Temporary Energy Analyst – Cambridge, MA

Organization: Union of Concerned Scientists

Job Title: Temporary Energy Analyst; Climate and Energy Program

Location: Cambridge, MA

Hours and Compensation:  Full time; For candidates who meet all position requirements, the salary is in the range of $50,000 annually, pro-rated to reflect the nine-month term. This position offers health and dental insurance. UCS is an equal opportunity employer continually seeking to diversify its staff.

Position Dates: This is a full-time, nine-month position based in UCS’s Cambridge office, with projected start date of October 1, 2012 and end date of June 28, 2013.

Application Deadline: September 4, 2012 or until filled.

Posted On: August 24, 2012

Organization Overview

The Union of Concerned Scientists is the leading science-based nonprofit working for a healthy environment and a safer world. UCS combines independent scientific research and citizen action to develop innovative, practical solutions and to secure responsible changes in government policy, corporate practices, and consumer choices.

What began as a collaboration between students and faculty members at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1969 is now an alliance of more than 400,000 citizens and scientists. UCS members are people from all walks of life: parents and businesspeople, biologists and physicists, teachers and students. Our achievements over the decades show that thoughtful action based on the best available science can help safeguard our future and the future of our planet. http://www.ucsusa.org/

Description

Conduct research and analysis to advance understanding of renewable and conventional energy technologies, policies, and markets.  This includes writing basic-level reports, fact sheets, and other materials to document and communicate research results.  The Temporary Energy Analyst would also be responsible for supporting the Assistant Research Director and other senior researchers on a variety of projects related to our renewable energy and coal work, as well as assist with the development of assumptions and processing of results for our in-house modeling of clean energy and global warming policies at the state, regional and national level.

Responsibilities

• Participate in a variety of national, regional, and state level analyses and reports.  Gather and analyze data using spreadsheets and basic models, and assist in writing reports and other materials highlighting the results of various analyses. Solicit review and feedback from editor, internal and external colleagues, and supervisor; present information and answer questions. Respond to questions and criticisms; edit manuscripts and reports as needed.  Maintain accuracy, credibility, readability and timeliness of all written material. Tailor style and content of materials for technical and /or general audiences, as appropriate.  Respond to follow-up requests for further information.
• Work with other UCS energy analysts to collect, analyze and evaluate cost and performance data on existing energy projects (all technologies) and future projections for use in the development of assumptions for in-house modeling of energy and climate policies, as well as to provide input on external modeling exercises, including those designed to evaluate long-term energy technology and transmission needs. 
• Implement methodologies in accordance with scientifically sound principles and techniques. Conduct literature reviews and searches to monitor and assess current and ongoing research and trends in advanced clean energy technology, market, and policy issues, and related fields.  Evaluate and synthesize articles, books, abstracts and other publications.
• Participate in the development and evaluation of legislative and regulatory initiatives promoting or supporting UCS clean energy policies and positions. Help evaluate proposed legislation and regulations and develop potential amendments and alternatives. Assist in developing and preparing testimony, letters, and technical comments of public proceedings. Track, acquire, and maintain files of relevant legislative bills, policies, and regulations.
• Research and respond to inquiries from members, sponsors, other organizations and general public about energy related issues; promote UCS position and objectives.
• Help maintain clean energy section of UCS website by working with research, outreach, and communication staff to strengthen web presence and content, including drafting, reviewing, editing and posting web pages as appropriate.
• Perform other related functions as directed.

Qualifications

Position requires comprehensive knowledge of energy field, with emphasis on renewable energy technologies, policies and markets, and their political, social, environmental, and economic ramifications. Also needed is a familiarity with general economic and environmental concepts and issues, and strong quantitative and analytical skills.  Proficiency in personal computer applications, including spreadsheet, word processing, specialized research software and basic programming is necessary.  Detailed understanding of renewable energy technologies, electric industry operations, markets, and regulation, global warming issues and policy, energy efficiency, and electricity modeling techniques is also preferred.  Bachelor’s degree in energy field, with emphasis on a broad array of both clean and conventional energy technologies, policies and markets is required, Master’s preferred.

Position requires two to three years of progressively responsible related experience in energy analysis and modeling, with more experience preferred.

At UCS, comparable training and/or experience can be substituted for degrees when appropriate.

How to Apply

Please submit a cover letter, salary requirements, how you learned about the position and resume via email to [email protected] and include “Temp Energy Analyst” in the subject line. Email materials in Word or PDF format only. No phone calls please. Deadline: September 4, 2012 or until filled.