This position is subject to budget approval and will not be filled until January 2023.  

Please fill out your application as fully as possible.  The City evaluates candidates based on the information provided in the online application only. Read the “To Apply” section below to learn more.

New hires must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. This is a condition of employment with the City of Olympia. Exemption may be granted for religious or medical purposes; however, accommodations will be subject to approval based on the essential functions required of the position.

About the Position
Under the general direction of the Director of Climate Programs, this position plans, coordinates, implements and administers the City’s climate-related building and energy programs and projects.   The Buildings and Energy Program Manager will develop and implement new energy efficiency and building decarbonization policies and programs, and provide technical support to local businesses and residents interested in energy efficiency and decarbonization measures.

In addition, the position will monitor state, federal, and utility incentives available for building and energy retrofits, and design programs to enhance community member use of incentives.  The Buildings and Energy Program Manager will also coordinate with Community Development Block Grant and other community partners to enhance energy improvement and decarbonization services for low- and moderate-income households (i.e., solar, heat pump, and energy audit programs).


Ideal Candidate Profile

• Ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and exercise informal influence without having direct supervisory responsibilities.
• Ability to design and implement energy efficiency and building decarbonization programs and policies in support of the Thurston Climate Mitigation Plan and other program goals.
• Ability to synthesize complex information into clear, compelling materials for diverse audiences.
• Excellent project management skills, including skill in planning, organizing, evaluating, and analyzing problems, implementing plans and programs, and resolving issues.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to handle challenging situations with tact and sensitivity.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Knowledge of energy efficiency and building decarbonization strategies, policies, practices, and technology.
• Knowledge of climate change issues, including climate trends and impacts, and strategies for climate change mitigation, adaptation, and resilience.
• Understanding that climate change is a social justice issue and bring that lens to the work.
• Ability to work cooperatively as a member of a service-oriented team.

• This recruitment is open until filled.  
• First review will be for all applications received by 5 pm December 7, 2022.  
• Only electronic applications are accepted.

The essential functions of this position include but are not limited to:

1. Directs, develops, plans, organizes, and implements buildings and energy related programs, policies and strategies in the Thurston Climate Mitigation Plan and other City plans and codes.
2. Responsible for overall program strategy, evaluation, budget preparation and monitoring, cost-estimating and problem-solving related to buildings and energy.
3. Responds and adapts to changing program priorities and goals as set by the Director of Climate Programs, City Council and the City Manager.  
4. Measures and tracks metrics for success; uses technical software to measure and analyze building energy use and greenhouse gas emissions, and model, monitor and evaluate the City’s progress towards meeting climate goals.
5. Implements program revisions and updates based on the effectiveness of current program elements.
6. Facilitates implementation of energy efficiency and decarbonization goals and measures across all city departments. Helps problem-solve implementation issues and tracks progress towards goals.
7. Coordinates with City departments to evaluate, develop and strengthen departmental and city-wide policies, plans, procedures and regulations in support of the Thurston Climate Mitigation Plan and other program goals. 
8. Conducts research, analyzes information and data, and synthesizes research findings into high quality work products, including informative summaries, fact sheets, presentations, and reports.
9. Distills and translates complex information into clear, compelling materials for diverse audiences.
10. Performs research and analysis of emission reduction measures to inform program implementation efforts.
11. Develops educational and behavior change programs to promote energy efficiency and building decarbonization programs and incentives.
12. Develops and manages contracts and interlocal agreements to implement assigned programs as needed.
13. Develops, writes, and administers grant applications in support of the City’s climate and energy programs. 
14. Serves as the City’s buildings and energy program liaison to outside entities including local jurisdictions, agencies, contractors and non-governmental partners.
15. Develops strategic partnerships within the community to facilitate and expand emissions reduction and energy conservation efforts in support of the Thurston Climate Mitigation Plan.
16. Monitors federal, state and/or local regulations and guidance and recommends actions to achieve compliance with climate and energy policies and practices.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

