Building Conversion Project Manager

HEET is a nonprofit organization with a mission to transform the thermal energy system to meet the needs of the future. We believe in an energy system that meets the needs of all, from low-income communities to gas utilities workers to future generations. To accomplish this, we build collaborative networks based on trust, bring uncommon partners together to find common ground, and iterate to find solutions supported by science.

Research shows that structurally marginalized groups or people with non-traditional work experience apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. As an organization led by someone whose career trajectory includes years of being a full-time parent, HEET encourages you to break that statistic and apply.

Job Description

HEET is seeking a Building Conversions Project Manager to strategically and tactically direct building conversions necessary for the installation of ground source heat pump HVAC systems. The building conversions will include initial inspections, Health & Safety Barrier mitigation and weatherization to meet or exceed current building code. This role will aim to increase the energy efficiency of the buildings in order to optimize the performance of ground source heat pump HVAC systems to be installed and to reduce costs related to the geothermal network loop. HEET supports the expansion of geothermal networks as a pathway to ethically decarbonize the built environment. As geothermal networks expand in Massachusetts, the number of projects HEET is involved with is increasing. In particular, HEET anticipates significant involvement in coordinating the building conversions associated with the second Framingham geothermal loop. HEET collects data from these projects as part of the Learning from the Ground Up (LeGUp) research initiative. The Building Conversions Project Manager will ensure the smooth execution of all associated contracted work as well as the acquisition of detailed data and learnings for this research.

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 Conversions Project Manager 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
  • Organize and document work for grant deliverables
  • Problem solve and strategize as is necessary to overcome challenges
  • Optimize and manage Mass Save Rebates
  • Manage costs through scaling efficiency and coordination
  • Manage Federal and State Tax Rebates
• Visit work sites as necessary to ensure the quality of the work and that it proceed as planned and on time
• 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 networks 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 and 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 hold diverse project priorities and team sensitivities in mind.
• Commitment to HEET’s mission of driving systems change through an ethical and efficient thermal energy transition.
• 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. This is a full-time position, between 30-40 hours per week.

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.