Senior Project Manager – Energy & Sustainability

Job Description:

Senior Project Manager – Energy & Sustainability

Description

Senior Project Manager - Energy & Sustainability (FOD)

Department of Facilities & Environmental Services

12 Months, Full-Time

Exempt, Pay Grade 35

VRS-Eligible, Benefits-Eligible

Job Summary/ Objective:

The position is primarily responsible the planning, scheduling, coordinating, and implementation of building, utility, and infrastructure projects and other related duties as assigned. The position will oversee the organization's energy use, developing strategies to cut consumption and costs, and promote sustainability by analyzing data, implementing efficiency projects, managing budgets, negotiating contracts, ensuring regulatory compliance, and educating stakeholders on conservation to achieve energy reduction goals. This position will report to the Deputy Chief of Operations and work closely with the Climate Action Program for coordinated delivery of the County’s sustainability, climate action and environmental goals.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

May supervise hourly employees and interns, as required.

Essential Functions:

• Project Management Leadership
  • Manage multiple interrelated energy and resiliency projects through all phases: initiation, planning, design, procurement, implementation, and closeout.
  • Develop and maintain integrated schedules and budgets; apply Critical Path Method (CPM) and risk management techniques.
  • Establish and maintain methodologies and systems to track project progress, KPIs, and deliverables using project management software.
  • Prepare monthly reports for leadership and BOS; ensure objectives are implemented on time and within budget.
  • Advise and assist departments in preparing project plans, stakeholder engagement strategies, and risk mitigation plans.
  • Serve as project spokesperson for energy and resiliency initiatives; prepare executive summaries and presentations for leadership and public meetings.
  • Energy Management & Sustainability
  • Lead energy optimization projects (BAS tuning, HVAC retrofits, LED upgrades, water efficiency).
  • Analyze utility data, identify cost-saving opportunities, and implement demand-side management strategies.
  • Develop and maintain energy performance standards for County facilities; embed requirements into preventive maintenance programs.
  • Support development and execution of Energy Performance Contracts (EPC); oversee M&V plans and ensure compliance.
  • Manage grant applications and incentive programs for energy projects; track funding milestones and reporting requirements.
  • Collaborate with Climate Action Program Manager to align operational projects with County GHG reduction targets and resilience goals.
  • Maintain dashboards and reporting tools via energy tracking software to track energy savings, cost avoidance, and emissions reductions.
  • Provide technical guidance on energy audits, commissioning, and retro-commissioning for County facilities.
  • Train staff in energy conservation practices and operational best practices.
  • Ensure compliance with County sustainability policies and applicable regulations.
  • Resiliency Planning & Implementation
  • Implement facility resiliency strategies to address climate-related risks (e.g., flooding, extreme heat, severe storms).
  • Coordinate backup power solutions, emergency HVAC strategies, and critical infrastructure hardening for essential County facilities.
  • Integrate resilience measures into operational projects, including stormwater management improvements, thermal safety planning, and redundancy for critical systems.
  • Conduct vulnerability assessments and incorporate findings into maintenance planning and asset management systems.
  • Collaborate with emergency management teams to ensure compliance with County resilience goals and emergency preparedness standards.
  • Prepare resiliency-focused scopes of work for contractors and ensure alignment with FEMA/APWA best practices.
  • Performs other duties as required.

Desired Knowledge/ Skills/Abilities:

• Advanced project management skills: scheduling, budgeting, risk management, stakeholder engagement.
• Expertise in energy management principles, building systems (HVAC, BAS, lighting), and operational optimization.
• Strong understanding of resiliency planning, emergency preparedness, and infrastructure hardening.
• Analytical skills for utility benchmarking, rate analysis, lifecycle cost modeling, and risk assessment.
• Proficiency in project management tools (MS Project, Power BI) and methodologies (CPM).
• Ability to communicate technical concepts clearly to diverse audiences and lead cross-functional teams.
• Familiarity with energy codes, Virginia building performance standards, and climate action best practices.

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical/Electrical/Environmental Engineering, Energy Systems, Construction Management, Architecture or related field—or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum five (5) years of professional experience in energy management, capital project management, or facility management, with a focus on building operations and maintenance.
• Possession of a valid Virginia Driver’s License is required.

Preferred Qualifications/Certifications:

• Master's degree in engineering, architecture, construction management, project management, business process reengineering, and/or related field.
• CEM (Certified Energy Manager), LEED AP, BCxP/CCP (Commissioning).
• PMP (Project Management Professional),
• Experience with BAS optimization, EPCs, resiliency planning, and public-sector energy programs.

Physical and Mental Requirements:

• Works typically sitting in an office with occasional walking, light lifting and other limited physical activities.
• Regular contact with department leadership staff including County Executive's Office is necessary.
• Occasional travel within the County and regionally is necessary.
• Occasional work activity after normal duty hours and on weekends is necessary.

Remote Work:

This position is eligible for a hybrid remote work schedule that is in compliance with the County’s Remote Work Policy and meets the operational and service needs for the position. All County staff must maintain residence within the Commonwealth of Virginia.

The Salary Range:

The hiring range for this position is $84,917 - $93,855 per year. Starting offer is based on applicable education beyond minimum requirements and internal equity. The position also provides excellent benefits including 12 paid holidays, paid vacation and sick leave, health insurance options with employer contribution, employer-paid life insurance, VRS retirement, and continuing education/training opportunities. This is a full time, FLSA exempt position. Internal candidates will receive pay adjustments in accordance with Local Government Personnel Policy, §P-60.

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: Position open until Monday, February 16, 2026.

Virginia Values Veterans:

Albemarle County is a Certified V3 organization.

EOE/EEO:

Albemarle County is an equal employment opportunity employer, and does not discriminate against any group or individual on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age or disability in regards to any aspect of employment policy and practice: recruitment, testing, selection, assignment, pay, conditions of work, training, leave, overtime, promotion, discipline, demotion, and separation.