Entry Level Project Manager Jobs in Columbia, MD

Salary : $62,400.00 - $156,000.00 Annually
Location : 9200 Berger Road, Columbia, MD 21046, MD
Job Type: Contingent
Job Number: 26-00591
Department: County Administration
Division: County Admin - Community Sustainability
Opening Date: 07/20/2026
Closing Date: 8/11/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
POSITION SUMMARY/CLASS DESCRIPTION
The Solar Project Manager carries out the planning, procurement, development, construction management, and post-construction management of solar projects, including community solar, solar power purchase agreements, and microgrids including solar power and battery storage. This includes management of budget, schedule, design, and construction. This role is responsible for ensuring that projects are delivered on time, within budget, and in alignment with the County's objectives, contractual and grant requirements, and industry best practices. The Solar Project Manager will coordinate with architects, engineers, contractors, and other stakeholders to facilitate effective decision-making and resolve project challenges. Key responsibilities include project planning, contract administration, budget management, schedule oversight, risk assessment, quality control, grant management and reporting, and stakeholder outreach. This position serves under the direct supervision of the County's Energy Manager and will work closely with the Owner's Representative from the County's Department of General Services. This is a full-time position with approximately 40 hours worked per week.
STARTING SALARY HIRING RANGE:
$36 - $48/hourly
$75,000 - $100,000/annually
*This is a contingent position, meaning that it is not a part of the Howard County Classified Service and does not accrue County service time for the purpose of calculating any service benefit. This position is paid hourly and may work a varying number of hours per week, based on the availability of funding and a continued need. A contingent employee is only eligible for fringe benefits required by State or Federal law.*
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Project Management and Development:
• Oversee all phases of solar development from initial scoping and preliminary design through construction and commissioning.
• Manage project scope, schedule, and budget while ensuring alignment with organizational goals and stakeholder expectations.
• Coordinate and facilitate project planning meetings.
• Assess risk, manage schedules, and address delays or challenges with proactive problem-solving.
• Ensure project requirements are met with high standards of quality and compliance.
• Serve as the primary liaison among County departments, offices, and project teams (engineers, contractors, utilities, regulatory agencies).
Contracting, Procurement and Financial Oversight:
• Manage contract administration, procurement, and financial oversight, ensuring cost control and proper funding allocation.
• Review proposals, negotiate contracts, and manage change orders and payments.
• Manage grant reporting, invoicing, and budget tracking for Maryland Energy Administration, IRS direct pay, and other funding sources.
• Maintain thorough knowledge of grant agreement terms, general provisions, and related requirements.
Stakeholder and Community Engagement:
• Coordinate with nonprofit organization partners to promote community solar subscriptions for low- and moderate-income customers.
• Participate in sustainability outreach and education events, as needed.
• Prioritize equity, diversity, inclusion, and environmental justice in County programs, projects, activities, and policies.
Energy and Climate Program Support:
• Assist the Energy Manager and County staff with the implementation, measurement, and verification of Climate Action Plan strategies and goals.
• Support additional energy management and climate policy tasks as needed.
MINIMUM REQUIRED EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE
Bachelor's degree and two (2) years of related project management experience or the equivalent combination of education and experience.
PREFERRED EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Bachelor's degree in environmental sciences, environmental policy, engineering, architecture, energy management, or related field.
• Strong project management skills with ability to manage multiple projects, contractors, and stakeholders simultaneously.
• Experience in solar project management and/or microgrid or resiliency hub project management.
• Experience managing state or federally funded grant programs with compliance and reporting responsibilities.
• Knowledgeable in solar regulations, including federal, state and local codes and regulations.
• Exceptional at documentation and organization, including budgeting and data tracking.
• BPI certification, Certified Energy Manager (CEM), LEED Green Associate or LEED AP, and/or NABCEP Entry Level credential a strong plus.
• Familiarity with Maryland utility interconnection processes, Permission to Operate (PTO) requirements, and SREC markets.
• Understanding of IRS elective payment provisions (IRA §6417) for nonprofits and local governments and IRC §48(e) bonus credit.
• Experience working in a large organization and with a diverse group of stakeholders.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to convey complex, technical concepts to non-technical persons.
• Detail oriented, organized, self-motivated, able to work independently.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES AND REGISTRATIONS
Class C Maryland Driver's license or equivalent issued by state of residence.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
TO APPLY: You must complete an employment application online to be considered for this recruitment. Resumes cannot be substituted for completion of the job application work history. No paper applications will be accepted.
Selected candidates may be subject to drug screening, background screening, and reference checks.
At time of application, please submit a copy of any college degree, coursework, licenses, or certifications that you have referenced on your application. Applicants who have education obtained outside of the U.S. may need to provide proof of the equivalent U.S. education as determined by a foreign credential evaluation service, such as the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (http://www.naces.org) or World Education Services: International Credential Evaluation (https://www.wes.org/).
Howard County Government is not sponsoring employees in application of the H-1B Visa or providing an extension of an existing H-1B Visa. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States under the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986.
Howard County is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, and we are committed to a workplace that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. The County prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, ancestry, creed, national origin, disability status, genetics, marital status, military service, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Applicants requiring accommodations during the hiring process should contact the Office of Human Resources directly at . Requests for accommodations should not be attached to the application.
Employees in this category may not be eligible for all County benefits.
01
Your application, which includes any associated supplemental questions, must be complete at the time of submission and must clearly articulate the required work experience relevant to the position for which you are applying. The submitted electronic document must outline accurate dates to include (month and year) in association with each work history entry. Vague descriptions of experience will not be considered. Please include all pertinent experience in your application to include, full or part time, volunteer, military, acting capacity, or any other such work history that is applicable to the position for which you wish to be considered. Descriptions of duties that state "see resume" will negatively impact your candidacy as resumes cannot be substituted in lieu of a completed application. Applicants will not be contacted for clarification or additional information.I have read and understand the language outlined above.

