Tag Archive for: Butte Montana

The National Center for Appropriate Technology or NCAT has been helping people build resilient communities through local and sustainable solutions that reduce poverty, strengthen self-reliance, and protect natural resources since 1976. NCAT is a national, private non-profit organization providing trusted, individualized technical assistance, hands-on training opportunities, practical educational resources, and peer-to-peer learning networks on nationally acclaimed projects in food, agriculture, energy, and climate resilience. Headquartered in Butte, Montana, NCAT has offices in 13 states. NCAT works to foster and promote sustainable technologies and systems, especially for the benefit of economically disadvantaged individuals and communities. NCAT is committed to advancing racial equity and inclusion in its work and organization.

NCAT is seeking a Full-time or Part-time certified Energy Auditor. The Energy Auditor will work on NCAT’s energy conservation and AgriSolar projects. NCAT’s Energy Services works with commercial buildings and agricultural energy systems to develop energy conservation, solar, and Agrisolar projects for their farms, buildings, and communities. Building energy audits include certified energy audits of HVAC, building envelope, motors, pumps, blowers, and lighting.

This is an excellent opportunity to work with a dedicated and professional staff to develop agrivoltaic and energy conservation projects. The Energy Auditor will work with clients and staff throughout the country, with a focus on energy auditing in Montana. The successful candidate must be willing and able to travel throughout Montana for energy audits, events, workshops, and training as needed. There will be some travel outside of Montana on an occasional basis. Candidates located near NCAT’s Headquarters in Butte Montana have the option of an office located in the NCAT HQ Campus. Candidates not located near Butte will be required to set up and work from a remote office in Montana.

QUALIFICATIONS:
This position requires a combination of education and/or experience in energy systems. The position requires a certification in commercial building energy auditing, such as the American Association of Energy Engineers Certified Energy Auditor (CEA) Program or the ASHRAE Building Energy Auditor Program (BEAP). Experience with energy audits, and field energy assessments, including work with electrical systems, motors, pumps, and blowers is required. Experience with sustainable energy systems, solar development, agrisolar, and agrivoltaics, is preferred.

DESIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

  • Commitment and passion for the NCAT mission;
  • Knowledge and ability to perform in-depth energy audits.
  • Strong interest and knowledge in building technologies, energy conservation, residential, agrivoltaics, and solar energy.
  • Ability to understand and develop solar and agrivoltaic projects.
  • Knowledge of HVAC, building envelope, control systems, electrical systems, lighting, motors, pumps, and blowers.
  • Strong organization, time management, and planning skills.
  • The ability to calculate data to inform organizational operations.
  • Excellent communication skills, with experience in public speaking, and presentations.
  • The ability to be flexible and adapt to changing environments and projects.
  • Skills in research, technical writing, and editing.
  • Demonstrated interest and knowledge in promoting energy efficiency.
  • Experience in energy use and conservation modeling.
  • Strong organizational and planning skills with attention to detail.
  • Self-motivated, with an ability to work independently, as well as with teams.
  • High level of emotional intelligence and diplomatic skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across NCAT’s multiple geographies and cultural backgrounds.
  • Ability to prioritize work assignments and complete tasks in a timely manner.
  • The ability to build relationships and collaborate with community organizations, government agencies, non-profit organizations, and other partners.
  • The ability to travel (estimated travel 10-15% of the time).

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Promote and support NCAT’s mission.
  • Conduct certified commercial energy audits.
  • Provide technical assistance to farmers, ranchers, land managers, and the public on agrisolar and agrivoltaic development.
  • Facilitate incentives and rebates from utilities.
  • Perform energy analysis with energy performance software.
  • Research technical information on energy efficiency and agrivoltaics.
  • Evaluate the condition of properties.
  • Assess the cost-effectiveness of products, services, and projects.
  • Provide technical assistance to building owners, engineers, architects, contractors, and property management officials on energy-efficient building practices.
  • Prepare and edit written descriptions, topical summaries, bibliographies, and other information materials suitable for giving presentations and posting to websites while targeting a variety of audiences of varying degrees of technical knowledge.
  • Communicate via email, telephone, and in person to gather and disseminate information.
  • Recommends engineering modifications to increase energy performance.
  • Provide high-level work and adapt to changing project workload.
  • Attend workshops, seminars, and related events in support of project duties.
  • Build and strengthen relationships with partners and stakeholders.

