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Just In! for January 7, 2023
The weekly newsletter of the New York Geothermal Energy Organization (NY-GEO)
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Just In! is NY-GEO's weekly news feed for members. NY-GEO's calendar-year memberships are open to everyone and available for as little as $35. See more information on memberships here.
Please be sure to check out the Contractor Corner as well as Events and Jobs sections below.
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NYSERDA – Clean Heating and Cooling Case Studies – The NYS Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) has published an important resource on their website – a map linked to case studies of ground source and air source heat pump installations across NY State. The map features a variety of installations - from new builds to retrofits, and from low-income multifamily projects, to a luxury high rise, to many different types of single-family homes. See the map and access the case studies here. | |
Your Input Sought on NY’s Clean Heat Program - Department of Public Service (DPS) staff has filed their halfway point review of the Clean Heat program (and more broadly of the New Efficiency: New York initiative) and is looking for input. Staff has sprinkled 42 questions throughout the report to stimulate public feedback on improving the program. DPS filing here (link can be very slow). | |
LA – All-Electric New Construction Starts in April 2023 – Olivia Walker and Megan Ross - NRDC - This year, Los Angeles will become California’s largest city to implement a ban on natural gas in new buildings. That’s thanks to an ordinance unanimously approved last month by the City Council which requires that new buildings within city limits be constructed with all-electric appliances. The law — which requires electricity to be used for everything from space and water heating systems to cooking equipment — will apply to most new buildings approved by the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety after April 1. Thanks to Brynn Fuller-Becker of NYers for Clean Power for this tip. Read more here. | |
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Leaders of Strategic Concepts in Organizing and Policy Education (SCOPE LA), which organized support for the gas ban
PSC Energy Storage Roadmap Ignores Geothermal Loops – The NYS Public Service Commission has released a 104-page Energy Storage Roadmap, and a word search of the document for “geothermal”, “ground source” or “heat pump” finds no matches. Geothermal ground loops are a potentially massive source of long duration energy storage that are not considered in this report. Ground loops store a building’s heat in the ground during summer and access that heat over the winter season, while also accessing the solar energy that is absorbed by the ground every year. The Roadmap projects spending between $1.0 billion and $1.7 billion of ratepayer money for 4.7 GW of short duration (2-4 hour) storage. Press release with a link to the report here.
|  | Cumulative Impacts Bill signed by Governor Hochul - The bill (S.8830/A.2103D), addresses the disproportionate burden on disadvantaged communities from pollution-generating facilities. It ensures that cumulative impacts are taken into consideration in the State’s environmental permitting processes when potentially polluting facilities seek permits in disadvantaged communities. According to WE ACT for Environmental Justice, a key supporter of the bill, “It’s a historic move, making New York the second such in the nation. This legislation is a major step in reducing the health impacts and financial burdens fueled by environmental injustice.” Read more here. | |
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Study Released on Gas Stoves and Asthma in Children – Ben Adler – Yahoo News – “Gas stoves are responsible for 12.7% of U.S. childhood asthma cases, a new study in the peer-reviewed International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health has found… The study was based on a meta-analysis from 2013 on the correlation between gas stoves and childhood asthma, which found that living in a home with a gas stove corresponds to a 42% higher chance of current childhood asthma.” These new findings come amid increased pressure on regulators to address the health risks associated with gas stoves. Consumer Product Safety Commissioner Richard Trumka Jr. recently opened the door to regulating or even banning gas stoves entirely due to their health risks. Read more here.
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Op Ed: Fossil Fuel Front-Group Seeks to Halt New York’s Climate Progress - Richard Schrader & Isabel Friedman – Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) – Op Ed in the Gotham Gazette – “It’s beyond dispute that the fossil fuel industry has perpetrated a multi-decade misinformation campaign that has led some policymakers, the media, and much of public opinion down a rabbit hole of climate denial. Now they’ve got their sights on New York State’s climate legislation and initiatives. The cynically dubbed front group “New Yorkers for Affordable Energy” has paid for attack ads against several key bills moving through the State Legislature, including the All-Electric Heat in New Construction bill, which would mandate electric heat in new buildings starting later this decade, and the Gas Transition and Affordable Energy bill, which would end customer subsidies for gas industry expansion and create cost protections for low- and moderate-income households.” Read more here.
