Conservation Program Coordinator

Job Description:

Conservation Program Coordinator

Description

JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAM

At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer-we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. Our guiding principles-Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity - anchor our approach in delivering services that significantly impact the lives of Austin residents. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee.

What Makes the City of Austin Special?

• Make a Difference: Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.
  
• Diverse and Inclusive Workplace: Work in an environment where every voice is valued, and Innovation thrives.
  
• Competitive Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.
  
• Retirement Security: Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.
  
• Sustainable Transportation Options: Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.
  
• Focus on Wellness: Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.
  
• Career Growth: Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.
  
• Modern Workspaces: Work in innovative and sustainable environments designed to foster collaboration and inspiration.
  

By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country.

Job Description:

Purpose:

Under minimal direction, this position is responsible for coordinating energy, water, or natural resource conservation programs, projects, and plans.

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities:

Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

• Designs, develops, implements, and evaluates educational or outreach programs that promote energy, water, or natural resource conservation awareness and initiatives.
  
• Coordinates and manages educational or outreach events, small projects, contracts, marketing, and on-line literature content to promote energy, water, or natural resource conservation awareness and initiatives
  
• Analyzes energy, water, or natural resource conservation-related research findings to inform or make recommendations on program structure or program delivery to City leadership and other stakeholders.
  
• Develops, establishes, and manages service agreements with other programs, departments, and agencies.
  
• Researches energy, water, or natural resource conservation policies, best practices, and legislation to recommend changes to conservation initiatives.
  
• Prepares studies, reports, memoranda, briefs, or other written materials on energy, water, or natural resource conservation to inform customers, City leadership, and other stakeholders.
  
• Provides analytical support for policy briefs and program development related to energy, water, or natural resource conservation.
  
• Prepares grant applications to obtain funding for programs related to energy, water, or natural resource conservation.
  
• Reviews permit or plan revisions with project engineers and contractors.
  
• Reviews, evaluates, and recommends changes to technical reports, studies, and other departmental written materials. Provides technical advice to Conservation Program personnel.
  

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:

May provide leadership and lead cross-functional and departmental conservation project teams, work assignments, evaluation, training, and provide guidance to others.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

• Knowledge of energy or water efficiency technologies, practices, programs and rebate requirements.
  
• Knowledge of applicable building codes, energy or water retrofit requirements and specifications.
  
• Knowledge of safety practices and procedures.
  
• Knowledge of department energy or water resource initiatives and targets.
  
• Knowledge of construction materials, practices and procedures.
  
• Knowledge of Federal, State and Local laws.
  
• Knowledge of City practice, policy and procedures.
  
• Skill in oral and written communication.
  
• Skill in using computers and related software.
  
• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
  
• Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
  
• Skill in planning and organizing.
  
• Ability to negotiate.
  
• Ability to determine quality of materials, workmanship and compliance with specifications..
  
• Ability to handle conflict and uncertain situations.
  
• Ability to lead cross-functional and departmental project teams.
  
• Ability to operate and maintain testing and diagnostic equipment.
  
• Ability to use graphic instructions, such as blue prints, schematic drawings, plans, maps or other visual aids.
  
• Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.
  
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with City employees and the public.
  

Minimum Qualifications:

• Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in Architecture, Business, Environmental Studies, Natural Science, Planning, and Resource Management or in a field related to the job, plus five (5) years of related experience.
  
• Masters Degree may substitute for experience up to two (2) years.
  
• Experience may substitute for education up to the maximum of four (4) years.
  

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience supporting or managing demand-side management programs, particularly those involving distributed energy resources (e.g., smart thermostats, battery storage, or EV charging).
  
• Familiarity with Virtual Power Plant (VPP) concepts, distributed energy resource management systems (DERMS), or grid-interactive efficient buildings.
  
• Knowledge of utility operations, energy markets, or regulatory frameworks related to energy efficiency and demand response.
  
• Proficiency in data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, Power BI, or SQL) and the ability to interpret and communicate technical data to diverse audiences.
  
• Experience working with third-party vendors, aggregators, or technology providers in the energy sector.
  
• Strong project management skills, including the ability to manage timelines, budgets, and cross-functional teams.
  
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience developing outreach materials or customer engagement strategies.
  
• Certification(s) such as PMP, CEM, or LEED AP are a plus.
  

Notes to Candidate:

Under minimal direction, this position will coordinate the implementation and ongoing operations of residential demand response initiatives that support grid reliability, customer engagement, and distributed energy resource (DER) integration. The role will focus on advancing the utility’s Virtual Power Plant (VPP) strategy by supporting the enrollment, aggregation, and dispatch of residential DERs-such as smart thermostats and battery energy storage systems-into grid services. The position will work closely with internal teams, external vendors, and customers to ensure successful program delivery, performance tracking, and continuous improvement.

Primary Duties

• Coordinate the day-to-day operations of residential demand response offerings, including customer enrollment, vendor coordination, and event dispatch support.
  
• Support the development and implementation of strategies to integrate residential DERs into the utility’s VPP platform.
  
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders (e.g., engineering, IT, customer service, energy market ops, regulatory) and third-party aggregators to ensure program alignment with operational and strategic goals.
  
• Monitor and analyze program performance data to evaluate effectiveness, identify opportunities for improvement, and support reporting requirements.
  
• Assist in the development of customer engagement strategies, incentive structures, and educational materials to drive participation and satisfaction.
  
• Stay informed on industry trends, emerging technologies, and regulatory developments related to demand response, DERs, and VPPs.
  
• Provide technical and administrative support for other distributed energy resource initiatives as needed.
  

Working with Austin Energy provides a number of health and welfare benefits such as low-cost medical, dental, vision, paid leave time, a highly competitive retirement plan, career development opportunities and more. Please click HERE for more information.

This position has been designated as a Critical Employee position. Critical Employees are considered necessary and vital and supports activities that impact City or department operations. This work can be done while at a designated work site or while working at an alternate work location. Critical employees who are able to work at an alternative work location are required to do so. Schedules may be modified, and employees may be reassigned to another area during extraordinary situations or emergency conditions to provide essential services.

Location: 4815 Mueller Blvd., Austin, TX 78723

Work Schedule/Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (hybrid)

Salary Range: $68,660 (low) to $$85,830 (mid)

Employment Application:

• The City of Austin employment application is an official document; incomplete applications will not be considered.
  
• Please be sure to detail on the application all current and previous employment that you wish to be considered as part of your qualifications.
  
• The Employment Record should be complete with job titles, employment dates, job duties, functions, and responsibilities for each position held. Starting salary will be based on overall relevant experience from your application.
  
• Statements such as “see résumé” will not be accepted. You may use “N/A” for fields that are not applicable.
  
• Please note that Austin Energy may close the job posting at any time after 7 days from the date of the initial advertisement. Once the job posting has closed, applications cannot be changed.
  

If you are selected as a top candidate:

• Verification of your education (which may include high school graduation or GED, undergraduate and/or graduate degrees) will be required. You must provide proof of education from an accredited organization/institution. You must also provide proof of your professional licenses or certifications.
  
• If you are identified as a top candidate and are in the military or a veteran, you will need to provide a copy of your DD-214 prior to confirming a start date.
  

Important Note to Applicants:
Please be aware that the Job Posting Close Date reflects the final day to apply, but the posting will close at 11:59 PM the day before the date listed. All application steps, including attachments and submission, must be fully completed before that time.

We also recommend that you save or print a copy of the job posting for your records. Once a posting has closed, it will no longer be viewable in the system.

EEO Statement for City of Austin:

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.

City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.

Closing Date/Time: 2025-11-10