What are the responsibilities and job description for the Project Engineer - Energy Efficiency - RPU position at City of Rochester?
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The Project Engineer - Energy Efficiency plays a key role in developing, implementing, and analyzing Demand-Side Management (DSM) and Demand Response (DR) programs at RPU. This position is responsible for conducting technical analysis of energy efficiency measures, managing rebate structures, and providing data-driven insights to enhance energy efficiency initiatives. This role involves collaborating with customers, trade allies, energy consultants, and regulatory agencies to ensure compliance with state and federal requirements while optimizing program effectiveness. Additional responsibilities include developing and refining energy saving calculation tools, overseeing the rebate processing system, conducting customer engagement and education to drive program participation and long-term energy savings.
To have your application reviewed with the first round of applications, please submit your application prior to March 19, 2025.
The work below is representative of the scope of work performed within this job classification. Work performed is in cooperation with RPU leadership, the commercial team, and/or in conjunction with other City employees, operating partners, community groups and other public and private organizations. Individual job duties will vary based on work assignments.
*Technical Analysis of Energy Efficiency Programs
Conduct technical analysis and evaluation of energy conservation opportunities, including HVAC systems, lighting, building envelopes, water heating, appliances and plug loads,
industrial and commercial equipment, renewable energy and distributed energy resources, and energy management and control systems.
Develop and refine energy and water conservation calculation tools, document templates, and procedures.
Research new energy efficient products, conservation programs and services, and overall conservation portfolio program enhancements.
Develop and modify DSM/DR programs, services, incentives, and requirements.
Evaluate and establish rebate levels and schedules to align with utility objectives.
Direct demand-side management and demand response program planning, development, and administration.
Coordinate the implementation of residential and commercial energy programs by collaborating with trade allies, contractors, and manufacturers to ensure effective execution, maximize program participation, and enhance customer engagement.
Collaborate with the Minnesota Department of Commerce and other organizations on program development.
Establish and manage partnerships with energy consultants and trade allies.
Develop and maintain DSM/DR reports and department metrics that include cost per kW and kWh, program participation by customer class, and lifetime cost.
Conduct lifetime energy analysis assessments of energy efficiency measures to better align programs with power resource planning and long-term sustainability goals.
*Customer Engagement & Energy Program Delivery
Conduct energy analyses and on-site efficiency audits to assess energy savings, paybacks, and performance metrics for customer projects.
Conduct inspections to verify proper equipment installation, functionality, and compliance with engineering standards, energy codes, and incentive guidelines.
Provide technical assistance and education to customers on energy efficiency decisions, electric rate structures, and program participation.
Collaborate with third-party contractors and provides training to ensure high-quality energy program implementation.
Maintain expertise in industry standards, trends, and best practices by participating in national energy efficiency conferences and stakeholder events (e.g., AEE, ASHRAE, AESP).
Track and report demand-side management and demand response program activities, program financial metrics, and other community benefits.
*Rebate Processing System Management
Oversee the Rebate Processing System to monitor, track, and report DSM/DR accomplishments.
Update energy and water savings algorithms in the DSM/DR database and adjust rebate calculations annually or as needed.
Design and develop new rebate application interfaces, user-friendly rebate submission screens, and system enhancements to improve program efficiency, streamline processing, and enhance customer experience.
Conduct comprehensive system testing and validation to ensure accuracy, functionality, and performance, identifying and resolving any technical issues to enhance system reliability and user experience.
*DSM Regulatory & Compliance Reporting
Manage state and federal DSM/DR reporting requirements and regulatory changes for the utility.
Account for and track eligible utility expenditures related to demand-side management (DSM) and demand response (DR) programs, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, proper allocation of funds, and accurate financial reporting.
Prepare and submit required reports to the Minnesota Department of Commerce.
Provide DSM data for EIA-861 reports.
Contribute to Minnesota’s Technical Reference Manual updates.
Perform other duties as assigned or necessary.
*Essential Duties
Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, business administration, marketing, or economics from an accredited institution or a closely related field of study; AND three (3) years of experience in mechanical or electrical system design, energy marketing, energy engineering, energy management or energy auditing, or as an account manager for industrial/commercial customers.
Licenses and/or Certifications
Valid Minnesota driver's license
Certified Energy Manager (CEM), or the ability to obtain within an agreed time frame.
Desirable Qualifications
Business Energy Professional (BEP) certification
Experience with electric, water, gas and/or communications utility companies.
A solid background in commercial/industrial technologies, i.e., motors, lighting, HVAC, custom measures, etc. is required.
Experience in energy efficiency program development.
Our Mission: We provide the highest quality services and products for our customers. With our experience and resources, we enrich people’s lives, help businesses prosper, and promote the community’s welfare.
Our Vision: We Will Set the Standard for Service
Our Core Values: Safety, Integrity, Service, Stewardship, Accountability, and Skill.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of: principles and practices of customer service that supports the establishment of strong interpersonal relationships; utility energy conservation programs and techniques; engineering principles particularly as they apply to resource and energy engineering analysis, commercial/industrial operations and building HVAC and lighting systems; electric and water distribution systems; electric utility economics and demand-side management for commercial and industrial applications; energy codes, mechanical applications and renewable installations; energy resource management; various energy equipment, products, and services; budgetary principles and practices; modern business computer operations and applications including input, maintenance, retrieval, and transfer of information using word processing, spreadsheet, database, and presentation programs such as Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint; and modern communication technologies and media including cell phone, pager, email, and internet utilization.
Skill in: the proficient use of Microsoft Office applications; performing complex, mathematical calculations; providing excellent customer service; creating and maintaining spreadsheets and databases; achieving a high-level of proficiency and expertise in when working with various routine and specialized software applications; the coordination of multiple projects simultaneously; offering suggested improvements in the processes and procedures used to complete projects.
Ability to: proficiently utilize modern business computer applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint; perform moderately complex engineering and technical calculations; read and interpret contracts, financial data, utility rates and billing, and building plans; perform quantitative analyses of commercial/industrial facilities; comprehend and analyze technical issues from the utility and customer perspective; reach sound conclusions and make appropriate and reasonable recommendations; organize data for analysis and presentation to staff and customers; communicate clearly and effectively both orally and in writing, by using correct English grammar, spelling, and punctuation; effectively present information to a group of people; negotiate cost-effective and mutually acceptable agreement terms; interpret state and federal regulations and assess impacts on utilities and customers; establish and maintain tactful, courteous, and effective working relationships with internal departments, customers, and the public; work in a team-based environment and achieve common goals; and handle multiple priorities, organize workload, and meet deadlines Desired Education and Experience
PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL CRITERIA
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the following represents the physical and environmental demands for this position. The employee must be able to perform the essential functions with or without accommodation.
In consideration of the overall amount of physical effort required to perform this position, the work is best described as: Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and all other sedentary criteria are met.
Physical demands that may be required continuously (2/3 or more of the time), frequently (1/3 to 2/3 of the time), and occasionally (up to 1/3 of the time) are noted below: Continuous demands: sitting, fine dexterity. Frequent demands: standing, walking, reaching, and handling. Occasional demands: lifting, carrying, pushing/pulling, kneeling, crouching, crawling, bending, twisting, climbing, balancing, and foot controls.
Sensory requirements necessary in the performance of the essential functions of this position include: sight, hearing, touch.
Environmental conditions that may exist in the performance of the essential functions of this job include: NONE (not substantially exposed to environmental conditions).
Salary : $103,003 - $151,474