SALARY AND BENEFITS:
$55,000 – $62,000 Full-time annual salary depending on qualifications and experience. Salary will be prorated for Part-time status. Excellent benefits include a flexible schedule, paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays, health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, a cafeteria and 401(k) plan, and a pleasant, professional environment.

APPLICATION PROCESS:
Applications will be accepted until a suitable candidate can be identified. Early applications are encouraged. Applicants are encouraged to visit www.ncat.org to learn more about NCAT. NCAT employees interested in the position should email Human Resources a letter of interest as soon as possible. All persons interested in being considered for the position should upload a resume and cover letter through BambooHR. Please submit a current resume and a cover letter highlighting experience and skills relevant to the listed qualifications. Resume and cover letters can be uploaded at https://ncat.bamboohr.com/careers. Simply choose the position you are applying for and then click “apply for this job” to upload the required resume and cover letter. Questions about the application process can be directed to:

Kriss Sullivan, Director of Human Resources
e-mail: jobs@ncat.org

NCAT’s mission is to help people build resilient communities through local and sustainable solutions that reduce poverty, strengthen self-reliance, and protect natural resources. Our work brings together diverse partnerships and communities to help reduce poverty and protect our natural resources. We strive to be a multicultural organization that embraces the rich dimensions of diversity such as race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, age, physical ability, religious or political belief and marital or veteran status. Diversity creates healthy communities. Special consideration will be given to applicants who are reflective of the communities that we serve. NCAT is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

For additional information about NCAT please visit our website at www.ncat.org.

The National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT) is seeking a contractor to organize and lead a pilot peer-to-peer learning program for Colorado farmers and ranchers.

BACKGROUND:
The Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA) has been funded by the USDA’s Partnerships for Climate Smart Commodities Program for a project called Expanding the STAR Program Across Colorado and the West. The overall goal of USDA’s program is to encourage farming and ranching practices that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and sequester carbon, ultimately building markets for “climate-smart” agricultural products. CDA is expanding its existing STAR and STAR Plus programs and providing cash incentives to farms and ranches that adopt climate-smart practices. The STAR rating system assigns a score of 1 to 5 to farm operations based on their use of practices known to improve soil health, water quality, and water availability.

As part of its USDA-funded project, CDA has asked NCAT to create peer-to-peer learning opportunities at several locations around Colorado, aimed especially at supporting STAR Plus participants. A “peer-to-peer” group is one where members learn primarily from each other instead of from outside experts.

NCAT is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with a long track record of commitment to peer-to-peer learning. We offer programs in sustainable agriculture and sustainable energy from our headquarters in Butte, Montana and field offices in 14 states.

PROJECT OBJECTIVES:
The main objectives of this pilot program are to (1) encourage adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices in Colorado, (2) expand the CDA STAR and STAR Plus Programs, and (3) evaluate the effectiveness of peer-to-peer learning as a strategy for achieving the first two objectives.

The Peer Learning Facilitator will help identify, train, and support four local Coordinators. Each Coordinator will organize and lead one or two peer learning groups in coordination with conservation districts or other groups eligible to administer the STAR and STAR Plus programs. We expect to see about eight peer-to-peer learning groups with around 20 members apiece. A team from the Colorado State University Department of Sociology will study these groups to evaluate their success and learn ways to encourage and support peer-to-peer learning.

SCOPE OF WORK:
The Peer Learning Facilitator will:

  • Help identify 4 local Coordinators who will each work in a distinct geographic area.
  • Train, support, and oversee the work of the Coordinators, including organizing and leading at least three trainings per year for the Coordinators.
  • Help each Coordinator plan 2-5 peer-to-peer learning events per year.
  • Help the Coordinators create mentoring relationships between STAR Plus participants.
  • Attend at least 4 field days per year hosted by conservation districts (12 field days total).
  • Attend meetings of each peer-to-peer learning group at least once.
  • Cooperate with Colorado State University Department of Sociology on surveys, interviews, focus groups, and other project evaluations.
  • Coordinate closely with the Colorado Department of Agriculture in support of the broader goals of their project and USDA’s Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities program.
  • Research and prepare a short white paper on peer learning approaches used by NCAT and other groups working with U.S. producers. Identify potential areas for partnership among groups supporting producers through peer learning.
  • Submit quarterly reports to NCAT.

