9/12 – Smart Energy Receives Training Funds for 2013-2014

Thursday, September 12th 2013

We are pleased to announce that the Smart Energy Initiative’s application for funding for ongoing incumbent worker training has been approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry!

Beginning October 1st, these funds will be used to reimburse energy companies who train their existing workforce in the fields of energy efficiency, geothermal, solar PV, and compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles. Training grant awards are contingent on a number of criteria; an application will be released next month.

Contact Will Williams with questions, and stay tuned for more info!

9/4 – Another Solar Career Moves Cohorts Completes Training

Wednesday, September 4th 2013

scm-blogStudents from the Philadelphia Solar Career Move program completed their three week intensive training session last month and are now prepared to make waves in the energy industry. This is an exciting opportunity for local employers to get highly skilled, pre-trained workers to help them meet their hiring goals in 2013 and beyond.

The Solar Career Move is a project funded by the Green Jobs Innovation Fund grant from the U.S. Department of Labor and is a part of the Jobs for the Future Greenways Initiative. It consists of a partnership between the Smart Energy Initiative, Infinite Solar, the Federation of Neighborhood Centers (FNC), the Job Opportunity Investment Network, and Philadelphia Works. The team members carefully screened over one hundred applicants to identify those individuals who best exemplified the qualities that lead to success in the skilled trades: ambition, math & reading proficiency, leadership experience in construction projects, reliability, and an entrepreneurial spirit.

The Federation was able to identify the 12 applicants that best demonstrated these qualities through a rigorous testing and interview process. They then put them through two full weeks of training in which they honed their math, electrical, mechanical, and professional development skills. Following this session, students participated in Infinite Solar’s week long, industry acclaimed Solar PV Hands-On Design and Installation Workshop. Now the students are preparing to take the NABCEP Entry Level Exam in a few weeks.

Read more about the Solar Career Move here or contact us to discuss hiring program graduates!

8/21 – EIA releases State Facts Sheets on Home Energy Use

Wednesday, August 21st 2013

CaptureThe US Energy Information Agency (EIA) just released the latest results of their Residential Energy Consumption Survey. Detailed information on the fact sheets cover many areas of interest:

  • Main heating fuel
  • Use of cooling equipment
  • Housing types and year of construction
  • Numbers of TVs and refrigerators
  • Overall energy use, electricity use, and expenditures
  • Residential consumption by end use (air conditioning, heating, appliances)

Key findings from Pennsylvania include:

  • Pennsylvania households consume an average of 96million Btu per year, 8% more than the U.S. average. Pennsylvania residents also spend 16% more than the average U.S. households for energy consumed in their homes.
  • Average electricity consumption in Pennsylvania homesis 10,402 kWh per year,which is lower than the national average, but 58% more than New York households and 17% more than New Jersey residents.
  • Pennsylvania has a lower percentage of apartment units and homes are typically newer than homes in the other Middle Atlantic states.

Read about the program here, and download the PA Fact Sheet by clicking here (PDF).

8/14 – Advantage Grant for Small Biz Energy Projects Closes September 6th

Wednesday, August 14th 2013

Small businesses in Pennsylvania can apply for 50-percent matching funds of up to $9,500 to adopt or acquire energy-efficient or pollution-prevention equipment or procedures. The grant application window closes September 6th!

Applicants must be a for-profit corporation, limited liability corporation, partnership, sole proprietorship or other legal entity with 100 or fewer full-time employees. The grant-supported project must be located in Pennsylvania, be owned by the applicant and save the business at least 25 percent plus $500 in annual energy consumption or in pollution handling or prevention related expenses.

Applicants may be manufacturers, retailers, service providers, mining operators or agricultural businesses. Eligible projects include HVAC and boiler upgrades, high-efficiency lighting, solvent recovery systems, waste recycling systems and auxiliary power units deployed as anti-idling technology for trucks.

