RENEWABLE. Career Pathways to Connecticut s ENERGY JOBS

Transcription

1 RENEWABLE Career Pathways to Connecticut s ENERGY JOBS

2 Introduction to Career Pathways in Green Energy Industries The Connecticut Business and Industry Association s Education Foundation, in collaboration with the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL), has created a series of energy-sector career pathways materials to assist job seekers with career planning. These career pathways identify many of the current and emerging green energy occupations in Connecticut and outline the education and experience required for advancement in these industries. Career pathway data were compiled using various state and national resources, including O*NET, the Connecticut Department of Labor (DOL), and the U.S. DOL s Bureau of Labor Statistics; industry websites such as iseek.org and mesa.greenjobshiring.com; and major job boards, such as CareerBuilder, Monster, and Indeed. Connecticut educational partners, including the Center for a Sustainable Future and the Connecticut Community Colleges, also contributed relevant information. Job titles, descriptions, salaries, and educational levels were validated for Connecticut by a cross section of state energy sector employers through focus groups and individual interviews. These included employers representing solar and geothermal energy, energy services, biomass, and energy efficiency (residential and commercial). The pathways are organized into four broad sector categories: Alternative Energy, Renewable Energy, Residential Energy Efficiency, and Commercial Energy Efficiency. Alternative Energy (including biofuels and fuel cells) is energy that neither depletes natural resources nor results in negative environmental consequences. Renewable Energy generates electricity, heat, or fuel from renewable sources such as solar, wind, geothermal, hydropower, and landfill gas and municipal solid waste. Energy Efficiency uses technologies or practices to improve energy efficiency within residential or commercial buildings. Lists of related occupations were developed for three job types: Trades and Technical Careers, Audit and Assessment Careers, and Sales Careers. Within each job type, occupations were grouped according to the level of education or training required. This format shows job seekers how skills can transfer from one job type to another and illustrates the job progression within each job type. For example, an experienced salesperson can move from selling fuel cell components to selling solar panels (across job types) with additional specialized technical training, or he/she can move from an inside sales representative position to that of a regional sales manager (within the same job type), with additional education and experience. There is encouraging news for job seekers the employment outlook in green energy is promising! The following information points to industry growth within the sector and outlines some of the training and skill sets needed to meet those demands. (continued)

3 Energy efficiency will play a key role in creating jobs in the energy sector. Governor Malloy s new Comprehensive Energy Strategy for Connecticut calls for an expanded commitment to all cost-effective energy efficiency through programs that will reach all sectors and all buildings government, municipalities, universities, colleges, schools, hospitals, places of worship, commercial and industrial facilities, and homes, including houses, apartments, condos, and senior living centers with a special focus on small businesses and the low-income community. It also goes beyond a traditional focus on upgraded lighting and weatherstripping to deliver deeper efficiency gains in heating, air conditioning, ventilation, insulation, windows, furnaces, boilers, and refrigerators and other appliances, as well as process efficiencies in manufacturing. Connecticut s Renewable Portfolio Standard, which calls for a significant increase in the use of Class I renewables by 2020, will expand the need for renewable/alternative energy solutions. Innovative financing mechanisms through Connecticut s first-in-the-nation Green Bank (the Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority ), standardized energy efficiency performance contracts, and zero (and low) emissions renewable energy credits are expected to induce private-sector investment in the industry and assist businesses with long-term planning. d salespeople will be needed in all energy sectors to support business growth. Strong communication and interpersonal skills are essential in energy-sector pathway jobs. OSHA 10 certification is required for many energy jobs. The level of education and experience required for many jobs is based on the scope and complexity of the job. (For example, energy audits for single-family residential dwellings can be conducted by individuals with a high school diploma and BPI certification, while commercial energy auditors typically need a minimum of a bachelor s degree and experience.) Most alternative/renewable and energy efficiency employers are small, lean business enterprises with fewer than 50 employees. Hiring for energy efficiency jobs tends to increase in the fall/winter, when the demand for services increases. We hope readers will find this document helpful as a career development planning tool as well as a way of encouraging individuals to pursue rewarding careers in the green energy sector. Career Pathways In Green Energy Industries is a project of the Connecticut Energy Workforce Development Consortium, made possible with support and funding from the Workforce Solutions Collaborative of Metro Hartford and the U.S. Department of Labor s State Energy Sector Partnership Grant awarded to the Connecticut Department of Labor.

