Overview
Job Title: Regional Solar Project Manager – Minnesota (Solar for All Program)
Job Type: W2 employee
Anticipated Start Date: March 1, 2025
Location: Remote
Travel: 2-4x per month (primarily local travel within Minnesota, with occasional regional and national travel)
Salary: $90,000-$100,000
Application Deadline: January 10, 2025
Benefits: This position will have a comprehensive benefits plan that is competitive with the non-profit sector. This package includes health, dental, and vision insurance, a retirement savings plan with employer matching, and continuing education allowances. Additionally, we offer flexible work hours to support work-life balance.
About MTERA: MTERA’s mission is to promote Tribal sovereignty, energy independence, environmental justice, and economic development through renewable energy and energy efficiency initiatives. Our projects are unique in their approach, combining traditional knowledge with modern technology to create sustainable and culturally respectful solutions, all while drawing on the shared strength, wisdom, and resources of Midwest Tribes.
Job Summary: MTERA was awarded a $62M EPA Solar for All (SFA) award to plan and deploy residential and community solar projects for the benefit of the 36 Tribal Nations located in Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin in partnership with 5+ coalition partners with experience working in Tribal energy. The coalition will leverage its expertise to build a program that empowers Tribes and Tribal energy champions and provides project-deployment technical assistance necessary to plan and build residentially benefiting solar projects on Tribal Lands in the Midwest.
MTERA is seeking an experienced Regional Solar Project Manager (Minnesota) to support the oversight and implementation of the MTERA Solar for All projects in Minnesota. This role will oversee the planning, execution, and successful delivery of Tribal solar energy projects through the Solar for All program within Minnesota. This role requires strong leadership, project management expertise, and a deep understanding of the solar industry.
The individual will manage multiple projects from inception to completion, ensuring adherence to timelines, budgets, quality standards, and safety regulations. The position requires collaboration with the internal MTERA Solar for All team, external stakeholders, contractors, and Tribes to ensure project goals are met efficiently and effectively. This role reports directly to the MTERA Solar for All Lead.
Through their work on the MTERA SFA program, the Regional Solar Project Manager will play a key role in MTERA’s overall vision of supporting individual Tribal energy projects. This position may collaborate with other MTERA programs to further this mission, particularly the Community Change Grant program. This position is funded by the Solar for All program, which runs through April 2029; while funding for the role beyond this is not guaranteed, the role has the potential to evolve to support future energy project initiatives through other MTERA programs pending receipt of additional funding.
Summary of Responsibilities: The primary responsibilities are as follows:
– Oversee the execution of solar energy projects across the region, from initial design and permitting through to construction and commissioning.
– Serve as the primary point of contact and resource for all Tribes located within Minnesota throughout the project development and implementation process.
– Develop collaborative working relationships with all Tribes within Minnesota, including frequent in-person visits to support effective communication and oversight on all ongoing Tribal Solar for All projects within Minnesota.
– Develop and manage project budgets and schedules, ensuring that projects stay within budget and on schedule.
– Oversee and track the delivery of technical assistance from MTERA Coalition partners to Tribes on broad topics, including capacity building, workforce development, financing, pre-construction, and project deployment support.
– Collaborate with MTERA internal staff and the SFA team to ensure continuity for Tribes participating in multiple MTERA programs.
– Collaborate with the Minnesota state Solar for All program to ensure streamlined delivery of services to Tribes between the Minnesota and MTERA Solar for All programs.
Qualifications:
– Bachelor’s degree in relevant fields
– 2+ years of experience in program management, preferably in the energy sector
– Excellent communication, organization, and interpersonal skills
– Knowledge of renewable energy technologies and market trends
– Understanding of and/or experience working with Tribes and knowledge of Tribal history, sovereignty, and cultures
Application Process:
Please visit the following link to apply online: https://www.mtera.org/current-job-openings
If you run into any issues with the online application, please submit a cover letter, resume, and three references via email to <contactus@mtera.org>.
We look forward to receiving your application!
(Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.)
About Midwest Tribal Energy Resources Association (MTERA)
The Midwest Tribal Energy Resources Association (MTERA) is a non-profit intertribal organization comprised of Midwest Tribes. We are planning and pursuing innovative Tribal energy projects that respect the sovereignty and unique culture of individual Member Tribes, while leveraging the collective strength and resources of all Midwest Tribes.
We are helping our Member Tribes unlock the significant value from clean energy resources on Tribal lands.
It is estimated that the investment potential of solar and wind on Tribal lands is $75 billion. Much of this clean energy potential is untapped. MTERA hopes to change this by bringing together Tribal energy champions and developing each Member Tribe’s internal capacity to plan, deploy, and manage clean energy assets. We seek to empower the Tribe’s personnel to build successful projects that tread lightly on this earth while enabling Tribal members to live life to the fullest.
