Building Modernization Lead

HEET is a non-profit thermal energy innovation hub whose mission is to evolve the energy system to meet the needs of the future. That future energy system must meet the needs of all, from low-income communities to gas utility workers to future generations. To accomplish this, we convene collaborative networks based on trust, bring uncommon partners together to find common ground, build common knowledge through research and data, and ideate and iterate to find innovative solutions grounded in science. We believe we can design a safe, affordable and resilient energy system that meets all our future needs.

Research shows that structurally marginalized groups or people with non-traditional work experience apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. HEET encourages you to break that statistic and apply.

Job Description

HEET is seeking a Building Modernization Lead to strategically and tactically direct building equipment upgrades necessary for the installation of geothermal heat pump HVAC systems. HEET’s building upgrade process will include initial inspections and a requirement for all Health & Safety Barrier mitigation and weatherization to meet or exceed current building code. This role will aim to optimize the design, installation and performance of geothermal heat pump HVAC systems at a neighborhood scale and to reduce costs related to the geothermal network. HEET supports the expansion of geothermal networks as a pathway to modernize our aging built environment, providing safe, reliable and affordable heating and cooling through utility service. This role will initially be responsible for the coordination of the building upgrades associated with the expansion of the Framingham geothermal network. The Building Modernization Lead will ensure the smooth execution of all associated contracted work as well as the acquisition of detailed data and learnings. HEET collects data from every utility project in Massachusetts as part of the Learning from the Ground Up (LeGUp) research initiative. This is an opportunity to break new ground and lead the country and has the potential to be both challenging and rewarding.

This role will report to HEET’s Science Director and work closely and collaboratively with all team members. As HEET’s impact rapidly grows, the Building Modernization Lead will play the key role of tactically navigating the building modernizations necessary for our evolving energy system. This will include on the ground work with contractors, as well as the development of guidance for the success of future geothermal networks.

We are a small team, with an adaptive organizational structure. Position descriptions are therefore approximate, not inclusive of all possible job duties, and dynamic: applicants should be comfortable and excited to try new things, learn, and pitch in to support colleagues as needed. We are looking for a motivated self-starter who can work both independently and as a collaborative team member dedicated to promoting HEET’s mission and committed to HEET’s values: integrity, abundance, inclusion, resilience, and generosity.

Key Responsibilities:

● Manage building conversion contractors for the success of geothermal network projects

○ Serve as primary point of contact and manage communication with contractors

○ Maintain timelines for project completion

○ Optimize and manage Mass Save Rebates

○ Manage costs through scaling efficiency and coordination

○ Manage Tax Rebates

○ Problem solve and strategize as is necessary to overcome challenges

○ Organize and document work for grant deliverables

● Visit work sites as necessary to ensure the contractor's work meets quality expectations and that it proceeds as planned and on schedule.

● Develop and implement project protocols, including internal and external communications, to ensure compliance with milestones.

● Aggregate data and learnings from work to help create guidelines and recommended best practices for future geothermal network projects.

● Build trust with project stakeholders (gas utilities, design firms, municipalities, construction contractors, labor, governmental entities, climate and environmental justice advocates, etc.) to increase information quality and flow.

Qualifications:

● At least 10 years of experience working with building contractors and managing complex building conversion projects at residential, commercial and municipal scale.

● Background in building science, engineering, construction, or project management.

● Ability to work independently in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

● Significant experience building trust and mutuality with a broad audience.

● Experience with project management software.

● Willingness to work in diverse environments, both online and in-person.

● Ability to identify and react to diverse project priorities.

● Commitment to HEET’s mission.

● Experience working with utilities, energy companies, and Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) is a plus.

Location: HEET is a hybrid work environment. Weekly in-person team days at our Boston office are required and additional in-person work during the week is expected as needed. This position will also require in-person presence in Framingham to meet the project needs. This is a full-time position, between 30-40 hours per week.

Salary: The range for full-time work currently is: $76,206 - $101,608

Benefits: HEET offers 100% health, dental, and vision insurance. HEET also offers FSA/DCA and commuter (pre tax parking and/or transit) accounts. HEET’s retirement account offers both pre tax and Roth options. Paid Time Off (PTO) benefits include three weeks of vacation plus the week between Christmas and New Year’s, 12 holidays, two floating holidays, two personal days, and 12 days of sick leave. Employee scheduling needs can generally be accommodated in our highly flexible work environment. We strive to create opportunities for professional development and growth for everyone on the HEET team.

To apply: Please provide a thoughtful cover letter and resume to [email protected]. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $76,206.00 - $101,608.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Boston, MA 02109