4 Renewable Energy Trades and Technical Job Progressions Entry Points Bachelor and Above Level or (Senior and Above) Transition Points and Requirements Transition Requirements: years related experience -Bachelors Degree -Professional Engineer Certification Production Manager/Planner Plant Manager Project Manager Environmental Engineer Electrical or Mechanical Engineer Electrician E1 (Contractor) HVAC Contractor Associate Level or (Mid to Senior) Transition Requirements: -2-3 years related experience -A.S. Engineering,Tech, or Industrial Maintenance -NABCEP Certification Project Manager HVAC Photovoltaic System Designer Electrician E2 Geothermal System Designer Emissions Field Supervisor PV/Wind/Solar Thermal Installer Electrical or Mechanical Engineering Certificate Level or (Entry to Mid) Transition Requirements: -On-the-job Training -Technical School - with electrical systems and machine operations Electrician Apprentice Wind Field Service Turbine Machinist Solar Thermal Installer Component Cell Machinist Geothermal (HVAC) HVAC Apprentice (Geothermal) Photovoltaic Installer Plumber Heat Exchanger Installer Entry Level/ School Diploma Electrical Equipment Assembler Solar Thermal Installation Helper Photovoltaic Installer/Assistant Material Mover/Handler Geothermal Pre-apprentice HVAC Pre-apprentice FOUNDATIONAL SKILL SETS Basic Math and Science Skills Multi-tasking Equipment Usage/Monitoring Understanding of Electrical Circuits Highly Organized Quality Control Analysis Understanding of Basic Biology Time Management Reading Comprehension Mechanical Skills Attention to Detail Troubleshooting Skills Team-Work Skills

5 Renewable Energy Trades and Technical Job Progressions Entry Points Job Title Job Description Education/Training Wage Ranges Production Manager /Planner Ensure that complex projects which involve many departments are completed on schedule. They review production, work and shipment schedules and coordinate activities between departments. They report on the progress of work, inventory levels, costs, and production problems. B.A. + project management, software experience, several years of related work experience $67,000 Bachelor and Above Level or (Senior and Above) Electrical or Mechanical Engineer (wind/solar) Mechanical engineers in the wind industry design the mechanical equipment that is needed to produce electricity from wind. They plan and design tools, engines, machines, and other mechanical equipment, oversee installation, operation, and maintenance of equipment such as wind turbine gearboxes, blades, generators, frequency converters, and pad transformers. Electrical engineers in the wind and solar industry design electrical equipment that is needed to produce electricity from wind and the sun. Electrical engineers design, develop, test, or supervise the production and installation of electrical equipment, components, or systems. B.A. in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering with Professional Engineer (PE)Certification. Several years of experience in renewable energy may be required. Refer to CT. Dept. of Consumer Protection for specific certification needed in the solar industry. $85,000 (electrical) $81,000 (mechanical) Environmental Engineer (wind) Environmental engineers in the wind industry determine wind farms in the best location to prevent any potential environmental damage due to wind farming. Use engineering principles to prevent or control environmental health hazards, explain environmental regulations to business owners, inspect wind farms to make sure that they are in compliance with regulations, get permits, or make recommendations to improve process. B.A. in Environmental Engineering or Environmental Science with Professional Engineer Certification. Several years of experience may be required. $92,000

6 Plant Manager Plan, direct, or coordinate the work activities and resources necessary for manufacturing products in accordance with cost, quality, and quantity specifications. B.A. Industrial Management, manufacturing experience, 5-10 years related work experience preferred. (more complex projects) $95,000+ HVAC Contractor (see definition under Associate Level) B.A. not necessary but 4-5 years experience, apprenticeship, S1 license $72,000 Project Manager Electrician E1 (Contractor) Manage and direct the implementation of energy efficiency and or energy-related projects (including design, budgeting, scheduling, prequalification, selection and management of contractors/subcontractors and equipment vendors, structuring project-related contracts, maintaining close contact with the customer, coordination with government and utility programs, oversight of project measurement and production of customer deliverables on time and on budget. Install, maintain, and repair electrical wiring, equipment, and fixtures. Ensure that work is in accordance with relevant codes. May install or service lights, intercom systems, or electrical control systems. B.A years experience (preferably in sales) B.A. not necessary but 4-5 years experience, journeyman, E1 license, OSHA 30. Refer to CT. Dept. of Consumer Protection for additional certifications. $82,000 $75,000 Associate Level or (Mid to Senior) Electrical or Mechanical Engineering (wind/solar) Mechanical engineering technicians apply theories and principles of mechanical engineering to modify, develop, and test machinery. They work under the direction of engineering staff or physical scientists. Electrical engineering technicians in the wind and solar industry work on developing the electrical components needed and modify electrical machinery and equipment in plants and laboratories. A.S. degree in Electrical, Mechanical or Electromechanical Engineering. May also require Apprenticeship training. Refer to CT. Dept. of Consumer Protection for additional certifications. $50,000 - $75,000

