Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for an Energy Coordinator
💰 $65,000 - $95,000
🎯 Role Definition
Are you passionate about sustainability and skilled in turning data into actionable cost savings? This role requires a proactive and analytical Energy Coordinator to join our team. In this pivotal role, you will be the driving force behind our energy management program, directly impacting our bottom line and corporate sustainability goals. You will be responsible for the comprehensive oversight of our utility consumption, the identification and execution of energy conservation projects, and ensuring compliance with evolving environmental regulations. This is a unique opportunity to own a critical business function, collaborate with diverse teams, and build a more efficient and sustainable future for our organization.
📈 Career Progression
Typical Career Path
Entry Point From:
- Data Analyst / Business Analyst
- Facilities Coordinator / Technician
- Environmental Science or Engineering Graduate
- Junior Project Manager
Advancement To:
- Energy Manager
- Sustainability Director
- Senior Project Manager, Energy & Sustainability
- Director of Facilities / Operations
Lateral Moves:
- Sustainability Specialist
- Procurement Analyst (Energy)
- ESG Analyst
Core Responsibilities
Primary Functions
- Actively monitor, analyze, and interpret complex energy and utility consumption data (electricity, natural gas, water, steam) across a portfolio of buildings to identify trends, anomalies, and opportunities for savings.
- Develop and champion energy conservation measures (ECMs) by conducting detailed feasibility studies, calculating potential ROI, and presenting compelling business cases to senior leadership for approval.
- Collaborate with finance and operations teams to develop, manage, and forecast annual utility budgets, ensuring alignment with corporate financial targets and providing variance explanations.
- Meticulously track and report on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and other key sustainability metrics, ensuring data integrity for corporate social responsibility (CSR) reporting and internal goal-setting.
- Serve as the subject matter expert on local, state, and federal energy regulations, ensuring timely and accurate compliance with all mandatory benchmarking and reporting ordinances.
- Maintain and manage the organization's portfolio within the ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager platform, including data updates, verification, and submitting applications for certification.
- Plan, coordinate, and perform on-site energy audits and assessments to identify operational inefficiencies and equipment upgrade opportunities.
- Manage relationships with utility providers, energy consultants, and technology vendors, including contract negotiation, service level monitoring, and issue resolution.
- Perform detailed verification and auditing of all utility invoices to identify billing errors, tariff optimization opportunities, and ensure accurate cost allocation.
- Develop and present clear, concise, and actionable reports, dashboards, and presentations on energy performance, project status, and financial impact for stakeholders ranging from facility managers to C-suite executives.
- Design and implement engaging energy awareness and behavior change campaigns for employees and building occupants to foster a culture of sustainability and conservation.
- Act as the primary liaison between the energy management team and on-site facilities/maintenance staff to coordinate the implementation of energy projects and ensure optimal operation of building systems.
- Provide analytical and project coordination support for the evaluation and implementation of renewable energy initiatives, such as solar PV installations or Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs).
- Continuously research and evaluate emerging energy-efficient technologies, demand response programs, and market trends to keep the organization at the forefront of energy management.
- Oversee the integrity of the central energy management information system (EMIS), ensuring the timely collection, validation, and storage of all utility and operational data.
- Support the energy procurement process by analyzing market conditions, evaluating supplier bids, and providing recommendations for electricity and natural gas supply contracts.
- Implement measurement and verification (M&V) protocols to accurately track the performance and financial savings of completed energy efficiency projects.
- Serve as a central point of contact for all internal and external inquiries related to utility data, energy consumption, and sustainability programs.
- Develop and document standard operating procedures (SOPs) for energy management processes, including data collection, analysis, and reporting, to ensure consistency and quality.
- Identify and assist in the application process for utility rebates, government incentives, and grants that can help fund energy efficiency and renewable energy projects.
- Coordinate participation in demand response programs, working with facility operators to curtail energy load during peak events while minimizing operational disruption.
- Analyze data from Building Automation Systems (BAS) to optimize HVAC schedules, setpoints, and control sequences for maximum energy efficiency.
Secondary Functions
- Support broader corporate sustainability initiatives, including waste reduction, water conservation, and green-building certification processes (e.g., LEED, BREEAM).
- Contribute content and data for annual sustainability or ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) reports.
- Collaborate with the procurement team to evaluate the sustainability of vendors and materials.
- Participate in industry association meetings and workshops to stay informed on best practices and emerging trends in energy management.
Required Skills & Competencies
Hard Skills (Technical)
- Utility Data Management: Proficiency in collecting, validating, and analyzing utility bill and interval data.
- ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager: Expertise in managing building profiles, data, and certification applications.
- Advanced Microsoft Excel: Mastery of pivot tables, complex formulas, VLOOKUP/INDEX-MATCH, and data modeling.
- Energy Auditing: Knowledge of principles and practices for conducting building energy assessments (ASHRAE Level I & II).
- Data Analysis & Visualization: Ability to interpret data and create compelling reports and dashboards using tools like Tableau or Power BI.
- Project Management: Experience managing project timelines, budgets, and stakeholders for energy efficiency initiatives.
- Building Systems Knowledge: Strong understanding of Building Automation Systems (BAS), HVAC, and lighting systems.
- GHG Accounting: Familiarity with greenhouse gas inventory protocols and carbon accounting.
- Energy Procurement: Understanding of regulated and deregulated energy markets and procurement strategies.
- Measurement & Verification (M&V): Knowledge of M&V principles, including the International Performance Measurement and Verification Protocol (IPMVP).
Soft Skills
- Analytical & Critical Thinking: Ability to dissect complex problems, identify root causes, and develop data-driven solutions.
- Communication & Presentation: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey technical information to non-technical audiences.
- Stakeholder Management: Skill in building relationships and collaborating effectively with internal teams, external vendors, and management.
- Problem-Solving: A resourceful and creative approach to overcoming challenges and finding efficiencies.
- Attention to Detail: Meticulous approach to data analysis, invoice verification, and compliance reporting.
- Influence & Persuasion: Ability to build a strong business case and persuade others to adopt new processes and invest in energy projects.
- Self-Motivation: A proactive, results-oriented mindset with the ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities.
- Negotiation: Competence in negotiating contracts and terms with vendors and utility providers.
- Financial Acumen: Ability to understand financial metrics like ROI, NPV, and payback periods.
- Adaptability: Flexibility to navigate a rapidly changing regulatory and technological landscape.
Education & Experience
Educational Background
Minimum Education:
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university.
Preferred Education:
- Master's degree in a relevant field and/or professional certifications.
Relevant Fields of Study:
- Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial)
- Environmental Science or a related field
- Sustainability Management
- Business Administration, Finance, or Data Analytics
- Facilities Management
Experience Requirements
Typical Experience Range:
- 2-5 years of direct experience in energy management, utility data analysis, or a related sustainability role.
Preferred:
- Experience in a multi-site commercial or industrial environment is highly desirable.
- Professional certification such as Certified Energy Manager (CEM), Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED AP), or Certified Energy Auditor (CEA) is a significant plus.