Energy Engineer

~ Ecology Action is passionately driven to empower individuals, businesses, and communities to take actions today that achieve environmental and economic sustainability. ~

Located in our LEED® Gold-rated Green Headquarters in downtown Santa Cruz, Ecology Action is an established and trusted non-profit organization delivering high quality environmental programs for over 40 years. Selected in 2013 to receive California's prestigious Governor's Environmental & Economic Leadership Award (GEELA) for the second time, we are one of the most experienced and successful implementers of deep energy retrofit programs for small-to-medium sized commercial utility customers in California.

With a proven history of delivering verifiable savings to nonprofits, businesses, schools, government agencies, and community partners, we currently implement more than $40M in energy efficiency program contract statewide.

Position Overview 

We are seeking an Energy Engineer to join our growing team in Santa Cruz, CA. Our team is integral in identifying and supporting energy efficiency projects from audit through verification. Utilizing a combination of on-site audits and software tools, our Engineers analyze building performance for a variety of customers and building types.

This position requires a confident and professional self-starter to conduct, lead, and review energy audits (both scoping and investment grade) to identify and recommend energy efficiency improvements in systems including, but not limited to: HVAC, process heating, motors, boilers, compressed air, refrigeration, pumping, and lighting.

This position requires an understanding and development of detailed energy efficiency measure descriptions including estimating energy and cost savings for explanation and presentation to non-technical customers. Effective resource and project planning, proactive decision making, customer focus, and working well within a multi-disciplinary team are a few of the attributes that we desire. Independent travel to customer locations will be required. 

Responsibilities  

The ideal candidate will be able to: 

• Provide clear (written and verbal) communication to non-technical clients of complex, energy efficiency concepts, such as: building systems, energy models, energy efficiency measures, and program requirements.
• Provide recommendations and feedback regarding design, equipment selection, equipment enhancements, and serviceability.
• Develop detailed M&V plans and perform pre- and post-installation site visits to verify baseline, implementation, and actual energy savings through on-site metering/testing of existing and installed equipment.
• Assist sales and operations in the development, procurement and execution of performance and T&M contracts.

Qualifications  

Minimum Requirements: 

• Licensed P.E. in Mechanical Engineering. Equivalent training and industry related work experience may also be considered.
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience as an energy engineer or in energy/building efficiency industries.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (especially Excel).
• Practical experience with software simulation programs such as eQuest, Energy Pro, or similar program.
• Experience in building energy systems, energy efficiency measures, and/or demand response strategies.
• A strong understanding of mechanical and electrical systems and principals, motors, thermodynamics, fluids, heat transfer. Knowledge of building systems: HVAC, advanced lighting systems and controls, energy efficiency technologies, green building and high performance design including, but not limited to, facility mechanical equipment such as chillers, cooling towers, air handlers, chilled and hot water loops, boilers, motors, pumps and variable speed drives.
• Ability to manage several projects simultaneously. 

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Master's degree in Engineering.
• Certified Energy Manager (CEM).
• Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) Accredited.
• Strong understanding of relevant technical and industry standards: Title 24, ASHRAE, CALGreen, LEED, SMACNA, ASME, etc.
• Experience with utility incentive programs including energy efficiency, demand response, and retro-commissioning.
• Demonstrated experience in energy auditing and performing associated measures analysis.
• Hands-on experience with mechanical, electrical, and/or control systems.
• Knowledge of retro-commissioning process for existing buildings: concepts, practices, and procedures.
• Aptitude to review for accuracy the output from computer energy models and utilize data on projects.
• Highly motivated, proactive, and willing to take on new challenges with proven experience achieving aggressive goals in energy products and service markets.
• Proficiency in building and campus central plant designs, operating strategies, and equipment selections, especially with cogeneration and advanced cooling and heating systems. 

Note: 

Ecology Action believes that each employee makes a significant contribution to our success and should not be limited by the assigned responsibilities. This position description outlines primary duties, qualifications, and job scope, but is not intended to be a comprehensive description of job responsibilities. We expect each employee will offer his/her services wherever and whenever necessary to ensure the success of our endeavors.  

Additional Information  

Physical Demands: 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 essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, talk and hear, climb stairs, and use a computer keyboard and monitor.

Work Environment: This position involves a variety of working environments including office and field situations involving customer types of a wide range. 

Compensation: Ecology Action offers a generous benefit package that includes a cafeteria plan with medical, dental, and flexible spending benefits; a 401k-retirement plan with 4% employer match; and group life insurance. 

To Apply 

Please clcik below: "Apply Now Online!" to send you resume and a cover letter. Type: "Energy Engineer, Santa Cruz" into the subject line.

~ Ecology Action is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity in its workforce. Candidates for this position must be legally authorized to work directly as an employee for any employer in the United States without visa sponsorship. ~