The Energy Program Manager is responsible for carrying out the goals of the department’s strategic plan by assisting the Utilities Director in the planning, execution, and management of renewable energy projects that align with the Tribe's energy goals and values, ensuring they are completed on time, within scope, and on budget. The energy Program Manager will collaborate with cross-functional teams and stakeholders, including Tribal leaders and community members, to drive project success while promoting sustainability and innovation. The position reports directly to the Utilities Director.
Duties Include:
Strategic Planning:
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- Assist the Director in strategic plan revisions by ensuring energy projects align with Tribal Council Goals.
- Help the Director implement the strategic energy plan that identifies next steps and projects over the next 5-10 years.
Budgeting and Grants:
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- Assist Director in preparing and managing the annual energy program budget.
- Estimate, budget, and track expenditures associated with energy projects.
- Process invoices from contractors associated with energy projects.
- Identify future potential funding opportunities for clean energy projects in alignment with strategic plan and Tribal Council goals.
- Manage clean energy grant and technical assistance awards, compliance, and reporting
Project Coordination
- Assist in the development and execution of renewable energy projects, not limited to but including solar, wind, EV charging and energy storage initiatives, in alignment with the strategic plan and Tribal Council goals.
- Prepare Request for Proposals (RFPs) including bid advertisements, contracts, General Conditions, and other requirements.
- Provide technical support to stakeholders, including architects, engineers and staff, ensuring the integration of energy-efficient solutions.
- Conduct reviews for new construction projects in addition to existing buildings to identify potential energy-saving opportunities and recommend improvements.
- Conduct energy audits at tribal government facilities.
- Ensure current alternate energy applications are maintained and functioning properly.
- Documentation and Reporting
- Maintain comprehensive project documentation, including plans, reports, and risk assessments, with a focus on cultural sensitivity and community impact.
- Monitor project milestones and deliverables, reporting progress to senior project managers and stakeholders, with an emphasis on community benefits and outcomes.
- Research and ensure compliance with local, state, federal regulations, and Tribal policies related to renewable energy projects.
- Assist in obtaining necessary permits and approvals for project activities, respecting Tribal sovereignty and processes.
- Identify project risks and challenges, proposing mitigation strategies and solutions that consider the interests of the Tribe and its community.
- Support problem-solving efforts throughout the project lifecycle, engaging community input where necessary.
Supervision
- Supervises, monitors, and evaluates the work and performance of Energy technicians.
- Provides staff with feedback, coaching, mentoring and on-the-job guidance on technical and administrative issues.
- Responsible for challenging and developing employees. Effectively embraces the diversity of skills and leverages and improves the skills of all direct reports.
Stakeholder Management and Communication:
- Facilitate communication and collaboration among internal teams, external partners, Tribal leaders, and community stakeholders ensuring transparency and inclusiveness.
- Help build and maintain the energy resource webpage to foster community communication.
- Maintain contacts of a positive nature with staff, community members, Tribal Council, local, state, regional and federal entities, and others to accomplish tribal objectives and preserve/promote good public relations.
Other duties as assigned
Qualifications:
Education/Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Engineering, Project Management, or a related field required
- 2-4 years of experience in project management, preferably in renewable energy or sustainable development, with demonstrated experience working with Tribal communities.
- Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or similar credential is preferred
- Washington State Driver’s License – Required
Personal Computer Skills:
- Must have intermediate-advanced personal computer skills are required, as well as word processing, spreadsheet, scheduling software.
- Must have basic knowledge of ARCGIS and/or AUTOCAD for electronic mapping and design and other project management tools and software.
Skills:
- Experience working within Tribal Governments or indigenous communities is preferred.
- Knowledge of sustainability practices and renewable energy policies, especially those relevant to Tribal lands.
- Must have an understanding of personnel, materials, equipment, and terminology associated with utilities construction projects and the ability to implement building and environmental code requirements.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present information clearly and respectfully to diverse audiences.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment, while being sensitive to cultural dynamics.
- Proven ability to plan, manage, and implement projects, programs and initiative of renewable energy projects.
- Ability to foster and maintain cooperative working relationships and open lines of communication with leadership, staff, and community members.
- Must comply with the Tribe’s Substance Abuse and Personnel Policies.
Travel Requirements:
- Local, Statewide, and out of state travel may be required.
Physical Requirements:
- Regularly required to finger, handle, reach with hands and arms.
- Frequently required to walk, sit, stand.
- Occasionally required to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
- Normal audio and visual acuity.
Job Classifications:
- This position is eligible to be considered for situational remote work as allowed by the Working Remotely Policy
- This position is eligible to be considered for an alternative work schedule as allowed by the Working Remotely Policy
- This position is required to work during emergency or administrative closures as needed.
