Solar Project Manager (Contingent-Special Project) - County Administration, Community Sustainability

Solar Project Manager The Solar Project Manager carries out the planning, procurement, development, construction management, and post-construction management of solar projects, including community solar, solar power purchase agreements, and microgrids including solar power and battery storage. This includes management of budget, schedule, design, and construction. This role is responsible for ensuring that projects are delivered on time, within budget, and in alignment with the County's objectives, contractual and grant requirements, and industry best practices. The Solar Project Manager will coordinate with architects, engineers, contractors, and other stakeholders to facilitate effective decision-making and resolve project challenges. Key responsibilities include project planning, contract administration, budget management, schedule oversight, risk assessment, quality control, grant management and reporting, and stakeholder outreach. This position serves under the direct supervision of the County's Energy Manager and will work closely with the Owner's Representative from the County's Department of General Services. This is a full-time position with approximately 40 hours worked per week. Starting salary hiring range: $36 - $48/hourly $75,000 - $100,000/annually *This is a contingent position, meaning that it is not a part of the Howard County Classified Service and does not accrue County service time for the purpose of calculating any service benefit. This position is paid hourly and may work a varying number of hours per week, based on the availability of funding and a continued need. A contingent employee is only eligible for fringe benefits required by State or Federal law. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Project Management and Development: Oversee all phases of solar development from initial scoping and preliminary design through construction and commissioning. Manage project scope, schedule, and budget while ensuring alignment with organizational goals and stakeholder expectations. Coordinate and facilitate project planning meetings. Assess risk, manage schedules, and address delays or challenges with proactive problem-solving. Ensure project requirements are met with high standards of quality and compliance. Serve as the primary liaison among County departments, offices, and project teams (engineers, contractors, utilities, regulatory agencies). Contracting, Procurement and Financial Oversight: Manage contract administration, procurement, and financial oversight, ensuring cost control and proper funding allocation. Review proposals, negotiate contracts, and manage change orders and payments. Manage grant reporting, invoicing, and budget tracking for Maryland Energy Administration, IRS direct pay, and other funding sources. Maintain thorough knowledge of grant agreement terms, general provisions, and related requirements. Stakeholder and Community Engagement: Coordinate with nonprofit organization partners to promote community solar subscriptions for low- and moderate-income customers. Participate in sustainability outreach and education events, as needed. Prioritize equity, diversity, inclusion, and environmental justice in County programs, projects, activities, and policies. Energy and Climate Program Support: Assist the Energy Manager and County staff with the implementation, measurement, and verification of Climate Action Plan strategies and goals. Support additional energy management and climate policy tasks as needed. Minimum Required Education/Experience Bachelor's degree and two (2) years of related project management experience or the equivalent combination of education and experience. Bachelor's degree in environmental sciences, environmental policy, engineering, architecture, energy management, or related field. Strong project management skills with ability to manage multiple projects, contractors, and stakeholders simultaneously. Experience in solar project management and/or microgrid or resiliency hub project management. Experience managing state or federally funded grant programs with compliance and reporting responsibilities. Knowledgeable in solar regulations, including federal, state and local codes and regulations. Exceptional at documentation and organization, including budgeting and data tracking. BPI certification, Certified Energy Manager (CEM), LEED Green Associate or LEED AP, and/or NABCEP Entry Level credential a strong plus. Familiarity with Maryland utility interconnection processes, Permission to Operate (PTO) requirements, and SREC markets. Understanding of IRS elective payment provisions (IRA §6417) for nonprofits and local governments and IRC §48(e) bonus credit. Experience working in a large organization and with a diverse group of stakeholders. Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to convey complex, technical concepts to non-technical persons. Detail oriented, organized, self-motivated, able to work independently. Certificates, Licenses and Registrations Class C Maryland Driver's license or equivalent issued by state of residence. Howard County Health Department