• Yes
• No

02
Are you willing to accept a salary offer within the salary hiring range commensurate with applicable experience/qualifications? $36.00 - $48.00/hour

• Yes, I am willing to accept the starting salary hiring range.
• No, I am not willing to accept the starting salary hiring range.

03
Do you possess a Bachelor's degree in Environmental Sciences, Environmental Policy, Engineering, Architecture, Energy Management, or related field and two (2) years of experience in project management, or an equivalent combination of education and experience?

• Yes
• No

04
If you possess two (2) years of experience in project management or an equivalent combination of education and experience, please explain where you acquired this education/experience including your employer, position title and dates of employment. Be advised that "See Resume" is not an adequate response.
05
Do you possess experience with solar project management including experience with community solar, solar power purchase agreements, microgrids, resiliency hubs and battery storage? If so rank the level of your experience:

• Beginner
• Intermediate
• Advanced
• None

06
If you possess experience with solar project management including any experience with community solar, solar power purchase agreements, microgrids, resiliency hubs and battery storage, please explain where you acquired this experience including your employer, position title and dates of employment. Be advised that "See Resume" is not an adequate response.
07
Which of the following best describes your level of experience with and/or knowledge of solar regulations at the Federal, State, and Local level including your understanding of IRS elective pay provisions and bonus tax credits?

• Beginner
• Intermediate
• Advanced
• None

08
If you possess experience with and/or knowledge of solar regulations at the Federal, State, and Local level including your understanding of IRS elective pay provisions and bonus tax credits, please explain where you acquired this experience including your employer, position title and dates of employment. Be advised that "See Resume" is not an adequate response.
09
Do you possess experience with grant funding and contract including any experience successfully applying for grants and reporting to funders, reviewing contracts, and managing grant budgets?

• Yes
• No

10
If you possess experience with grant funding and contract including any experience successfully applying for grants and reporting to funders, reviewing contracts, and managing grant budgets, please explain where you acquired this experience including your employer, position title, dates of employment, and position responsibilities. Be advised that "See Resume" is not an adequate response.
11
Have you created and maintained a project schedule and budget using software such as Microsoft Project or Microsoft Excel?

• Yes
• No

12
If you have created and maintained a project schedule and budget using software such as Microsoft Project or Microsoft Excel, please explain where you acquired this experience including your employer, position title, dates of employment, and position responsibilities. Be advised that "See Resume" is not an adequate response.
13
Do you possess a valid driver's license?

• Yes
• No

14
I understand I am responsible for maintaining the accuracy of my contact information, including my street address, my e-mail address, and my contact telephone numbers. My failure to maintain accurate contact information may result in my not receiving information regarding this job announcement and/or may result in my not being further considered for this employment opportunity. To update this information visit www.governmentjobs.com, click on the "career seekers" link, and follow the prompts.

• I have read and understand the language outlined above.

15
I certify that the information submitted in this application is true and correct to the best of my knowledge. I understand that providing false, erroneous, and/or misleading information may result in elimination from the hiring process and termination of employment if hired.

• I have read and understand the language outlined above.

Required Question