7 Geothermal System Designer Designs and plans installation and retrofit of geothermal energy systems A.S. degree engineering technology, HVAC, plumbing background helpful. $40,000 - $70,000 Field Supervisor Field supervisors directly supervise and coordinate the activities of construction and trades workers engaged in energy efficient upgrades. They supervise the work of HVAC technicians and other workers to ensure that each component functions as part of a greater system. A.S. degree,osha 30 certification needed. (Refer to CT Dept. of Consumer Protection for additional certifications. $40,000 - $60,000 Installer (Wind, Solar, Thermal, PV) Install, maintain, operate or repair energy systems designed to collect, store and circulate wind, solar and thermal energy for residential, commercial or industrial use. On-the-job training, 2-3 years work-related experience, apprenticeship in electrical or construction trades preferred. NABCEP PV Installer certification preferred. Plumbing license typically required. $40,000 Wind Turbine (installer) Install or repair wind energy systems designed to collect, store and circulate wind-powered energy for residential, commercial or industrial use. Requires an A.S. Energy Management Systems or Engineering Technology. May require Certified Maintenance and Reliability Certification $37,000 - $58,000 Project Manager (refer to definition under B.A. Level) less complex projects A.S. degree + related work experience. n/a Photovoltaic System Designer Designs and plans installation and retrofit of Solar power systems Associate Degree in Electrical Engineering Technology. NABCEP Certification required $50,000 - $75,000 Electrician Install, maintain, and repair electrical wiring, equipment, and fixtures. Ensure that work is in accordance with relevant codes. May install or service lights, intercom systems, or electrical control systems. E2 journeyman (see definition under Certification Level) Refer to CT Dept. of Consumer Protection for additional licensing. $57,000

8 Emissions Analyze air emissions typically connecting electronic equipment to analyze emissions control systems. They detect malfunctions and can fix problems within the systems. EPA Method 9 certification, 2-3 years related experience. Automechanic training, trade school, A.S. degree preferred $42,000 HVAC (Geothermal) Monitor and adjust operations of geothermal equipment or systems. Identify and correct malfunctions of geothermal equipment, electrical systems, instrumentation or controls. Apprenticeship, S or D HVAC license. Trade school a plus. May require IGSHPA certification. $50,000 - $75,000 Electrician Apprentice Install, maintain, and repair electrical wiring, equipment, and fixtures. Ensure that work is in accordance with relevant codes. May install or service lights, intercom systems, or electrical control systems. Requires apprenticeship as an electrician + journeyman. Refer to CT Dept. of Consumer Protection for additional certifications. $21,000 - $46,000 Certificate Level or (Entry to Mid) HVAC Apprentice (Geothermal) Wind Field Service (see description under Associate Degree level) Inspect, diagnose, adjust, or repair wind turbines. Perform maintenance on wind turbine equipment including resolving electrical, mechanical, and hydraulic malfunctions. apprenticeship + journeyman H.S. diploma, may require apprenticeship in Industrial Mechanics or Maintenance Technology. May need Standard Maintenance Electrician Certification. Refer to the CT Dept. of Consumer Protection $30,000 $37,000 - $58,000 Turbine Machinist (wind) Wind turbine machinists use machines to build or repair wind turbine parts, operate machine tools such as lathes, drill presses, and milling machines. They use their knowledge of metal and tools to make wind turbine components that are precise sizes and shapes. H.S. diploma or equivalent. May require apprenticeship in machining. May require Certification from the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) $43,000

