Energy Program Specialist

Background & Overview

The Port of Bellingham (Port) owns approximately 100 buildings in Bellingham, Blaine and at the Bellingham Airport and Airport Industrial Park. Many of these buildings are leased to tenants.

The Port adopted a Climate Action Strategy in 2023, which builds on existing programs such as the Building and Infrastructure Energy Management Program (BIEMP). The BIEMP is managed by a cross-divisional team that works Port wide on energy strategy. As a regulatory requirement, the BIEMP has performed initial assessments of almost all Port buildings over 20,000 SF for benchmarking against the Tier 1 requirements of the Washington State Clean Buildings Performance Standards (CBPS). Under the BIEMP, 14 Port buildings are registered with PSE’s Commercial Strategic Energy Management Program (CSEM), which provides incentives for behavioral changes in energy use. The Energy Program Specialist will further the work of the BIEMP by ensuring all required reports and supporting documentation are submitted to the Department of Commerce, PSE or other relevant agencies accurately and in a timely manner. The Energy Program Specialist will need to develop an understanding of Port processes such as Maintenance, Engineering and Real Estate functions. They will work with the Environmental Team and be a vital BIEMP team member.

Hours will generally be 8am-5pm Monday-Friday with an hour for lunch, however some days may start and end earlier depending on the maintenance staff’s schedules. Average work is 40 hours per week, including SEI specific training time.

Responsibilities

• Tracking initial energy use intensity (EUI) assessments and following up on documentation and reports needed for Tier 1 & 2 buildings by the CBPS.
• Managing necessary data such as building energy usage analyses and providing recommendations for behavioral changes. Recording the recommendations on a building-by-building basis.
• Working with Maintenance and Facilities staff to prioritize, plan and implement construction projects.
• Recommending behavioral changes for the CSEM incentives.
• Reporting to the Department of Commerce for the Tier 1 and 2 buildings for CBPS (e.g. Operations and Maintenance plans, Energy Management Plans and Washington SAW reporting)
• Reporting to PSE on CSEM progress.
• Collaborating with utilities (Puget Sound Energy, the City of Blaine, and Cascade Natural Gas) and Port accounting staff for data management.

Desired Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of best practices for energy use in a variety of buildings and industrial activities.
• Possessing or pursuing a degree in energy management, CEM, or related field, or pursing CEM certification.
• Possessing excellent software skills, including MS Word, Excel, EnergyCAP and Energy Star Portfolio Manager, and ability to learn new software.
• Have an understanding of engineering design and technical aspects of HVAC, building controls and/or lighting systems.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate across diverse teams to meet objectives and timelines.
• Ability to link building energy use to climate action goals and targets.
• Valid Drivers License.

We encourage anyone who is interested in this position and who meets some of the qualifications to apply, even if they do not meet all of them. We recognize that a unique perspective and background can enhance a role when many, if not all, of the listed qualifications are met.

If you would need to relocate for this position, please note that you need to be in the state you are relocating to no less than 10 business days before the start of the fellowship

Benefits

• End-of-program financial award.
• Healthcare coverage with 100% of healthcare insurance premiums covered by the employer.
• Access to a national Member Assistance Program, which includes financial and legal assistance, medical advocacy, and counseling services.

Professional and Personal Development Training

• Career-readiness training in interview preparation, salary negotiation, and developing a professional resume and cover letter.
• Attending panels, workshops, and presentations by climate resilience industry professionals.
• Professional networking opportunities.
• University of California Climate Stewards Certification- Prestigious certification through the University of California School of Agriculture and Natural Resources. This acclaimed UC California Naturalist Program prepares UC Climate Stewards to engage in and lead local solutions to advance community and ecosystem resilience.

About Us

Climate Corps, a program of SEI, is an award-winning fellowship program that provides professional development opportunities for emerging leaders through implementation of sustainability and resiliency projects with local governments, nonprofits, and for-profit businesses. To see a full list of climate, energy, and sustainability positions posted by Climate Corps, please visit here: https://jobs.climatecorps.org/listings. We are constantly adding positions, so make sure to frequently check this site to see if there are new opportunities available.

SEI requires employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19.

SEI is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is committed to promoting diversity, inclusion, and equity. We believe that a wide array of perspectives contributes to creative climate solutions where all communities thrive. We strive to reflect diverse communities, especially those most impacted by climate change and other kinds of environmental, social, and economic injustices. Persons of color, persons with disabilities, and members of the LGBTQ community are strongly encouraged to apply. A commitment to work and learn within an anti-oppression framework is required. https://www.seiinc.org/dei.html