Posting Title
Researcher I: Project Development and Finance
.
Location
CO - Golden
.
Position Type
Regular
.
Hours Per Week
40
.
Working at NREL
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), located at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in Golden, Colorado is the nation's primary laboratory for research and development of renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies.
From day one at NREL, you’ll connect with coworkers driven by the same mission to save the planet. By joining an organization that values a supportive, inclusive, and flexible work environment, you’ll have the opportunity to engage through our ten employee resource groups, numerous employee-driven clubs, and learning and professional development classes.
NREL supports inclusive, diverse, and unbiased hiring practices that promote creativity and innovation. By collaborating with organizations that focus on diverse talent pools, reaching out to underrepresented demographics, and providing an inclusive application and interview process, our Talent Acquisition team aims to hear all voices equally. We strive to attract a highly diverse workforce and create a culture where every employee feels welcomed and respected and they can be their authentic selves.
Our planet needs us! Learn about NREL’s critical objectives, and see how NREL is focused on saving the planet.
Note: Research suggests that potential job seekers may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage anyone who is interested in this opportunity to apply. We seek dedicated people who believe they have the skills and ambition to succeed at NREL to apply for this role.
Job Description
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) is seeking an enthusiastic early career professional as a Researcher I in the Project Development and Finance (PD&F) Group within the Accelerated Deployment and Decision Support (ADDS) center.
The Project Development and Finance Group explores and supports unbiased procurement, financing, and contracting decisions on energy project development and programs. The PD&F group primarily works with the Department of Energy, Department of Defense, other federal agencies, and U.S. and international communities to rapidly accelerate and scale clean energy and energy efficiency project pipelines while lowering financing costs domestically and abroad.
This motivated and dedicated candidate will join a team that is supporting the implementation of renewable energy projects aimed at underserved communities across the country. The successful candidate will be a member of a team of dedicated professionals at NREL who are engaged in the review of project proposals in partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy. Your work will support the development of thousands of projects located in low-income communities which benefit low-income households. You will gain a deep understanding of residential and commercial solar project business models, including community solar which will prove very valuable as you grow in your career in renewable energy policy and development. The candidate is also encouraged to support other work within the ADDS Center to gain exposure and development skills across a wide range of technical assistance delivery activities.
A Researcher I is a developing professional who has the capacity to act as an individual contributor as part of a larger team. This professional will contribute to the completion of milestones assigned to the team as well as meeting their own individual milestones. This professional will be managed by senior NREL staff members and will have significant mentoring opportunities as part of their career development at NREL.
Job Description
The candidate will apply an understanding of renewable energy project development to include project finance, interconnection, and customer contracts, to review proposed projects and make recommendations related to eligibility. A knowledge of distributed renewable energy and the implementation of small-scale projects across low-income communities is required. This position will require on-site presence 2-3 days per week at NREL’s South Table Mountain Campus and is not eligible for fully remote work options.
Primary Job Duties and Responsibilities:
Review projects and determine if they meet eligibility requirements.
Support the development of technical tools to automate aspects of project review and increase overall program efficiency.
Participate in all program-related training and mentor new team members as they join the program.
Stay current on all required background clearance requirements and on-going privacy training.
Assist in program metric development and tracking.
Assist in program reporting to various stakeholders.
Maintain confidentiality related to all project reviews.
What we can offer:
A team-based, hybrid workplace with a collaborative, supportive, and fun work environment
The opportunity to develop expertise in the renewable energy project development and finance process.
Projects, professional development, and growth opportunities to help you meet your career goals.
Flexible schedule to promote work-life balance.
.
Basic Qualifications
Relevant Bachelor's Degree . Limited use and application of engineering principles, theories and concepts. Good written and verbal communication skills. Ability to use various computer software programs.
* Must meet educational requirements prior to employment start date.
Additional Required Qualifications
Maintain confidentiality and adherence to related program requirements.
High standards of work quality
Ability to work in an office at least 2 days a week.
Very detail-orientated
Ability to collaborate with team members in a flexible work environment.
Self-driven and excited to learn new skills as needed.
Ability to work independently and complete assigned work with modest oversight.
Software skills: Excel, Python, MS Office
Basic knowledge of economics/finance/cash flow analysis
Experience working with and managing large amounts of data.
