Building Energy Efficiency Research Technician III

at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory in Springfield, Illinois, United States

Job Description

Overview

The Electricity Infrastructure and Buildings Division of PNNL is accelerating the transition to a decarbonized, efficient, resilient, and secure energy system through basic and applied research. We leverage a strong technical foundation in power and energy systems and in advanced data analytics to drive innovation, transform markets, and shape energy policy.

The Building Systems Group is seeking a Building Energy Efficiency Research Technician; the individual will be a technical contributor to a growing team of engineers, researchers, technicians and analysts developing innovative methods to achieve greater efficiency, optimization, and resiliency of residential, commercial, and industrial buildings, with an emphasis on market transformation, technology adoption, and social equity/environmental justice. This position will require experience on construction sites (residential if possible) and support the translation of technical content to a contractor audience. This position may also support field validation projects, including reaching out to homeowners, ordering equipment, launching and installing sensors. Projects may also include organization of market transformation activities, working with sub-contractors, developing contact lists, coordination with organizations that support low-income housing, and other important market transformation stakeholders.

Responsibilities

The position requires knowledge and experience related to the set-up, development, execution, and tracking of building systems energy efficiency field projects or research that may include the following:

+ Demonstrated understanding of the fundamentals of building science and energy systems servicing the commercial, industrial, and residential sectors including energy efficiency technologies.

+ Demonstrated experience in the identification, procurement, configuration, installation and operation of a wide range of data acquisition and control system equipment.

+ Demonstrated experience communicating, interacting, and collaborating with a range of stakeholders including manufacturers, supply chain businesses, trade groups, utilities, buyers’ groups, and consumers.

The position requires strong analytical and communication skills, and the ability to work in teams with federal agencies, states, regional energy efficiency organizations, trade groups, utilities, and other program providers.

The person in the position will:

+ Works independently with little oversight.

+ Selects, adapts, applies, and prepares new procedures and methods. Explores alternate courses of action or methods to accomplish tasks. Follows requirements, specifications, or procedures developed for the tasks. Priorities and tasks are usually prescribed. Prepares and maintains proper documentation.

+ Performs normal aspects of job with little or no direct supervision. Work is performed under general supervision and is reviewed for soundness of judgment, overall adequacy and accuracy. Work is usually limited to a well- defined area of a project or specific assignment. Provides process leadership as part of project task activity. Effectively presents work in project meetings. Builds and maintains effective customer relationships. Occasionally interacts with other PNNL organizations.

+ Contribute to the writing of technical reports and white papers, develop website content, help write progress reports, case studies, technical presentations to critical stakeholders and external audiences, and assist in the planning and delivery of outreach and engagement opportunities, including expert meetings, workshops and industry conferences.

+ Contribute to the dissemination of market research products dealing with distributional impacts of DOE R&D programs especially in sensitive areas of social equity and environmental justice.

+ Provide assistance and leadership to the design and implementation of campaigns and market transformation activities.

+ Will be expected to travel to attend conferences and possibly present results of work in a variety of forums, support relevant education in public forums and webinars, in meetings with DOE and other national laboratories, in PNNL internal meetings, conferences, and in stakeholder meetings.

+ Hold strong, demonstrated writing capabilities and the ability to orally present information clearly and capably in a public setting.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

+ High school diploma/GED and 4 years of relevant experience OR

+ Technical Institute Graduate (TIG)/relevant AA degree or higher and 2 years of relevant experience

Preferred Qualifications:

+ Experience as a residential contractor (e.g. HVAC contractor, window installer, siding contractor, home performance contractor, etc.)

+ Extensive knowledge of building science

+ Excellent organization and documentation abilities

+ Strong computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office applications

+ Capable of following detailed instructions

+ Strong written and verbal communication skills

+ Proficiency with calibrated tools and hand/power tools

+ Functional knowledge of basic circuitry

+ Experienced in preparing and executing work order documents

+ Background in energy efficiency, residential/commercial buildings and associated technologies

Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment

Not applicable.

Additional Information

Not applicable.

Testing Designated Position

This is not a Testing Designated Position (TDP).

About PNNL

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is a world-class research institution powered by a highly educated, diverse workforce committed to the values of Integrity, Creativity, Collaboration, Impact, and Courage. Every year, scores of dynamic, driven people come to PNNL to work with renowned researchers on meaningful science, innovations and outcomes for the U.S. Department of Energy and other sponsors; here is your chance to be one of them!

At PNNL, you will find an exciting research environment and excellent benefits including health insurance, flexible work schedules and telework options. PNNL is located in eastern Washington State-the dry side of Washington known for its stellar outdoor recreation and affordable cost of living. The Lab’s campus is only a 45-minute flight (or ~3-hour drive) from Seattle or Portland, and is serviced by the convenient PSC airport, connected to 8 major hubs.

Commitment to Excellence, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Equal Employment Opportunity

Our laboratory is committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment dedicated to solving critical challenges in fundamental sciences, national security, and energy resiliency. We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. In support of this commitment, we encourage people of all racial/ethnic identities, women, veterans, and individuals with disabilities to apply for employment.

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), protected veteran status, and any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local laws.

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures and in employment. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, contact us at careers@pnnl.gov .

Drug Free Workplace

PNNL is committed to a drug-free workplace supported by Workplace Substance Abuse Program (WSAP) and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs.

If you are offered employment at PNNL, you must pass a drug test prior to commencing employm