CONTRACT TERMS AND BUDGET:
The work will take place from April 1, 2024 to December 31, 2026 and is expected to average about 10 hours per week. Most or all work will take place in Colorado. Labor will be compensated at a rate of $60 per hour, and the Facilitator will also have a travel budget of $5,000 per year ($15,000 total). Travel reimbursement will follow federal travel guidelines. Total compensation for labor, travel, and materials over the entire period of the contract must not exceed $100,000.

The Facilitator’s relationship to NCAT will be that of an independent contractor rendering specifically delegated professional services. The Facilitator will sign a contract agreeing to comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances of the Federal, State, and local government with respect to conduct of business as an independent contractor. This includes duties under the Federal Social Security, income tax laws, duties arising under state laws, and regulations related to worker’s compensation insurance coverage. The Facilitator will be required to acquire and maintain business insurance and adequate auto insurance coverage meeting at least the minimum requirements mandated by the Colorado Department of Moter Vehicles throughout the entirety of the contract.

QUALIFICATIONS:
Required qualifications:

  • Located in Colorado.
  • Familiar with Colorado agriculture and conservation practices.
  • Experience in group facilitation.
  • Keen listening and observation skills.
  • Excellent communication skills.
  • Has access to a dependable vehicle and is able and willing to travel around the state as needed to complete job duties.
  • Reliable Internet with speed high enough for e-mail, Zoom meetings, and sharing large files.

Preferred qualifications:

  • Experience or familiarity with the Colorado Department of Agriculture and CDA’s Soil Health, STAR, and STAR Plus programs.
  • Experience or familiarity with “climate-smart” farming and ranching practices.
  • Experience working with Colorado conservation districts.
  • Training, experience, or professional certifications in social work, social sciences, conflict resolution, or related fields.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
To apply for this position, please email a letter of interest to Mike Morris at NCAT, mikem@ncat.org describing your qualifications and relevant experience. The letter itself should be no more than two pages long, but
attachments (such as a resume or samples of your work) are allowed.

The hiring schedule is:

  • March 10, 2024: Deadline to receive letters of interest.
  • March 11-15: Interviews with finalists (if necessary).
  • April 1: Start date.

The deadline to submit letters of interest is March 10, 2024.

Any additional questions about the application process can be directed to:

Kriss Sullivan, Director of Human Resources
e-mail: jobs@ncat.org

NCAT’s mission is to help people build resilient communities through local and sustainable solutions that reduce poverty, strengthen self-reliance, and protect natural resources. Our work brings together diverse partnerships and communities to help reduce poverty and protect our natural resources. We strive to be a multicultural organization that embraces the rich dimensions of diversity such as race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, age, physical ability, religious or political belief and marital or veteran status. Diversity creates healthy communities. Special consideration will be given to applicants who are reflective of the communities that we serve. NCAT is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

For additional information about NCAT please visit our homepage at www.ncat.org.

The National Center for Appropriate Technology or NCAT has been helping people build resilient communities through local and sustainable solutions that reduce poverty, strengthen self-reliance, and protect natural resources since 1976. NCAT is a national, private non-profit organization providing trusted, individualized technical assistance, hands-on training opportunities, practical educational resources, and peer-to-peer learning networks on nationally acclaimed projects in food, agriculture, energy, and climate resilience. Headquartered in Butte, Montana, NCAT has offices in 13 states. NCAT works to foster and promote sustainable technologies and systems, especially for the benefit of economically disadvantaged individuals and communities. NCAT is committed to advancing racial equity and inclusion in its work and
organization.

NCAT is seeking a Full-time or Part-time Energy Engineer. The Engineer must be a certified Energy Auditor. The Energy Engineer will work on NCAT’s energy conservation and AgriSolar projects. NCAT’s Energy Services works with commercial buildings and agricultural energy systems to develop energy conservation, solar, and AgriSolar projects for their farms, buildings, and communities. Building energy audits include certified energy audits of HVAC, building envelope, motors, pumps, blowers, and lighting.

This is an excellent opportunity to work with a dedicated and professional staff to develop agrivoltaic and energy conservation projects. The Energy Engineer will work with clients and staff throughout the country, with a focus on energy auditing in Montana. The successful candidate must be willing and able to travel throughout Montana for energy audits, events, workshops, and training as needed. There will be some travel outside Montana on an occasional basis. Candidates located near NCAT’s Headquarters in Butte Montana have the option of an office located in the NCAT HQ Campus. Candidates not located near Butte will be required to set up and work from a remote office in Montana.

