Renewable energy jobs at Clean Energy Resource Teams

  • Clean Energy Resource Teams

    Company Overview

    Name

    Clean Energy Resource Teams

    Headquarters

    Saint Paul, MN, United States

    Founded

    2003

    Size

    Approximately 10 employees (source: cleanenergyresourceteams.org).

    What They Do

    Clean Energy Resource Teams (CERTs) is a nonprofit partnership organization that focuses on catalyzing community-based energy planning and projects centered around renewable energy and efficiency throughout Minnesota. Founded in 2003 as a statewide initiative by the Minnesota Department of Commerce, CERTs operates under a decentralized structure, coordinating efforts through the University of Minnesota Extension's Regional Sustainable Development Partnerships. This unique setup allows CERTs to engage with local communities effectively, leveraging part-time regional coordinators and steering committees across seven geographic regions, including the Twin Cities metropolitan area (source: revisor.mn.gov, cleanenergyresourceteams.org). The organization emphasizes community-scale renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, biomass, geothermal, and energy storage, while also providing essential services like technical assistance, project planning, and grant-seeking support to help communities identify and utilize local resources effectively (source: cleanenergyresourceteams.org).

    Projects & Track Record

    CERTs has played a pivotal role in facilitating hundreds of community-led initiatives since its inception, focusing on energy efficiency retrofits, solar installations for schools and farms, and assessments for wind and geothermal systems. While specific project names, locations, capacities, or costs are not publicly detailed, the organization serves as a catalyst for these initiatives, empowering local communities to take charge of their energy futures. Ongoing efforts include administering CERTs Seed Grants for small-scale clean energy projects, which support local priorities identified by regional steering committees comprising utility representatives, county commissioners, and technicians (source: cleanenergyresourceteams.org, cleanenergyresourceteams.org). The organization’s geographic presence is exclusively within Minnesota, having expanded from six initial regions to seven, including the metro area, thereby enhancing its ability to support diverse communities across the state (source: revisor.mn.gov).

    Recent Developments

    In 2023, CERTs celebrated its 20th anniversary, marking two decades of community-led action in clean energy transitions. The organization highlighted its achievements through various stories, events, and tools, although no major contracts, acquisitions, or funding rounds have been reported in recent years. CERTs continues to maintain steady operations amid Minnesota's evolving clean energy policy landscape, focusing on its seed grant programs and ambassador initiatives without specific new awards or milestones documented (source: cleanenergyresourceteams.org). A potential affiliation with the Great Plains Institute has been noted, indicating support for CERTs as a partnership, but confirmed acquisition details remain inaccessible (source: betterenergy.org).

    Working There

    Job seekers interested in opportunities with CERTs can find roles primarily in program coordination, outreach, and technical assistance. The organization focuses on regional operations, seed grants, and the development of tools and guides related to renewable energy and efficiency. Hiring occurs across its seven Minnesota regions, including the Saint Paul headquarters, with positions often listed on their dedicated Jobs section and Job Board (source: cleanenergyresourceteams.org). The company culture is rooted in collaborative, community-driven values, fostering inclusivity through diverse steering committees composed of advocates, officials, and technicians who are passionate about local energy solutions (source: revisor.mn.gov). While specific benefits are not publicly detailed, positions are likely aligned with public university offerings, including flexible schedules and professional development opportunities in sustainability (source: youtube.com).


    Last updated on Feb 23, 2026 | Report an issue

Get job alerts

Get renewable energy jobs delivered weekly to your inbox

Join Talent Pool

Let clean energy employers find you

Renewable energy blog posts

  • A solar power plant in Dunhuang

    Renewable Energy Forecast for 2030

    By 2030, renewables are poised to supply nearly half of global electricity, with solar and wind leading this explosive expansion. In this data-driven piece, we explore job creation forecasts, supply chain bottlenecks, and policy hurdles.
  • Solar photovoltaics is the fastest-growing renewable energy technology globally

    Fastest Growing Renewable Energy Sector: Data and Trends

    In 2023, solar photovoltaics surged by 32.59%, officially making it the fastest-growing renewable energy source worldwide. Yet offshore wind, which soared by 57.87% in 2021, remains a formidable competitor in total electricity output due to its high capacity factor. This concise overview highlights how policy incentives, cost reductions, and manufacturing advances are propelling solar to the forefront of the global energy transition.
  • Career Opportunities in Solar Energy

    Career Opportunities in Solar Energy

    The solar energy sector is experiencing unprecedented growth, with over 7.1 million jobs in solar PV alone as of 2023. For professionals considering a career shift into renewable energy, solar offers pathways across R&D, manufacturing, project development, and operations.