City of Austin - JOB DESCRIPTION

Conservation Program Specialist

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.

1. Implements conservation programs in residential, commercial, or industrial settings.
2. Gathers and analyzes historical energy or water usage data, including rates or tariffs to determine conservation recommendations for customers.
3. 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.
4. Quantifies energy or water consumption to establish baselines for use and need. Calculates potential for savings.
5. Prepares audit reports containing energy or water analysis results and recommendations for cost savings.
6. Prepares job specification sheets for residential, commercial, or multi-family home energy or water improvements and retrofits.
7. 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.
8. Performs field audits, pre-verification and final inspections to determine customer eligibility for conservation rebates.
9. Coordinates conservation program activities with contractors, ensures compliance with energy efficiency programs and rebate requirements.
10. Promotes conservation programs to the public through on-site appointments and participating in outreach activities by attending trade shows, conferences, and other community events.

• May lead departmental project teams.

• 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

• 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.

• Valid Drivers License.
• For Austin Water positions:
  • Must be TCEQ licensed irrigator or licensed irrigation inspector for Irrigation positions or obtain license within six (6) months of employment.
  • IREC certification for Mechanical, Plumbing, or Electrical is required if working in Program Compliance, Inspections or obtain license within six (6) months of employment