Conservation Program Specialist

About the position At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer—we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles – Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity – anchors in delivering services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee. Under limited supervision, responsible for providing consultative services to both internal and external customers that includes information related to conservation programs or projects, promoting energy, water or natural resource conservation.

Responsibilities

• Implements conservation programs in residential, commercial, or industrial settings.
• Gathers and analyzes historical energy or water usage data, including rates or tariffs to determine conservation recommendations for customers.
• Inspects or evaluates buildings, mechanical systems, electrical systems, water systems, or process systems to determine the energy or water consumption of each system.
• Recommends energy or water efficient technologies.
• Quantifies energy or water consumption to establish baselines for use and need.
• Calculates potential for savings.
• Prepares audit reports containing energy or water analysis results and recommendations for cost savings.
• Prepares job specification sheets for residential, commercial, or multi-family home energy or water improvements and retrofits.
• Educates customers and contractors on energy efficiency and answer questions on topics such as the costs of running household appliances and the selection of energy efficient appliances.
• Performs field audits, pre-verification and final inspections to determine customer eligibility for conservation rebates.
• Coordinates conservation program activities with contractors, ensures compliance with energy efficiency programs and rebate requirements.
• Promotes conservation programs to the public through on-site appointments and participating in outreach activities by attending trade shows, conferences, and other community events.
• Administer the Behavioral Demand Response program, including event scheduling and deployment through the BDR portal.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for the BDR vendor and coordinate program performance reporting and enhancements.
• Review and approve customer-facing communications and outreach materials in collaboration with the vendor and internal marketing team.
• Coordinate with internal teams to determine event days and provide training on event deployment procedures.
• Support Power Partner Thermostat and Electric Vehicle programs by monitoring customer inquiries and assisting with issue resolution.
• Summarize vendor reports and program metrics for internal stakeholders and management.

Requirements

• Knowledge of energy or water efficiency technologies, practices, programs and rebate requirements.
• Knowledge of applicable building codes, energy or water retrofit requirements and specifications.
• Knowledge of safety practices and procedures.
• Knowledge of department energy or water resource initiatives and targets.
• Knowledge of construction materials, practices and procedures.
• Knowledge of Federal, State and Local laws.
• Knowledge of city practice, policy and procedures.
• Skill in oral and written communication.
• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
• Skill in using computers and related software.
• Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
• Ability to negotiate.
• Ability to determining quality of materials, workmanship and compliance with specifications.
• Ability to handle conflict and uncertain situations.
• Ability to operate and maintain testing and diagnostic equipment.
• Ability to use graphic instructions, such as blueprints, schematic drawings, plans, maps or other visual aids.
• Ability to lead teams.
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with city employees and the public
• Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in Architecture, Business, Environmental Studies, Natural Science, Planning, and Resource Management or in a field related to the job, plus four (4) years of related experience.
• Master's degree may substitute for two (2) years of the required experience.
• Experience may substitute for education up to a maximum of four (4) years.
• Valid Driver's License.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience administering demand response or energy efficiency programs.
• Familiarity with distributed energy resources (DERs).
• Understanding of residential energy consumption patterns and behavioral energy strategies.
• Experience providing customer service or engagement for energy-related programs, including responding to inquiries, resolving issues, and educating customers.
• Ability to interpret program performance reports and summarize key insights.
• Project management training or certification (e.g., PMP) or energy-related credential (e.g., CEM) is a plus.

Benefits

• Competitive Benefits : Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.
• Retirement Security : Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.
• Sustainable Transportation Options : Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.
• Focus on Wellness : Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.
• Career Growth : Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.

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