
Experience establishing and working with community stakeholders, especially those with limited income.
Experience working with or developing institutional relationships in Oneida, Herkimer, Schoharie, Otsego, Fulton, or Montgomery Counties.
Experience volunteering or supervising volunteers.
Ability to plan, teach, and evaluate informal educational programs using varied delivery methods for individuals and groups.
Aptitude for digital technologies and educational and communication applications.
Empathy, sincerity, and ability to positively navigate challenges.

Responsibilities

Deliver clean energy education programs using established resources and a variety of methods, including workshops, public events, articles, web pages, and social media.
Teach clean energy education programming according to the established Plan of Work.
Represent the Energy Team professionally to the public and community leaders.
Adapt educational materials and develop lesson plans for local community and individual needs and diverse audiences, as appropriate.
Maintain program connections with Cornell and other SUNY institutions.
Serve as a subject matter resource and respond to questions about energy efficiency.
Cooperate with the Association and Energy Team to achieve program delivery goals.
Gather informal program evaluation information from participants, implement evaluation as designed, help interpret findings, recommend improvements, and communicate findings as directed.
Help establish program priorities, objectives, and programming in cooperation with the Energy Team.
Assist with planning public events and program activities and identifying fund development opportunities.
Assist with organizing community focus groups or advisory committees and fostering professional relationships with agencies, organizations, and businesses.
Identify and recommend program needs, such as supplies and materials, to the Program Supervisor and Energy Team.
Use judgment and discretion to help resolve program problems and conflicts in accordance with applicable policies and procedures.
Collect budget information and assist with gathering information and administrative support for grant and contract proposals.
Develop and pursue a professional development plan with the supervisor and/or Executive Director, and participate in required orientation, training, and in-service meetings.
Maintain and expand organizational, technical, and position-related knowledge and skills.
Support Cornell Cooperative Extension activities, including staff meetings, timely expense reporting, collaboration with staff, and general program marketing.
Maintain regular and predictable attendance and punctuality.
Assist residents, building owners, and small businesses with learning about, applying for, and adopting energy efficiency and clean energy programs and strategies.
Collaborate with community partners, local stakeholders, and contractors to deliver education and help address barriers to program participation.