Tribal Energy Consultant

Job Description

New Energy Nexus (NEX) is an international not-for-profit organization that supports clean energy entrepreneurs with funds, accelerators and networks. We started in California and have expanded operations into China, India, Southeast Asia, East and West Africa, and Australia. Our mission is to support diverse entrepreneurs to drive innovation and build equity in the global clean energy economy. Our goal is to support 100,000 startups to succeed by 2030 - a decisive decade to surface and support as many climate solutions as possible. Through our global network, we directly boost hundreds of entrepreneurs annually while uplifting thousands more. Since 2004, New Energy Nexus (up until recently known as California Clean Energy Fund) has leveraged $1.5 billion in investment, supported over 900 clean energy startups, and launched industry-leading centers for solution collaboration.

As part of NEX's global network, New Energy Nexus California (NEX CA) is building a more inclusive innovation ecosystem to support entrepreneurs leading the race to the top. The energy transition is underway, and we're convening the necessary technologies, partners and communities to ensure an equitable and just transition. With 20+ years of experience guiding diverse entrepreneurs through the early stages of technology development into commercialization and impact, the New Energy Nexus California team focuses on the full lifecycle of entrepreneur development and technology commercialization.

The Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians (TMDCI) is a federally recognized Tribe with a rich cultural heritage and a commitment to sustainability and community well-being. Located in the Coachella Valley in Southern California, the Tribe is dedicated to preserving its traditions while embracing innovative approaches to economic and environmental challenges.

About the Role & Opportunity

The Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians are seeking a highly qualified and motivated Tribal Energy Consultant to advance the Tribe's energy initiatives defined in the Energy Roadmap. Key responsibilities include taking ownership of the Energy Roadmap, manage funding and energy grants, project planning, providing technical assistance and capacity building, and engaging the community to improve energy literacy and participation. The Tribal Energy Consultant will collaborate with the Tribe's economic development and other intergovernmental departments to integrate energy decisions into comprehensive planning efforts and day to day operations.

The Tribe has several exciting energy initiatives underway that would immediately be managed by the Tribal Energy Consultant. These include a solar and battery microgrid at Tribal government facilities, a Tribal utility feasibility study, and a Tribal planning project to attract large energy users to the Reservation.

While the contract for this work will be managed by New Energy Nexus California, the Tribal Energy Consultant is an independent contractor, not an employee, and is responsible for the method and means of delivering on the Scope of Work. The Consultant will be expected to attend regular meetings and stakeholder collaborations necessary for project completion at the TMDCI offices. The Consultant will report on the status, progress, and completion of deliverables to the TMDCI Tribal Council.

As this is an independent contractor opportunity, the selected individual will be responsible for their own taxes, insurance, and business expenses, including providing their own equipment (computer, software, and tools) necessary to complete the work.

Core Responsibilities

Ownership of the Energy Roadmap

• Update, maintain, and execute the Tribe's Energy Roadmap.
• Regularly review and update the Energy Roadmap to reflect changing needs, opportunities, and technological advancements.
• Identify and prioritize energy projects and initiatives in alignment with the Tribe's goals and objectives.

Funding and Energy Grant Management

• Identify and pursue funding opportunities, including federal, state, and private grants.
• Coordinate the preparation and submission of grant applications and proposals.
• Manage awarded grants, ensuring compliance with all reporting and regulatory requirements.
• Monitor and report on the financial status of all energy-related grants and projects.

Project Planning and Implementation

• Lead the planning, design, and implementation of energy projects, in partnership with contractors and key partners
• Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders to ensure successful project execution.
• Oversee (or conduct) feasibility studies and conceptual designs for proposed projects.
• Monitor project progress, timelines, and budgets, and provide regular updates to leadership.

Technical Assistance and Capacity Building

• Provide technical assistance and guidance to Tribal departments and community members on energy-related matters.
• Develop and deliver training programs to build internal capacity and expertise.
• Stay abreast of the latest energy technologies, best practices, and policy developments.

Community Engagement

• Engage with the community to raise awareness and understanding of energy issues and initiatives.
• Organize and participate in community meetings, workshops, and events.
• Gather and incorporate community feedback into energy planning and decision-making.

Financial Oversight and Energy Reporting

• Oversee the financial management of energy projects and programs.
• Develop and manage budgets, ensuring fiscal responsibility and accountability.
• Prepare and submit regular energy reports to Tribal leadership and funding agencies.

Reliability and Resiliency Planning

• Assess and enhance the reliability and resiliency of the Tribe's energy infrastructure.
• Develop and implement plans to mitigate energy-related risks and vulnerabilities.
• Collaborate with emergency management and other relevant departments to ensure energy security.

Interdepartmental Collaboration

• Work closely with other Tribal departments to integrate energy considerations into broader planning and operations.
• Facilitate cross-departmental communication and coordination on energy-related issues.
• Support the development and implementation of energy policies and procedures.

Contractor Management

• Select, manage, and evaluate contractors and consultants for energy planning and deployment projects.
• Develop and negotiate contracts and agreements with service providers.
• Ensure contractor performance and compliance with project specifications and standards.

Strategic Partnerships

• Build and maintain strategic partnerships with external organizations, such as Imperial Irrigation District, California Energy Commission, government agencies, service providers, and industry groups.
• Represent the Tribe in regional and national energy forums and initiatives.
• Leverage partnerships to advance the Tribe's energy goals and access additional resources.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Energy Management, Environmental Science, Engineering, or a related field. A Master's degree is preferred.
• At least 5 years of experience in energy management, sustainability, or a related field, preferably with Tribal experience
• Demonstrated knowledge of energy technologies, policies, and best practices.
• Strong project management skills, with experience in planning, implementing, and managing energy projects.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage and inform diverse audiences.
• Proven ability to secure and manage grants and funding for energy projects.
• Experience working with Tribal communities and an understanding of Tribal governance and culture is highly desirable.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Proficiency in Google Workspace and Microsoft Office Suite and other relevant software applications.

Benefits

The Consultant will be compensated for services rendered based on a project-specific rate, which will be determined in a separate Statement of Work (SOW) based on the project's scope and the Consultant's qualifications. This compensation model ensures that the rate is tied to the specific project deliverables and not a fluctuating hourly rate for general services. The total compensation will not exceed $72 per hour for a maximum of 2,080 hours, or a flat project fee of up to $150,000, depending on the agreed-upon arrangement. This contract has a total potential term of three years, consisting of an initial one-year term followed by up to two subsequent one-year renewal terms, each of which requires the mutual written agreement of both parties.

The Consultant will be responsible for all business-related expenses, including equipment, materials, taxes, and insurance, as well as travel expenses to attend in-person meetings. The Consultant will not receive any employee-related benefits, such as health insurance, paid time off, or retirement contributions.

Payments will be made upon the successful completion of each milestone or deliverable as defined and outlined in the SOW.

How to Apply

• Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter. Click the "APPLY FOR THIS JOB" button below to begin your application.
• Application deadline: Priority deadline is November 16, 2025 and applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until filled.
• Interview process: Qualified applicants will participate in a series of interviews via Zoom. There will be 2-3 rounds of interviews, including an in-person interview with TMDCI Tribal members.
• Accommodation: If you require accommodations during the interview process, contact us with your request.

Tribal Preference

Although not a requirement for submission, TMDCI will prioritize applications from TMDCI Tribal members.

Travel

In addition to in-person meetings at TMDCI offices as needed, the selected consultant is expected to be available for community events and on-site meetings with external stakeholders outside of TMDCI offices as required by project deliverables, up to 2-4 times per month. The consultant is responsible for covering their own travel expenses.