Conservation Program Specialist

Job Description:

Conservation Program Specialist

Description

JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAM

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. Our guiding principles-Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity - anchor our approach in delivering services that significantly impact the lives of Austin residents. 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.

What Makes the City of Austin Special?

• Make a Difference: Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.
  
• Diverse and Inclusive Workplace: Work in an environment where every voice is valued, and Innovation thrives.
  
• 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.
  
• Modern Workspaces: Work in innovative and sustainable environments designed to foster collaboration and inspiration.
  

By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country.

Job Description:

Purpose:

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.

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities:

Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

• 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.
  

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:

• May lead departmental project teams.
  

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

• 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 computes 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 blue prints, 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
  

Minimum Qualifications:

• 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.
  
• Masters degree may substitute for two (2) years of the required experience.
  
• Experience may substitute for education up to a maximum of four (4) years.
  

Licenses and Certifications Required:

• Valid Driver's License.
  

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in the solar industry
  
• Experience coordinating conservation or energy efficiency program activities
  
• Experience with databases or software related to workflow management, incentive processing, or customer data
  
• Experience with customer outreach, marketing, or sales
  
• Experience coordinating program activities with internal and external stakeholders
  
• Experience designing and implementing process improvements
  

Notes to Candidate:

Austin Energy provides solar incentives and technical assistance for residential and commercial customers. The Customer Renewable Solutions team is responsible for the allocation of over $7 million/yr in incentives that support customer-owned solar installations.

This is a hybrid position in Austin, TX, with a 40% in-office requirement and a majority remote schedule.

Primary duties will include:

• Review applications for customer-sited solar projects, calculate energy savings and process incentive payments
  
• Coordinate with customers and AE staff to schedule field inspections and gather project data
  
• Provide training and coordinate relationships with new and existing participating contractors
  
• Support program outreach and engagement with key internal and external stakeholder groups, including: community and business groups; installation contractors; technology or equipment manufacturers and distributors; local engineering and design firms
  
• Respond to customer and contractor inquiries
  
• Support efforts to design and implement program improvements that streamline project review, inspection, and reporting processes
  

Working with Austin Energy provides a number of health and welfare benefits such as low-cost medical, dental, vision, paid leave time, a highly competitive retirement plan, career development opportunities and more. Please click HERE for more information.

This position has been designated as a Critical Employee position. Critical Employees are considered necessary and vital and supports activities that impact City or department operations. This work can be done while at a designated work site or while working at an alternate work location. Critical employees who are able to work at an alternative work location are required to do so. Schedules may be modified, and employees may be reassigned to another area during extraordinary situations or emergency conditions to provide essential services.

Location: 4815 Mueller Blvd., Austin, TX 78723

Work Schedule/Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (hybrid)

Salary Range: $27.77 to $33.95

Employment Application:

• The City of Austin employment application is an official document; incomplete applications will not be considered.
  
• Please be sure to detail on the application all current and previous employment that you wish to be considered as part of your qualifications.
  
• The Employment Record should be complete with job titles, employment dates, job duties, functions, and responsibilities for each position held. Starting salary will be based on overall relevant experience from your application.
  
• Statements such as “see résumé” will not be accepted. You may use “N/A” for fields that are not applicable.
  
• Please note that Austin Energy may close the job posting at any time after 7 days from the date of the initial advertisement. Once the job posting has closed, applications cannot be changed.
  

If you are selected as a top candidate:

• Verification of your education (which may include high school graduation or GED, undergraduate and/or graduate degrees) will be required. You must provide proof of education from an accredited organization/institution. You must also provide proof of your professional licenses or certifications.
  
• If you are identified as a top candidate and are in the military or a veteran, you will need to provide a copy of your DD-214 prior to confirming a start date.
  

Important Note to Applicants:
Please be aware that the Job Posting Close Date reflects the final day to apply, but the posting will close at 11:59 PM the day before the date listed. All application steps, including attachments and submission, must be fully completed before that time.

We also recommend that you save or print a copy of the job posting for your records. Once a posting has closed, it will no longer be viewable in the system.

EEO Statement for City of Austin:

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.

City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.

Closing Date/Time: 2025-10-15