Background
Severn Wye Energy Agency (SWEA) is a charitable
company, with a programme of work to develop the sustainable use of energy in
the sub-region. Projects cover energy efficiency, renewable energy and
affordable warmth, and include the provision of an Energy Efficiency Advice
Centre (EEAC) for households in Gloucestershire.
SWEA manages the “Lydney Local Power” project with
support from the Energy Saving Trust under the “Innovative Carbon
Reduction Programme”. The aim of this project is to develop a community-led
renewable energy project and energy
efficiency initiatives in the town of
Lydney.
To date the
project has produced a renewable energy study for the town and has run an initial
public consultation on renewable energy.
The
project is a partnership between: Severn Wye Energy Agency, Forest of Dean
District Council, Gloucestershire County Council, the Environment Agency and
Lydney Town Council.
"Local Power" will seek to contribute to
future strategy development to deliver Gloucestershire's contribution to the
national renewable energy target.
Job duration
The job is offered for two years, which is the duration
of the Lydney Local Power project. The development of further work in the field
may enable it to be extended.
The main purpose of the job will be to implement the
Lydney Local Power Project. The project
will establish a community renewable energy generation project in the town of
Lydney. It builds on work already carried out and partnerships developed
through the renewable energy study carried out for Lydney.
A public consultation on renewable energy in Lydney
was carried out in November/December 2001. This identified strong local support
for a range of different renewable energy technologies. The consultation also
encouraged local participation in the project and has established a network of
interested people who will be involved in the development of the project.
The project will:
The project will seek to maximise local involvement
by:
(i)
encouraging local
ownership
(ii)
developing a renewable
energy plant to supply energy to local people.
Responsible to: SWEA Project Manager (Renewables)
Hours of work:
22 hours per week, mainly 9 am to 5 pm. Evening or
weekend work will be
necessary.
Place of work:
Mainly Lydney-based with some work at the
SWEA offices in Mitcheldean with travel within the local area, and occasionally
beyond.
Transport: SWEA policy is to consider
walking/cycling or public transport for every journey. However, the need to carry exhibition
materials and leaflets, and the limitations of rural public transport provision
mean that the use of a car is required.
The employee’s ability to
use their own car to travel within the Lydney area and beyond is a requirement
of this post. Expenses will be reimbursed at standard mileage rates, with the
exception of travel to the SWEA offices, and assuming residency in or near the
area.
Salary: £14,000 - £17,000 pro rata
dependent on experience
(iv)
To organise public
meetings
(v)
To work with the Project
Steering Group and members of the local community to define and prioritise the
renewable energy projects to be developed.
(vi)
To develop and maintain networks
for information provision (newsletter, web resources etc.)
(vii)
To plan and deliver
promotional and awareness raising programmes on any aspect of the project
(viii)
To provide advice and
support to local renewable energy projects, arising from the Lydney Local Power
Project
(ix)
To act as an animateur
when necessary to move projects forward
(x)
To deliver training/presentations
on renewable energy to relevant groups
(xi)
To ensure all
opportunities for implementation of energy efficiency measures are advised upon
and promoted, as part of an integrated approach
(xii)
Provide support to local
organisations in developing energy policies
(xiii)
To maintain careful and
accurate records of all activities and draft reports to the project funders
(xiv)
To set, monitor and
evaluate targets (in particular carbon dioxide reduction targets)
(xv)
To report verbally and
in writing as required
(xvi)
To participate fully in
the SWEA staff team, including team meetings and all procedural requirements
(xiv) To participate in the development of SWEA's wider sustainable
energy programme, and to seek opportunities to develop new projects and
partnerships for the agency.
SWEA staff are expected to carry out their own administrative/IT work, including word-processing, internet research, e-mail, development of training and presentation materials, maintenance of advice records and database, timesheets and expenses records.
Qualities
sought:
Essential
Experience or knowledge of
community development/working with communities
General
knowledge of sustainable energy technologies, particularly renewables
General
knowledge of or interest in infrastructure and current developments relating to
renewable energy and ability/willingness to make effort to keep up to date
Ability
to communicate at all levels, and to provide clear and concise information
about technologies to lay people.
Computer literate: Windows, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, e-mail, internet, database.
Numerate
and literate
Clean
driving licence and own car to use
Ability
to follow office systems, e.g. to keep tidy and efficient records, and to
develop new systems as required
Understanding
of environmental issues relating to energy use
Ability
to negotiate and to handle potentially confrontational situations
diplomatically and constructively
Experience in cross-sectoral partnerships
Experience of press and media work
Based
in Gloucestershire – or willingness to re-locate
Knowledge
of business planning and budgets