Job Details

Overview

The Department of Planning and Buildings Energy Division is recruiting for a Limited Term Utility Coordinator to oversee the 3C-REN (Tri-County Regional Energy Network) program. The role administers residential energy efficiency programs and collaborates with residents, building professionals, consultants, and utilities to remove barriers to energy efficiency improvements in residential buildings.

3C-REN programs include workforce education and training, residential direct install, and codes and standards to support local energy efficiency efforts.

3C-REN Program Areas

• Workforce Education and Training: technical energy efficiency classroom and in-field trainings and certifications for local building professionals; partnerships with educational providers to deliver trainings.

• Residential Direct Install: serves hard-to-reach customers (renters, single-family and multi-family properties, Disadvantaged Communities) with Energy Advisor Consultations and no-cost or low-cost upgrades; partners with local nonprofits delivering income-based programs.

• Codes and Standards: supports municipal building department staff and design professionals; offers Energy Code Coach services, tools, resources, and trainings to promote energy codes and standards.

Classification Definition

Under general direction, develops, administers, and coordinates energy services or programs. Manages energy conservation grants and rebates and performs professional duties in energy planning, acquisition, conservation, monitoring, and consumption for County facilities or projects.

Typical Tasks and Representative Duties

1. Analyzes and establishes current baselines for facility energy, wastewater, or water use using software or other methods.
2. Analyzes and recommends contractual arrangements with energy providers, grantors, and vendors; audits records and bills for compliance; negotiates and enforces contracts.
3. Conducts administrative and budget analysis to purchase energy at favorable rates; reviews legislative developments related to energy and water purchases.
4. Identifies energy efficiency measures and programs; evaluates technologies; develops proposals to reduce energy consumption and improve resilience to outages.
5. Designs, administers, and implements energy efficiency programming.
6. Coordinates RFP development and processing for various implementations or selections.
7. Manages subcontractors, scopes of work, and budgets.
8. Participates in facility design to improve energy use and resilience.
9. Coordinates implementation of conservation measures by County staff, vendors, or outside parties.
10. Provides training on energy and utility management.
11. Interacts with State and Federal agencies, nonprofits, and industry groups to secure funding; represents the County at utility rate hearings and meetings.
12. May monitor consumption and develop conservation plans.
13. May supervise assigned personnel, including training, performance evaluation, and workflow management.

Employment Status

This is a Limited Term, full-time position. Limited term employees receive benefits equivalent to permanent full-time employees and are eligible for vacation, sick leave, health, and pension benefits. The sunset date for this position is December 31, 2027. The recruitment may also fill future permanent, substitute, limited term, and temporary positions.

Additional Notes

The current vacancy is a limited term position. The recruitment may be used for future openings Countywide.

The search is continuous with an initial review of applications on May 11, 2025. This position may require driving: a valid California driver license is required if driving is an essential function.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate possesses extensive program and project management experience, with a strong ability to oversee complex initiatives. A background in training and familiarity with energy efficiency programs, accreditations, and educational frameworks is highly desirable. Proven ability to implement best practices, ensure compliance, and foster continuous improvement is valued.

Employment Standards

Knowledge of:

• Principles, methods, and procedures of energy conservation and efficiency in public facilities
• Energy providers and delivery structures
• Legislation and regulations for managing and administering energy usage programs
• Regulatory landscape for ratepayer-funded programs and the California Energy Code
• Facility systems basics (building automation, electrical distribution, HVAC, data, gas, water, and sewer)
• Distributed energy resources including solar and battery storage
• Fundamental research, program analysis, and data control methods

Ability to:

• Analyze utility rates, tariffs, bills, and requirements
• Develop and implement energy and utility conservation programs
• Assess existing systems for efficiency and DER opportunities; recommend retrofit projects
• Audit utility records, project projections, and reporting
• Communicate effectively in writing and verbally
• Work with diverse stakeholders and maintain positive relationships
• Prepare and analyze budgets
• Prepare and negotiate contracts and amendments
• Use modern office tools and data presentation
• Supervise, train, and evaluate staff

Minimum Qualifications:

A combination of education, training, and experience demonstrating the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. Example: a bachelors degree in environmental science/management, sustainability, energy systems, or a related field, plus three years of recent utility field experience.

Licenses and Certificates

Some roles may require driving; a valid California driver license is required at appointment and maintained throughout employment.

This is a continuous recruitment; posting may close anytime with notice. Apply online at governmentjobs.com/careers/slocountyca. Review supplemental questions prior to applying; an initial application review will determine who proceeds to assessments, exams, and interviews. Final candidates will undergo a background review.

Contact and Information

For questions, contact Human Resources at ...@co.slo.ca.us. More information about the County of San Luis Obispo is at www.slocounty.ca.gov (website access via normal browser).