Energy Manager

The City of Somerville is a leader in both climate change action and data-driven, efficient government services.  The City Energy Manager leads the reduction greenhouse gas emissions from City operations focusing on the City’s energy procurement, data management, facilities operation, and new capital projects.  In its 2018 climate action plan, Somerville Climate Forward, the City set a commitment to lead by example on carbon reductions in its City operations, over 80% of which come from the City’s buildings. 

The Energy Manager’s primary focus is energy management and operations in the City’s portfolio of 30 buildings, but the position also includes responsibilities in ongoing and future development projects and vehicle fleet.  The ideal candidate has a strong grasp of best practices in the field of energy management and is eager to bring Somerville to a world-class level of energy efficiency.  As a member of the Office of Sustainability and Environment (OSE), the Energy Manager reports directly to the Director of OSE and will work closely with the Department of Public Works, Finance Department, and SomerStat, among others. 

Statement of Duties

The Energy Manager implements strategic energy plans to create cost-effective energy utilization in building operation and maintenance.  The Energy Manager is responsible for overseeing operational decisions and carrying out projects that reduce energy consumption in the City’s 30-plus buildings portfolio. Employee is required to perform all similar or related duties.

Essential Functions:

The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various type of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

• Develop, implement, and oversee program to reduce energy usage in the City’s buildings portfolio. Identify energy conservation measures (ECMs), prepare financial analyses, and implement and/or oversee contractor implementation.
• Develop behavior change initiative to reduce energy consumption by building occupants.
• Measure impact of ECMs and behavior change initiatives.
• Manage the City’s energy data using tools such as MassEnergyInsightand Portfolio Manager
• Identify building management system improvements and analyze data outputs. Support the upgrade of building management systems  and controls. 
• Partner with Capital Projects on net-zero carbon and net-zero carbon-ready municipal buildings. Provide technical input on energy efficiency on new construction and major renovation projects for municipal buildings.
• Work with the Somerville Department of Public Works (DPW) to oversee work of energy contractors and ensure efficient and complete delivery of services.
• Work with DPW Buildings & Grounds staff to develop energy efficient operations by diagnosing system vulnerabilities, researching best practices and proposing solutions.
• Assist the Purchasing Department, DPW, and OSE with the procurement of electricity, gas, and renewable energy.  
• Partner with Finance and IT Departments to implement new energy billing and financial data systems.
• Manage the City’s solar PV systems and solar power purchase agreements
• Oversee and expand the City’s demand-response activities.
• Identify and apply for grants (e.g., Green Communities).
• Serve as point of contact for state agencies and energy utilities regarding City energy matters.
• As directed, assist the Director of OSE to: 
  
  • Review new development plans for energy efficiency and LEED compliance
  • Provide input on energy efficiency programs and communications for residential and commercial buildings
  • Assist with energy disclosure programs.

Supervision Required                                                                                              

Under administrative direction, working from municipal policies and objectives; individual establishes short-range plans and objectives, own performance standards and assumes direct accountability for department results.  Consults with supervisor only where clarification, interpretation, or exception to municipal policy may be required. The employee is responsible for the development and implementation of departmental policies, goals, objectives and grants.  The employee is also expected to attempt to resolve conflicts which arise and coordinate with others as necessary.

Supervisory Responsibility                                                                          

Employee, as a regular and continuing part of the job, leads other workers in accomplishing assigned work and also performs non-supervisory work that is usually of the same kind and levels as is done by the group led. The work leader is responsible to his/her supervisor for assuring that the work assignments of other workers are carried out by performing duties which typically consist of most of the following:  distributes and balances workload among employees in accordance with established workflow and job specialization; assures timely completion of work; instructs employees in specific tasks or explains work methods to be employed and indicated applicable reference material and guidelines; checks work progress and reviews completed work to see that instructions have been carried out; answers questions and resolves problems that arise in the work; provides on-the-job training to new employees; reports to the supervisor on disciplinary problems, performance and training needs of employees; resolves simple, informal complaints of employees and refers others to the supervisor; may approve leave for a few hours or for emergencies.

Accountability                                                                                                          

The nature of the professional or technical work means that errors in analysis, techniques or recommendations would probably be difficult to detect.  Consequences of errors, missed deadlines or poor judgment could result in excessive costs, delay of service delivery, or legal repercussions to the municipality.  Other consequences of errors, missed deadlines or poor judgment may include significant monetary losses, waste of material, damage to buildings, equipment or personal injuries.

Judgment                                                                                                                  

Guidelines only provide limited guidance for performing the work.  They may be in the form of administrative or organizational policies, general principles, legislation or directives that pertain to a specific department or functional area.  Extensive judgment and ingenuity are required to develop new or adapt existing methods and approaches for accomplishing objectives or to deal with new or unusual requirements within the limits of the guidelines or policies.  The employee is recognized as the department or functional area’s authority in interpreting the guidelines, in determining how they should be applied, and in developing operating policies and practices.