The application deadline is Sept. 6. Eligible applications will be approved on a first-come, first-served basis from July 8 through Sept. 6 or until funds are exhausted, whichever comes first. Funding is eligible for those costs incurred between July 8, 2013and June 30, 2014.

Read more at the PA DEP website.

 

8/5 – Job Alert: Sustainability Administrative Intern in West Chester

Monday, August 5th 2013

SEI is pleased to post job openings from member companies and partners, as a means of effectively reaching qualified, local candidates in the smart energy industry. Additionally, SEI staff can review applications on you company’s behalf. If you’d liked to post a Job Alert, send descriptions and application instructions to Will Williams.

This is a student intern position located in West Chester, PA. Company is a communications electronics firm with a new organization-wide sustainability commitment. There is potential for this position to become permanent. Send resumes to Will Williams.

Roles and Responsibilities:

Data Management

  • Organize and file electronic documents; and
  • Use internal data management systems to maintain client and project records.

Data Entry

  • Tracking and logging of internal data, such as electric/water/waste invoices, to generate a corporate baseline

Other Administrative Duties

  • Assist in larger ongoing projects in multiple programs;
  • Attend internal meetings; and
  • Provide administrative support to Account Coordinators as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Ability to learn quickly and adapt to a rapidly changing environment;
  • Ability to interface well with sustainability consultant company
  • Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail;
  • Ability to manage data files with strong attention to detail;
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills;
  • Capacity to handle multiple tasks simultaneously and meet deadlines; and
  • BA/BS in sustainability related field/major, or in final year of program in college.

Additional Preferred Skills

  • Interest in the Sustainability arena
  • Highly proficient with Microsoft Excel and Word.
  • Ability to interface with Accounting Dept
  • Familiar with carbon accounting a plus; but not required

7/25: Job Alert: Director of Consumer Energy Loan Production at AFC First

Thursday, July 25th

SEI is pleased to post job openings from member companies and partners, as a means of effectively reaching qualified, local candidates in the smart energy industry. Additionally, SEI staff can review applications on you company’s behalf. If you’d liked to post a Job Alert, send descriptions and application instructions to Will Williams.

temp_file_afc_logo_color1AFC First Financial Corporation, a Lehigh Valley, PA – based private financial institution which specializes in consumer lending and program management for residential energy efficiency projects nationwide, is looking for a talented, detail-oriented and upbeat leader for the position of Director of Production.

The ideal candidate has solid experience in process, production and customer service who has demonstrated success in directing and managing a team of professionals and can apply this expertise in providing consumer loans and other services to homeowners via relationships with contractors, utilities and others.

The primary goal is to deliver an exceptional service experience to contractors and consumers in a consistent and timely fashion.

AFC First, founded in 1947, is the administrator of state and utility energy efficiency programs nationwide, in partnership with over 6,000 contractors. Programs include Pennsylvania’s Keystone Home Energy Loan Program, Efficiency Maine, Illinois Energy Loan, Connecticut Solar Lease Program and the national EnergyLoan and HUD Power Saver programs. It is a team-oriented, collaborative company environment with direct access to executive management.