9 Component Cell Machinist Set up and operate a variety of machine tools to produce precision parts and instruments. Includes precision instrument makers who fabricate, modify, and perform machining procedures. Requires apprenticeship in machining. May require several years experience or A.S. Industrial Technology $43,000 Plumber Plumbers study blueprints, drawings, and building codes. They inspect structures to determine materials and layout, select pipe sizes and types and related materials, such as supports, according to needs. They lay out the job to fit piping into the structure of the building with the least amount of waste. They install and repair water, drainage, and gas pipes, water lines and plumbing fixtures. 4 years related work experience + apprenticeship and journeyman. $57,000 (solar - $80,000 - $100,000) Photovoltaic (installer) Install, maintain, operate and test photovoltaic equipment designed to collect, store and circulate solar energy for residential, commercial or industrial use. On-the-job training. Apprenticeship in electrical or construction trades preferred. NABCEP PV Installer Certification preferred. Journeyman required if doing piping., ST1 license $35,000 - $55,000 Geothermal (installer) Install, maintain or repair geothermal energy systems designed to collect, store and circulate geothermal energy for residential, commercial or industrial use. Journeyman required if doing piping. Apprenticeship, ST1 license $50,000 - $75,000 Heat Exchanger Installer In the geothermal industry, heat exchange installers install heat exchanger equipment ST1 license, plumbing,hvac experience preferred. $45,000 - $70,000 Solar Thermal (installer) Install, maintain or repair solar energy systems designed to collect, store and circulate solarheated water for residential, commercial or industrial use. On-the-job training. Apprenticeship in electrical or construction trades preferred. NABCEP PV Installer Certification preferred. S2 & $40,000

10 ST1license. Journeyman required if doing piping. HVAC Preapprentice Electrical Equipment Assembler (see description under Associate degree level) trade school, on-the-job training n/a Electric equipment assemblers build and install electrical components that are used in wind turbine parts. They assemble equipment such as computers, test equipment, telemetering systems, electric motors, and batteries that are needed for wind systems to function effectively. High School Diploma or. May require trade school training in electromechanical studies. May require IPC (Institute of Interconnecting and Packaging Electronic Circuits) certification $30,000 Entry Level/High School Diploma Material Mover Handler Geothermal pre-apprentice Photovoltaic Installer Assistant Material movers carry stock or other items around a manufacturing site. Material movers manually move freight, stock, or other materials. They may also perform other unskilled general labor. (see description under Certificate level) Assists the photovoltaic technician with installing, maintaining, operating and testing photovoltaic equipment designed to collect, store and circulate solar energy for residential, commercial or industrial use. High School Diploma or. May require Certified Associate in Materials Handling Certification trade school, on-the-job training. Need valid CT license, OSHA 10 required. High School Diploma or. May require NABCEP entry-level certification or electric preapprenticeship. $30,000 $20,000 - $30,000 $20,000 - $30,000 Solar Thermal Installation Helper Assists solar systems technician with installing maintaining or repairing solar energy systems designed to collect, store and circulate solarheated water for residential, commercial or industrial use. High School Diploma or. May require NABCEP entry-level certification $20,000 - $30,000

11 Renewable Energy Audit and Assessment Job Progressions Entry Points Bachelor and Above Level or (Senior and Above) Associate Level or (Mid to Senior) Transition Points and Requirements Transition Requirements: -2-3 years related experience -Certified energy manager -A.S. degree, Industrial Sciences Transition Requirements: years related experience -Bachelors Degree -Certified Energy Manager Energy Auditor Energy Advisor Solar Thermal Inspector Site Auditor Quality Engineer Quality Assurance/Quality Control Inspection Specialist Certificate Level or (Entry to Mid) Entry Level/High School Diploma Transition Requirements: -On-the-Job Training -Technical School Training -Industry. Site Auditor Helper Site Auditor FOUNDATIONAL SKILL SETS Basic Math and Science Skills Multi-tasking Equipment Usage/Monitoring Understanding of Electrical Circuits Highly Organized Quality Control Analysis Understanding of Basic Biology Time Management Reading Comprehension Mechanical Skills Attention to Detail Troubleshooting Skills Team-Work Skills