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https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/astroturfing
Great Lakes Offshore Wind Study – From the Study - “In October, 2020, the State of New York Public Service Commission (Commission) issued an Order requiring the commencement of a feasibility study of Great Lakes Wind (GLW). In response, the New York GLW Feasibility Study described herein considered potential wind energy development in New York State waters of Lake Erie and Lake Ontario through a framework that balanced environmental, maritime, economic, and social issues with consideration of market barriers and costs…. For Lake Erie, developing a 400-MW fixed bottom project in NYS could support 4,100–7,900 FTE job years and generate $590 million to $1.1 billion in GDP during the construction phase, depending on which State content scenario is assumed. For Lake Ontario, a 400-MW floating wind project could support 6,900–10,500 FTE job years and generate $960 million to $1.5 billion in GDP, depending on the scenario.” Study here
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Sierra Club Report on Utility Climate Pledges – “We score utilities based
on their plans to retire coal, not build new gas plants, and build clean energy by 2030. Utilities are graded on a scale of 0 to 100, earning points by committing to retire coal and add clean energy and losing points by adding new gas. The original report evaluated electric utility companies’ plans and actions as of December 2020. This edition considers their plans and actions as of July1, 2022. Because NY utilities are ”decoupled” and not generally permitted to own power generating facilities, they are not listed in this report. Thanks to Anne Rabe of NYPIRG of this tip. Full national report here.
|  | Huge Opportunities and Huge Threats Loom for US Clean Electricity in 2023 – Jeff St. Johns – Canary Media –“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. Observers of U.S. clean energy markets might be feeling like they’re trapped in a Dickens remake: A Tale of Two Diverging Market Trends. Never have the long-term prospects for clean energy investment been stronger — and yet, it’s been half a decade since U.S. clean energy deployments have been as weak as they were this year.” Read more here. |  | NY State of Wind: Future Looks Breezy for Offshore – Samantha Maldonado - The City - South Fork Wind will have 12 offshore turbines generating electric power for East Hampton, Long Island by year’s end. This is the first step in meeting the commitment, under the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act of 2019, of nine gigawatts of offshore wind power by 2035. Three additional wind farms off Long Island’s south shore are scheduled to come on-line later this decade. NYSERDA estimates that developing offshore wind farms will create 10,000 jobs in NYS. Plans and initial steps for job training, creating new operation and maintenance facilities, and repurposing existing facilities are underway. Read more here. |  | Turn Off the Gas, Turn on the Magnets – Bill McKibben – The Crucial Years – “I have been arguing for some time now that we’ve reached the point in human history where we should stop setting stuff on fire: coal, oil, biomass, or in this case the “natural gas” that’s found on cookstoves across the country… Happily, we live at a moment when the problem is easily fixed. The magnetic induction cooktop, like the electric heat pump, is a miraculous piece of technology. It uses magnets to heat up pots and pans and cook your food. (Don’t ask me how). The stove doesn’t get hot (see the below of the man sticking his hand next to the pan of boiling water) but the food does… And it’s cheap. (A link in the article)… will take you to an Amazon offer of an induction cooktop for less than $60. I used this model quite happily for years (as did the thousands of other reviewers) until we broke down and installed a full induction cooktop.” Read more here. |  | |
2023 RHN Legislative Agenda - The Renewable Heat Now Campaign is organizing to win funding and policies that will get fossil fuels out of our buildings affordably and equitably. The legislative package includes the All-Electric New Building Act (S6843c/A8431b)- Kavanaugh/Gallagher) that would sunset fossil fuels in new construction starting January 1, 2024 . It also includes the Gas Transition and Affordable Energy Act – (S8198/A9329) - Krueger/Fahey) and the Energy Efficiency, Equity and Jobs Act (S3126c/A3996c) – Parker/Hunter).
