The University of Virginia’s Office for Sustainability is seeking a Sustainability and Energy Engineering Specialist. Sustainability at the University is interdisciplinary, multi-faceted and highly collaborative, encompassing academics, research, and operations and a range of topics, including greenhouse gases, energy, water, waste, food, equity, and civic engagement.

The Sustainability and Energy Engineering Specialist is a core member of the University of Virginia's Office for Sustainability team and will contribute to developing solutions to meet university-wide goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, energy consumption, and ensuring overall environmental stewardship. Reporting to the Associate Director, the Sustainability and Energy Engineering Specialist focuses on supporting innovative projects that incorporate best practices in sustainability and conservation in the use of energy, water, raw materials, and other resources through retro-commissioning, energy audits and technical analyses.

The position will support Building Efficiency Program, Smart Labs, LEED, and other projects to improve operations and maintenance, enhance building automation and energy management systems through field improvements and software programming, ensuring accurate metering and billing, and advocating for sustainability. The incumbent supports the goals of providing consistent, cost-effective, and efficient use of energy and other natural resources by applying expertise and knowledge of building systems to inspect, evaluate, analyze, and solve complex building mechanical, electrical, controls, and plumbing deficiencies. The position includes data analysis responsibilities and will be responsible for organizing, maintaining, analyzing, and projecting, with a high level of accuracy and integrity, sustainability-related metrics to evaluate progress towards pan-university goals, in topics such as energy, greenhouse gas emissions, water, and waste.

We support workplace flexibility when appropriate, but 100% remote work is not possible.

Responsibilities include:

• Supports the design and implementation of innovative and independent conservation projects that incorporate best practices in sustainability and conservation in the use of energy, water, and other resources through retro-commissioning, energy audits and technical analyses.

• Supports the implementation of projects and manages them to completion ensuring schedules are met and disruptions are minimal.

• Calculates conservation (MMBtu, kWh, gallons, tons of materials) and investment (dollars) payback periods to support sustainability initiatives.

• Measures and documents all achievements (metered) or quantified (calculated) and writes or participates in the development of communication materials on programs.

• Identifies, evaluates, recommends, and/or implements sustainability opportunities by reviewing energy, water, and material trends using the building automation/energy management system.

• Collaborates with clients and provides excellent customer service in resolving customer service inquiries.

• Conducts timely and comprehensive design reviews of sustainability issues for new construction or renovation projects, acting as an owner's representative for sustainability as needed.

• Assists with LEED certification on new construction and provides LEED training and guidance to the University community while serving as a central information source.

• Ensures educational materials for building occupants and maintenance personnel are innovative, positive, and motivating, and support and enhance sustainability goals set for each audited facility.

• Supports training of maintenance personnel on initiatives implemented in their buildings / areas of responsibility.

• Revises and enhances preventive maintenance to support sustainability initiatives.

• Fosters, supports, and guides sustainability efforts by faculty, staff, and students, engaging stakeholders in stewardship programs and projects. Participates in committees or working groups as requested.

• Applies expertise and knowledge of building systems to inspect, evaluate, analyze, and solve complex building mechanical, electrical, controls, and plumbing deficiencies.

• Supports teams consisting of commissioning, controls, and air balancing expertise; metering, Systems Control, and maintenance personnel, and other subject matter experts are well managed and organized in conducting the audits and implementing improvements.

• Fosters a safe work environment by complying with all OSHA, BOCA, federal, state, and local regulations.

Required Skills:

• Excellent analytical and organizational skills with the ability to prioritize, schedule, track, and manage multiple projects exclusively.

• Technical knowledge of or background in operations and maintenance of engineering principles and systems, including HVAC/mechanical systems or controls.

• Knowledge of the LEED certification process for new and existing buildings.

• Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to effectively communicate with and engage diverse groups and develop relationships with coworkers, supervisors, and the general public to promote and educate on sustainability initiatives.

• Familiarity with, or working knowledge of, building energy systems, utility metering metrics, building commissioning processes, measurement and verification processes.

• Proficiency with the Microsoft Office suite. Strong computer skills, with the ability to create advanced spreadsheets, with strong math skills and the ability to perform accurate calculations.

• Demonstrated ability make independent decisions, possess a high level of initiative, and a proactive approach to problem-solving.

• Attention to detail, organization, and ability to manage multiple priorities.

• Demonstrated self-starter, analytical skills with ability to use strong problem-solving, strategic thinking, and project coordination skills to organize information.

• Excellent communication and teamwork skills; ability to effectively communicate information in a clear manner.

• Experience using energy modeling software is preferred.

Required Education & Experience:

• Education: Bachelor's degree or higher in engineering, sustainable design, or similar field.

• Experience: With an engineering degree, a minimum of 2 years' professional experience working in an engineering-related field, designing, constructing, or evaluating building energy systems or controls is essential. A degree in sustainable design or similar non-engineering field will require a minimum of 3 years' professional experience working in an engineering-related field, designing, constructing, or evaluating building energy systems or controls.

Preferred Experience:

• Four years of experience with HVAC and controls design or project management.

• Certification/registration as a LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) Green Associate, LEED Accredited Professional, CEM (Certified Energy Manager), Engineering in Training or ability to become registered as a Professional Engineer.

Anticipated Hiring Range : Minimum hiring rate of $70,000; actual hiring rate based on education and experience. This is a full-time, 40 hour per week exempt position with UVA benefits .

To Apply:

Please apply through Workday, and search for ”R0046601.” Internal applicants must apply through their UVA Workday profile. Complete an application online with the following documents:

• CV/Resume

• Cover letter

Upload all materials into the resume submission field, multiple documents can be submitted into this one field. Alternatively, merge all documents into one PDF for submission. Applications that do not contain all required documents will not receive full consideration.

The selected applicant will be required to complete a background check prior to their first day of employment per University policy.

References will be completed via UVA’s standardized process SkillSurvey. A total of five references will be requested via SkillSurvey during the final phase of the interview process. A minimum of three is required.

For information regarding the position or the application process, please contact Jessica Speth, js9rk@virginia.edu.

COVID Vaccination Requirement and Guidelines

Please visit the UVA COVID-19 Job Requirements and Guidelines webpage prior to applying for current information regarding vaccination requirements and guidelines for employment at UVA.

The University of Virginia, i ncluding the UVA Health System which represents the UVA Medical Center, Schools of Medicine and Nursing, UVA Physician’s Group and the Claude Moore Health Sciences Library, are fundamentally committed to the diversity of our faculty and staff. We believe diversity is excellence expressing itself through every person's perspectives and lived experiences. We are equal opportunity and affirmative action employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, veteran status, and family medical or genetic information.