GREEN JOBS and OPPORTUNITIES

Do you have a green job opening that you would like ISEA to publicize?
If you have a position to fill, send a posting (including a brief description, contact information, qualifications, and application deadline) to: contactisea@illinoissolar.org

Updated: January 8, 2019

Job Opportunity with the Illinois Solar Energy Association
Position: Policy & Advocacy Manager - Chicagoland Area

Established in 1975, the Illinois Solar Energy Association (ISEA) advocates for supportive clean energy policies in Illinois. As a member based organization, ISEA is supported by over 400 individuals and 200 businesses representing all market segments and numerous support services. ISEA has long served as the voice for solar in the state through its dual mission of education and advocacy.

The ISEA Policy Manager position is a permanent full-time role.

The Policy Manager will be responsible for assisting in the development and leading the execution of a statewide strategic policy and government relations plan for the Illinois Solar Energy Association. This position will be accountable for ensuring that policies, legislation, and regulation are conducive to a positive business environment for the solar industry.

The successful candidate must possess critical, well developed skills in policy development. These skills include drafting legislation and regulations, as well as policy analysis, such as understanding cost and/or value of policies to the industry. Polished public presentation skills are also essential.

The Policy Manager will function as a lobbyist as needed and liaison with diverse parties including members and staff of all levels of government, ensuring that all identified policies and interests are advocated.

Salary is commensurate with experience

Key Responsibilities

Develop policy positions on behalf of the organization with assistance from the membership, association committee chairs, and board of directors
Develop work plans and plans of action for policy positions consistent with the organization’s Strategic Plan
Act as a representative of the Illinois Solar Energy Association and its member businesses in legislative and regulatory arenas
Coordinate the Association’s activities in conjunction with an annual policy, regulatory, and legislative agenda
Work with outside counsel, contract lobbyists and technical consultants as needed.
Represent the organization’s interests at public meetings and forums as applicable to the adoption and enactment of public policies by local and state governmental bodies
Provide staff support to the Executive Director on initiatives and efforts related to economic development
Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Top candidates should have three to five years successful background in public policy, government affairs, or regulatory affairs with proven results

Professional experience in public policy advocacy, research, and analysis
Proven experience in planning and implementing public policy events/agenda, or other advocacy activities
Experience with local, state, and federal legislative bodies and understanding of nuances of local government municipalities and agencies, state and federal political environment
Background in political campaigns and PAC fundraising a plus
Local and statewide knowledge of the political environment an asset

Proven coalition building skills; demonstrated skill and comfort proactively building relationships with member businesses, public officials, reporters and editors, community leaders, and the public.
Outstanding written and verbal skills and high comfort level in public speaking and media relations

Solid experience in media relations and making position statements before elected officials and other leadership bodies
Willingness to present before the Board of Directors, city council, and diverse audiences with political savvy regarding rules, regulations, policy positions, and legislative advocacy
High level communicator with experience in traditional and digital media platforms to compose regular communication pieces for electronic and print purposes

Willingness to work beyond normal work day and possible weekend hours as necessary
Able to travel as needed
Positive attitude and advanced work ethic
Successful candidate will preferably be located in the greater Chicago area
Bachelor's degree required

To apply, please send a cover letter, resume, and writing sample to lesley.mccain@illinoissolar.org with the subject line “ISEA Policy & Advocacy Manager Application” as the subject line of the email.

No calls; direct applicants only, no search or placement firms. Applications will be accepted through January 21, 2019.

Three Internship Opportunities with StraightUp Solar
Positions: Solar Support Specialist Intern, Permitting Specialist Intern, Onsite Solar Technician Intern

Solar Support Specialist Intern

The goal of this position is to educate customers and help them find the right "solar solution" for their home. This requires a unique combination of technical and communication skills, passion, and excitement for customer's choosing to put solar PV on their home. Respond to solar inquiries, educate potential clients about solar, gather energy usage and other site information, and manage customer data.

20-40 hours per week for 160 hours.

Permitting Specialist Intern

The goal of this position is to assist in the duties of utlity interconnection applications and permits. You'll thrive in this position if you're a good communicator and have proven systems for keeping track of deliverables and staying organized.

20-40 hours per week for 160 hours.

Onsite Solar Technician Intern

This hands-on internship helps complete PV projects through system layout, roof attachment, racking and module assembly, combiner box installation, home run wiring, and voltage testing. Applicants will benefit by having previous experience in construction and knowledge of safety best practices.

20-40 hours per week for 160 hours.

To learn more and apply to any of the above positions, click here.

Job Opportunity with Ailey Solar Electric
Position: Solar Project Administrator - Chicagoland Area

Ailey Solar seeks a talented, organized, and highly motivated individual to work in our operations and sales teams as we develop solar projects throughout the Chicagoland area. Hands on training will be provided. The position will involve assisting the sales team during contact with prospective customers and then during production moving solar projects through operational milestones such as permitting, utility interconnection, scheduling and other items. The successful individual will report directly to the management team and will work closely with both operations and sales team members.

There are opportunities for advancement as the organization continues to grow. This is a great way to start your career in solar. Learn on the job and be a part of the solar renewable energy movement.

Required Qualifications:

Familiarity with PCs
Attention to detail/organized
Time management
Promptly getting back to customers
Excellent customer service skills

Preferred Qualifications:

Familiarity with PCs
Attention to detail/organized
B.A. or similar preferred.
Some knowledge of Excel, Word, PDF Editors
Experience using Google Docs
Familiarity with social media (Twitter, Facebook, WordPress)

The Solar Project Administrator's responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Support the sales team with a number of tasks during the sales and consultation process with prospective customers.
Manage customers throughout the process of obtaining solar on their home.
Compile, complete and submit building permits and plan set documents.
Obtaining the interconnection agreements and net metering agreements for each project.
Recording the progress of each project in the internal systems.
Verifying that all needed parts for each project have been ordered.
Perform additional duties as needed.

Please submit resume to info@aileysolar.com

Job Opportunities with Sunrun
Position: Sales, Installation - Chicagoland Area

Sunrun is seeking motivated and highly qualified individuals to join our team in a variety of positions, including Field Sales Consultant, Lead Installer, Electrical Foreman, and Retail Solar Advisor.

Sunrun is the largest dedicated residential solar company in the United States. Sunrun believes there is a better, less expensive, cleaner way for families to power their homes. With Sunrun’s residential rooftop solar, storage and energy services, homeowners are saving money while dramatically reducing the amount of air pollution and carbon dioxide (CO2) they release into the atmosphere. After 10 years, Sunrun is still a steadfast believer in the power of the sun, and we aren’t alone. Continued, growing demand for our products and services proves that more and more Americans want better energy options. Our mission is simple – create a planet run by the sun.

The history of our company is a biography of great talent. We hire, build, and grow great teams, and Sunrun’s talent distinguishes us from all other companies. We look for passionate, solution oriented individuals who have the courage to help customers change the way they power their lives.

Click here to learn more about the positions and apply.