Job Overview:
• Leadership position responsible for the effective operation of a central Lending Production Office, with functions including loan origination/processing/closing in an automated environment, production and supervision/motivation of assigned staff. Works as part of a team establishing and maintaining contractor, sponsor and customer relationships and develops a high quality, high production lending operation.
• Ability to work as part of a team, to build and maintain a culture of exceptional customer service, manage production flow within established deadlines, manage to error-free quality standards, and motivate and coach employees to be their best are essential components of the position.
• Responsible for meeting established loan processing timelines and quality targets. Maintains a high volume and quality loan production operation. Reviews and analyzes the effectiveness of the programs, recommends change as needed, and works as part of the implementation team.
• Works with the Senior Credit Officer to ensure that loan decisions are within established credit matrices appropriate to the loan type.
• Monitors activity for compliance and assures appropriate records are maintained. Ensures compliance for all lending procedures including bank and/or regulatory procedures, policies, requirements, laws, rules, and/or regulations. Ensures compliance with company policies and procedures, and makes suggestions for improvements to procedures.
• Ensures that all interactions with customers, sponsors and contractors meet world class customer service standards. Acts as a role model for these interactions.
• Assures that Energy Lending Specialists are properly trained, evaluated and scheduled to appropriately meet work load and production requirements. Delegates authority effectively and develops a cohesive production team.
• Provides training, guidance and supervision for staff and origination partners.
• Other duties as assigned as part of a dynamic and growing company with a reputation for integrity and excellence since 1947.
This position is a key part of AFC team. You will work closely with senior management and be involved in the project planning and implementation processes. The position is based at AFC First’s headquarters in the AFC First Energy Center on Brookside Road in West Allentown/ Lower Macungie Township.

Technical Skills and Experience:
• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent.
• Minimum five years experience in a management position, preferably in a financial environment, with a demonstrated track record of achievement.
• Strong management, leadership, coaching and mentoring skills to effectively develop, challenge and motivate staff.
• Exceptional commitment to world-class customer service.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Exceptional interpersonal, organizational and teamwork skills.
• Ability to prioritize and meet deadlines.
• Ability to use standard Microsoft Office applications, and an ability to quickly learn new IT platforms and technology.
• General knowledge of the lending process and secondary market loan deliveries, and compliance regulations regarding same is a plus.
• Available to work regular hours Monday through Friday plus evenings & weekends as necessary.

Full time, salaried position. Compensation DOE.

Please submit resumes to John M. Hayes, President

7/8 – Pennsylvania DEP’s Small Business Advantage Grant Opens

Monday, July 8th 2013

Businesses can apply for 50-percent matching funds of up to $9,500 to adopt or acquire energy-efficient or pollution-prevention equipment or procedures.

Applicants must be a for-profit corporation, limited liability corporation, partnership, sole proprietorship or other legal entity with 100 or fewer full-time employees. The grant-supported project must be located in Pennsylvania, be owned by the applicant and save the business at least 25 percent plus $500 in annual energy consumption or in pollution handling or prevention related expenses.

Applicants may be manufacturers, retailers, service providers, mining operators or agricultural businesses. Eligible projects include HVAC and boiler upgrades, high-efficiency lighting, solvent recovery systems, waste recycling systems and auxiliary power units deployed as anti-idling technology for trucks.

The application deadline is Sept. 6. Eligible applications will be approved on a first-come, first-served basis from July 8 through Sept. 6 or until funds are exhausted, whichever comes first. Funding is eligible for those costs incurred between July 8, 2013and June 30, 2014.

Read more here at PR Newswire or the PA DEP website.

6/26 – Local Businesses Detail Sustainability Successes

Wednesday, June 26th 2013 

The Smart Energy Initiative hosted “Success in Sustainability” on Friday, June 21st for 75 business leaders at the Chester County Economic Development Council. Featured in the program were The Vanguard Group, Vertex, Victory Brewing Company and Silver & Silver.

Success in Sustainability 010

Special thanks to our presenters!

  • The Vanguard Group
    • Kim Carron – Corporate Real Estate and Facilities management
    • Steve Kraus – Deputy Account Executive at ABM Facilities Services
  • Vertex
    • John Wilson – Group Leader, Strategic Sustainability
  • Victory Brewing Company
    • Bill Covaleski – President & Brewmaster
    • Ivy Hunter – Manager
  • Silver and Silver
    • Mike Silver, Esquire – Senior Partner

Check out coverage in the Daily Local!

6/24 – Job Alert: Solar Energy Retail Lead Generator at SolarCity

Monday, June 24th

SEI is pleased to post job openings from member companies, as a means of effectively reaching qualified, local candidates in the smart energy industry. Additionally, SEI staff can review applications on you company’s behalf. Send job descriptions and application instructions to Will Williams.

