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 at PNNL is seeking an experienced 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 residential construction sites and support the translation of technical content to a contractor audience. This position may also support field validation projects, including working with homeowners; conducting interviews with contractors/manufacturers/homeowners; coordinating meetings and task schedules; maintaining participant databases; gathering, sorting and cleaning empirical data; ordering, using software to launch sensors, and installing sensors or other equipment such as data loggers. Projects may also include organization of technology adoption activities, contractors, contact lists, coordination with organizations that support low income housing, and other important technology adoption stakeholders.
Responsibilities
The position requires knowledge and experience related to the set-up, development, execution, and tracking of building energy efficiency field projects or research that may include the following:
+ Understanding or having the ability to learn the fundamentals of building science and energy systems servicing the commercial, industrial, and residential sectors including energy efficiency technologies.
+ Basic understanding of the fundamentals of electricity, including the variety of electrical circuits common to the residential and commercial sectors.
+ Identification, procurement, configuration, installation and operation of a wide range of data acquisition and control system equipment.
+ 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:
+ Contribute to technical reports and white papers, website content, 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.
+ Assist in 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 2 years of relevant experience OR
+ Technical Institute Graduate (TIG)/relevant AA degree or higher and 1 year of relevant experience
Preferred Qualifications:
+ Experience as a residential contractor (e.g. HVAC contractor, window installer, siding contractor, home performance contractor, etc.)
+ Knowledge of building science
+ Excellent organization and documentation abilities
+ Strong computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, especially Excel
+ 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 employment. PNNL complies with federal law regarding illegal drug use. Under federal law, marijuana remains an illegal drug. If you test positive for any illegal controlled substance, including marijuana, your offer of employment will be withdrawn.
HSPD-12 PIV Credential Requirement
In accordance with Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, new employees are required to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identity Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully comple