Energy Star Field Representative

Position: Field Representative / Northwest ENERGY STAR Program  

Reports To: Frank D. Molander / Northwest Program Manager  

General Responsibilities: 
The overall responsibilities include but are not limited to representing the Northwest ENERGY STAR Program and the sponsoring authority (NEEA - Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance), and APT in a professional and responsible manner, conducting retailer store visits, conducting outreach activities, ensuring the enthusiastic participation of retailers and utility companies, maintaining detailed records, working within a team environment and adhering to APT protocols, procedures and policies. 

Specific Short / Long Term Responsibilities:
1. Conduct retailer site visits and fill out call report data sheets. - Provide program updates. - Conduct ENERGY STAR training sessions for new employees & follow up training. - Gather sales data. - Label qualifying ENERGY STAR products. - Supply retailers with updated lists of qualified products. - Supply retailers with Point-of-Purchase material (POP). - Answer questions relating to the Program. 
2. Attend trade shows & promotional events (weekends) throughout the territory. 
3. Work with local, regional and national programs to gain recognition & increase participation. 
4. Work with individual utility companies to increase participation in the Program. 
5. Work with utility personal to assist rate-payers in participating in the Program 
6. Participate in weekly conference call with Program Manager & Coordinator. 
7. Make daily phone calls to Program Coordinator. 
8. Continue to learn about the industry and attend APT training events. 
9. Make recommendations that will enhance our delivery of services. 
10. Ensure that all services are performed with the highest level of expediency and efficiency. 
11. Other duties as assigned. 

Program Field Representatives are charged with the responsibility to contact retailers to explain the Program, enlist their participation, and provide a variety of support activities to participating retailers and utilities. These support activities include, but are not limited to: 

Retailer Training: 
Training sessions for retailers are scheduled and conducted according to the individual retailer's needs and schedules. These sessions may range form informal discussions with sales staff at small retailers to full scale presentations at sales meetings in a large chain outlet. In every instance, salespeople are provided with a complete understanding of the Program to ensure their familiarity with the Programs goals and benefits. 

Training Sessions Include: 
1. Details on the purpose of the Program.
2. Demonstrations of using the POP materials.
3. Retailer's responsibility for proper use of POP material.
4. Overview of any advertising plans and sample ad slicks.
5. Explanation of the benefits of Program participation for retailers, salespeople and customers.
6. Product specific information on energy efficiency.
7. The 'How-To' of presenting energy efficiency information to the customer.
8. Utilizing third party product / energy efficiency endorsements. 

Point of Purchase Material Delivery & Placement: 
Program Field Representatives assist retailers in identifying products that qualify for the Program. The Field Representatives deliver and assist in placing POP material in strategic areas. During the course of their routine visits Field Representatives need to ensure that POP material is adequately supplied and properly displayed. 

POP material includes but are not limited to, the following: 
1. Counter Top Display (or Floor Display) and Rebate Holder. 
2. Promotional Tent Cards. 
3. Labels that identify qualifying products. 
4. ENERGY STAR logo for use in advertising. 
5. Other supplementary material - handouts, pamphlets, etc. 
Program Promotion & Advertising: 

The Program often times has money available for retail cooperative advertising. Retailers are provided with a sample of this advertisement. These ads encourage customers to visit participating retailers. Retailers are also provided with ad slicks and logos to incorporate into their advertising. 

In-Store Promotions: 
Program Field Representatives are available to provide retailers with in-store promotional events. These events entail Field Representatives setting up displays and demonstration tools to educate consumers on the benefits of ENERGY STAR products. Where appropriate Field Representatives assist store personnel in actually selling products during these promotions. 

General Program & Retailer Support: 
On a regular basis Field Representatives conduct retailer visits. The purpose of these visits is to ensure that the retailers are satisfied with the Program and are staying actively involved. In addition, these ongoing visits provide the opportunity to: 
1. Answer retailer & sales staff questions or concerns that relate to the Program. 
2. Obtain feedback on customer reaction to the Program. 
3. Deliver and assist in setting up POP displays and ensure that POP material is well stocked. 
4. Alert retailers to any new manufacturers' products. 
5. Share information about new product releases, industry studies, research and industry trends. 
6. Provide details on changes within the Program. 
7. Fill out required paperwork specific to Program data reporting needs. 

Requirements: 
- 3 years experience in sales, customer service, or related indutry. 
- Computer experience including; word-processing, form development, spread sheets, power point presentations and database manipulation. 
- Excellent communication skills - verbal & written. 
- Excellent public speaking / presentation skills. 
- Personality - 'Can-Do' attitude 
- Ability to communicate and establish positive relationships 
- Team Player 
- Flexibility 
- Physical - Able to ride in automobiles for long distances and timeframes. 
- No other restrictions.