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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Energy Efficiency Analyst

💰 $75,000 - $115,000

EngineeringSustainabilityAnalyticsEnvironmental

🎯 Role Definition

Are you passionate about sustainability and skilled in data-driven problem-solving? This role requires a proactive and analytical Energy Efficiency Analyst to join our dynamic team. In this pivotal role, you will be at the forefront of our mission to reduce energy consumption and operational costs for a diverse portfolio of buildings. You will be responsible for conducting in-depth energy audits, analyzing complex data sets, and recommending impactful energy conservation measures (ECMs). This is a unique opportunity to see your analysis translate into tangible environmental and financial benefits, shaping a more sustainable future one project at a time.


📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Junior Mechanical/Electrical Engineer
  • Sustainability Coordinator
  • Building Controls Technician
  • Energy Auditor Intern

Advancement To:

  • Senior Energy Efficiency Analyst
  • Energy Manager or Director of Energy
  • Sustainability Director
  • Project Manager (Energy Services)

Lateral Moves:

  • Building Commissioning Agent
  • Renewable Energy Project Developer
  • Data Scientist (Energy Sector)

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Conduct comprehensive ASHRAE Level I, II, and III energy audits for commercial, industrial, and institutional facilities to identify opportunities for energy reduction.
  • Analyze historical and real-time energy consumption data from utility bills, building automation systems (BAS), and sub-meters to establish energy baselines and identify anomalies.
  • Develop and calibrate detailed building energy simulation models using software such as eQUEST, EnergyPlus, Trane TRACE, or Carrier HAP.
  • Identify, evaluate, and quantify a wide range of Energy Conservation Measures (ECMs) related to HVAC, lighting, building envelope, controls, and industrial processes.
  • Perform detailed engineering calculations to estimate energy savings, operational cost reductions, implementation costs, and financial metrics like Simple Payback, ROI, and Life-Cycle Cost.
  • Prepare high-quality, detailed technical reports and presentations that clearly communicate audit findings, recommended measures, and business cases to clients, facility managers, and executive stakeholders.
  • Perform on-site fieldwork, including facility walk-throughs, system inspections, diagnostic testing, and installation of data logging equipment to gather critical performance data.
  • Develop Measurement and Verification (M&V) plans in accordance with the International Performance Measurement and Verification Protocol (IPMVP) to validate project savings post-implementation.
  • Provide technical support and oversight during the implementation phase of energy efficiency projects, ensuring design intent is met and performance goals are achieved.
  • Stay abreast of the latest industry trends, energy-efficient technologies, government regulations, and utility incentive/rebate programs to maximize project value.
  • Review mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) design documents, specifications, and construction submittals to ensure they meet energy efficiency goals and code compliance.
  • Collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams including engineers, architects, project managers, and contractors to develop holistic and practical energy solutions.
  • Utilize advanced data analysis techniques and tools (e.g., advanced Excel, Python scripts) to analyze large datasets from smart meters and IoT devices.
  • Assess and recommend opportunities for renewable energy integration, such as solar PV, in conjunction with efficiency measures.
  • Support the development of greenhouse gas (GHG) inventories and contribute to corporate sustainability reporting and goal-setting.

Secondary Functions

  • Assist in the preparation of proposals, scopes of work, and project budgets for energy consulting services.
  • Develop and deliver training sessions on energy management best practices for facility operations staff and other stakeholders.
  • Manage relationships with utility providers to facilitate data acquisition and the successful application for rebates and incentives on behalf of clients.
  • Support commissioning (Cx) and retro-commissioning (RCx) activities by identifying operational inefficiencies and recommending corrective actions.
  • Contribute to the continuous improvement of internal analytical tools, calculation methodologies, and report templates.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Energy Modeling Software: Proficiency in at least one major energy modeling tool (e.g., eQUEST, EnergyPlus, Trane TRACE 700/3D, IES VE).
  • Building Systems Knowledge: Deep understanding of commercial HVAC systems, building automation systems (BAS), lighting technologies, and building envelope components.
  • Data Analysis: Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel (PivotTables, Power Query) and familiarity with data analysis using Python (Pandas, NumPy) or R.
  • Energy Auditing Standards: Thorough knowledge of ASHRAE standards for energy auditing and building performance.
  • Utility Bill Analysis: Experience analyzing complex utility rate structures and tariff schedules to identify cost-saving opportunities.
  • Measurement & Verification (M&V): Strong understanding of M&V principles and the International Performance Measurement and Verification Protocol (IPMVP).
  • Financial Analysis: Ability to calculate key financial metrics such as Simple Payback, Net Present Value (NPV), Internal Rate of Return (IRR), and Life-Cycle Cost.
  • Technical Reporting: Demonstrated ability to write clear, concise, and comprehensive technical reports for a variety of audiences.

Soft Skills

  • Analytical & Critical Thinking: Exceptional ability to dissect complex problems, interpret data, and draw actionable conclusions.
  • Communication & Presentation: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present technical information effectively to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
  • Project Management: Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, meet deadlines, and stay within budget.
  • Stakeholder Management: Adept at building rapport and collaborating effectively with clients, contractors, and internal team members.
  • Attention to Detail: A meticulous approach to data collection, analysis, and report generation to ensure accuracy and quality.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree from an accredited university.

Preferred Education:

  • Master of Science (M.S.) degree.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Mechanical Engineering or Electrical Engineering
  • Environmental Science or Building Science
  • Sustainable Energy Management or a related technical field

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 3-7 years of direct experience in energy auditing, energy management, or building systems analysis.

Preferred:

  • Professional certifications such as Certified Energy Manager (CEM), Certified Energy Auditor (CEA), or a Professional Engineer (PE) license are highly desirable.