Heating/Cooling Coach - Two Positions

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Abode Energy Management (Abode), working with the Concord Municipal Light Plant (CMLP), seeks to reduce the substantial contribution of residential heating systems to Concord’s carbon footprint by promoting weatherization and electrification with heat pumps. This temporary, part-time position will work directly with Concord homeowners to coach them through the often complex and confusing process of selecting among multiple equipment and installer options. In-depth training on heat pump technology and ongoing mentoring will be provided by Abode’s Heat Pump Specialist. We are seeking an individual who is familiar with home systems and installer interactions, and who will interact in a professional yet neighborly manner with homeowners. The ideal candidate is knowledgeable about the energy use of conventional home heating/cooling systems as well as heat pumps, and is also committed to reducing residential carbon footprints while remaining sensitive to cost, architectural, and aesthetic concerns.  Heat Pump Coaches will be compensated an hourly rate of $25/HR.  

The Heating/Cooling Coach will work closely with CMLP on a regular basis to ensure that program goals are met at every step of the process.  At times, CMLP will engage directly with the Heating/Cooling Coach regarding customers, projects, and program updates.  Abode believes that this collaboration will serve as a model for other communities seeking to support electrification among their residents.  

COVID Policies and Practices

In accordance with CDC and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts guidelines, Abode will take all necessary precautions to protect the health and well-being of our team, customers, and communities.  This position is primarily remote, although some field visits may be required. In all circumstances, Abode will provide the necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) per CDC and state guidelines, as well as work with customers to ensure compliance while employees are in their home.  

PRIMARY DUTIES

• Gather information from a homeowner regarding home’s existing conditions and the homeowner’s needs and priorities. Information gathering tools include questionnaires, home energy assessment reports, virtual meetings and home visits. Home visits are carried out at the discretion of the coach and homeowner using COVID-safe practices.

• Analyze historical energy use data provided by homeowners to supplement energy assessments.

• Use a spreadsheet model, if provided by Abode or CMLP, to estimate energy and cost savings due to heat pump adoption.

• Prepare recommendations and suggested next steps for homeowners that address their needs and reduce their home’s carbon footprint.

• Communicate in a responsive manner with homeowners, CMLP colleagues, energy auditors, and installers by email, phone, in person and other means such as web conferences.

• Provide resources to homeowners to help them identify installers best suited to their needs.

• Provide homeowners with guidance on procuring comprehensive proposals from installers.

• On homeowner request, attend installer visits to their home, using COVID-safe practices.

• Assist homeowners in evaluating quotes from installers and suggesting follow-up questions and requests to the installers.

• Provide information on CMLP and other applicable rebate programs.

• Be available during the installation process to answer questions that may arise for the homeowner.

• Follow up with homeowners after installation to identify lingering issues, if any; assess their satisfaction, and collect energy use data.

• Participate in training provided by Abode on heat pump technology and coaching principles and practices.

• Participate in regular virtual meetings with Abode’s Heat Pump Specialist, CMLP staff and/or other heat pump coaches to share experiences and best practices.

• Market the Heating/Cooling Coaching Service by reaching out to homeowners who may benefit from installing heat pumps, gathering testimonials from homeowners who have installed them and creating promotional content.

• Complete work in a timely and accurate manner.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Excellent communication skills, verbal and in writing

• Good understanding of energy concepts and ability to convert between different energy units

• Good understanding of heat pumps, including types (e.g. ducted vs. ductless, air-source vs. ground source, heat pump water heaters), sizing, performance specs, and controls

• Familiarity with weatherization options

• Strong interest in energy efficiency and carbon footprint reduction

• Sensitivity to homeowner concerns such as cost, comfort, aesthetics, and disruption during installation.

• Ability to communicate technical matters to a general audience. 

• Punctual and dependable, showing up on time and following up in a timely manner.

• Proficient in creating and editing documents in Microsoft Word and Excel or the equivalent Google tools

• Polite, professional, and appropriate conduct at all times

• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• A college or university degree, preferably in an engineering or scientific discipline

• Minimum 5 years of professional work experience

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Employee works from home and is provides computer, printer, phone and other office equipment as necessary.

• A valid driver’s license and a personal vehicle are required to enable visits to client residences. [Mileage expenses will be reimbursed]

• Employee must not be an owner, employee, contractor or supplier for a heat pump manufacturer, distributor, designer or installer, or have any other potential conflict of interest that could influence them to elevate other interests over what is best for the coaching client.

OTHER DETAILS

Two job openings are available for this job description. These openings are funded by CMLP, in part by a grant provided by the American Public Power Association. The positions may be continued after the grant ends.

The most qualified candidates will be invited to one or more interviews and/or other assessments. All applications will be notified of their standing in the process as soon as a decision has been made regarding their individual applications.

Appointments of candidates will be contingent on the results of pre-placement conditions including a motor vehicle record check, and a drug screening. Costs of these pre-placement requirements will be borne by Abode.  

WORKING CONDITIONS & PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Position requires ability to tour homes outside and inside, including walking stairs. Balancing, crouching, grasping and stooping may also be required. Also requires extensive use of communications devices including mobile phones, tablets, and personal computers, and typical office equipment.

Position requires flexibility in work hours in order to schedule meetings at weekday, evening and weekend times that are convenient to homeowners.

Applicants must have a valid driver license and reliable transportation options.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to do this job. The above is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee, and is subject to change by the employer, as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

Abode is an equal opportunity employer who values diversity. In particular, we’re dedicated to broadening opportunities for individuals from demographic groups that are historically underrepresented in the clean energy economy. We’re committed to building an inclusive workplace culture where talented people of widely diverse backgrounds can thrive. We are actively seeking people who bring diverse backgrounds and perspectives to join us in this work.