California Solar Specialist
$80,000–$85,000 year
On-siteSacramento, California, United States
Job Summary
Develop and adapt the research and learning agenda for California agrivoltaics, synthesizing complex technical and agronomic data into feasibility analysis, case studies, and the Smart Solar Roadmap. Serve as the primary technical point of contact for Smart Solar in California, building relationships with farmers, researchers, developers, funders, and policymakers while convening the statewide Agrivoltaics Working Group and policy roundtables. Design and deliver the agrivoltaics site visit series, regional webinars, train-the-trainer sessions, and technical communications including white papers and farmer-facing resources. Lead project-level data analysis, manage technical files and datasets, and support funding proposals and contract deliverables to advance the program from foundation to scale.
Required Qualifications
- Direct expertise in agrivoltaics, agriculturally compatible solar, or a closely related agricultural, energy, land-use, and/or conservation disciplines
- Demonstrated ability to function as a senior subject matter expert and a resource for critical problem-solving, exercising discretion and autonomy in decision-making, as well as demonstrated ability to synthesize, summarize and apply complex principles, theories, and techniques
- Experience developing and/or adapting complex procedures, administrative systems, and technical resources within scope to meet program and funder requirements
- Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, including ability to communicate effectively and professionally in writing, by phone and video, and in person, public speaking in diverse settings, and delivery of virtual sessions/webinars
- Strong editing, writing, and digital file management skills
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including PowerPoint; familiarity managing data in Excel and editing collaboratively in Word
- Passion for advancing AFT's mission and a personal commitment to farm viability, resilience, and the future of farmers and ranchers across the United States
- BA or BS degree
- Minimum of at least six (6) years of progressive experience in a technical or operational capacity in or supporting agriculture, solar, agronomy, conservation, environmental management, natural resource planning, or related fields
- Demonstrated subject matter expertise in one or more areas of direct relevance to Smart Solar program pillars and service delivery
- Willingness to undertake occasional overnight work travel, including the annual Smart Solar team retreat, project team meetings, conferences, forums, and partner meetings (5 to 10 times per year)
- Occasional work in the evenings or on weekends may be required to attend conferences and trainings and to meet deadlines
Desired Qualifications
- Relevant work experience in California
- A graduate or advanced degree in a related field
- Success in developing and effectively leading projects or initiatives of substantial scope and complexity, while managing diverse work streams and day to day assignments
- Demonstrated success working with a diversity of agricultural, energy, land-use, and conservation professionals, including state and federal agencies, farmers and landowners, solar developers and trade associations, conservation districts, researchers, and commodity and conservation organizations
- Track record in motivating high-impact teams, coalitions and partnerships, building off exemplary relationship building and networking skills. Prior experience with facilitation of multi-stakeholder meetings and delivery of farmer-focused trainings
- Strong analytical and research skills, including survey design, literature review, and economic and agronomic data analysis
- Experience in communicating with and/or managing contractors, vendors, service providers and project partners to keep projects and deliverables on timeline and within budget
- Knowledge of and commitment to farming, agriculture and energy development in California and the western US
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