NGVAmerica Seeks Director of Technology & Sustainability

ABOUT NGVAmerica:

NGVAmerica is the 200-member national trade association for the U.S. natural gas vehicle industry. The organization is dedicated to the development of a growing, profitable, and sustainable market for vehicles powered by natural gas or biomethane in on-road and off-road vehicle, rail, and marine applications. NGVAmerica member companies produce, distribute, and market natural gas and biomethane across North America, manufacture and service natural gas vehicles, engines, and equipment, and operate fleets powered by clean-burning gaseous fuels.

POSITION SUMMARY:

This exempt, full-time position is responsible for leading NGVAmerica programs that are related to industry sustainability, technology development, research priorities, safety and best practices, and codes and standards for natural gas vehicles and fueling infrastructure. This includes broad collaboration with NGVA members, academia, governments, standards and research organizations, and other key stakeholders to foster cooperative approaches to complex industry issues.

The position is focused on removing technical barriers to increase the adoption of clean burning natural gas vehicles and formulating new partnerships to raise awareness and visibility of NGVs’ sustainability and positive economic and environmental impacts.

The Director of Technology & Sustainability reports directly to NGVAmerica’s President. This position was posted on February 25, 2019 and will remain listed until filled.

NATURE AND SCOPE:

In conjunction with the President, Technology Committee, and Board of Directors, this position plans, directs, and implements all programs in the areas of industry sustainability, technology, safety, and codes and standards. These programs address engineering issues and best practices of national concern to the natural gas vehicle industry. The Director establishes the priorities of these programs, determines essential budget requirements and works closely with NGVA members and industry stakeholders to ensure their successful execution.

The Director serves as the staff executive to NGVAmerica’s Technology Committee. This committee is responsible for establishing policy on technology, safety, and sustainability issues that have a critical impact on the natural gas vehicle industry and works with other NGVAmerica committees to solve related matters.

The Director is also responsible for coordinating technical review and input to the efforts of other staff, committees, subcommittees, and groups within NGVAmerica to ensure proper technical accuracy of advertising, marketing, regulatory filings, legislative positions, and position papers.

The management capabilities of this position require prudent judgment, effective communication skills, ability to manage complex engineering issues in an analytical and decisive manner, budgeting experience, and the capability to create, plan, and implement cost-effective programs to accomplish NGVAmerica and industry technology-related goals.

The technical capabilities of this position require awareness of industry operations for compressed and liquefied natural gas vehicles and fueling infrastructure. Ideal candidates will have exposure to some or all these knowledge areas: light- and heavy-duty natural gas, gasoline and diesel engine fundamentals, CNG and LNG vehicle storage technologies, CNG and LNG fueling station technologies, government and industry safety standards for vehicles, and national fire code safety.

The communication requirements involve presentations at national and regional symposia; presentations to corporate and association boards of directors and top management; and, briefings to government agencies, NGVAmerica members and staff.

Main areas of focus include, but are not limited to: supplier safety, maintenance facility safety, incident investigation and root cause analysis, sustainability efforts, emissions policy, fuel system inspection, industry codes & standards, gas quality, industry research & development, high horsepower applications, and mobile pipeling.

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Oversee the operation of the NGVAmerica’s efforts to sponsor, monitor, and influence the development of NGV industry safety standards for CNG and LNG vehicles.
Oversee the development of NGV industry programs that are necessary to ensure the safety of natural gas vehicles in commercial and consumer usage, including the assembling of industry and government consortia to advance specific projects and/or funding needs for various projects.
Create new sustainability partnerships.
Serve on various key standards and codes writing committees representing NGVAmerica.
Maintain knowledge of the various companies, products, services and stakeholders that make up NGV value chain/marketplace.
Respond to requests of NGVA members and key industry stakeholders for assistance on matters related to the NGV industry safety and engineering technology.
Assist in preparing responses to media inquiries as directed.
Work closely and develop strong relationships with professionals from industry, academia, governments, and private organizations that are important to the functions of the position.
Manage the relationship with national model fire code writing organizations and ensure effective responses to proposed codes that may affect the use of natural gas vehicles, including the proposal of new fire code provisions to enhance the use and safety of NGVs.
Provide technical comments to proposed federal and state regulations affecting NGVs. These proposed regulations could be developed by regulatory bodies such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), California Air Resources Board (CARB), Texas Railroad Commission (TRC), National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Federal Transit Administration (FTA), and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA).
Coordinate the development of commissioned white papers and reports related to technical aspects of the natural gas in transportation industry, in consultation and with assistance from NGVA T&D Committee members.
Draft funding proposals and budgets, execute plans, implement directives, and manage contracts.

KNOWLEDGE & CAPABILITY REQUIREMENTS:

Bachelor’s degree in a related field is mandatory, advanced degree preferred.
Minimum 5-7 years of relevant work experience. Hill or government agency experience a plus as is experience in the energy or transportation industries.
Preferred candidates will have relationships with professionals from industry, academia, government, and key organizations that are important to the essential functions of this position.
Exceptional written and verbal communications skills, as well as the ability to create and give internal and public presentations.
Passion for public policy development and coalition building.
Demonstrated ability to bring parties together through collaboration to achieve common goals.
Ability to work both independently and as strong contributor to a team.

LOCATION:

The position is based in Washington, DC, although consideration may be given to flexible worksite arrangements. Location assistance is not provided.

COMPENSATION:

Compensation based upon relevant experience. A comprehensive benefits package is available.

TO APPLY:

Please email a cover letter expressing qualifications and interest, along with a current resume, two professional writing samples and anticipated compensation to Daniel Gage, NGVA President, at careers@ngvamerica.org. Please use “Director of Technology & Sustainability” as the email subject line. No phone calls, please.