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Community Solar Garden Program Administrator
Make a difference in the lives of Minnesotans.
The work you’ll do is more than just a job. Join the talented, engaged and inclusive workforce dedicated to creating a better Minnesota.
About Commerce Department
Commerce protects the public interest through a broad range of regulations and programs. We oversee more than 40 industry areas in Minnesota and license about 250,000 professionals and businesses to ensure that their services and products are fair, accessible and comply with state laws.
About the Division of Energy Resources
We advocate on behalf of the public interest in regulated-utility matters; conduct environmental review of proposed energy facilities; oversee utility energy conservation programs; and administer the federal Weatherization Assistance Program and Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program.
Why Work for Us
Diverse Workforce
We are committed to continually developing a workforce that reflects the diversity of our state and the populations we serve. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve the people of Minnesota.
A recent engagement survey of State of Minnesota employees found:
- 95% of employees understand how their work helps achieve their agency’s mission
- 91% of employees feel trusted to do their jobs
- 88% of employees feel equipped to look at situations from other cultural perspectives when doing their job
- 87% of employees report flexibility in their work schedule
Comprehensive Benefits
Our benefits aim to balance four key elements that make life and work meaningful: health and wellness, financial well-being, professional development, and work/life harmony. As an employee, your benefits may include:
- Public pension plan
- Training and professional development
- Paid vacation and sick leave
- 11 paid holidays each year
- Paid parental leave
- Low-cost medical and dental coverage
- Prescription drug coverage
- Vision coverage
- Wellness programs and resources
- Employer paid life insurance
- Short-term and long-term disability
- Health care spending and savings accounts
- Dependent care spending account
- Tax-deferred compensation
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Tuition reimbursement
- Federal Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program
Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. The State of Minnesota recognizes that a diverse workforce is essential and strongly encourages qualified women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans to apply.
We will make reasonable accommodations to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email [email protected] and indicate what assistance is needed.
- Salary Range: $28.96- $42.67 / hourly; $60,468 - $89,095 / annually
- Working Title: Community Solar Garden Program Administrator
- Job Class: State Program Administrator Principal
- Classified Status: Classified
- Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
- FLSA Status: Nonexempt
- Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Commerce Dept / Commerce-MAPE
- Division/Unit: Energy Resources / Clean Technology Deployment
- Telework Eligible: Yes
- Days of Work: Monday - Friday
- Travel Required: Yes - Up to 10% of the time
Job Summary
This position exists to design, develop, implement, and manage the Community Solar Garden (CSG) Program, which was previously run by Xcel Energy. This position will act as the liaison between the Department, Xcel Energy, Solar Developers, and other program stakeholders to manage the program and its related approval processes. The incumbent will need to ensure timely communication, provide technical assistance to applicants, research best practice models and practices, and develop guidance documents and information resources to support the successful administration of the CSG program.
In addition to coordination of the program and internal communication with leadership and key staff, this position will serve as the public face of the CSG program.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree, AND three (3) years' experience in program development, AND two (2) years' experience in clean energy, environmental justice, environmental management, or energy industry.
OR
Advanced degree, AND two (2) years' experience in program development, AND one (1) year experience in clean energy, environmental justice, environmental management, or energy industry.
OR
An equivalent combination of education and experience.
Applicants who meet the above education/experience requirement will be further evaluated based on the following:
- Knowledge of community solar garden programs.
- Ability to listen to a variety of input and differing positions and utilize statute and agency / organization's mission and values to guide decision making.
- Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- Ability to work through challenges involved with leading and implementing a new, potentially contentious program.
- Strong communication, interpersonal, and public relations skills.
- Experience navigating the political dynamics of program implementation with diverse stakeholders.
Preferred Qualifications
- Strong interest in engagement with underserved communities.
- Experience developing and managing programs with consumer protections as a central philosophy.
- Experience with complex program design and implementation.
- Active and curious learner.
- Masters degree in a related field (public policy, political science, engineering, economics, sociology).
Physical Requirements
Requires occasional moving of articles such as boxes, accounting records, laptop computer, and portable printer.
Additional Requirements
This position requires successful completion of the following:
Job offer is contingent upon passing reference checks to verify job-related credentials, a criminal background check, and driver's license check prior to appointment.
Application Details
- Job ID: 69115
How to Apply
- Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
Select “Apply for Job” at the top of the posting page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email [email protected]. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.
If you have questions about the position, contact Jody Northouse at [email protected] or 651-539-1504.
To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Jody Northouse at [email protected].