Complexity                                                                                                                

The work consists of employing many different concepts, theories, principles, techniques and practices relating to an administrative field.  Assignments typically concern such matters as studying trends in the field for application to the work; assessing services and recommending improvements.

Nature and Purpose of Personal Contacts                                                                                    

Relationships are constantly with co-workers, the public and with groups and/or individuals who have conflicting opinions or objectives, diverse points of view or differences where skillful negotiating and achieving compromise is required to secure support, concurrence and acceptance or compliance; OR one-on-one relationships with a person who may be under severe stress, where gaining a high degree of persuasion may be required to obtain the desired effect.  The employee may represent to the public a functional area of the municipality on matters of procedures or policy where perceptiveness is required to analyze circumstances in order to act appropriately.

Confidentiality                                                                                                          

Access to some confidential information, not department-wide that is obtained during performance of essential functions, where the effect of any disclosure would probably be negligible or where the full significance of the overall confidential matter would not be apparent in the work performed.

Recommended Minimum Qualifications:

Education and Experience: Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or environmental engineering, architecture, business or related discipline with five to seven (5-7) years of experience in energy management, mechanical systems design, construction, and/or maintenance, or related work experience; or any equivalent combination of education, training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job.  Master’s degree preferred but not required. Previous experience as an energy manager is preferred.

Special Requirements

Certified Energy Manager (CEM), Certified Lighting Efficiency Professional, LEED, Certified Carbon Reduction Manager and/or Certified Energy Auditor certifications are preferred but not required.

Knowledge, Abilities and Skill

Knowledge: Demonstrated mastery of the broad range of energy conservation measures (ECMs) that can reduce energy usage and greenhouse gas emissions in built structures; knowledge of the principles and practices of building maintenance; knowledge of the principles and practices of effective budgetary management, as well as financial modeling; knowledge of building energy systems including heating, hot water, ventilation, refrigeration and air conditioning systems and related electrical systems including Energy Management Systems (EMS) and controls; a certificate or diploma from a recognized HVAC program is preferred but not required.  Working knowledge of computer hardware and software in support of departmental operations; thorough knowledge of building and accessibility codes and statutes; healthcare knowledge preferred but not required.

Ability: Ability to work independently; ability to manage and/or design energy systems in buildings; ability to maintain, manage, and organize records; ability to handle problems effectively in response to day-to-day crises; ability to communicate clearly, both orally and in writing; ability to operate a computer; ability to deal appropriately with City employees, City officials, contractors, trade workers and the public. Ability to prioritize projects based on multiple factors, which may include political, financial, public health and safety, etc.

Skill: Skill in coordinating various programs and projects simultaneously; demonstrated skills and experience with energy data management; excellent oral and written communication skills required.

Work Environment

The work environment will primarily be office work with field work on an as needed basis to support projects. The office work involves everyday discomforts typical of offices, with occasional exposure to outside elements.  Noise or physical surroundings may be distracting, but conditions are generally not unpleasant. The field work requires moderate intermittent physical strength and effort navigating construction and repair sites as well as exposure to varying conditions in mechanical/boiler rooms, ceilings, roofs, and under floor areas.  At times, the work will require extended physical effort over a significant portion of the work day.  Additionally, the employee may be required to work beyond normal business hours in response to attend evening meetings or complete work assignments. Duties generally do not present occupational risk.  Injury could occur, however, through employee failure to property follow safety precautions or procedures. 

Physical and Mental Requirements 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the position’s essential functions.

Physical Skills

Minimal to moderate physical demands are required to perform the work. Work effort principally involves sitting to perform work tasks, with intermittent periods of stooping, walking, and standing. There may also be some occasional lifting of objects such as books, office equipment and computer paper (up to 30 lbs.)

Motor Skills

Duties are largely mental rather than physical, but the job requires motor skills for activities such as moving objects, operating a telephone system, computer and/or most other office equipment, typing and/or word processing, filing, and sorting.

Visual Skills

Visual demands include constantly reading documents for general understanding and for analytical purposes and routine review of building plans.

Send your resume and cover letter to:

City Hall Personnel Office
93 Highland Avenue
Somerville MA 02143
Fax: 617-666-4426
TTY: 1-866-808-4851
Email: employment_opportunities@somervillema.gov

City of Somerville residents are especially encouraged to apply.

The City of Somerville is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, disability or any other protected category. Women, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Auxiliary aids and services, written materials in alternative formats, and reasonable modifications in policies and procedures will be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities free of charge, upon request.

Individuals with disabilities who need auxiliary aids and services for effective communication, written materials in alternative formats, or reasonable modifications in policies and procedures, in order to access the programs and activities of the City of Somerville or to attend meetings, should contact Nancy Bacci, at 617- 625-6600x2250 or Nbacci@somervillema.gov.