Preferred Qualifications
Existing T2 Background Clearance (SF85)
At least an undergraduate degree in business, economics, accounting, construction, or engineering or equivalent with at least 1 year of equivalent relevant experience.
Understanding and application of project management principles, practices, and standards.
Understanding of solar project development
.
Job Application Submission Window
The anticipated closing window for application submission is up to 30 days and may be extended as needed.
Annual Salary Range (based on full-time 40 hours per week)
Job Profile: Researcher I / Annual Salary Range: $63,600 - $104,900
NREL takes into consideration a candidate’s education, training, and experience, expected quality and quantity of work, required travel (if any), external market and internal value, including seniority and merit systems, and internal pay alignment when determining the salary level for potential new employees. In compliance with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act, a potential new employee’s salary history will not be used in compensation decisions.
Benefits Summary
Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance; short- and long-term disability insurance; pension benefits; 403(b) Employee Savings Plan with employer match; life and accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance; personal time off (PTO) and sick leave; paid holidays; and tuition reimbursement. NREL employees may be eligible for, but are not guaranteed, performance-, merit-, and achievement- based awards that include a monetary component. Some positions may be eligible for relocation expense reimbursement. Limited-term positions are not eligible for long-term disability or tuition reimbursement.
* Based on eligibility rules
Drug Free Workplace
NREL is committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace in accordance with the federal Drug-Free Workplace Act and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs. Under federal law, marijuana remains an illegal drug.
If you are offered employment at NREL, you must pass a pre-employment drug test prior to commencing employment. Unless prohibited by state or local law, the pre-employment drug test will include marijuana. If you test positive on the pre-employment drug test, your offer of employment may be withdrawn.
Submission Guidelines
Please note that in order to be considered an applicant for any position at NREL you must submit an application form for each position for which you believe you are qualified. Applications are not kept on file for future positions. Please include a cover letter and resume with each position application.
.
EEO Policy
NREL is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard basis of age (40 and over), color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, domestic partner status, military or veteran status, national origin/ancestry, race, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding), sexual orientation, and any other applicable status protected by federal, state, or local laws.
EEO is the Law (http://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/ofccpost.htm) | Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination (https://www.dol.gov/ofccp/pdf/pay-transp_English_unformattedESQA508c.pdf) | Reasonable Accommodations (http://www.nrel.gov/careers/employment-policies.html)
E -Verify www.dhs.gov/E-Verify For information about right to work, click here (http://www.justice.gov/sites/default/files/crt/legacy/2013/08/13/FinalOSCPosterEN08_01_2013.pdf) for English or here (http://www.justice.gov/crt/file/813271/download) for Spanish.
E-Verify is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. This business uses E-Verify in its hiring practices to achieve a lawful workforce.
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) is a leader in the U.S. Department of Energy’s effort to secure an environmentally and economically sustainable energy future. With locations in Golden and Boulder, Colorado, and a satellite office in Washington, D.C., NREL is the primary laboratory for research, development, and deployment of renewable energy technologies in the United States.
NREL is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions. All candidates must be authorized to access the facility per DOE rules and guidance within a reasonable time frame for the specified position in order to be considered for an interview. DOE rules for site access during the interview process are the same regardless of whether the candidate is interviewed on-site, off-site, or via telephone or videoconference. Additionally, DOE contractor employees are prohibited from participating in certain Foreign Government Talent Recruitment Programs (FGTRPs). If a candidate is currently participating in an FGTRP, they will be required to disclose their participation after receiving an offer of employment and may be required to disengage from participation in the FGTRP prior to commencing employment. Any offer of employment is conditional on the ability to obtain work authorization and to be granted access to NREL by the Department of Energy (DOE).
Drug Free Workplace
NREL is committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace in accordance with the federal Drug-Free Workplace Act and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs. Under federal law, marijuana remains an illegal drug.
If you are offered employment at NREL, you must pass a pre-employment drug test prior to commencing employment. Unless prohibited by state or local law, the pre-employment drug test will include marijuana. If you test positive on the pre-employment drug test, your offer of employment may be withdrawn.
Please review the information on our Hiring Process (https://www.nrel.gov/careers/hiring-process.html) website before you create an account and apply for a job. We also hope you will learn more about NREL (https://www.nrel.gov/about/) , visit our Careers site (https://www.nrel.gov/careers/) , and continue to search for job opportunities (https://nrel.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/NREL) at the lab.