Energy and Water Specialist

The Specialist, Energy & Water Programs position reports to the Senior Director, Energy & Water Programs (SDEWP) and will work alongside the E+W team’s current Specialist of Energy and Water Programs. With guidance from SDEWP, you will collaborate with team members to implement Energy and Water programs from origin through final deliverables. This role will coordinate the fulfillment of project-based deliverables for energy and water-related initiatives, and responsibilities include client and project partner coordination, data analysis, written-reporting, and administrative duties. 

In this role, you will be responsible for the following (but not limited to):  

Leadership & Management Commitments (30% of overall duties):

• Ensure excellence & quality control for assigned programs 
• Collaborate with SDEWP to transform energy and water-related programs
• Conduct analysis and assist in the approval of documentation and submittals 
• Assist in project design, implementation, reporting, and the completion of all deliverables 
• Coordinate work with outside organizations, consultants, and subcontractors, including assisting in the facilitation of project meetings.  
• Coordinate with SDEWP to analyze program performance metrics
• Collaborate with Climate Resolve staff to publicize and celebrate achievements across several online & public media platforms 

Programmatic Commitments (70% of overall duties): 

Carbon Crediting Program – 40%  

• Manage implementation of carbon credit-eligible renewable energy,energy efficiency, and nature-based solutions projects.
• Coordinate compliance procedures for the carbon crediting projects 
• Work with multiple project stakeholders to conduct site visits, evaluate alternatives, and execute letter agreements to manage carbon crediting projects in L.A. County and/or Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) regions 
• Work with stakeholders to conduct site visits, evaluate alternatives, and execute management agreements for carbon crediting projects in L.A. County and/or (SCAG) regions
• Develop and maintain expertise in carbon crediting methodologies
• Coordinate with the Managing Director, Solutions Services, and SDEWP in the development of other GHG emissions reduction methodologies 
• Build and coordinate internal systems and processes to manage project implementation with multiple stakeholders, including document control and project scheduling 

Local School District Energy and Water Programs – 30%

• Support various aspects of the Climate Smart Schools program, implementing technologies that foster energy resilience and promote education and outreach programs among students, staff, and other stakeholders. 
• Assist SDEWP with the development of new proposals and implementation of new water conservation and energy projects. 
• Support SDEWP with research to expand and fund school district EV bus programs and green infrastructure. 

Other Energy and Water projects – 30%

• Support other innovative energy and water projects, such as low-impact development (stormwater capture), cool surfaces & urban heat island (UHI) mitigation, and active transportation solutions.
• Support SDEWP on grant proposals for additional funding for green infrastructure initiatives with local municipalities.
• Facilitate education and outreach to city officials and community members on climate change resilience and expanding strategies to combat UHI impacts.
• Assist SDEWP with research and the pursuit of other opportunities in energy and water programs. 

What you'll bring to this role

A minimum of three* years of professional experience in energy and/or water project development, implementation, or project management, and a bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline, environmental science, building sciences & systems, or related field.

*We welcome and will consider any combination of training, education, and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

You will perform well if you have:

• Capability to use data analysis and data visualization systems to create databases, track project inputs, and collate & organize information into digestible, intuitive formats
• Proficiency in creating and/or interpreting GHG & energy load models in Excel for Scope 1 & 2 emissions
• Proficiency in understanding environmental sustainability concepts:  resilience and climate adaptation, water conservation and water systems resilience, renewable energy technologies, energy management systems, or a combination of
• An understanding of the public health impacts of climate change on vulnerable communities 
• Knowledge of climate funding & technical assistance programs at the federal, state, and local level
• Knowledge of principles and practices of project management and community engagement 
• Experience supporting project tasks, scheduling meetings, and maintaining a professional demeanor in stakeholder and working group meetings
• Effective oral and written skills, including the ability to research, analyze, synthesize, and report on all aspects of energy and/or water projects and present complex concepts in simple terms
• Working knowledge of ArcGIS and environmental equity mapping platforms, such as CalEnviroScreen, Cal-Adapt and/or Health Places Index; also more generally, Microsoft Office, Adobe, and Canva
• Ability to travel locally as required for projects (Possession of a California Driver’s License (Class DL) is required) 

You will be an excellent match for the position if you also have: 

• Experience working in supportive collaboration with communities and diverse groups 
• Appreciation for local community expertise regarding resources and assistance 
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging 
• Capability for self-directed learning with little need for constant oversight and a willingness to take on multiple projects 
• Flexibility to exist in a fast-paced, generative professional environment with multiple assignments and work well under pressure and tight deadlines 
• Desire to grow professionally as a contributor and a leader within the organization
• A positive attitude and enthusiasm for contributing independently and as a team
• Collaborative problem-solving skills with a curiosity for understanding technical details as well as the overall project vision 
• Professional maturity and self-awareness in knowing and communicating your strengths, limitations, and competencies 
• Emotional intelligence, intuition, and good instincts
• Fluency in Spanish

Matching 401K contribution, medical benefits, dental/vision, professional development, paid holidays, vacation & sick leave, and commuter benefits.

The successful candidate will be required to be on-site in the office three days a week for the first three months, with more flexibility considered, as duties are performed with autonomy. 

We encourage and support professional development by paying fees for you to pursue CEM, LEED GA, LEED AP, ArcGIS, or GHG/carbon accounting credentials during the first 24 months of employment. Upon successful completion of these credentials, after 24 months of employment, we will consider paying the fees for you to pursue WELL AP, EIT, or similar credentials.