AmeriCorps Paid Volunteer - Solar Technician & Home Energy Program

Penobscot Nation Housing Authority

Indian Island, ME

If you are interested in environmental stewardship, solar energy and energy efficiency and would like to be trained as a solar technician and home energy program auditor, then volunteering through AmeriCorps may be your ticket to pursue a rewarding high-impact career while serving your country.

AmeriCorps is the federal agency for national service and volunteerism. AmeriCorps provides opportunities for Americans of all backgrounds to serve their country, address the nation’s most pressing challenges, and improve lives and communities. One of their programs focuses on Environmental Stewardship, including reducing utility bills by improving home energy efficiency.

The Penobscot Nation Housing Authority has received grant funding to bring on10 AmeriCorps volunteers to become certified as North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners and Building Science Principle Technicians. This is a VOLUNTEER position, though participants receive a stipend to assist with cost of living during the training period, which runs from February 15th - December 31st, 2024.

The training includes a combination of classroom and hands on work and will be provided in Pittsfield, Brooks, and Indian Island, Maine. Volunteers must have reliable transportation to travel to all three training sites.

There are 3 components to the training:

1)Solar Technician: 300 hours of classroom training, written test, then 1000 hours of hands-on training. Training takes place in Pittsfield.

2)Home Energy Auditor: Classroom and hands-on training towards a BA-T certification, including 1000 hours for certification. Training takes place in Brooks.

3)AmeriCorps: Program review, history, and impact of national service. Every Friday at Indian Island.

What’s Required to Enroll an AmeriCorps Volunteer:

- 18 years of age or older.
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or lawful permanent resident of the U.S.
- Successfully complete a background check and drug screening.
- Desire to learn.
- Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds on a regular basis

Program Details:

- Start / End Date: February 15, 2024 – December 31, 2024
- Schedule / Duration: 1700 hours over 10.5 months

Program Benefits:

- Stipend of $21,675. Stipend is paid out in weekly increments.
- Paid health benefits.
- Childcare assistance, if eligible.
- Education award of $6,895 upon successful completion of program – can be used as a scholarship for college. (Note: may not be used to pay off existing student loans).
- Student loan forbearance.
- Member assistance program.

Upon successful completion of training and credentialing, members will:

- Conduct small solar energy projects within the Penobscot Nation community.
- Conduct site assessments to determine feasibility of a solar PV system installation.
- Install PV modules, inverters, and other components according to industry best practices and electrical codes.
- Connect and configure electrical wiring, grounding systems, and circuit breakers.
- Perform system inspections and troubleshoot issues.
- Provide customer education and support.
- Conduct home energy audits and assessments of residences.
- Identify energy inefficiencies and potential improvements.
- Perform diagnostics tests and inspections of building systems (HVAC, insulation, windows, lighting fixtures).
- Analyze energy consumption data and utility bills; track usage patterns and identify areas for improvement.
- Provide recommendations for energy-savings measures and optimizing building systems.

The Penobscot Nation is a small tribal community of about 700 people. Through this AmeriCorps program, volunteers have the unique opportunity to serve and learn about the Penobscot tribal community and culture. Once trained and credentialed, volunteers will work hands-on and see the results of their training firsthand.

Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, familial status, age, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. 

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AmeriCorps Paid Volunteer - Solar Technician & Home Energy Program