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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Energy Conservation Manager

💰 $95,000 - $155,000

EngineeringSustainabilityFacilities ManagementEnvironmentalProject Management

🎯 Role Definition

This role requires a proactive and results-oriented Energy Conservation Manager to champion our organization's commitment to sustainability and operational excellence. This strategic role is responsible for developing, implementing, and managing comprehensive energy conservation programs across our portfolio of facilities. The ideal candidate will be a subject matter expert in energy efficiency, capable of identifying and executing projects that deliver significant reductions in energy consumption, utility costs, and environmental impact. You will serve as a key advisor to leadership, translating complex technical data into actionable business strategies and fostering a culture of conservation throughout the organization.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Energy Analyst / Engineer
  • Facilities Engineer or Manager
  • Mechanical / Electrical Project Engineer
  • Sustainability Coordinator

Advancement To:

  • Director of Energy & Sustainability
  • Director of Facilities & Operations
  • Senior Portfolio Energy Manager
  • Vice President of Corporate Social Responsibility

Lateral Moves:

  • Sustainability Consultant
  • Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Manager
  • ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) Program Manager

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Develop, implement, and oversee a comprehensive, long-range energy management plan to meet and exceed organizational goals for energy reduction, cost savings, and carbon footprint minimization.
  • Conduct in-depth energy audits (ASHRAE Level I, II, and III) and on-site assessments of facilities to identify, evaluate, and prioritize energy conservation measures (ECMs) and water conservation opportunities.
  • Manage the entire lifecycle of energy efficiency and capital improvement projects, from initial concept and feasibility analysis to engineering design, procurement, vendor selection, construction, commissioning, and post-project performance verification.
  • Analyze utility data, billing, and consumption patterns using Energy Management Information Systems (EMIS) and other analytical tools to track performance against benchmarks, identify anomalies, and report on key performance indicators (KPIs).
  • Create robust business cases and financial models (including ROI, NPV, simple payback, and life-cycle cost analysis) to justify capital investments in energy efficiency projects and present findings to executive leadership.
  • Serve as the organization's primary subject matter expert on energy efficiency, renewable energy technologies, building systems optimization, and sustainability best practices, providing technical guidance to all levels of the organization.
  • Oversee the optimization and strategic operation of Building Automation Systems (BAS/BMS) to ensure building systems (HVAC, lighting) are operating at peak efficiency without compromising occupant comfort.
  • Develop and manage the annual energy and utility budget, including forecasting, variance analysis, and reporting on budget performance.
  • Investigate and secure financial incentives, rebates, grants, and tax credits from utility companies and government agencies to reduce the capital cost of energy projects.
  • Lead the Measurement and Verification (M&V) of energy savings for completed projects, adhering to established protocols like the International Performance Measurement and Verification Protocol (IPMVP).
  • Develop and execute a robust employee and stakeholder engagement program to promote energy awareness, encourage behavioral changes, and build a corporate culture of sustainability.
  • Stay current with federal, state, and local energy regulations, codes, and policies to ensure compliance and identify potential risks or opportunities for the organization.
  • Evaluate the feasibility of on-site renewable energy generation, such as solar PV, and manage the implementation of viable projects.
  • Prepare and present regular, detailed reports and dashboards on energy program performance, project status, and financial outcomes to senior management and other key stakeholders.
  • Collaborate with facilities management teams to integrate energy efficiency principles into standard operating procedures (SOPs), preventive maintenance schedules, and new construction design standards.
  • Manage relationships with external partners, including engineering consultants, contractors, equipment vendors, and utility representatives, to ensure successful project execution.
  • Lead retro-commissioning (RCx) and continuous commissioning (CCx) initiatives for existing buildings to identify and correct operational inefficiencies in building systems.
  • Support corporate sustainability reporting efforts (e.g., CDP, GRESB, GRI) by providing accurate energy, emissions, and water data and narrative contributions.
  • Develop and maintain enterprise-wide design and construction standards that embed energy efficiency and sustainability from the outset of any new build or major renovation.
  • Pilot and assess emerging smart building technologies, IoT sensors, and advanced analytics platforms to drive the next generation of energy savings.
  • Lead cross-functional teams and energy committees to drive initiatives, share best practices, and ensure alignment of energy goals with broader business objectives.

Secondary Functions

  • Support cross-functional teams with ad-hoc energy data analysis and contribute to broader corporate sustainability reporting initiatives.
  • Contribute to the development of the organization's long-term decarbonization and net-zero carbon roadmap.
  • Collaborate with finance and procurement departments to explore innovative financing mechanisms for energy projects, such as Energy Savings Performance Contracts (ESPCs) or Green Leases.
  • Participate in industry associations and professional networks to stay abreast of emerging technologies, regulations, and incentive programs related to energy conservation.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Energy Auditing: Deep knowledge of ASHRAE Level I, II, and III audit procedures and energy assessment techniques.
  • Building Automation Systems (BAS/BMS): Proficiency in understanding, analyzing, and optimizing controls for systems like Johnson Controls, Siemens, Schneider Electric, or Trane.
  • HVAC & Mechanical Systems: Strong technical understanding of HVAC systems design, operation, and optimization strategies.
  • Financial Analysis: Expertise in creating financial models for energy projects, including ROI, LCC, NPV, and payback calculations.
  • Project Management: Proven ability to manage complex technical projects from conception to completion, on time and within budget.
  • Measurement & Verification (M&V): Experience with M&V protocols and methodologies, particularly IPMVP, to quantify energy savings.
  • Energy Modeling Software: Familiarity with energy simulation tools such as eQUEST, EnergyPlus, or TRACE 700 is highly desirable.
  • Utility Rate Analysis: Ability to analyze complex utility tariffs and rate structures to identify cost-saving opportunities.
  • Renewable Energy Technologies: Knowledge of solar PV, battery storage, and other renewable energy systems.
  • Data Analysis & EMIS: Skill in using Energy Management Information Systems and advanced Excel or BI tools (like Power BI) to analyze large datasets.
  • Commissioning & Retro-Commissioning: Experience leading or participating in building commissioning and retro-commissioning processes.

Soft Skills

  • Stakeholder Management: Ability to effectively engage, influence, and collaborate with a wide range of stakeholders, from facility technicians to C-suite executives.
  • Communication & Presentation: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to distill complex technical information for non-technical audiences.
  • Influence & Negotiation: Skilled at building consensus and persuading others to adopt new strategies and invest in conservation initiatives.
  • Strategic & Analytical Thinking: A strong ability to analyze data, identify trends, and develop long-term strategic plans.
  • Problem-Solving: Proactive and resourceful in identifying issues, evaluating solutions, and overcoming obstacles.
  • Leadership & Teamwork: Capable of leading cross-functional teams and fostering a collaborative environment focused on shared goals.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution.

Preferred Education:

  • Master's Degree in a relevant field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Environmental Science or Engineering
  • Sustainable Energy Management
  • Facilities Management
  • Architecture

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 5-10 years of progressive, hands-on experience in energy management, energy engineering, building controls, facilities engineering, or a directly related field.

Preferred:

  • Professional certification such as Certified Energy Manager (CEM), Professional Engineer (PE), or LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP).
  • Experience managing a multi-site portfolio and a proven track record of delivering significant, documented energy and cost savings.
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