Description
The City of Fairfax is committed to fostering a sustainable future and improving the social, economic, and environmental well-being of the organization and community through programmatic enhancements, sustainable practices, community partnerships, and embedding sustainability into how we operate as an organization. The City of Fairfax has committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 80% from 2005 levels by 2050 and achieving 100% renewable electricity for government operations by 2035 and 100% renewable electricity community-wide by 2050.
The City of Fairfax is seeking a temporary part-time Climate and Energy Manager to join the Environment and Sustainability Division. Under the general supervision of the Sustainability Program Manager, this position supports the planning, development, and implementation of activities related to the city’s climate and energy programs. The position will support key initiatives focused on reducing greenhouse gas emissions through strategies and actions including energy efficiency improvements, increased use of renewable energy, and electrification of buildings and transportation.
This job/class performs professional-level work developing, organizing, administering, and evaluating assigned programs and functions, providing guidance and technical expertise to program staff, other departments, community members, and program participants.
Work involves responsibility for organizing, managing, and participating in various projects, programs, and plans related to climate and energy management. Work involves supporting project operations with end-to-end project management activities including budgeting, forecasting, execution, and continuous sustainability improvements. Work performed involves independent judgment and action within the framework of existing city and department rules, regulations, and procedures.
Examples Of Duties
Provide technical and programmatic support in the development, implementation, performance tracking, and reporting related to various sustainability policies, programs, and initiatives in the areas of climate mitigation and adaptation, energy efficiency, renewable energy, green buildings, equity, and sustainable transportation.
Support the development and implementation of the city’s Climate and Energy Action Plan, Green Building Policy, and Electric Vehicle Readiness Plan.
Act as a liaison with George Mason University and strengthen the partnership between the university and the city.
Collaborate with George Mason University and its staff at the Virginia Climate Center, Institute for a Sustainable Earth, Office of Sustainability, and other departments on preexisting and future projects. Co-produce locally relevant data, products, and services that help the city adopt preventive and mitigation strategies that improve the city’s climate resilience, protect lives and property, enhance the standard of living, and promote wise resource management.
Conduct research to support climate and energy planning and action as needed. This may include conducting community surveys, collecting and analyzing data, reviewing maps and other spatial data, and researching best practices in policies and programs.
Implement a utility data management software system, such as EnergyCAP, to streamline the collection, management, and reporting of utility data (e.g. electricity, gas, and water).
Oversee municipal energy and utility tracking, analysis, benchmarking, and reporting.
Identify, recommend, and implement energy efficiency projects and initiatives to reduce the city's energy consumption.
Assist with the solar feasibility study, procurement, permitting, and installation of renewable energy systems on municipal properties.
Track, measure, and evaluate the performance of energy conservation measures and renewable energy projects.
Assist with electric vehicle infrastructure projects and fleet electrification efforts.
Identify and facilitate outreach opportunities that will strengthen relations or create new partnerships with stakeholders and organizations (e.g. businesses, non-profits, George Mason University, environmental organizations, etc.).
Support the city’s efforts to embed sustainability best practices into city-wide operations.
Prioritize equity, diversity, inclusion, and environmental justice in city programs, projects, activities, and policies.
Develop and adhere to program timelines and budgets.
Other duties as assigned.
The duties listed above are intended only as an illustration of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science or Engineering, Architecture, Energy Management, Urban Planning, Sustainability, or a related field.
At least three years of professional or relevant experience in climate mitigation planning, energy planning, and management, sustainability, data analysis, or other related areas with the responsibility for planning, administering, organizing, and coordinating programs.
Necessary Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Knowledge of the technologies and practices related to climate mitigation and adaptation, energy efficiency, solar photovoltaics, renewable energy, electric vehicles and charging infrastructure, green building design, greenhouse gas inventories, green purchasing, energy resiliency, equity, and portfolio and asset-level data management.
Knowledge of current issues, trends, and applicable federal, state, and city climate and energy-related programs, laws, rules, regulations, and regulatory processes.
Familiarity with building design and improvement impacts on greenhouse gas inventories, and developing effective reduction strategies that align with energy, buildings, transportation, renewables, and other optimization and conservation measures and technologies.
Experience using energy data management software systems, such as EnergyCAP and ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager.
Expertise in data management, analysis, tracking, and reporting and experience with translating data into performance metrics, dashboards, and visualizations.
Demonstrated background/expertise in renewable energy resources and transactional mechanisms such as power purchase agreements, off-site virtual power purchase agreements, and renewable energy credits.
Working knowledge of electric and alternative fueled vehicles of various vehicle classes and electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
Excellent communication skills.
Ability to set priorities, coordinate multiple projects, and meet critical deadlines.
Proficiency with Windows and Microsoft Office (including Word, Excel, and Access).
Ability to synthesize quantitative and qualitative technical information and complex ideas into formats that are easily understood by the general public.
Ability to prepare and deliver presentations to audiences of varying sizes and knowledge.
Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with co-workers, elected and appointed officials, businesses, organizations, and citizens.
Special Certifications and Licenses:
Although not required, any of the following certifications are preferred:
- Certified Energy Manager (CEM) from the Association of Energy Engineers (AEE)
- LEED Green Associate or LEED AP from the US Green Building Council
- Professional Energy Manager (PEM) from the Institute of Energy Professionals
- BPI certification from the Building Performance Institute
Supplemental Information
The expected salary for this temporary appointment is $38.50 to $43.50 hourly, 32 hours a week.
Temporary assignment lasts for one year, with possible extensions.
Options for flexible hours and hybrid telework/in-office. Occasional evening and weekend attendance at meetings and events is required.
