Energy and Sustainability Program Manager

Salary : $126,959.51 – $154,300.78 Annually

Location : Santa Rosa, CA

Job Type: Full-Time

Job Number: 23/09-5364-O

Department: County Administrator’s Office (CAO)

Opening Date: 09/14/2023

Closing Date: 9/28/2023 11:59 PM Pacific

Position Information

Do you have experience developing energy conservation programs?

Help Sonoma County build climate resilience. Become the County’s Energy and Sustainability Program Manager!

Starting salary up to $73.93/hour ($154,300/year) and a competitive total compensation package!*

What We Offer

Working at the County of Sonoma offers expansive opportunities for growth and development, the ability to be a part of a challenging and rewarding work environment, and the satisfaction of knowing you’re working to better our communities. You can also look forward to flexible work arrangements and excellent benefits* including:

• Hybrid Telework – A schedule that meets the needs of our staff, department operations, and the communities we serve may be available depending on the assignment
• Salary Advancement – A salary increase after 1,040 hours (6 months when working full-time) for good work performance; eligibility for a salary increase for good performance every year thereafter, until reaching the top of the salary range
• Paid Time Off – Competitive vacation and sick leave accruals, 12 paid holidays, and an additional 8 floating holiday hours per year
• County Paid Health Premium Contributions – 100% premium contribution for the majority of employee-only and employee + family health plan options
• Staff Development/Wellness Pay – Annual benefit allowances of up to $2,000 and ongoing education/training opportunities
• Post-Retirement Health Reimbursement Arrangement – County contributions to help fund post-retirement employee health insurance/benefits
• Retirement – A pension fully integrated with Social Security
• Paid Parental Leave – May be eligible for up to 8 weeks (320 hours) after 12 months of County employment

About the Position

The County of Sonoma is the largest employer in the region with over 4,000 employees, and operations that include properties, facilities, fleet operations, solid waste oversight, and land use planning and policies. Sonoma County is already experiencing the impacts of climate change and is committed to minimizing its climate footprint and improving climate resiliency across its broad portfolio of assets and services. In 2019, the Board of Supervisors (BOS) declared a Climate Emergency, and in 2021 adopted a County Strategic Plan with a Climate Action and Resiliency (CAR) Pillar. Guided by the BOS’ mission and policy objectives, and the CAR Pillar, the Climate Action and Resiliency Division in the County Administrator’s Office (CAO) has oversight for climate-related projects, works to develop science-based policy and recommendations, and implements cohesive, county-wide actions to address climate impacts through collaboration with internal and external partners. Please visit the to learn more about the County’s Strategic Plan for reaching carbon neutrality by 2030.

The Energy and Sustainability Program Manager directs key enterprise-fund programs in the Climate Action and Resiliency Division of the CAO, manages a team of eight professional and support staff, and oversees related budgets. This position is responsible for building relationships within the community and collaborating with other departments, agencies, and special districts as it pertains to climate and energy work. Further, this position researches and pursues potential funding opportunities and analyzes legislative bills and regulatory proceedings as it pertains to the County’s climate and environmental work. The Energy and Sustainability Program Manager writes detailed and complex reports, represents the Division at external meetings; and reports and presents to executive management, the County Board of Supervisors, and other elected officials.

Enterprise-fund programs include the:

• Sonoma County Energy Independence Program (SCEIP)
• PG&E Local Government Program, and Sustainable Solutions Turnkey Program
• Sonoma Green Business Program
• BayREN Partnership Programs supported by the County
• comprehensive outreach, education, and workforce development program
• Tool Lending Library, and Do-it-Yourself Toolkit programs

What You Bring

As the ideal candidate you bring your commitment to climate and environment protection and building climate resilience. The CAO seeks a leader who has management and supervisory experience coupled with budgetary and revenue management experience. The ideal candidate will also possess:

• Extensive knowledge in energy and climate science, project and/or program management, legislative, and/or regulatory proceedings
• Experience identifying innovative ideas to promote the attainment of carbon neutrality, energy conservation, and climate resiliency goals and objectives
• A thorough understanding of building design, energy use, energy efficiency, and alternative transportation in fleets
• The ability to lead teams, programs, and projects while building effective partnerships
• Experience with public speaking and presenting before commissions and boards
• An interest in finding climate solutions that reduce impacts on underserved communities and build towards a just transition to the green economy
• One or more of the following certifications: Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, Certified Energy Manager, Building Science, Certified Energy Analyst, Certified Climate Change Professional

The CAO is currently recruiting to fill an Energy and Sustainability Program Manager. This employment list may also be used to fill future full-time, part-time, or extra-help positions as they occur during the active status of the list. Qualified County employees who wish to be considered for future positions should consider applying to this recruitment.

*Salary is negotiable within the established range. Benefits described herein do not represent a contract and may be changed without notice. Additional information can be found in the and our

APPLICATION SUBMISSIONS REQUIRE THE SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE BE COMPLETED.