QUALIFICATIONS:
This position requires a combination of education and/or experience in energy systems. The position requires a degree in engineering and a certification in commercial building energy auditing, such as the American Association of Energy Engineers Certified Energy Auditor (CEA) Program or the ASHRAE Building Energy Auditor Program (BEAP). Professional Engineering License, and experience with energy audits, field energy assessments, including work with electrical systems, motors, pumps and blowers is required. Experience with sustainable energy systems, solar development, agrisolar, agrivoltaics, is preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

  • Commitment and passion for the NCAT mission;
  • Knowledge and ability to perform in-depth energy audits;
  • Strong interest and knowledge in building technologies, energy conservation, residential, agrivoltaics, and solar energy;
  • Ability to understand and develop solar and agrivoltaic projects;
  • Knowledge of HVAC, building envelope, control systems, electrical systems, lighting, motors, pumps, and blowers;
  • Strong organization, time management, and planning skills;
  • Excellent communication skills, with experience in public speaking, and presentations;
  • The ability to be flexible, and adapt to changing environments and projects;
  • Skills in research, technical writing, and editing;
  • Demonstrated interest and knowledge in promoting energy efficiency;
  • Experience in energy use and conservation modeling;
  • Strong organizational and planning skills with attention to detail;
  • Self-motivated, with an ability to work independently, as well as with teams;
  • High level of emotional intelligence and diplomatic skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across NCAT’s multiple geographies and cultural backgrounds;
  • Ability to prioritize work assignments and to complete tasks in a timely manner;
  • The ability to build relationships and collaborate with community organizations, government agencies, non-profit organizations, and other partners;
  • Ability to travel (estimated 25% of your time).

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Promote and support NCAT’s mission;
  • Conduct certified commercial energy audits;
  • Provide technical assistance to farmers, ranchers, land managers, and the public on agrisolar and agrivoltaic development;
  • Facilitate incentives and rebates from utilities;
  • Perform energy analysis with energy performance software;
  • Research technical information on energy efficiency and agrivoltaics;
  • Provide technical assistance to building owners, engineers, architects, contractors, and property management officials on energy efficient building practices;
  • Prepare and edit written descriptions, topical summaries, bibliographies, and other information materials suitable for giving presentations and posting to websites while targeting a variety of audiences of varying degrees of technical knowledge;
  • Communicate via email, telephone, and in person to gather and disseminate information;
  • Recommends engineering modifications to increase energy performance;
  • Provide high level work, and adapt to changing project work load:
  • Attend workshops, seminars, and related events in support of project duties;
  • Build and strengthen relationships with partners and stakeholders.

SALARY AND BENEFITS:
$75,000 – $82,000 Full-time annual salary depending on qualifications and experience. Salary will be prorated for Part-time status. Excellent benefits include a flexible schedule, paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays, health, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, a cafeteria and 401(k) plan and a pleasant, professional environment.

APPLICATION PROCESS:
Applications will be accepted until a suitable candidate can be identified. Early applications are encouraged. Applicants are encouraged to visit www.ncat.org to learn more about NCAT. NCAT employees interested in the position should email Human Resources a letter of interest as soon as possible. All persons interested in being considered for the position should upload a resume and cover letter through BambooHR. Please submit a current resume and a cover letter highlighting experience and skills relevant to the listed qualifications. Resume and cover letters can be uploaded at https://ncat.bamboohr.com/careers. Simply choose the position you are applying for and then click “apply for this job” to upload the required resume and cover letter. Questions about the application process can be directed to:

Kriss Sullivan, Director of Human Resources
e-mail: jobs@ncat.org

NCAT’s mission is to help people build resilient communities through local and sustainable solutions that reduce poverty, strengthen self-reliance, and protect natural resources. Our work brings together diverse partnerships and communities to help reduce poverty and protect our natural resources. We strive to be a multicultural organization that embraces the rich dimensions of diversity such as race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, age, physical ability, religious or political belief and marital or veteran status. Diversity creates healthy communities. Special consideration will be given to applicants who are reflective of the communities that we serve. NCAT is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

For additional information about NCAT please visit our website at www.ncat.org.