Project Manager - Environmental Research At Salas O'Brien, we tell our clients that we're engineered for impact. This passion for making a difference applies just as much to our team as it does to our projects. That's why we're committed to living our values every day: inspiring, achieving, and connecting as shared owners of our success with a focus on a sustainable future. Building for the long-term means that all of our team members can expect to work on amazing projects with a people-first approach to problem solving. It also means that each member of our team has truly limitless potential to build a unique, meaningful, and high-impact career-and they'll receive great total rewards along the way.
About Us: Founded in 1975, Salas O'Brien is an employee-owned engineering and professional services firm focused on achieving impact for our clients, our team, and the world. We know that tomorrow's requirements are today's opportunities, and we are here to design lasting solutions for pressing challenges. We work across a variety of industries providing integrated engineering and consulting services. Our specialized experience includes design for data centers, healthcare, science and technology, high-rise buildings, clean energy, education, and other building types as well as structural and building sciences, infrastructure asset management, advanced robotics, and more. Our technical expertise is paired with an exceptional team of business development, human resources, finance and accounting, information technology, and marketing professionals, all of whom play a key role in bringing our commitments to life every day.
Job Summary: The Solar-Agricultural Liaison will play an integral role in the responsible development of solar energy by galvanizing NYSERDA's engagement with agricultural stakeholders to further develop and advance research and dual-use opportunities and policies related to solar energy and agriculture. The Liaison will also assist in managing the applied research portfolio of research and demonstration project contracts with outside parties. This position requires a working knowledge of New York State agricultural policies, practices and key stakeholders, and familiarity with issues and policies associated with implementation of New York State's Climate Law. Job tasks include:
- Lead, manage, and support the evolution of the NYS Agricultural Technical Working Group and specialist committees;
- Serve as point of contact at NYSERDA on solar-agricultural issues and attend and represent NSYERDA at agricultural meetings and conferences;
- Assist in contracting and management of long-term research and demonstration projects related to impacts and opportunities associated with renewable energy deployment;
- Organize and collaborate with interdepartmental teams on efforts to advance solar-agricultural research needs, technology innovation, market characterization and associated tasks;
- Support contractual and collaborative efforts with external parties to identify and advance state policies at the nexus of solar energy development and New York State agriculture;
- Develop and implement effective strategies to convey scientific information to policy makers, agricultural stakeholders, solar energy developers and other key constituencies;
- Seek opportunities for collaboration with outside groups and organizations to leverage funding, data, and the dissemination of credible information;
- Support tracking of metrics and reporting on accomplishments;
- Maintain a network of stakeholders, market participants, policy experts, and other sources of insight to inform program and project design and enable ongoing improvement of NYSERDA's strategies and interventions; and
Required skills include:
- A Bachelor's degree in engineering, architecture, mathematics, natural or environmental science is preferred
- 3-6 years' experience of relevant project management experience
- Relevant experience in agricultural-environmental issues (preferred) or energy-related environmental issues
- Skill in gaining and using insight from colleagues and external groups to formulate strategy and design solutions
- Demonstrated abilities for problem-solving, resourcefulness, adaptability, and pragmatic solutions
- Skill in managing multiple diverse activities simultaneously, operating with speed, accuracy and strong judgment
- Contract management experience
- Proven presentation and interpersonal skills that resonate with audiences of different backgrounds; the ability to communicate accurately, persuasively, concisely, and unambiguously in speech and in writing
Compensation: This is a full-time position as a Salas O'Brien employee working remotely. Benefits include a health insurance plan, a 401K profit sharing plan, and PTO. The position offers competitive compensation with an anticipated annual salary range of $75,000 to $90,000, based on candidate experience.
Location - New York, NY; Albany, NY or Remote
Equal Opportunity Employment Statement Salas O'Brien provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state/provincial, or local laws. Salas O'Brien will accommodate the disability-related needs of applicants as required by law.