About the Job

The University of Minnesota Morris (UMM) seeks to hire an Energy Storage Project Manager (8352P1 Research Professional 1 or 8352P2 Research Professional 2). UMM in partnership with Otter Tail Power Company and OATI have received a grant to fund a large-scale energy-storage demonstration project. The project has a specific goal of installing, operating, and analyzing the performance of a 1 MW battery that will integrate into the campusâ™s electrical grid, which is largely powered by clean energy. The project is a grant that is funded by the LCCMR process via the State of Minnesota Environmental Natural Resources Trust Fund. This position is a unique opportunity to work with industry and higher education partners on a novel and high visibility technical project. The position also provides an opportunity to learn and grow in an emerging clean energy field and have an opportunity to learn project management skills.

This is a 100% time, in person position reporting to the Vice Chancellor for Finance and Facilities with grant funding approved until 6/30/2027. 

This position will be offered in either of the following classifications and duties, depending on the qualifications and experience of the candidate:

• For 8352P1 Research Professional 1 - BA/BS or equivalent combination of education and work experience to equal four (4) years.
• For 8352P2 Research Professional 2 - BA/BS plus at least two (2) years of related experience or a combination of education and work experience to equal six (6) years.

UMN Morris is dedicated to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace. The University of Minnesota is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Black, Indigenous, people of color, LGBTQIA2S+, women,and members of historically underrepresented communities are highly encouraged to apply.

Job Duties/Responsibilities: 

Coordinate, Organize and Develop the project - 40%

• Lead project team with members from the University of Minnesota Morris, Otter Tail Power Company, OATI and other members that join the team as the project develops.
• In collaboration with team members develop the scope of the project, specifications for procurement and installation of the battery project, and project timelines.
• Support the interconnection process with Otter Tail Power Company and ensure the timely delivery of materials and necessary data collection for the project demonstration to be completed.
• Support the work in collaboration with Otter Tail Power of sub-contractors participating on the project (ranging from technical consultants for electrical design to engineering for battery installation).
• Develop and maintain file management, organize data collection, and track progress towards grant deliverables, which include the technical and economic analyses of the project.
• Develop reporting materials to match timelines for grant funder and project participants.

Monitor Operations and Collect Data - 30%

• Serve as the lead on-site manager during the development of the project and into the operation phase of the project.
• Verify that all data collection systems are operating and that data is being warehoused and available for partners, faculty, and students for research purposes.
• Serve as the point of contact for equipment maintenance and equipment failures.
• Implement and oversee safety protocols.

Program Outreach - 20%

• Conduct tours to explain project and key concepts.
• Present information on the project to various groups and leaders.
• Develop communication materials in support of the project (print materials, banners, features for websites and articles).
• Support efforts of the project to connect to overall campus and community goals for carbon reduction via renewable energy projects.

Additional Responsibilities - 10%

• Other duties as assigned by the Vice Chancellor for Finance and Facilities and support the work of University sustainability goals.

Required Qualifications (8351IS): 

• BA/BS degree, or a combination of education and relevant work experience to equal at least four (4) years.
• Proficiency with personal computers, related hardware/software.

Preferred Qualifications (8351IS): 

• At least one year of experience working in an energy-related field, preferably with solar or energy storage projects.
• Demonstrated project management skills.
• Experience collecting, organizing, and analyzing data from an energy project.
• Demonstrated communication and professional writing skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with a team and positively accept and integrate feedback from a supervisor.
• Experience working with diverse students and community populations.
• Must have logical, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Must be able to work independently, exercise good judgment, and respond to rapidly changing demands.
• An ability and desire to continue learning on the job, including reviewing current literature and troubleshooting.
• Ability to occasionally work for extended periods in outdoor environments.
• Ability to travel occasionally for training, outreach, or research activities.
• Experience with managing projects from start to finish and report preparation.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Required Qualifications (8352IS): 

• BA/BS plus at least two (2) years of related experience or a combination of education and work experience to equal six (6) years.
• Proficiency with personal computers, related hardware/software.

Preferred Qualifications (8352IS): 

• At least one year of experience working in an energy-related field, preferably with solar or energy storage projects.
• Demonstrated project management skills.
• Experience collecting, organizing, and analyzing data from an energy project.
• Demonstrated communication and professional writing skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with a team and positively accept and integrate feedback from a supervisor.
• Experience working with diverse students and community populations.
• Must have logical, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Must be able to work independently, exercise good judgment, and respond to rapidly changing demands.
• An ability and desire to continue learning on the job, including reviewing current literature and troubleshooting.
• Ability to occasionally work for extended periods in outdoor environments.
• Ability to travel occasionally for training, outreach, or research activities.
• Experience with managing projects from start to finish and report preparation.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity and inclusion.

About University of Minnesota Morris

The University of Minnesota, Morris (UMM) provides a rigorous undergraduate liberal arts education, preparing its students to be global citizens who value and pursue intellectual growth, civic engagement, intercultural competence, and environmental stewardship.As a public land-grant institution, UMM is a center for education, culture, and research for the region, nation, and world. UMM is committed to outstanding teaching, dynamic learning, innovative faculty and student scholarship and creative activity, and public outreach. Our residential academic setting fosters collaboration, diversity, and a deep sense of community.

Connections working at University of Minnesota Morris