Energy Specialist

THE POSITION

An Energy Specialist serves as a technical expert and directs projects relating to energy conservation and energy equipment installation, removal, and modernization; analyzes trends pertaining to District energy consumption patterns and provides corresponding recommendations; and promotes energy and water conservation measures. 

General supervision is received from the Senior Energy Specialist.  Functional supervision is exercised over lower-level technical staff and contractors. Work direction may be provided to clerical employees.

NOTE: This position is 100% in-person. Qualified candidates will report to physical worksites.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

The ideal candidate will possess:

• A strong educational foundation in engineering, energy management, or a related field, supplemented by experience in energy efficiency, auditing, or conservation projects.
• Proficiency in analyzing energy consumption patterns to identify inefficiencies, conduct cost-benefit analyses, and develop strategies for energy conservation and cost reduction.
• Expertise in evaluating energy systems and equipment, including heating, ventilation, air-conditioning (HVAC), lighting, and water distribution systems.
• Experience in managing energy retrofit projects, including project coordination, equipment selection, regulatory compliance, and performance monitoring.
• Ability to interpret technical materials, such as architectural plans, equipment specifications, utility rates, and government regulations to ensure compliance and energy efficiency.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to collect, analyze, and present energy data using statistical and energy management software.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate with District personnel, contractors, consultants, and regulatory agencies, as well as present energy conservation programs to staff and students.
• Familiarity with the principles and methodologies of greenhouse gas emissions accounting and carbon footprint reduction.
• Familiarity with renewable energy generation calculations and optimization.
• Familiarity with energy modeling and building simulations, including familiarity with the leading building simulation software and graphic presentation of results.
• Experience with life cycle cost assessment.

JOB DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

• Analyzes District gas, water, and electrical consumption to identify usage trends, including energy and water waste, and develops recommendations regarding energy consumption and energy equipment based on energy audits, and cost/benefit and life-cycle studies.
• Analyzes energy markets and develops supply and demand side management strategies to mitigate or enhance the District’s position relative to energy matters.
• Serves as a liaison with regulatory agencies regarding the permitting, record keeping, and testing of District energy consuming equipment.
• Assists in analyzing utility rates.
• Verifies that specific energy savings are achieved according to pre-determined goals.
• Assists with the formulation of policies and procedures pertinent to the Energy Management Unit and District energy equipment.
• Analyzes government guidelines, laws, rules, regulations, and proposed legislation or other proactive actions and makes recommendation based on such analyses.
• Coordinates, plans, and schedules energy retrofit projects.

Entrance requirements are representative of the minimum level of knowledge, skill, and/or abilities.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION:

Graduation from a recognized college or university with a bachelor’s degree, preferably supplemented by courses in statistics, cost analysis, report writing, engineering, data processing, energy management, energy auditing, or urban planning. Additional qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis for a maximum of four years of the educational requirement, provided that the requirement of a high school diploma or equivalent is obtained.  

EXPERIENCE:

Two (2) years of technical experience evaluating the efficiency of electrical or mechanical systems and equipment, or in the design of heating, lighting, or ventilation or energy systems and equipment, preferably as part of an energy conservation program.

OR

Two (2) years of experience coordinating a major program or project relating to energy conservation, or related areas, preferably in a school district environment. This experience must include responsibility for data analysis, cost estimation, and the preparation of reports. 

OR

Two (2) years of any combination of the experience described above.

Special: A valid driver’s license to legally operate a motor vehicle in the State of California and the use of a motor vehicle, or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation.

*IMPORTANT NOTE: In order to qualify you need to meet the educational requirements. As such, you MUST upload a copy of your degree or your official transcripts (i.e., scan or take a picture of your degree)  to your candidate profile, under "attachments." We screen applications based on the minimum requirements and need to verify the educational requirement is met. 

Candidates who have completed college or university course work at an institution in a country other than the United States, must obtain a complete evaluation of foreign transcripts and degrees. Please be sure to request a "Detailed" evaluation report. The original of this degree evaluation must be presented. For more information on Foreign Transcript Evaluation please visit https://achieve.lausd.net/Page/7876

BENEFITS

Insurance: District paid premiums for your choice of several medical, dental, and vision for you and your dependents; and life insurance plans

Retirement: Membership in the California Public Employee Retirement System (CalPERS).

Vacation: : Full-time employees earn up to two weeks of paid vacation. Three weeks after five years of year-round paid service

Paid Holidays: Up to 13 days.