12 Renewable Energy Audit and Assessment Job Progressions Entry Points Job Title Job Description Education/Training Wage Ranges Bachelor and Above Level or (Senior and above) Energy Auditor Develops energy and water conservation projects, including energy and costing calculations, and field commissioning activities. Analyzes energy and utilities data, data collections, energy calculations, identifying and providing recommendations for energy and water efficiency improvements as well as renewable energy opportunities, recommending process improvements to operations, and related duties. Develop measures to achieve energy and water conservation, improve sustainability and increase renewable applications. BS in mechanical engineering or energyrelated technical field is required or equivalent experience. Certified Energy Manager designation is preferred or must have the ability to obtain. For more complex jobs, need a B.S., if residential, B.S. not needed. $65,000 - $100,000 Associate Level or (Mid to Senior) Energy Advisor Quality Assurance / Quality Control Inspector Advises, educates and assists members with questions about electric utilization and supply, including wiring, energy efficiency, weatherization, conservation, renewable energy, HVAC systems, generators, motors, lighting, grain drying, electric machinery, irrigation, and other residential and agricultural electrical devices. Conduct QA/QC review of plant processes and equipment. Answer employee and customer questions regarding subcontractor or energy advisor visits. Conduct post combustion safety testing. Inspect work to verify that the energy process and output measures have been conducted to quality standards. A.S.degree in Industrial Sciences with experience in electrical and mechanical equipment. HVAC Certification is preferred. Minimum 3 years experience in residential insulation work, energy conservation and residential energy auditing. BPI Certification preferred. $54,000 $45,000 - $75,000 Quality Engineer Conducts quality review and testing on processing equipment to ensure safety and effectiveness. Develop analysis reports identifying ways equipment and processes can be modified to reach higher levels of productivity. Industrial Maintenance Certification required. Associates degree in Engineering Technology may be required. GMP Certification preferred $50,000

13 Solar Thermal Inspector Inspect solar thermal structures using engineering skills to determine structural soundness and compliance with specifications, building codes and other regulations. Minimum two year degree or apprenticeship training. May require up to a Bachelors degree in engineering. Solar Thermal Contractor (ST-1) licensure preferred. $50,000 - $60,000 Certificate Level or (Entry to Mid) Site Auditor Site Auditor The Site Auditor will provide professional site auditing services to gather and communicate the necessary structural and electrical information to the design team for the preparation of permit ready documents to facilitate the installation of solar electric and energy efficiency systems. (More complex systems) See definition above in Associate Level. (Less complex systems) Industry in Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. NABCEP & technical sales, IGSHPA accredited installer, Certified Safety Manager Certification preferred. A.S. or B.A. may be required. Industry in Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. Certified Safety Manager Certification preferred. NABCEP & technical sales, IGSHPA accredited installer $68,000 $40,000 - $55,000 Entry Level/High School Diploma Site Auditor Helper Help the lead Auditor provide professional energy efficiency audit and analysis services that include: conducting safety tests, weatherization and HVAC measures to save energy and improve comfort, health and safety. Test homes and conduct quality control inspections to verify satisfactory work completion. Minimum of 1-3years experience in a discipline related to construction or building sciences; estimating or site auditing experience is preferred. May require HVAC or related certification. $25,000 - $40,000

14 Entry Points Bachelor and Above Level or (Senior and Above) Associate Level or (Mid to Senior) Renewable Energy Sales Job Progressions Transition Points and Requirements Transition Requirements: -Bachelors Degree Transition Requirements: -2-3 Years Related Regional Sales Manager Senior Energy Consultant Account Executive Marketing Manager Solar Sales Residential Canvasser Sales Engineer/Site Evaluator Sales/Marketing Consultant Energy Advisor Certificate Level or (Entry to Mid) Transition Requirements: -On-the-Job Training Solar Sales Representative Data Manager Account/Territory Manager Solar Thermal Assessor Entry Level/High School Diploma Technical Support Representative Customer Service Representative Inside Sales Representative Administrative Assistant FOUNDATIONAL SKILL SETS Interpersonal Skills Multi-tasking Writing Skills Active Listening/Speaking Skills Highly Organized Relationship Management Team-Work Skills Time Management CRM Computer Proficiency Customer Service Skills Attention to Detail

15 Renewable Energy Sales Job Progressions Entry Points Job Title Job Description Education/Training Wage Ranges Sales Manager Sales managers in renewable energy companies often function as both high-level managers and hands-on supervisors of sales staff, due to the small size of many energy businesses. They may set pricing schedules and promotions, prepare sales projections, consult with clients regarding complaints or other issues, set staffing levels, conduct hiring and firing of salespeople, and generally oversee a firm's sales activities. B.A. plus work experience $90,000- $110,000 Bachelor and Above Level or (Senior and Above) Regional Sales Manager Marketing Manager Develop and sell large, complex,service offerings to high-level wholesalers, distributors and utility/commercial/reit customers. He/she will also assist in service sales and marketing strategy development in conjunction with the regional power authorities. Responsible for the planning and execution of marketing plans to sell a company s product(s), including planning, pricing and distribution. Translate business objectives to develop a brand and develop strategies based on market projections. B.A. in Engineering, Business, Marketing or Related Field plus 8+ years work experience in field B.A. in marketing, communications or related field. $100,000 + $80,000 Average Account Executive Has primary responsibility for an account, whether it s an individual account or a company. He/she can work individually or have responsibility for a team. They target and contact key decision makers and develop positive relationships to secure new projects opportunities, sales volume, and market share. Monitor account plan progress, including market conditions, customer needs, competitive activity and provide progress and execution updates. B.A. marketing, sales experience in renewable energy preferred. $62,000