| More on the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022: | |
IRS: 179D Tax Deduction Announcement – Anne S. Levin-Nussbaum, Greg M Benson – Mintz – “On Friday, December 23, 2022, the IRS published Announcement 2023-1, 2023-1 IRB 1 (the “Announcement”), which sets forth a new reference standard for energy efficient commercial building (“EECB”) property for purposes of the deduction under Section 179D and clarifies the application of the existing reference standard following changes made by the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (“IRA”). The Announcement is effective January 1, 2023. Thanks to Ralph DiNola of the National Building Electrification Network for this tip. Read more here. |  | Tech Manual Revised - NYS has revised their Technical Resource Manual, which governs calculations of energy savings, and has filed Version 10. There are several revisions related to heat pumps plus weatherization that may be of particular interest. They've added heat pump clothes driers and induction cooktops per the stakeholder slides they showed in a 2022 12 13 presentation (link can be slow). | |
NY-GEO Member Map-Here's the map we refer folks to when we get requests for services or interest in a geothermal install.
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Click here or on the image above to see the live version of the map
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You’ve Got to Be Kidding:
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2023 01 10 – Co-ops -Weatherization and Electrification Together – Preparing for the IRA Incentives – 1:00 -2:00 pm ET - Hear from the Beneficial Electrification League Hear from leaders at Anza Electric Cooperative (CA), Flint Electric Membership Cooperative (GA), and Minnesota Valley Electric Cooperative (MN) about their pilot programs. Learn about their initial efforts, why they decided to do these pilots, the opportunities, the challenges, and next steps as they prepare for the federal incentives scheduled to start in 2023. Register here.
2023 01 10 – Governor Hochul’s State of the State Address – 1:00 pm ET – Link coming soon
*2023 01 11 - Updates to Residential GSHP Tax Credits in the IRA - 11:30 am - 12:30 pm ET - IGSHPA Town Hall – Register Here - Speaker: Ryan Dougherty, President – the GeoExchange Organization.
*2023 01 11 – IRA Implementation Webinar -1:00 – 2:00 pm ET- The Federal Electrification Policy Coalition “has been a leading source of expertise on the IRA’s electrification provisions…. panelists will give a high-level overview of the IRA implementation schedule for the building electrification provisions as we know it, highlight information that the federal agencies have requested as part of comment periods, and provide the FEPC's thoughts and recommendations on how to implement these provisions effectively…. This is the second installment, which will focus on the Defense Production Act (DPA) and the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GHGRF), but all questions are welcome. The first installment focused on buildings-related tax credits and affordable housing. You can Register here. and submit questions in advance as desired.
*2023 01 12 – Clean Heat Program Stakeholders Meeting – 9:00-10:00 am ET - The NYS Clean Heat Utility Joint Management Committee (JMC) will host the next quarterly meeting of the Working Group Series for Participating Contractors and Industry Partners. This series is billed as an ongoing platform for contractors and industry partners affiliated with NYS Clean Heat to discuss program improvements and address questions related to the program. The PSC’s interim review of the Clean Heat program and Con Edison’s relaunch are among the agenda items for this session. Meeting link here.
*2023 01 12 – Electrification: Consumer Demand and Awareness as We Enter 2023 – 5:00 pm ET – Energy Circle – “The Inflation Reduction Act is pushing the electrification movement in a very serious way and benefits of electrification continue to dominate the news. However, the question remains: at the consumer level, is this resulting in a change in demand, or a fundamental shift in awareness around whole home electrification? Join (Energy Circle) CEO and Founder Peter Troast…as he examines the answers to these questions on whole home electrification—and more.” Register here.
2023 01 12 – Renewable Heat Now Power Hour – 7:00-8:00 pm – ET Renewable Heat Now (RHN) is organizing intensively for a package of NY legislature bills designed to aid NY’s transition to clean, fossil-fuel free heating. Join RHN for its monthly strategy meeting designed to inspire and inform. Register here.
*2023 01 13 - Member Forum Features Thermal Load Discussion- 3:00 pm ET - Join NY-GEO’s weekly Friday discussion group to hear about a system known as TEES, which is designed to balance thermal loads and maximize the heat exchange process between a ground loop and the surrounding earth. Mike Roppelt from GSS Integrated Energy Ltd. will discuss this system. Click here, passw “geo” to join.
