Renewable Energy Specialist (Storage)
The position provides and supports the technical, analytical, coordination, administration and organizational functional capabilities required by HSEO’s mission to promote energy efficiency, renewable energy, and clean transportation to help achieve a resilient, clean energy, decarbonized economy.
Duties Summary
Research, analyze, understand, evaluate, communicate, and engage with organizations, experts, communities, permitting agencies, project developers, decision-makers, and the public about renewable energy technologies and projects (with an emphasis on energy storage, hydrogen, biofuels, and bioenergy) in Hawai‘i. Gather, compile, update, and prepare, for internal and external audiences, information on federal, state, and county permitting agencies, laws, rules, regulations, applications, information, processes, and online resources regarding energy project development in Hawai‘i. Draft, finalize, and be prepared to present formal and informal responses to questions, suggestions, articles, correspondence and reports, providing credible, accurate and thoughtful information appropriate for the recipient and venue. Support efforts to improve processes to appropriately site, efficiently permit, and successfully complete renewable energy projects in Hawai‘i. Provide information, analyses, reports, and other materials for presentation to or consideration by the Legislature, Governor, regulatory agencies, or others as needed. Prepare and participate in the creation and administration of grants, contracts, and agreements; propose projects, identify funding sources, obtain approvals, and, with the appropriate administrative and management support, develop partnerships, apply for grants, draft procurement documents, select consultants or other service providers, complete contracting requirements, monitor consultants’ methods, review findings, and perform other project management and reporting tasks. Participate on the State Emergency Support Function 12 (Energy) team in the event of an energy emergency or shortage.
Minimum Qualification Requirements
Knowledge: The employee is expected to have the requisite level of knowledge and expertise in the topic area; federal, state, and county review, permitting, and approval processes; government operations; and project management necessary to carry out the duties of the position.
This position requires knowledge of fuels and energy systems; understanding of Federal, State and County government functions, organization and governing laws; and characteristics and economics of energy systems.
Skills/Abilities: The employee is expected to be a quick learner with excellent oral and written communication skills; able to effectively and appropriately respond to issues that arise; highly organized and reliable; and able to work well with others, both as a team member and as a team leader.
The employee is expected to be able to work independently, with other staff members, and in a group setting; to plan, organize, develop, and conduct themselves to effectively carry out their responsibilities; to recognize problems, developments, and regulatory and legislative issues in a timely fashion in order to analyze and interpret their significance; to assemble and analyze information from federal, state, and county agencies necessary to carry out position responsibilities; effectively facilitate and engage internal and external stakeholder communications and meetings, both in-person and remotely.
Education: The minimum level of education needed for the position is graduation from an accredited 4-year college or university with a bachelor’s degree in economics, natural sciences, engineering, or related field.
General Experience: A minimum of one year of professional experience in the subject area and one year of professional experience in any of the following: energy, engineering, law, public policy, economics, or research.
Substitutions Allowed: Full-time equivalent graduate-level study of business, economics, chemistry, physics, or engineering may be substituted for the work experience requirement on a year-for-year basis. Other combinations of education and/or experience may be allowed, subject to review and acceptance by the Supervisor.
Citizenship Requirement: The State of Hawai‘i requires that all persons seeking employment with the government of the State shall be citizens, nationals, or permanent resident aliens of the United States, or eligible under federal law for unrestricted employment in the United States.
Desirable Qualifications: Knowledge of or experience with studies of energy systems, energy technologies, geographic information systems, and Hawai‘i’s economy is desirable. Also desirable: willingness and ability to obtain certification as a life cycle assessment certified professional.
Other Information
This position is exempt from the civil service and considered temporary in nature. Therefore, if you are appointed to the position, your employment will be considered to be “at will,” which means that you may be discharged from your employment at the prerogative of your department head or designee at any time.
Submit cover letter and comprehensive resume online or via email to: [email protected]