1. Knowledge of energy efficiency and building decarbonization strategies, policies, practices, and technology. 
2. Knowledge of climate justice principles and practices. 
3. Knowledge of behavior change principles and practices. 
4. Knowledge of federal, state and local building, energy and climate change codes, regulations, and policies.
5. Demonstrated understanding of climate change issues, including climate trends and impacts, and strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
6. Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to handle challenging situations with tact and sensitivity.
7. Excellent organizational and documentation skills, with great attention to detail.
8. Excellent project management skills, including skill in planning, organizing, evaluating, and analyzing problems, implementing plans and programs, and resolving issues.
9. Excellent oral and written communication skills.
10. Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks or projects, balance competing demands, set priorities, and meet deadlines, while maintaining a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.
11. Make effective and appropriate decisions based on available data.
12. Envision, develop, write, and administer grant applications in support of climate related programs.
13. Research, analyze, synthesize, and present data accurately and clearly in written, oral, and graphic form.
14. Communicate complex information clearly using simple, commonly accepted language. Ability to make effective, polished public presentations. 
15. Proficiency in using software applications such as spreadsheet, database management, presentation, and word processing programs.
16. Use tact, discretion, persuasion, diplomacy, respect, and courtesy to gain the cooperation and commitment of others; to facilitate groups; and to establish and maintain effective working relationships and rapport with departments, officials, the media, representatives of other groups, agencies, entities or businesses, and diverse members of the public.
17. Remain flexible while working in a multi-task environment, easily adapt to shifting priorities, maintain an objective perspective, set and achieve goals, and adapt to new and changing technology.
18. Read, understand, interpret, and apply appropriate terminology, instructions, policies, procedures, legal requirements, and regulations pertinent to buildings and energy programs.
19. Work independently or cooperatively as a member of a team.
20. Maintain regular consistent and punctual attendance.

Experience/Education

1. Bachelor’s degree in Energy Policy, Environmental Science, Environmental Policy, Public Administration, or related field; and
2. Four (4) years of progressively responsible experience, including program management, in energy efficiency, building decarbonization, emissions reductions programs or related field.
3. Requires knowledge of energy efficiency and building decarbonization strategies and practices.
4. Master’s degree in a related field is preferred. 
5. Knowledge of common functions and issues in city government is preferred.
6. A combination of experience and training that provides the applicant with the knowledge and skills to perform the job will be considered.

Special Requirements

1. Valid Washington State Driver’s License.
2. Successful completion of criminal background check.

Contacts

1. Contacts include senior management staff, City staff at all organizational levels, elected officials, community groups, agency staff, boards, commissions, interagency groups, volunteers, and the general public.
2. Contacts are established and maintained for short- and long-range planning, direction and supervision of subordinates, communication of program activities and services, project coordination, effective teamwork, policy development, and information exchange.
3. Contacts are made in person, via telephone and computer networks, through printed and presentation materials, and are an integral part of all duties.
4. Contacts may involve controversial policies or policy changes, politically sensitive issues, and may be difficult and potentially confrontational.

Supervision

1. May supervise assigned staff in professional, technical, skilled craft/trade, and administrative classifications.
2. Focus on the importance of coordination across departments and influencing skills when not directly supervising.

Accountability

1. Buildings and Energy Program Managers are accountable to senior management for the efficient, cost effective, and thorough design, planning, and implementation of assigned programs, operations, facilities, services, projects or policy initiatives.

Working Conditions

1. Work time and effort includes planning, directing and supporting the work of other employees.
2. Work is mainly performed indoors, in settings such as offices, conference rooms, or project dedicated working areas.
3. Work will sometimes involve travel to various locations including outdoor settings, activity at field or program service delivery or work sites, and occasional evening and weekend hours.

The City of Olympia is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to a diverse workforce. Women, people of color, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.