2023 01 19-20 - Residential Retrofits for Energy Equity (R2E2) On-Line Summit Training Sessions – "A partnership of the American Council for Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE), Elevate, Emerald Cities Collaborative, and HR&A Advisors, R2E2 will offer guidance on energy upgrade financing models, economic inclusion, navigating the complexities of the affordable housing sector, and engaging with community-based organizations to ensure proposals reflect community needs. The summit will feature interactive, in-depth sessions on leveraging federal funding, community-driven planning, and the multiple benefits that residential retrofits can bring to communities. The summit is free and community-based organizations are eligible to receive stipends for their participation." Those interested in receiving periodic updates and information about the upcoming summit can Register here.
2023 01 24 – Renewable Heat Now Albany Lobby Day – “Join (220) leading climate groups from Buffalo to Long Island as we converge on Albany to demand that Governor Hochul and the legislature pass key climate legislation this year… Burning gas, oil, and propane in our homes and workplaces is bad for New Yorker’s wallets, harms our health, and is destroying the climate. We have solutions! We can transition to renewable heating and cooking and save New Yorkers money by enacting three important bills: All-Electric Building Act (S6843C|A8431B of 2022), Gas Transition and Affordable Energy Act (S8198|A9329 of 2022) Energy Efficiency, Equity, and Jobs Act (S3126C|A3996C of 2022).” (The day will start with) “a rally and press conference in the State Capitol to push Governor Hochul to include these vital bills in her proposed budget. Then we will break into lobby teams (no prior lobbying experience necessary) to talk to our elected representatives and win their support for these important bills.” Registration form for the live Albany event as well as virtual lobbying opportunity here.
*2023 02 16 - Networked Geothermal Heat Pump Systems as an Alternative to Natural Gas - 11:00 am -12:00 pm ET John P. Ciovacco, CGD, the President of Aztech Geothermal will be giving a virtual presentation the rapidly emerging topic of Networked Geothermal Heat Pump Systems. The seminar will cover the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), expanding and extending federal tax incentives, the Utility Thermal Energy & Jobs Act (UTENJA) requiring all major utilities to file their plans for networked geothermal pilot projects and NYSERDA’s Community Heat Pump Systems program. This seminar is only one session in the larger two-day Capital District Engineers Week designed to give engineers the opportunity to earn up to 10 PDH credits over two days (5 sessions/day), February 16th & 17th for a flat $150 registration fee. Information and registration.
2023 04 26-27 – SAVE THE DATES - NY-GEO '23 - our annual conference at the Wolf Road Marriott, Albany, NY
Can You Find Your Picture from NY-GEO 2022? – Over 1,000 pictures from NY-GEO’s annual conference have made it to the web. See if you can find yourself among the 450 who took part in this groundbreaking event that annually celebrates and advances the most efficient and economical way to heat and cool our homes and places of work. Check out these pictures shot by Rachel Collett and John Ciovacco. Here’s Day 1 and here’s Day 2
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List of Climate Tech Job Boards - Elaine Reddy – Ad Hoc Group – The Ad Hoc Group has put together a list of 27 climate tech related job boards.
