Title: Temporary Professional - Farm Energy Assessor

Executive Area: Academic Affairs

College/School/MBU: College of Natural Sciences

Department: Environmental Conservation

Work Location: Amherst

Schedule: Full Time

Work Arrangement: Hybrid

Job Summary

The Farm Energy Assessor is primarily responsible for conducting U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) aligned farm energy assessments and producing energy improvement plans for farms across Massachusetts. This position focuses on independent field assessment, energy-use analysis, technical report writing, development of actionable recommendations to reduce energy use and operating costs, and improve the implementation of recommended actions.
The Assessor works in coordination with NRCS, UMass Clean Energy Extension, and partner organizations to support farm clients through an energy auditing process, providing guidance on applicable incentive pathways, and contributing to outreach and training activities that support program delivery. This is a field-based, self-directed role requiring technical judgment, strong interpersonal skills, report writing ability, and comfort working independently across a wide range of farm operations and facilities.

Essential Functions

Conduct desk-based review, on-farm site visits, and technical energy assessments for farms across Massachusetts in accordance with NRCS requirements and accepted energy-auditing practice.

Prepare clear, professional energy reports and energy improvement plans that identify energy efficiency, electrification, and operational improvement opportunities, including estimated energy savings, implementation considerations, and economic implications.

Analyze farm energy use across agricultural operations and facilities such as greenhouse heating and cooling, dairy and livestock systems, irrigation systems, cold storage and refrigeration, maple operations, lighting, pumps, motors, and selected mobile equipment applications.

Use spreadsheets, utility data, fuel-use data, site observations, and technical judgment to quantify baseline energy use and evaluate recommended measures.

Coordinate directly with farm clients and NRCS staff throughout the assessment and audit process, including intake, scheduling, site visits, document collection, report development, revision, and final delivery.

Provide farm clients with practical guidance on relevant incentive and funding pathways and connect them with appropriate program contacts; this position supports grant readiness through the audit process itself but is not responsible for preparing grant applications on behalf of clients.

Contribute to outreach activities that support program pipeline development, including fact sheets, presentations, workshops, webinars, and field-based educational events.

Deliver or support training for NRCS staff, partners, and agricultural audiences on farm energy topics.

Maintain organized project records and manage multiple projects and client engagements simultaneously with limited day-to-day supervision.

Contribute to program reporting, grant support, and related activities necessary to sustain the NRCS farm energy program.

Other Functions

Work collaboratively and effectively to promote teamwork, equality and inclusiveness.

Work in partnership with colleagues within the CNS community and across the campus to support the Dean’s strategic priorities.

Perform other duties as assigned in support of the mission and goals of the College of Natural Sciences.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in energy systems, building science, environmental science, agricultural engineering, mechanical or electrical engineering, or a related technical field.

Ability or willingness to learn to independently perform site assessments, analyze energy use, and produce clear technical reports with actionable recommendations.

Experience or willingness to learn energy auditing methods, building or mechanical systems assessment, and estimation of energy savings.

Ability or willingness to learn to independently perform site assessments, apply energy auditing methods, analyze energy use, estimate energy savings, and produce clear technical reports with actionable recommendations.

Strong technical writing skills and the ability to produce professional client-facing reports.

Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple concurrent projects with limited supervision. Strong verbal communication and presentation skills, including ability to communicate technical findings to clients and partner organizations.

Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, and standard office software.

Ability to travel throughout Massachusetts for field visits, meetings, and presentations.

Reliable transportation to travel to survey sites across Massachusetts.

Preferred Qualifications

Two years of professional experience conducting energy audits, energy assessments, or closely related technical energy analysis work. More experienced candidates preferred.

Certified Energy Auditor (CEA), Certified Energy Manager (CEM), Professional Engineer (PE), or comparable energy auditing credential.

Experience conducting ASHRAE Level II or similar commercial, industrial, institutional, or agricultural energy audits.

Familiarity with energy balances or coursework in mass and energy balances

Familiarity with agricultural operations, farm equipment, greenhouse systems, irrigation systems, refrigeration, pumps, fans, boilers, unit heaters, or related farm energy applications.

Familiarity with NRCS conservation practices, technical assistance programs, or agricultural incentive programs.

Experience presenting technical information in trainings, workshops, webinars, or public-facing settings.

Experience supporting clients in identifying incentive or implementation pathways for recommended measures.

Additional Details

Part-time and flexible hours considered.

At UMass Amherst and in CNS, we strive to be a community where every individual feels a sense of belonging, where every individual is included, and where every individual is valued. These values and goals are reflected in the College of Natural Sciences’ Inclusive Excellence framework and in the UMass Amherst’s For the Common Good: 2024–2034 Strategic Plan.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in a laboratory or healthcare setting and may involve exposure to chemicals or infectious diseases. Requires standing for extended periods of time and/or use of protective gear.

Work Schedule and Work Arrangement

Monday thru Friday: 8:30am - 5pm
Part-time and flexible hours considered.

This position has the opportunity for a hybrid work schedule, which is defined by the University as an arrangement where an employee’s work is regularly performed at a location other than the campus workspace for a portion of the week.

Salary Information

Hourly Rate: $30 - $60 depending on experience

Special Instructions for Applicants

Along with your application please include a CV.

This position will remain open for the time period required by any applicable collective bargaining agreement and will continue until a suitable candidate pool is identified. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early.