Building Science Trainer

Description

The Building Science Trainer will provide coaching and instruction for CEE's Workforce Development trainees. CEE is seeking an individual with expertise in residential energy audits and building science who has shown success in training 1:1 and groups having little to no experience in the energy efficiency sector.

The Building Science Trainer must have the ability to train, teach, and coach participants enrolled in the Workforce Program per Xcel Energy, Ramsey County, and other funders' requirements. This is a full- time position that provides a wide range of benefits including Paid Time Off (PTO), medical, dental, life and long-term disability insurance, paid parental leave, and a retirement plan.

Background:

CEE is a community-based clean energy nonprofit with offices in the North Loop of Minneapolis and St. Paul's Midway. We provide practical energy solutions for homes, businesses, and communities to cut energy waste and harmful emissions. We collaborate regularly with field peers and partners and employ curious people who enjoy learning and contributing to Minnesota's quality of life and economy. Our workplace invites open door communications, respect for diverse backgrounds and points of view, and an emphasis on work-life balance.

Responsibilities:

• Deliver high-quality classroom and field training programming that results in job placements and long-term energy efficiency careers for participants.
• Provide 1:1 coaching and clear instruction for trainees enrolled in the Workforce Development Program in pursuing and advancing careers in the energy efficiency sector.
• Provide subject matter expertise in building science to enhance the Workforce Development program's vision of all Workforce Trainees becoming BPI certified and employed permanently in the energy efficiency and weatherization sector.
• Assist the Workforce Program Manager and Workforce Training Manager, in conjunction with local governments, nonprofit partners, and training institutions, in identifying ways to address disparities and inequities in the energy efficiency workforce.

Classroom & Field Training and Coaching (approximately 80%)

• Perform all tasks required for successful training facilitation including set up, take down, and preparing equipment to be used by WFD trainees.
• Instruct trainees on the proper use of diagnostic equipment and tools used in energy audits
• Work closely with Workforce Development staff to ensure that all Insulator trainees receive training on the proper use of equipment and tools used in insulation and air sealing work such as an insulation blower, caulk gun, foam gun, calibration tools, and the proper use of PPE and proper safety protocols on a jobsite.
• Provide supervision of Workforce Trainees throughout the extended field training period (i.e., approve timesheets, communicate with Field Operations Manager and Field Training Supervisors to adjust scheduling as needed)
• Deliver instruction in a way that enhances trainees' learning experience using a variety of methods through PowerPoint, videos, industry-expert guest speakers, prop demonstrations, and hands-on practice.
• Assess trainee knowledge through a variety of informal and formal assessments using a variety of methods based on trainees' learning styles. Ensure participant understanding and education needs are being met.
• Collaborate with Workforce Development Staff and HES Field Supervisors to inform curriculum development and continuously assess curriculum modules, objectives, and tasks that need to be refined or altered.
• Provide coaching support on an as needed basis for Auditors that have completed the workforce classroom training and internship in refining their technical skills.
• Coordinate routine maintenance on equipment as needed. Order and maintain supplies needed for trainings.

Program Coordination & Employer Partner Development (approximately 20%)

• Report trainee progress and collaborate with Workforce Program Coordinator and community-based social service partners in addressing any barriers trainees face in successfully attending and completing the training program.
• Assist with outreach and recruitment efforts to attract new candidates to the workforce program
• Collaborate with Workforce Development staff to inform curriculum development and continuously assess curriculum modules, objectives, and tasks that need to be refined or altered.
• Identify and engage potential trainers inside and outside of CEE by networking with employers, technical colleges, and community-based organizations.
• Collaborate with Workforce Development staff in engaging contractors in on-going employer advisory meetings and regular conversations about their business needs.
• Coordinate with Workforce Development staff and employer partners to ensure consistent application of standards and procedures are present during the internship phase.
• Identify equipment (i.e., insulation rig, door blower, etc.) needed for the Workforce Development program to run effectively. Proactively seek out vendors that are locally owned or are BIPOC / women owned.
• Assist with ordering and maintaining supplies needed for trainings and BPI testing; Attend meetings with Workforce Development team and Sr Auditor Trainers as scheduled.
• Coordinate and assist with long term projects as needed for the Workforce Development program.
• Seek out additional training in instruction and coaching techniques. Attend applicable training on an annual basis.

Organization Support

• Assistance with other departmental tasks as assigned or apparent

Qualifications:

• 3+ years training and education experience
• Residential energy auditing field experience; knowledgeable of weatherization and utilities-funded audits
• Ability to train diverse groups of people effectively in a classroom setting and perform all functions of a trainer in the field in working 1:1 with trainees
• Ability to multi-task, work independently, and be adaptable to program changes and needs
• Effective communication and cultural competency skills, both written and verbal
• Demonstrate patience and responsiveness to Workforce Program trainees and employer needs
• Ability to portray CEE in a positive light with potential partners which include community-based organizations, employers, and training institutions
• Proven ability to collaborate with diverse groups and teams in completing projects
• Possess BPI building analyst certification.
• Possess BPI proctor certification (or ability to quickly obtain)
• Possess and maintain a valid drivers' license and good driving record
• Must be able to lift 40 pounds and work in tight spaces such as attics and crawlspaces
• Routinely use standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines.
• Routinely use building science diagnostic equipment such as blower doors, duct blasters, combustion analyzers, infrared cameras, and hand tools.
• Work both independently and as a team.
• Requires ability to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs and ladders; balance; crawl, stoop, kneel and talk or hear. The employee must occasionally lift or move up to 40 pounds.
• Work will include occasional outstate travel including over-night stays.

Compensation

Dependent upon qualifications and experience, we expect the hiring range for the position to be $26.50-28/hr

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)
CEE will not discriminate against or harass any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, familial status, membership or activity in a local human rights commission, or status with regard to public assistance or any other legally protected class status.

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