Project Associate, Clean Energy and Building Electrification

Overview: Association for Energy Affordability (AEA) is a rapidly growing national nonprofit energy services and training organization dedicated to reducing the carbon impact of the build environment while fostering and maintain affordable and healthy housing and communities. Energy consulting services are completed through AEAs participation in a variety of federal, state, and local energy programs and initiatives. For more information about AEA, see http://www.aea.us.org.

Position Summary: AEA West is seeking a Project Associate to join our tight-knit, talented team of Energy Geeks. The candidate will perform energy audits and modeling and will assist property owners through complex energy retrofit projects. If you are passionate about building decarbonization, electrification, energy conservation, and renewable energy; you love buildings; and youre seeking to learn from an experienced team in a hands-on environment, then this is the place for you.

The Project Associate will assist senior staff in conducting energy audits of multifamily and commercial buildings, providing analysis at both the project and program levels, designing, and managing retrofit projects, performing green building assessments, and conducting a variety of technology and market assessments. Candidates will engage in data collection, building diagnostics, research, data analysis, job costing, and construction feasibility, energy modeling, and report production as needed to complete a range of project types. They are expected to be a self-starter, an independent problem solver, and a strong team-player.

AEA is hiring for primary work locations based in the greater Los Angeles region. Candidates must have the ability to travel within California upon request.

Responsibilities:

The Projects Associate may be expected to assist with:

• Conducting energy audits and in-field energy assessments, on-site diagnostics, field data collection and analysis, and renewable energy feasibility assessments.
• Performing energy modeling and building simulations.
• Preparing energy and green building assessment reports based on analytic findings which include detailed equipment specifications and cost & emissions reduction analysis.
• Job costing, construction feasibility, and contractor bid walks
• Working with building owners, architects, and other decision makers to successfully incorporate energy efficiency, electrification, and renewable upgrades in their projects.
• Construction site visits to inspect in progress and completed work.
• Performing LEED, Green Point Rated and HERS consulting services.
• Performing commissioning and retro-commissioning studies.
• Conducting training both internally and publicly on energy efficiency technologies, energy auditing principles, and decarbonized building operations.
• Working on national projects to help develop industry standards and guidelines.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelors Degree with a demonstrated interest in energy conservation and building science preferred or an Associate Degree with either on-the-job or trades experience in energy conservation, renewable energy, and energy audits.
• Two (2) years of prior experience in a related role.
• Excellent communication, organization, presentation, and analytical skills.

Additional Desirable Qualifications:

• Sound technical writing skills and experience.
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PPT); collaboration platforms like Slack and Teams, and any other software/platforms used.
• Knowledge of building systems including mechanical systems, lighting technologies, and building envelope.
• Basic knowledge and understanding of CA Title 24 and other building codes.
• Familiarity with local, state and federal building energy incentive and rebate programs.
• Ability to perform cost savings analyses and fuel data analyses.
• Home Energy Rating Systems (HERS and HERS II) rater certification preferred.
• Building Performance Institute (BPI) certification.
• Experience with the use of energy modeling software i.e., EnergyPro, CBECC-Com & -Res, EnergyPlus, and CSE programs.

Must be able to legally work in the country where this position is located without visa sponsorship.

AEA requires a COVID-19 vaccination for all employees. Therefore, all new employees are required to present proof of vaccination status upon hire unless they qualify for a medical or religious exemption.

EEO Non-Discrimination and ADA Reasonable Accommodation Statement:

Applicants are considered for all positions without regard to race, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, immigration or citizenship status, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital or partnership status, disability, military status, veteran status, or predisposing genetic characteristics. AEA does not discriminate on the basis of physical or mental disability where the essential functions of the job can be reasonably accommodated. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. For more information on the physical requirements of this position and/or if you need reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify Human Resources at 510-256-5891.