16 Senior Energy Consultant Involved in resource assessment, due diligence, site planning and permitting, feasibility studies, innovative technology evaluation, project proposal evaluation, market assessments, strategic planning, policy evaluation, project management and economic analysis. Identify new clients and manage client relationships, provide innovative cost saving solutions and develop specific work programs for clients. Bachelor s Degree in Engineering, Environmental Science or related field $96,000 Associate Level or (Mid to Senior) Energy Advisor Sales/ Marketing Consultant Sales Engineer/Site Evaluator Advises, educates and assists members with questions about electric utilization and supply, including wiring, energy efficiency, weatherization, conservation, renewable energy, HVAC systems, generators, motors, lighting, grain drying, electric machinery, irrigation, and other residential and agricultural electrical devices. Promote and sell products or services to clients and customers. Act as a liaison between the company and a client as they strive to meet and exceed the needs of the customer. Maintain contacts and build lasting relationships based on trust and integrity. Sell business goods or services, the selling of which requires a technical background equivalent to a B.A. in engineering. Excludes "Engineers" whose primary function is not marketing or sales. A.S. in Industrial Sciences with experience in electrical and mechanical equipment. HVAC Certification is preferred. A.S. degree in marketing, communications or 2-3 years sales experience. Requires at least an A.S. engineering technology, BA preferred in a technical and/or engineering background. Sales experience preferred. $54,000 $61,000 $84,000 Solar Sales Residential Canvasser Canvassing in neighborhoods initiating conversations with homeowners, offering them the opportunity to receive an evaluation of how clean energy solutions can save them money. You will also serve this vital role in other face-toface lead generation environments as those channels are developed. Responsible for working with other members of sales team. 2-4 Year Degree Preferred Unknown

17 Solar Thermal Assessor Contact new or existing customers to determine their solar equipment needs, suggest system or equipment, or estimate costs. Assess sites to determine suitability for solar equipment, using equipment such as tape measures, compasses and computer software Tech school, related on-thejob experience or an A.S. degree. Certified Safety Manager Certification preferred. May require Bachelor degree $45,000 - $70,000 Data Manager (sales) Oversees the storage of sales information and keeps up with current data base designs and applications. They also design and implement new systems. 2-3 years experience $46,000 Certificate Level or (Entry to Mid) Account/ Territory Manager Responsible for improving revenue and developing sales methods for a geographical area. Works on specific accounts and is responsible for growing revenue within those accounts. Gets involved with the marketing, logistics and engineering departments to determine how to better grow revenue for his/her territory. 2-3 years related work experience in renewable energy $69,000 Solar Sales Representative Sell products or services related to solar systems. Because of the technical nature and relative novelty of the systems, sales representatives are often called on not only to sell the product, but also to explain the technology to customers and answer highly technical questions related to the systems. with solar industry + certification $60,000 - $84,000 Technical Support Representative Technical support representatives use their knowledge of solar systems to assist clients with questions about their products and help troubleshoot issues they may be having. The positions exist in both solar manufacturing and installation firms. Because solar firms are often small, support duties are sometimes assigned to other employees, such as sales representatives, who can use their knowledge of the products to assist customers. Moderate on-the-job training $30,000-$40,000

18 Administrative Assistant Performs administrative functions, including scheduling appointments, faxing/copying documents, ordering office supplies, reading/routing incoming mail, drafting/typing routine correspondence; designs and maintains office filing and organization systems. Perform routine clerical and organizational tasks, organize files, draft messages, schedule appointments, and support other staff. High School Diploma $40,000 Inside Sales Representative Responsible for generating new business through sales and marketing initiatives in a business to business environment. Generates business leads and assists the marketing manager with lead generation and market analysis. on-the-job training, 2 years related work experience preferable. $37,000 Customer Service Representative Interact with customers to provide information in response to inquiries about products and services and to handle and resolve complaints. High School Diploma or $20,000 - $30,000 A project of the Connecticut Energy Workforce Development Consortium, made possible with support and funding from the Workforce Solutions Collaborative of Metro Hartford and the U.S. Department of Labor s Connecticut State Energy Sector Partnership Grant.