About Energy Smart Colorado

A non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, Energy Smart Colorado (ESC) assists rural communities develop and implement energy efficiency programs to help residents and businesses save money and reduce greenhouse gas emissions while also supporting local economic development. The network works on the idea of Collective Impact and that by working together and sharing resources, the group can have a larger impact. Each Partner in the ESC network provides residential (and in some cases commercial) energy efficiency services, which may include education, energy assessments, energy advising, workforce development, and access to financing and financial incentives, in a pre-determined service territory, primarily defined by County or Town/City boundaries.

Position Description

Energy Smart Colorado is the recipient of two federal awards that are focused on improving housing affordability, increasing comfort and decreasing utility costs for working families and low-to-moderate income (LMI) residents across a 20-county region in western Colorado. To meet the goals of these awards, a clean energy workforce must be enhanced across rural Colorado. The Workforce Development Manager will be responsible for increasing the number of energy-focused skilled trades jobs by 20 to 30% in each Energy Smart community. These jobs may include recruiting potential Building Performance Institute (BPI) Building Analysts, enhancing HVAC expertise in installing cold climate heat pumps, as well as increasing the certifications of contractors focused on home weatherization, and other energy trades. While this is a remote work position, applicants must live in an Energy Smart community and be able to travel periodically for work within the Energy Smart territory.

Key Job Responsibilities

Empower Clean Energy Workforce Growth and Technical Expertise in Rural Communities

• Establish contractor training programs in centralized locations across western Colorado
• Coordinate with BPI testing center(s) to develop trainings to support building analyst needs, re-certification opportunities, and gaps in performance
• Assist in the development of a Workforce Training Center in the western slope of Colorado
• Foster relationships with manufacturers, educational partners, and utility companies to introduce Building Science and Clean Energy careers to students throughout ESC territory

Support Building Analysts

• Manage BPI-workforce training program in conjunction with community partners and ensure Energy Smart program’s technical excellence
• Support newly certified analysts with best practices and protocols through shadowing their initial home energy assessments, and providing training on equipment and software
• Become skilled in using energy modeling software to train and support analysts on reporting tools, including SnuggPro, Formyoula and EPIC

 Establish Quality Assurance Program

• Provide quality assurance (QA) checks through shadowing ESC analysts on residential assessment visits
• Identify QA required of federal rebate programs as they are launched in 2024

Essential Skills and Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree
• A minimum of four years professional or educational experience in workforce development, human resources, business administration, education, training and certification, or related fields
• Ability to take initiative and work independently as well as in a team environment
• Exceptional organizational capabilities, ability to provide deliverables by deadlines
• Collaborative and able to work with diverse community leaders and community members
• Excellent communication skills including writing, public speaking and relationship management
• Project management and community engagement experience
• Advanced computer skills including Microsoft Office and Google Suite and aptitude to learn new programs and software applications
• Personal commitment to sustainability and passion for energy efficiency, electrification and other climate and clean energy solutions
• Must possess a valid State Driver’s License, a satisfactory motor vehicle record and have reliable transportation to travel across Colorado mountain communities

Preferred Qualifications

• Bilingual – proficient in Spanish and English language – written and verbal communication
• Experience developing, coordinating, and supporting community initiatives
• BPI Building Analyst certification or willingness to obtain within first six months
• Understanding of energy efficiency and electrification technical concepts and calculations
• Experience presenting or teaching
• Understanding/awareness of racial equity issues (developed either through personal experience or formal training)

Location/Additional Details

• Remote work, flexible, self-motivated work schedule
• Rural Colorado-based, located in an Energy Smart community 
• Strong internet access required of candidate through home office or co-working space

Compensation/Benefits

• Full-time employment, $70,000 to $85,000 base salary, based on relevant experience
• Paid time off including 11 holidays, three weeks vacation, and sick leave
• Employer funded health savings account or health insurance premium stipend
• SIMPLE IRA retirement plan with up to 3% employer match
• Paid professional development opportunities
• Wellness benefit
• Mileage reimbursement for travel to ESC partner communities
• Monthly cell phone/Internet allocation
• Supportive and innovative work culture

Application Details

• Email a cover letter, current resume and three professional references to jobs@EnergySmartColorado.org expressing your interest and matching your experience with the essential skills and preferred qualifications.
• Applications accepted immediately. Review of applications will begin on April 15 and will continue until the position is filled.