PWGC Environmental Engineers, Bohemia, NY - Geothermal Engineer – PWGC, a multi-year award-winning environmental engineering firm seeks an experienced professional engineer for closed loop geothermal projects in the downstate New York area. Expert knowledge of commercial building sciences, mechanical system design, conventional HVAC, heat pump technologies, building automation and energy modeling applications. This position requires 5-10 years related experience, bachelor’s degree in civil, mechanical or chemical engineering and a PE License. Advanced knowledge of CAD 3D and 4D software and REVIT. Interested? Send your resume to hr@pwgrosser.com or apply on our website at pwgrosser.com/careers
PUSH Policy Coordinator - People United for Sustainable Housing (PUSH Buffalo) seeks a Policy Coordinator to support the work of the Policy & Strategy department, with a focus on local, state, and regional climate and environmental justice policies in the areas of transportation electrification, power generation, building decarbonization, and equitable investment. (listed 2022 08 27) The posting is available here
Sustainable Westchester - Clean Energy Associate, EnergySmart Homes. (Location: Mount Kisco, NY) - The Community Energy Advisor (CEA) is a full time position at Sustainable Westchester. This position will provide assistance, direction, organization, coordination of programs that work to inform residents, multifamily building owners, and small businesses, with an emphasis in low-to-moderate income and priority communities, of the options for adopting clean energy strategies in their homes and businesses. $50k-$60k/year. (listed 2022 08 06) The posting is available here
Sustainable Westchester - Marketing, Communications and Outreach Director. (Location: Mount Kisco, NY) The Director of Marketing, Communications and Outreach will be responsible for developing and implementing Sustainable Westchester’s marketing, communication and outreach plans & strategies including public relations, digital communications, key messaging, storytelling and brand experience. $75k-$80k/year. (listed 2022 08 06) The posting is available here
Clean Energy Associate (PAID INTERNSHIP) - Sustainable Westchester aims to educate and train the next generation of leaders in sustainability in Westchester. We hire students and recent graduates who have the skills, passion, intelligence and maturity to take on significant responsibility to help bring clean energy solutions to our residents. Throughout the duration of the position, associates may work with elected officials, municipal leaders, community members, subject matter experts, and consultants to provide a one-of-a-kind experience. We are committed to providing these valuable work opportunities to people from communities that have been underrepresented in the environmental field. (listed 2022 08 06) See Sustainable Westchester website for more.
Rewiring America – Federal Senior Policy Manager – The FSPM will own and drive critical efforts to influence federal policy initiatives. This role will manage the Federal policy team and lobbyists, lead the strategy and execution of federal policy, oversee targeted research and the drafting of key content, and provide critical perspectives in support of the multi-pronged policy strategy for Rewiring. This important work will continue and grow Rewiring America’s ability to affect federal policy, removing key barriers for electrification. (listed 2022 07 09) The posting is available here.
Rewiring America – Local Policy Director - With a clear vision, smart strategies, and significant and sustained financial support, Rewiring America is growing rapidly. As the Local Policy Manager on the Policy team you will lead on efforts to influence local policy initiatives around the country, particularly in public schools. This role will drive policy strategy, targeted research, support the drafting of policy and campaign documents, and provide input into the policy team’s public school electrification work. (listed 2022 07 09) The posting is available here.
Sierra Club Campaign Representative - Building Electrification (Location: MA/CT) - The Sierra Club seeks a strategic, collaborative, and equity-focused Campaign Representative to advance initiatives to end fossil fuel use in homes and buildings across Massachusetts and Connecticut. In this newly created position, the Campaign Representative will join a regional team that is working to address the climate crisis by moving the Northeast from dirty to clean energy… They represent Sierra Club to government officials, the media, business and community leaders, allies and other organizations, and the public. (listed 2022 07 09) The posting is available here.
The Climate Solutions Accelerator of the Genesee Finger Lakes Region – Is looking to hire two staff members:
· The Manager of Organizational Programs will lead our efforts to educate, inspire, and support businesses and nonprofits that want to take action on climate.
· The Program Director will be in charge of developing an exciting new program that we're not allowed to talk about until our contract with the funder is fully executed (which makes the hiring process a bit complicated). (listed 2022 05 28). The posting is available here.
Hudson Valley Climate Leadership Coordinator-The Hudson Valley Regional Council is hiring for a full-time Climate Leadership Coordinator. The successful applicant will carry out tasks related to the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation’s Climate Leadership Support Services Program for the seven-county Mid-Hudson Region. The Regional Council is looking forward to welcoming another collaborative, passionate, and motivated member to the team! (listed 2022 05 14) The posting is available here.
Alliance for a Green Economy (AGREE) – is excited to announce that our organization is growing, and we are looking to fill the key position of Research Fellow. We seek passionate, intelligent, and kind people who work well both independently and as part of a team, and who are ready to roll up their sleeves and get stuff done.” (listed 2022 04 09).
Acadia Center is Hiring - for an energy efficiency and building energy justice manager, a senior energy attorney and a climate and energy policy analyst (listed 2022 03 05) Click here for more information.
