Digester Program Coordinator

Digester Program Coordinator

Location: Northern Vermont (Franklin, Grand Isle, or Chittenden counties)

About Native

Since 2000, Native has worked with clients to develop authentic solutions to their sustainability challenges and to implement both community- and landscape-scale projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, strengthen clients’ businesses, and contribute to progress on climate change around the world. 

We construct unique project portfolios to meet climate goals, drive business value, and deliver tangible benefits to stakeholder communities – from customers and suppliers to employees and shareholders. Our methods enable companies to put their sustainability strategies into practice by investing in new climate action projects in and around their value chain.

Native’s team of strategists, project developers, environmental scientists, and legal counsel are devoted to strengthening the people, companies, and places at the heart of these initiatives, and we are seeking a Field Operations Technician to join our team.

About the role

You will work closely with Native’s Project team to facilitate and coordinate the design, analysis, implementation plans and on-going operations for on-farm climate projects, as well as the collection of associated project data management.

While your day-to-day workload will vary, your primary responsibilities involve coordinating the implementation and ongoing operations of one to five small scale manure only anaerobic digesters located on dairy farms in Vermont, along with other farm based R&D climate technology projects sites in the region. Depending on the time of year and project stage, this includes coordinating and ensuring proper routine maintenance through subcontractor relationships, coordinating equipment troubleshooting and repairs, data collection, engaging with project hosts and farmers, engaging with local governmental officials and grant making entities, assisting with the preparation of validation and verification documents, and managing data for grant reporting. This role is considered full time and reports to the VP, Project Development and Origination.

This position requires heavy lifting (<50 lbs) and/or climbing a ladder and/or stairs; a valid driver’s license.

What you’ll accomplish

Digester Program Design, Structuring and Implementation (70%)

• Coordinate all workstreams to evaluate, design, structure, implement, manage, monitor, and verify of new or improved manure based digester installation as an effective manure management and methane reduction project
• Write and pull together necessary information to complete an evaluation summary for manure-only anaerobic digester installation, including economic analysis and initial estimates for GHG emission reductions and electricity production for individual farms
• Coordinate subcontractors to complete site specific design plans for anaerobic digester installation, including coordination with the farmer on site location and any required subcontractors (engineering, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, etc.) and the equipment provider 
• Support project developers/ Native’s Project Development and Origination team to contract with the farms and key stakeholders required for implementation, and the on-going operations and maintenance of the digester
• Maintain a positive working relationship and efficient communication with all site hosts (farmers), project partners, counterparties, and key stakeholders
• Gather all relevant information for applicable grant and funding mechanisms to support these types of manure management projects 

Data Collection and Reporting (30%)

• Write routine reports and correspondence                               
• Review daily operating reports and other records to ensure specified operating characteristics in control of the site equipment
• Ensure daily operation logs completed by all subcontractors as digesters become operational

• Support Native’s Asset Management team to ensure carbon project validation and verification activities related to the operations of the sites
• Support creation of grant and/or state reporting materials

What you bring

• Technical and troubleshooting skills, including the ability to read and understand complex technical manuals and schematics
• Ability to work independently, following established procedures with minimal amounts of general supervision
• Ability to efficiently and accurately communicate, verbally and in writing, mechanical and general information to diverse audiences
• Knowledge of basic math, biogas chemistry, piping and instrumentation drawings
• Ability to independently solve practical problems with multiple concrete variables and interpret instructions provided in written, oral, diagram, or schedule formats                                              
• Proficient using computers (experience using MS Word, Excel and email systems) and monitoring equipment                                                               
• A high degree of emotional intelligence
• Openness to ongoing learning opportunities and skills training                                                        

Bonus

• Hands-on mechanical and process equipment experience
• CAD software/ drawing experience
• Statistics training and experience with monte carlo (or other) types of analysis and simulations
• Electrical or mechanical engineering training

Benefits

• Competitive compensation and PTO policy
• Healthcare (medical, dental, vision)
• Life and short-term disability insurance
• Flexible-spending account
• 401K and employer match
• Paid volunteer time

Equal Opportunity Employer

Native believes an equitable and inclusive work environment and a diverse, engaged team are key to providing excellent stakeholder experiences. We’re searching for teammates who can enhance our culture and make our business better, and we strive to provide all applicants with an equitable and accessible recruitment process.

Native provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Native complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.