• Job Description

  Req#: fk0v4ua

  Location: Augusta,Maine,United States

  DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

  OFFICE OF INNOVATION

  Telework Available Upon Management Approval

  Opening Date: June 4, 2024

  Closing Date: June 18, 2024

  
  Job Class Code: EA35
  Grade: 35
  Salary: $86,049.60 - $117,270.40/Annually
  Position Number: 014001186

  Purpose:

  The Director of Green Schools at the Maine Department of Education will direct and oversee clean energy, energy efficiency, clean school bus programs, and other decarbonization efforts in coordination with teams across the Department, with the responsibility of supporting state climate initiatives and school units seeking to reduce energy costs, take advantage of state and federal funding opportunities, and improve indoor and outdoor air quality in Maine school buildings. This position will also build connections between decarbonization efforts in Maine schools and climate and clean energy education opportunities for students, working with the Department’s climate education team to develop teaching, learning, and clean energy career education materials related to decarbonization efforts and to engage student voice in these initiatives.

  The position will serve within the Office of Innovation and the Commissioner's Leadership team.

  Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

  • Lead the effort to create a climate vision for Maine schools.
  • Develop building and transportation decarbonization design guidelines, project goals, objectives, initiatives, or strategies in collaboration with other teams within the Department of Education and state government.
  • Support school leaders, teachers, and students in the implementation of green school projects and initiatives.
  • Foster a culture of climate through ongoing organizational communications and education and work with the Department of Education to share stories.
  • Serve as the central point of contact for any and all inquiries on the subject of green schools.
  • Supervise contracted technical expertise in the areas of building decarbonization and clean transportation.
  • Liaise with the Governor’s office, Efficiency Maine Trust, and other staff to coordinate activities and promote new and existing funding and action opportunities.
  • Write or support the development of grant applications, rebate applications or project proposals to secure funding for initiatives such as green school building construction and modernization, renewable energy systems, energy conservation, clean transportation projects, etc.
  • Build effective partnerships with external organizations to support sustainability efforts, including federal partners overseeing the US Department of Education’s Green Ribbon Schools program and the US Green Building Council’s Green Schools program.
  • Support the development of a long-term nomination process for the US Department of Education’s Green Ribbon Schools program, leading to the nomination of green ribbon schools in calendar year 2024 and beyond.
  • Strong analytical and leadership skills
  • Strong organizational skills, including project and task management, and the ability to multitask and prioritize.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to make complex ideas accessible.
  • Ability to navigate complex organizations, develop trust with senior leaders, and build trusted relationships among diverse groups of colleagues and stakeholders.

  MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

  • Demonstrated skills or knowledge in building decarbonization and electric school bus projects and/or technology.
  • Demonstrated experience working with schools or other similar public sector entities; AND
  • At least 5 years of professional experience in green school programming, green building, energy efficiency, renewable energy, energy management, or sustainability fields.
  • A combination of other lived experience and education which results in the knowledge, expertise, and skills resulting from either the educational or career pathways above; OR
  • Graduate level training in Environmental Planning/Policy, organizational sustainability, environmental studies, mechanical or electrical engineering, energy or facilities management, or a related field.

  Benefits of working for the State of Maine:

  No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto—"Dirigo" or "I lead"—as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including:

  • Work-Life Fit – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays , 12 days of sick leave , and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
  • Health Insurance Coverage – The State of Maine pays 85%-100% of employee-only premiums ($10,523.28-$12,380.40 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.
  • Dental Insurance – The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($350.40 annual value).
  • Retirement Plan – The State contributes the equivalent of 18.21% of the employee's pay towards the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS).

  State employees are eligible for an extensive and highly competitive benefits package , covering many aspects of wellness. Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness .

  Note: Benefits may vary somewhat according to specific collective bargaining agreements and are prorated for part-time employment.

  There's a job and then there's purposeful, transformative work. Our aim is to create a workplace where you can learn, grow, and continuously refine your skills. Applicants demonstrate job requirements in differing ways, and we appreciate that many skills and backgrounds can make people successful in this role.

  As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics.

  If you’re looking for a great next step, and want to feel good about what you do, we’d love to hear from you. Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.

  Thinking about applying?

  Research shows that people from historically excluded communities tend to apply to jobs only when they check every box in the posting. If you’re currently reading this and hesitating to apply for that reason, we encourage you to go for it! Let us know how your lived experience and passion set you apart.

  Apply to this job

• About the company

  Maine.gov - Official site includes links to services available online, Governor, state agencies, Legislature, US Congressional delegation, state parks, and tax information.

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