Distributed Energy Resources (DER) Program Specialist

Wabash-Valley-Power-Alliance; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Wabash Valley Power is seeking a Distributed Energy Resources (DER) Program Specialist to lead and grow our DER offerings, including battery storage, distributed generation, and demand response, serving member cooperatives and customers.

You will manage programs, coordinate projects, provide technical guidance, and develop educational materials to expand participation while tracking performance and report outcomes for grid reliability and energy resilience.

Qualifications

• Highly detail-oriented with accuracy in program management.
• Ability to work independently and across departments.
• Proactive in identifying opportunities for program improvement.
• Comfort with evolving technologies and regulatory requirements.
• Strong relationship-building with stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Manage and support DER programs: battery storage, distributed generation, demand response, standby generation, and new tech.
• Collaborate with member cooperatives, customers, vendors, and contractors to implement projects.
• Provide technical guidance on DER technologies and program requirements.
• Monitor program performance and prepare reports showing impact and value.
• Lead onboarding, coordination, and readiness for programs and projects.
• Develop educational materials and trainings to engage members and customers.
• Identify opportunities to improve processes and scale future offerings.

Skills

Attention to detail

Self-motivated

Initiative

Adaptability

Interpersonal skills

Education

PMI PMP

CEM

NABCEP Solar PV Associate

Job description

• Full-time

Company Description

Headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, Wabash Valley Power is a not-for-profit electric cooperative and wholesale provider of reliable, affordable electricity to our 21 electric distribution member cooperatives. These cooperatives in turn serve more than 280,000 homes, businesses, and farms in Indiana and Illinois.
As a not-for-profit co-op, we do things a bit differently—and that’s the point. Because we aren’t influenced by shareholders, we make our decisions with our members in mind. That means we value things like teamwork, and putting families first. It also means a business model that’s designed for stability and growth. It’s a Deliberately Different approach to the energy industry, and that’s great news for the people who count on us.

What You'll Get
We believe what benefits our employees benefits our company. That’s why we put employees first—your health, your family, and your development. These aren’t just slogans: We offer continuing education, flex time, health benefits, a 401(k) match and pension plan, and much more. Here are just a few of the things that make our company culture unique:

• No Sweat - We offer a wellness program that includes a payroll credit for medical insurance, an on-site fitness center for your convenienceand extra vacation days for participating. We’ll even throw in a fitness devicereimbursement to keep you on track!
• Flex Time - Our flexible schedule means you can work in your appointments or family events andmaintain a comfortable work-life balance.
• Stay in School -We value employees who have a desire to learn, so we provide funds for continuingeducation. We also offer in-house training and ongoing development through ourinternal GROW program.
• Keep it Casual- When you work for us, you work in comfort. Blue jeans are the norm in our office, andwe make them look good!
• Work Hard, Play Hard - We reward our employees with generous vacation time, to the tune of up to five weeks offa year. Even our new employees receive credit for prior work experience.

Job Description

Help Shape the Future of Energy

Are you energized by emerging technologies, renewable energy, and innovative solutions that strengthen the electric grid? Join WVPA as a Distributed Energy Resources (DER) Program Specialist and play a key role in expanding programs that connect distributed generation, battery storage, standby generators, demand response resources, and other cutting-edge energy technologies with the communities we serve.

In this role, you'll help develop, manage, and grow WVPA's portfolio of DER programs while serving as a trusted resource to member cooperatives, customers, vendors, and industry partners. You'll combine technical knowledge, project management, and relationship-building skills to deliver programs that support grid reliability, energy resilience, and the evolving energy needs of the future.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone who enjoys solving problems, working with innovative technologies, analyzing data, and making a meaningful impact in the rapidly changing energy industry.

What You'll Do

• Manage and support distributed energy resource programs, including battery storage, distributed generation, demand response, standby generation, and emerging technologies.
• Partner with member cooperatives, customers, vendors, and contractors to successfully implement projects and expand participation.
• Serve as a technical resource on DER technologies, program requirements, and operational best practices.
• Monitor program performance, analyze data, and develop reports that demonstrate the value and impact of DER initiatives.
• Lead participant onboarding, project coordination, and operational readiness activities.
• Develop educational materials, trainings, presentations, and communications to support member and customer engagement.
• Identify opportunities to improve program processes, enhance customer experience, and scale future offerings.
• Stay current on emerging technologies, market trends, and industry developments that shape the future of distributed energy.

Qualifications

Qualifications

Professional Skills

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and collaboratively across departments.
• Demonstrated initiative in identifying opportunities for program improvement and innovation.
• Ability to adapt to changing technologies, regulatory requirements, and business needs.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build productive working relationships.

Certifications (Preferred)

• Project Management Professional (PMP)
• Certified Energy Manager (CEM)
• NABCEP Solar PV Associate or equivalent renewable energy certification
• Other utility, energy, or renewable energy-related certifications

Additional Information

Travel Requirements

• Ability to travel periodically throughout the WVPA service territory and attend industry conferences, training programs, and member meetings.
• Valid driver's license required

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines

Job Location