PART-TIME: Community Engagement and Outreach Coordinator- Verschuren Centre (VC)

Job Title: Community Engagement and Outreach Coordinator

Location: Cape Breton, Nova Scotia

Salary: Depending on experience

At Net Zero Atlantic (NZA), we help Atlantic Canada move toward a more sustainable energy future by producing credible and objective data to inform sound energy policies and decisions. Our focus is on coordinating research and projects to help decarbonize our region’s economy, mitigating climate change impacts and moving Atlantic Canada toward net-zero emissions by 2050. Our clients include government and industry representatives who need complete and reliable information to guide thinking and action.

NZA is changing the way energy research is delivered. We’re in the business of facilitating collaborative, made-to-order research projects that resolve key energy-related questions.

The Verschuren Centre (VC) is an independent clean technology development and deployment facility. We offer client-tailored services to support companies in developing sustainable solutions that meet industry needs.

By working with our highly qualified team and cutting-edge shared-use facility, Small to Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) can advance their IP to commercial scale while connecting with our network of partners locally, nationally, and globally. The VC inspires a collaborative shared goal of accelerating the transition to a green and circular economy, matching technology to application and ultimately meeting net-zero targets in an efficient manner.

NZA and the VC are partnering in Community Engagement and Outreach for renewable energy in Cape Breton and are seeking a part-time Coordinator for a term position of 2 years.

Our Opportunity:

In this role, you will have an impact on Nova Scotia’s transition to a low-carbon future by facilitating and coordinating a robust community engagement strategy for community solar and geothermal capacity building projects, with a particular focus on building relationships and facilitating outreach and knowledge dissemination in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. The Community Engagement and Outreach Coordinator will work closely with the NZA and VC teams to assist in the overall coordination of workshops, meetings, and projects within the community.

In this position, you will be responsible for:

• Understanding the regulatory, financial and social environment around clean energy deployment in Nova Scotia.
• Cultivating relationships across diverse communities to provide new opportunities and education within the region.
• Organizing and aiding in the facilitation of regular community meetings and workshops to foster relationship building, collaboration and promote energy related education.
• Providing ongoing input, information, and materials (as requested) that support internal and external communications efforts about community solar and geothermal energy potential.
• Providing ongoing support and guidance for community partners engaged in programming and opportunities.
• Assisting with clean energy deployment projects concept development and planning.

Your skills and qualifications include:

• Interest and background in social or natural sciences, economic development, renewable energy or related discipline.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate effectively with people from diverse racial, ethnic, socioeconomic, and gender backgrounds.
• Strong organizational skills. Ability and willingness to work nights and weekends to accommodate community schedules.
• Ability to travel and possess a valid driver’s license.

Assets (but not required):

• Event planning experience (i.e. setting up workshops, community meetings, etc.).
• Experience working for a non-profit organization and First Nations community.
• Desire to educate the community about energy related topics.
• Understanding of geothermal and/or solar PV energy technology.

 

All interested and qualified candidates are asked to submit their cover letter and resume merged into one PDF document to Dean Chalmers, Energy Systems Program Manager, dchalmers@verschurencentre.ca by Friday October 7th, 2022. We thank all applicants, however only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.