ENERGY SPECIALIST – PROJECT MANAGER

Position Information

The Arlington Initiative to Rethink Energy (AIRE), a division of Arlington Countys Office of Sustainability and Environmental Management (OSEM), is seeking an enterprising and innovative Energy Specialist Project Manager to support implementation of its growing portfolio of community facing energy programs. The project manager will support strategic design, development and delivery of energy efficiency, renewable energy, energy adaption/resilience, and clean transportation programs and projects. This position will manage energy projects in a “team-centric”, collaborative, and results-orientated manner, including implementation of potential state and federal grant projects.

In September 2019, Arlington County adopted an updated Community Energy Plan (CEP) that sets defined goals for renewable energy resourcing, decarbonization, transition to carbon-neutral transportation, and arriving at a carbon-neutral community. The CEP is operationalized through the CEP Roadmap, which integrates dramatic transition and emerging technologies in transportation and built environments, creates a pathway toward energy resilience, and introduces energy equity into policy and program design. Over the past year, the OSEM has prioritized and focused efforts on state and federal grants, with focus opportunities funded under the Inflation Reduction Act. At present, OSEM has received awards and has several direct and collaborative applications pending. Collectively, these grants offer project managers exciting opportunities in the building, transportation, and adaptation/resilience sectors, enhanced by energy equity and environmental justice goals and objectives.

Specific duties include:

• Energy/climate program management in all phases from design through application development, administration, implementation, reporting, and evaluation with the knowledge and ability to federalize projects based on funding source;
• Working within the AIRE Team to advance strategic planning and implementation for the climate and energy programs addressing the broader CEP and implementation of greenhouse gas reduction strategies under the CEP Roadmap;
• Develops, manages, and implements energy programs and initiatives to reduce the County’s community-wide energy consumptions;
• Supports energy efficiency, electrification, renewable energy, and clean transportation programs and projects with an emphasis on innovate program design and delivery;
• Contributes technical assistance and strategic planning to the climate and energy programs that drive CEP 2019 goals and the CEP Roadmap (implementation/operationalization program to manifest the CEP Policies);
• Supports measurement, evaluation, and reporting of metrics that calculate GHG emissions reductions and other CEP/CEP Roadmap milestones, benchmarks, and goals;
• Supports development, publication, and updating energy, climate, and/or sustainability dashboards and website(s); and
• Works collaboratively with the AIRE Team and the OSEM Bureau Chief to develop public-friendly communications to staff, internal and external stakeholders, and the public through verbal presentations, program outreach materials, written memos, position papers, and Board Reports.

The successful candidate has excellent communication and presentation skills and will possess the following:

• Energy Project management experience, with enhanced consideration where this experience has been developed under federal and/or state-funded grant programs;
• Involvement with design and development of successful grant applications;
• Knowledge of and/or experience with energy programs and projects designed to promote energy equity, positive public health outcomes, decision-support tools, and/or energy efficiency financing mechanisms; and
• Familiarity with greenhouse gas inventories and developing effective reduction strategies and technologies for energy use, buildings, transportation, waste, and other operations.

Selection Criteria

Minimum:

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Management, Engineering, or related field, plus:
• Two (2) years of progressive energy or equity program and project management experience, including energy efficiency, renewable energy, and/or clean transportation.

Substitution: Additional education may be substituted for experience.

Desirable: Preference will be given to applicants with Master’s degree and/or experience with one or more of the following:

• Cross-departmental and/or external partner collaboration on energy performance;
• Identifying and understanding indicators and impacts of environmental justice and equity in the energy sector;
• Outreach experience with low-to-moderate income, underserved or disadvantaged communities; and/or
• Assessing design and installation of energy-efficient system modifications for performance and cost-effectiveness.

Preferred certifications:

• Certified Energy Manager (CEM);
• LEED AP Credentials; and/or
• LEED Green Associate.

Special Requirements

The applicant must use alternative methods of transportation to perform duties at other locations. If the applicant possesses a driver license, they must authorize Arlington County to obtain, or they must provide a copy of official driving record. Any offer of employment may be contingent upon a favorable review of the applicant’s driving record.

A pre-employment criminal records check will be conducted. It may include checks of the following: criminal record, driving record, education, professional licensure, and credit history. You may be required to sign a release authorizing the County to obtain your background information. Any offer of employment will be contingent upon successful completion of a background check.

Additional Information

Work Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with a flexible schedule and mixed telework opportunities. Evening and weekend work may be occasionally required.

The official title for this position is Environmental Management Specialist, Associate.

As an Employer of Choice, Arlington County offers a generous benefits package. For more information on Arlington’s family friendly benefits, .

Arlington County is committed to advancing diversity, equity, access, and inclusion across all our services, activities, and programs. Learn more about our commitment.

Please complete each section of the application. A resume may be attached; however, it will not substitute for the completed application. Your responses to the supplemental questionnaire are considered part of the selection process and are required for this position. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

#LI- Hybrid

Applicants who have questions or need assistance with the application may telephone (703) 228-3500 or visit the Human Resources Department. Our staff will be happy to work with you to enter your application into the system. Public access computers are available at all County Libraries, and in the Human Resources Department.

The examination process for this position may include: (1) training and experience evaluation; (2) written and oral examination; (3) personal interview; (4) performance test/work sample; and/or (5) physical examination.

Applicants with disabilities may request reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process. Please call the ADA Coordinator at 703-228-3559 (voice) or email [email protected].