“Energy Department Will Recruit 1,000 Additional Staffers For New Corps To Tackle The Climate Crisis • The DOE is starting up a Clean Energy Corps to help implement the bipartisan infrastructure law and develop clean-energy solutions to the climate crisis, the agency said. It will hire 1,000 new employees through a newly launched hiring portal.” (from 2022 01 14 Green Energy News) [CNN]
HVAC Project Manager – Aztech Geothermal, Ballston Spa, NY – Aztech Geothermal, a well-respected Geothermal Heat Pump design-build contractor, is seeking an experienced HVAC Project Manager responsible for estimating project costs, purchasing/sourcing materials & equipment, project planning including management of technicians and subcontractors. This position requires 3-5+ years' experience in Residential &/or Commercial HVAC, including AC/heat pump equipment, power and control wiring, HVAC plumbing, and sheetmetal/air distribution systems. Strong candidates must be comfortable with computers and common Microsoft programs with ability to learn industry specific analysis software. Interested? Send your resume to info@aztechgeo.com.
Mechanical Design Engineer – Geothermal Focus – CHA Consulting - CHA Consulting, Inc. is an innovative, full-service engineering consulting and construction management firm working to responsibly improve the world we live in. Currently seeking a PE mechanical engineer with experience in the design of geothermal systems to support building scale and district geothermal project development, feasibility, design and construction. CGD certification preferred. Rochester, Syracuse, Albany, Northern NJ or Boston based. More here (Listed 2021 10 04)
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Sierra Club Seeks Expert on “Renewable Natural Gas” - Sierra Club is looking for a new expert for PUC proceedings across the U.S. on "renewable natural gas" (including biomethane), synthetic gas and hydrogen. Experience with utility regulation and gas utility business models is a plus. If you have any recommendations, please email: Amneh Minkara (amneh.minkara@sierraclub.org)
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UHAB is Hiring -UHAB (Urban Homesteading Assistance Board ) is hiring a Project Associate focusing on Energy Services, including Co-ops Go Solar, Clean Heat for Co-ops, and other energy efficiency and energy-reducing renewable technology partnerships... We also have a few other positions posted, for a part-time Affordable Housing Loan Officer, and a full-time Project Associate on the Co-op Improvement Program who’ll provide services to distressed affordable buildings. All of the job postings are viewable on our website here. I appreciate your help to get the word out within your networks!” From email from Emily Ng.
Aztech Geothermal is Hiring- Seeking an Experienced Heat Pump Technician in NY's Capital District - Aztech Geothermal is looking for an Experienced Residential HVAC Technician in the Capital Region to join our growing installation and service business based in Ballston Spa. Geothermal heat pump experience a plus. but not required; we are willing to train the right individual. Our company is based in Ballston Spa and principally serves the Capital District, Hudson Valley and Western Massachusetts. More Information
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“Dandelion Energy is growing its Drilling Department and we are looking for Senior/Master Drillers to operate our new rigs and lead our on-site drilling efforts for residential geothermal projects.In this role, you will make a significant impact in redefining how residential ground heat exchangers are installed which will lay the groundwork for Dandelion’s future growth and success. The Senior Driller will be directly responsible for the production rate of geothermal boreholes, the operation, and maintenance of equipment, the safety of on-site workers, and delivering feedback to both the Operations and Engineering team on how to optimize the overall process. For more information about the Senior Driller opening please apply here: https://boards.greenhouse.io/dandelionenergy/jobs/4879245002
Not a Senior Driller? check out our other exciting opportunities on our career site: https://dandelionenergy.com/jobs”
Ongoing – NYSERDA is hiring! The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) has ongoing recruitment opportunities. Join our email list or check this page periodically to learn about new career opportunities. All qualified individuals will be evaluated for each relevant position for which they apply. Opportunities include:
NYSERDA Career Opportunities
NY Green Bank Career Opportunities
Paid Fellowship Opportunities
Paid Internship Opportunities
To learn more about NYSERDA, please visit our social media channels.
NY-GEO is not necessarily notified when jobs are filled. If you find one of these jobs are no longer available, please let us know.
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