Research Fellow - Agricultural Energy Efficiency & Clean Energy Deployment

Title: Research Fellow - Agricultural Energy Efficiency and Clean Energy Deployment Executive Area: Academic Affairs College/School/MBU: College of Natural Sciences Department: Environmental Conservation Work Location: Amherst Schedule: Full Time Work Arrangement: Hybrid Job Summary The University of Massachusetts Clean Energy Extension (CEE) seeks a research professional with interest and expertise at the intersection of energy and agriculture. The successful candidate will be responsible for conducting outreach to farms across Massachusetts, visiting farms to perform energy assessments, producing and reporting on energy improvement plans, and assessing the efficacy of the program. The research fellow will also take a lead role in furthering CEE’s mission to support the clean energy transition, through outreach and applied research on related topics in line with the candidate’s interests and expertise, including but not limited to agrivoltaics, building energy systems and auditing, and/or solar and battery energy storage deployment. A portion of the work will be funded by the National Resource Conservation Service (NRCS). The NRCS-funded work (roughly 60% of effort) will focus on independent field assessment, energy analysis, technical report writing, development of actionable recommendations to reduce energy use and operating costs, as well as applied research to assess the efficacy of these efforts and improve the implementation of recommended actions. The research fellow will work in coordination with NRCS, UMass CEE, and partner organizations to support farm clients through an energy auditing process, providing guidance on applicable incentive pathways, conducting outreach and training activities that support program delivery, and assessing the effectiveness of the program. This is a self-directed role requiring technical judgment, strong interpersonal skills, report writing ability, and comfort working independently across a wide range of farm operations and facilities. The applied research and outreach in renewable energy and/or energy efficiency work (roughly 40% of effort) will support CEE’s mission to accelerate the adoption of these technologies in alignment with Massachusetts clean energy and climate goals. Massachusetts was one of the first states to provide financial incentives for agrivoltaic and pollinator-friendly solar developments, as well as to support municipalities in energy efficiency improvements. CEE plays an active role in research and regulatory support related to agrivoltaics, administers a certification program for pollinator-friendly solar installations, and works closely with cities and towns to reduce municipal energy use, adopt clean energy in municipal buildings and facilities, and conduct community-wide clean energy planning. Essential Functions Conduct desk-based review, on-farm site visits, and technical energy assessments for farms across Massachusetts in accordance with NRCS requirements and accepted energy-auditing practice. Prepare clear, professional energy reports and energy improvement plans that identify energy efficiency, electrification, and operational improvement opportunities, including estimated energy savings, implementation considerations, and economic implications. Analyze farm energy use across agricultural operations and facilities such as greenhouse heating and cooling, dairy and livestock systems, irrigation systems, cold storage and refrigeration, maple sugaring operations, lighting, pumps, motors, and selected mobile equipment applications. Use spreadsheets, utility data, fuel-use data, site observations, and technical judgment to quantify baseline energy use and evaluate recommended measures. Coordinate directly with farm clients and NRCS staff throughout the assessment and audit process, including intake, scheduling, site visits, document collection, report development, revision, and final delivery. Provide farm clients with practical guidance on relevant incentive and funding pathways and connect them with appropriate program contacts; this position supports grant readiness through the audit process itself but is not responsible for preparing grant applications on behalf of clients. Conduct outreach activities that support program pipeline development, including fact sheets, presentations, workshops, webinars, and field-based educational events. Deliver or support training for NRCS staff, partners, and agricultural audiences on farm energy topics. Maintain organized project records and manage multiple projects and client engagements simultaneously with limited day-to-day supervision. Contribute to program reporting, grant support, and related activities necessary to sustain the NRCS farm energy program. Assess the efficacy of implemented measures, identify areas of potential improvement in program design or implementation, and present research findings. Applied Research and Outreach in Renewable Energy and/or Energy Efficiency Applied research and outreach in renewable energy and/or energy efficiency work (roughly 40% of effort): The research fellow will be responsible for self-directed research and outreach efforts aligned with ongoing CEE activities and initiatives. Specific topics and duties related to this work will be determined in consultation with the successful candidate, depending on the candidate’s interests, expertise, and training. Other Functions Work collaboratively and effectively to promote teamwork, equality, and inclusiveness. Work in partnership with colleagues within the CNS community and across the campus to support the Dean’s strategic priorities. Perform other duties as assigned in support of the mission and goals of the College of Natural Sciences. Minimum Qualifications Master’s degree in energy systems, building science, environmental science, agricultural engineering, mechanical or electrical engineering, or a related technical field. Ability or willingness to learn to independently perform site assessments, apply energy auditing methods, analyze energy use, estimate energy savings, and produce clear technical reports with actionable recommendations. Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to effectively communicate technical findings to clients and partner organizations through professional reports and the presentation of technical information in trainings, workshops, webinars or public-facing settings. Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple concurrent projects with limited supervision. Ability to travel throughout Massachusetts for fieldwork, meetings, and presentations. Preferred Qualifications Prior experience conducting energy audits, energy assessments, or closely related technical energy analysis work. More experienced candidates preferred. Prior experience with agricultural operations and equipment and engaging farmers. Certified Energy Auditor (CEA), Certified Energy Manager (CEM), Professional Engineer (PE), or comparable energy auditing credential. Experience conducting ASHRAE Level II or similar commercial, industrial, institutional, or agricultural energy audits. Familiarity with NRCS conservation practices, technical assistance programs, or agricultural incentive programs. Research or work experience with energy efficiency, solar energy, agrivoltaics, pollinator habitat, and/or battery energy storage systems. Additional Details Duration: (~3 years) Fall 2026 through September 2029, with the possibility of further extension dependent on CEE’s needs and availability of funding. This position requires regular fieldwork at farms across Massachusetts. The project PI is the Director of the UMass Clean Energy Extension and a University of Massachusetts Amherst faculty member, Dr. Kira Lawrence. Opportunities are also available to collaborate with other CEE staff, UMass faculty and staff, and external organizations across the state. This work is funded by a cooperative agreement with the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and through an interagency service agreement with the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources. At UMass Amherst and in CNS, we strive to be a community where every individual feels a sense of belonging, where every individual is included, and where every individual is valued. These values and goals are reflected in the College of Natural Sciences’ Inclusive Excellence framework and in the UMass Amherst’s For the Common Good: 2024–2034 Strategic Plan. This position is subject to final budgetary and administrative approval. Working Conditions Work is performed in a standard office or indoor university environment and involves minimal physical exertion. Work Schedule and Work Arrangement Initial appointment is expected to 100% FTE for 1 year with annual renewal until at least September 2029, with the possibility of further extension dependent on CEE’s needs and availability of funding. Expected schedule is Monday – Friday, 8:30 am – 5:00 pm, however more flexible work schedules and % FTE will also be considered. This position has the opportunity for a hybrid work schedule, which is defined by the University as an arrangement where an employee’s work is regularly performed at a location other than the campus workspace for a portion of the week. As this position is non-unit, it is subject to the terms and conditions of the University of Massachusetts Board of Trustees Non-Unit (Professional) Employee Personnel Policy. Salary Information Starting salary is $75,000-87,500 (depending on experience and education level); this position includes benefits. #J-18808-Ljbffr