Renewable Energy Siting Fellow

The National Association of Counties (NACo), representing Americas 3,069 county governments with 40,000 elected officials, 3.6 million county employees and more than $660 billion in annual community-based investments, seeks a Renewable Energy Siting Fellow for a one-year fellowship.

As counties across the country are being challenged to plan and integrate renewable energy infrastructure, many local officials are seeking trusted sources for information and support to help them navigate competing interests. To better understand county concerns and respond to informational needs, NACo seeks a full-time Renewable Energy Siting Fellow who will be responsible for collecting and curating county perspectives on energy siting and developing and overseeing the implementation of a new renewable energy resource and engagement program.

The position is dependent on the availability of project-based outside funding.

Position Responsibilities and Activities:

• Identify concerns, common challenges, needs and requests for information about clean energy siting, technology, regulations and zoning authority from county officials through virtual focus groups, NACo convenings and in-person listening sessions.
• Create, disseminate and maintain educational resources on the NACo website, such as:
• Best practices for clean energy ordinances and permitting;
• Accurate information about clean energy technologies, their impacts and potential benefits;
• Guidance for negotiating community benefit agreements with project developers;
• Best practices for managing productive local hearings and public meetings on renewable energy projects;
• Roadmap for proactive public visioning processes to plan for future renewable projects and technologies;
• Directory of legal, permitting, planning and other relevant subject matter experts; and
• Frequently asked questions for county elected leaders and professional staff.
• Develop a peer-to-peer network for counties where clean energy facilities are being proposed and counties that already host clean energy facilities.
• Create print and video stories and interviews from county officials that capture how renewable energy projects have affected their local economies, schools and services, and how to effectively engage with project developers.
• Present or otherwise host informational sessions with select groups of county leaders to review findings and provide feedback.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• At least four years previous subject matter expertise or professional experience focused on renewable energy and/or clean energy infrastructure.
• Excellent public speaking, written communication and presentation skills.
• Experience engaging diverse groups in facilitated discussions and through in-person and virtual events.
• Ability to work independently and as a member of a team.
• Eye for detail; strong organizational skills and ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

The following qualifications are desired, but not required:

• Academic or work experience in rural development, regional planning or local government.
• Grant writing and management.
• Experience working at the county level, with government officials and rural constituents.

Working Conditions:

• Location: Washington, D.C. or remote
• Travel: occasional travel (quarterly)
  NACos office is in Washington, D.C. If the fellow is located in the D.C. metropolitan area, the fellow should anticipate working in an in-person setting for at least 40 percent of their working hours. If the fellow is located outside of the D.C. metropolitan area, the fellow will be required to participate in an in-person onboarding process but will be able to work remotely for most activities.

Hours/Salary:

This is a 1-year position. Fellows typically work full-time, up to 37.5 hours per week, depending on the organizations needs and the fellows availability. Depending upon the qualifications of the candidate, the fellowship is paid up to a total of $100,000 and is not eligible for benefits.

Application Procedures:

Persons interested in this position should submit a resume with cover letter, salary requirements and availability (i.e., approximate start and end dates) to: [email protected] and [email protected]. Applications are due no later than August 9, 2024. Applications are processed on a rolling basis until the position is filled, so applying early is encouraged.

Our Culture

Our vision is healthy, safe, and vibrant counties across America. Counties play an integral part of the intergovernmental responsibilities among federal, state, local and tribal government officials. We are guided by the belief that stronger counties result in a stronger America.

NACo is committed to fostering a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Our jobs are open to all applications regardless of race, color, sex, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, national origin, marital status, pregnancy, disability, military status, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, or local law.

We are passionate about advancing excellence in public service to help people and places thrive across America. We embrace and respect our diversity of experience, heritage, and thought and strive to cultivate an equitable workplace. As outlined in our Values and NACo Norms below, we pursue our mission through a ONE NACo mindset of genuine care, empathy, and respect for each other, our partners, and our members.