Energy and Sustainability Manager

Job Title: Energy & Sustainability Manager

Reports to: Assistant City Manager - Community & Economic Development

Department: Community & Economic Development (CED)

Work Hours: 8:00am – 5:00pm weekdays; some weekends, evenings and holidays.

Starting Salary: $58,968 - $71,822 DOQ Annually

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Management & Coordination:

• Lead and manage the City’s energy, sustainability, and climate programs.
• Plan, procure, implement, and manage Energy Savings Performance Contracts (ESPCs).
• Coordinate with internal departments, contractors, and legal/financial advisors.
• Oversee measurement and verification of energy savings performance.
• Develop and manage energy efficiency and renewable energy projects.
• Coordinate energy audits, feasibility studies, and technical assessments.
• Train, assign, direct, supervise, evaluate, counsel, and discipline assigned staff.

Policy, Planning, and Grants

• Develop policies, programs, and ordinances advancing energy efficiency and climate goals.
• Manage the Decatur Clean Energy Plan and related climate plans.
• Pursue and manage state/federal grants, ensuring compliance and reporting.
• Coordinate the preparation of and monitor compliance with department budgets, perform economic forecasting and contract monitoring, aligns with department goals and evaluates short- and long-term planning.
• Perform related duties as may be required to accomplish Department goals and objectives as assigned by the Assistant City Manager.

Utility Analytics

• Analyze the City’s utility data (electricity, natural gas, water usage/costs) for trends, and anomalies.
• Recommend goals that promote cost-saving opportunities through utility budgeting, forecasting, and long-term planning.
• Manage utility benchmarking and greenhouse gas emissions inventories.

Capital Projects and Facilities Integration

• Collaborate with departments to integrate energy efficiency, electrification, renewable energy, and sustainability into capital projects.
• Provide technical guidance during project planning, design, and construction.
• Support life-cycle cost analysis and sustainability criteria in capital decisions.

Community and Intergovernmental Engagement

• Represent the City in energy and sustainability partnerships at regional, state, and national levels.
• Engage residents, businesses, and stakeholders on energy initiatives.
• Support the Environmental Sustainability Board and other advisory bodies.

Communication and Reporting

• Prepare reports, presentations, and recommendations for leadership and the public.
• Oversee public-facing energy and sustainability dashboards and resources.

QUALIFICATIONS

The ideal candidate will be ready to coordinate Decatur’s activities with related work by other municipalities, regional authorities and offices of the metro area; and work with business, institutional, non-profit and neighborhood groups to ensure that all parts of the Decatur community have the knowledge, support, and resources necessary to reduce our vulnerability to the increasing risks driven by climate change. To perform the job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. There is a minimum six-months probationary period upon hiring. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Advanced knowledge of municipal energy management, sustainability, and climate planning.
• Demonstrated experience managing ESPC or large-scale energy efficiency programs.
• Strong understanding of utility data analysis, benchmarking, and performance measurement.
• Knowledge of capital planning processes and facility operations in a local government setting.
• Strong leadership, supervisory, and project management skills.
• Ability to manage consultants, contractors, and interdisciplinary teams.
• Ability to apply systems-thinking and life-cycle cost analysis to complex decisions.
• Skill in establishing priorities and organizing work.
• Skill in written and verbal communications, especially in problem solving.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees at all levels within the organization.
• Ability to engage with diverse staff to promote trust, collaboration and partnership between departments.

Supervisory:

• Manage and participate in the implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for division.
• Continuously review operational procedures and evaluate work performance to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of services and activities.
• Participate in the development and administration of assigned budgets.
• Recruit, train, develop and supervise team members as needed.

Physical Requirements/Environmental Conditions:

• Must be able to sit, walk, and stand for long periods.
• Must be able to sit for long periods at a keyboard or work station.
• Must be able to lift, carry, push, and/or pull objects and materials of heavy weight (25 lbs.).
• Have the ability to walk and stand in an outdoor setting, which may include exposure to weather conditions, such as heat or cold, as well as dust, pollen and allergens.
• Must have ability to deal with constant interruptions, noise, and meet with others on a regular basis.
• Some tasks require visual and sound perception, discernment, and oral communications ability.
• Must be able to drive and operate vehicles and equipment in a safe and efficient manner.

Education and/or Experience:

• At least four (4) years of progressively responsible experience in environmental science or policy, urban planning, engineering, business or related field, including supervisory experience; or
• A Bachelor’s degree in a related field is preferred and may be substituted for two (2) years of the required experience;
• Any combination of education and experience to provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities may be considered.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

• Possess a valid Georgia driver’s license (Class C) or the ability to obtain one within 90 days of employment (or a military waiver).

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

This is a full-time position. This position is exempt from overtime pay. The days and hours of work are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Some weekends, evenings, and holidays will be required as job duties demand

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The City of Decatur is committed to having a workforce that reflects diversity at all levels and is an equal opportunity employer. Therefore, qualified applicants are considered for employment, and employees are treated during employment without regard to actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, marital status, familial status, or veteran/military status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law.