Sullivan County Energy Circuit Rider

About Clean Energy NH 

Clean Energy NH (CENH) is a statewide nonprofit organization working to advance a clean energy economy for all of New Hampshire. We deliver policy and technical expertise to empower businesses, municipalities, and policymakers to make informed energy decisions to lower costs, improve sustainability, and realize the other benefits of New Hampshire-based energy solutions. 

CENH represents over 450 business, municipal, and individual members throughout the state who turn to us as the leading clean energy policy organization in New Hampshire. The organization has played a leading role in crafting and defending key policies in support of transitioning to a clean energy economy and serves as a key liaison to local decision-makers who are seeking to reduce their energy spending and achieve their clean energy goals. 

Our Energy Circuit Rider Program was created and piloted in Coos County beginning in 2019. From 2019 to 2022, the North Country Circuit Rider has helped more than a dozen communities complete more than 30 energy efficiency and clean energy projects. The program has helped the communities to receive more than $1.2 million worth of incentives and grants, which have resulted in more than $3 million dollars of investment in clean energy projects. 

In early 2021, a second North Country position was added to provide similar technical assistance to small businesses, and in late 2022 and early 2023 the team was expanded to include a Monadnock and Seacoast Circuit Rider. Clean Energy NH continues to expand this program statewide, and this position is a key next step in realizing that growth.

Job Description 

The Sullivan County Energy Circuit Rider (ECR) will work with Clean Energy NH staff to provide technical assistance to municipalities in Western New Hampshire, so they can identify and implement energy projects that reduce fossil fuel energy use and costs while also providing additional public health and community resiliency benefits. Energy projects will include energy efficiency upgrades, solar photovoltaics, community power aggregation, beneficial electrification, modern wood heating, electric vehicle charging infrastructure, and other priorities identified by community members.

Clean Energy NH’s office is located in Concord, however the ECR will be located in Sullivan County, NH and will work remotely including regular visits to participating communities and occasional visits to Concord as needed. This is a full-time position with some flexibility in work hours. This position will entail occasional evening and weekend hours in order to attend public meetings and other community events. 

This position is grant funded and is contingent on continued availability of grant funds but identifying and maintaining continuous funding sources for the Energy Circuit Riders program is a key strategic priority for Clean Energy NH.

Visit the Energy Circuit Rider FAQ, which explains the genesis and philosophy of the program.

Responsibilities

The Sullivan County Energy Circuit Rider has the following responsibilities and duties:

• Establish working relationships with municipal staff/officials and other community leaders and attend frequent meetings of local government bodies to support decision making.
• Assist in the creation of local energy committees or commissions and recruitment of residents to serve as volunteers on these local advisory bodies. 
• Organize meetings and coordinate with community partners and other project partners as needed.
• Work with community partners to establish building energy use and cost baselines and benchmarking with EPA Portfolio Manager or similar software/services.
• Be available and responsive for community partners to act as a resource on energy projects to offer technical assistance and information as needed.
• Organize municipal, school building and facility energy assessments and walk-throughs in partnership with utility efficiency personnel, auditors, and other clean energy businesses.
• Carry out feasibility assessments for projects identified in collaboration with municipal partners.
• Help municipal leaders prioritize which projects to pursue first.
• Proactively and creatively drive identified projects forward toward completion.
• Assist with and coordinate all stages of energy project planning and implementation including project identification, funding/financing; vendor/contractor selection; project execution; and project evaluation.
• Regular communication with other Clean Energy NH staff and community partners.
• Assist with grant reporting, data gathering, and project status progress updates.
• Partake in the shared work other operational tasks—such as events and campaigns—along with the rest of the staff.

Preferred Qualifications

An ideal candidate for the Energy Circuit Rider would have the following skills, education, and experience: 

• Strong interpersonal skills; ability to build strong working relationships with community leaders, and excellent communication skills.
• Self-starter; ability to work independently, take initiative, and contribute actively to designing work plans, organizing meetings and schedule of activities.
• Writing skills; proficient with Microsoft Word and Excel and Google Workspace; securing energy project funding/financing may require detailed paperwork and/or grant applications.
• Experience with project management with demonstrated ability to see projects through to successful completion.
• Knowledge of building energy (such as BPI certifications) and renewable energy systems, as well as familiarity with available rebates, incentives and grant programs. 
• Access to vehicle, current state driver’s license in good standing, and ability to regularly travel to partner municipalities throughout Cheshire and Southern Sullivan County (work required mileage expenses will be reimbursed).
• Between $50,000 and $60,000 salary, commensurate with experience.

This position is located in Sullivan County, New Hampshire, and the candidate must be located in that region or be capable of commuting daily to that area.

Benefits and Compensation

The candidate selected for this position will receive the following benefits:

• A generous time off policy, including paid sick leave, family and parental leave, and vacation.
• A 3% employer contribution to a 403(b) retirement plan.
• Health, dental and vision insurance.
• Flexible working arrangements, including the ability to work from home or from our Concord offices, as convenience dictates, and a modest monthly technology stipend.