Job Description

35b3a20The SolarCity team is smart, dedicated to our clients, open minded, fun, and composed of the solar and renewable energy industry’s best talent. If you want to join a rapidly growing, award-winning company with plenty of opportunities for upward mobility, we invite you to apply to SolarCity.

Reporting to the Channel Account Manager, as a Retail Lead Generator (Field Energy Advisor), you will work out of the Home Depot, introducing customers to SolarCity and our solar and clean energy efficient products.

More than generating leads, you will act as the face of SolarCity, promoting the SolarCity brand, delivering in-store presentations and setting appointments for free in-home evaluations.

This is a fantastic opportunity for people looking to launch a career in solar and clean energy sales. Success in this role can lead to an opportunity in Outside Sales, Inside Sales or Commercial Sales.

Responsibilities 

•Driving creation of in store leads to meet local sales teams goals and objectives
•Speaking with customers about SolarCity clean energy solutions
•Training and motivating The Home Depot employees
•Setting up SolarCity displays and collateral
•Hosting and conducting in-store seminars and events for 20 or more people
•Additional duties required as needed

Requirements

•Positive, professional, and big picture attitude
•High energy
•Articulate with excellent communication skills
•Highly persuasive•Self-disciplined and honest
•General understanding of the sales process and able to meet targets
•Retail sales experience-working the floor highly preferred
•Four year college degree preferred
•Must be 18 years of age or older
•Work schedule: Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday (must work weekends)
•Excellent written and verbal communication skills required
•Excellent customer service skills required
•The ability to speak fluently in Spanish in certain locations required
•Minimum 2 years work experience in a quota driven sales position•Perform other related duties as assigned•Must be proficient with Excel and MS Outlook (+CRM tool preferred)
•Must have a clean driving record. (example, no DUI in the last 5 years)
•Must have a valid state driver’s license
•Must be able to successfully pass a pre-employment criminal, driving and drug screen

Learn more here: http://www.linkedin.com/company/240767/careers?trk=jobtocomp

6/14 – Job Alert: Deregulated Energy & Business Development at Taylor C&C

Friday, June 14 2013

SEI is pleased to post job openings from member companies, as a means of effectively reaching qualified, local candidates in the smart energy industry. Additionally, SEI staff can review applications on you company’s behalf. Send job descriptions and application instructions to Will Williams.

Taylor Consulting and Contracting is seeking sales leaders within the Mid Atlantic, New England, and Metro North regions, with large account success; specifically in the energy industry.

NavigationNewoff_01Job Description

Responsibilities include: generating new business and growing revenue streams, while achieving monthly and annual sales quotas –  through appropriate performance management. Also, providing strategic, executive-level selling of EnergyAuctions and UtilityModule services.

Travel will be as much as 60-75 percent of the time, as dictated by the business.

Candidates will report to the Vice President of sales for the respective region.

We offer a competitive compensation & program in addition to a comprehensive benefits package.

Desired Skills & Experience

-Energy indistry experience
-A BA/BS in a Business related field with a minimum of 5-10 years experience with large account sales success.
-We are seeking candidates with executive-level relationships, account penetration, and solution selling skills.
-Must have excellent communications skills – both written and verbal.
-Must be capable and comfortable presenting to senior executives and/or large audiences.
-Must be proficient in Microsoft Office applications and CRM systems.

Company Description

Taylor Consulting and Contracting is a national utility management firm with over 50 years of combined experience in deregulated energy sales and regulated utility consulting. Through sales of proprietary energy deliverables such as UtilityModule and EnergyAuctions, Taylor has become the fastest growing energy services organization on the East Coast.

Taylor Consulting was selected by the City of Philadelphia to operate the Philly Buying Power program and provide the services that have been implemented by national companies to reduce and manage their utility costs. These services include aggregation of accounts, competitive online auctions and access to UtilityModule.

For additional information, view company website at www.taylorcc.com