Minimum Qualifications
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the opportunity to acquire the knowledge and abilities listed. Normally, this would include:

Education: Possession of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major in mechanical or electrical engineering or a closely related field.

Experience: Typically, four years of work experience in facility engineering and design with an emphasis on heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC), boilers, lighting, electrical power distribution, and automatic control systems; and at least three years of budget, accounting or other related experience with the preparation and presentation of financial reports. Experience in large commercial setting is desirable. Other relevant experience includes closely related energy conservation program development work for a utility, governmental entity, or commercial enterprise.

Desirable Qualifications: Current certification as a Certified Energy Manager or registered professional engineer in the State of California in either electrical or mechanical engineering.

License: Possession of a valid driver’s license at the appropriate level including special endorsements, as required by the State of California, may be required depending upon assignment to perform the essential job functions of the position.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Considerable knowledge of: principles and practices of electrical and mechanical engineering, and energy audits and conservation, including project analysis, cost estimating and scheduling; building systems, including electrical, mechanical, temperature control systems; design and implementation of energy conservation systems, including building automation systems, variable air volume systems, cogeneration, thermal storage and lighting control systems; building; electrical, and mechanical laws, codes, and standards; and current utility rate schedules and tariffs.

Ability to: plan, organize, coordinate, market and manage program operations; analyze budgets; prepare comprehensive engineering studies and reports; prepare, negotiate and implement construction contracts; interpret and evaluate a variety of narrative and statistical data and reports; communicate orally and in writing on a variety of issues; prepare clear and concise correspondence and reports; make presentations; read and interpret plans, specifications and other contract documents; understand, interpret and comply with applicable policies, procedures, rules and regulations; supervise professional and para-professional staff; interact with co-workers, subordinate employees and representatives from other County departments or outside agencies; effectively develop and present information to the public about various energy and sustainability alternatives being employed by the County or that may be beneficial to citizens in the community.
Selection Procedure & Some Helpful Tips When Applying

• Your application information and your responses to the supplemental questions are evaluated and taken into consideration throughout the entire selection process.
• You should list all employers and positions held within the last ten years in the work history section of your application. Be as thorough as possible when responding to the supplemental questions.
• You may include history beyond ten years if related to the position for which you are applying. If you held multiple positions with one employer, list out each position separately.
• Failure to follow these instructions may impact your competitiveness in this process or may result in disqualification.

Please visit to review more detailed information about the hiring process, including the application process, examination steps, and department selection process.

APPLICATION SUBMISSIONS REQUIRE THE SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE BE COMPLETED.

Responses to supplemental questions may be scored using position-specific criteria. Please provide specific and detailed responses of a reasonable length to allow for a thorough assessment of your qualifications. Responses that state “See Resume” or “See Application” may be considered insufficient and therefore may not be scored.

The selection procedure will consist of the following examination:

An Application & Supplemental Questionnaire Appraisal Examination (weight 100%) will be conducted to evaluate each applicant’s application and supplemental questionnaire for satisfaction of minimum qualifications (pass/not pass); and for educational coursework, training, experience, knowledge, and abilities which relate to this position. Each applicant will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

• Relevance of work history, related experience, and achieved level of education and/or training as described in the application and responses to the supplemental questions.

Candidates demonstrating possession of the minimum qualifications will be placed on an employment list in order of most qualified to least qualified based on the achieved score received in the Application & Supplemental Questionnaire Appraisal Examination. Scores may be adjusted based on such factors as the number of candidates, anticipated vacancies, past practice, and natural breaks in the scores achieved by this group of candidates.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

A background investigation is required prior to employment. Candidates referred to departments for a selection interview are typically required to sign authorization and release forms enabling such an investigation. Failure to sign prescribed forms will result in the candidate not being considered further for that vacancy. Reference information will not be made available to applicants.

Additional requirements, such as successful completion of a physical exam, drug screen, etc., may apply, depending on the duties and responsibilities of the position. If you receive a conditional job offer for the position, the requirements upon which the offer is contingent will be outlined in the conditional job letter. You may also review the to determine the requirements for this position.

HOW TO APPLY

Applications are accepted online at www.yourpath2sonomacounty.org. Paper applications may be submitted by person, fax (707-565-3770), email, or through the mail. All applications and appropriate supplemental information as outlined in the job bulletin must be RECEIVED by the time and date specified on the first page of this job announcement. Applications received after the recruitment closes will not be accepted.

The County of Sonoma values diversity and is dedicated to creating a workplace environment that provides individuals with a sense of belonging. We are committed to having a diverse workforce that is representative of the communities we serve. The County is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer where all aspects of employment are based on merit, competence, performance, and business need.

HR Analyst: AK

HR Technician: EV

IMPORTANT NOTE: Benefits described herein do not apply to Extra Help positions.

COUNTY OF SONOMA BENEFITS: MANAGEMENT*

These are some of the excellent benefits the County offers:

Paid Time Off: Competitive vacation accrual and sick leave accruals; additional management leave annually; 12 paid holidays, and an additional 8 floating holiday hours per year; and may be eligible for up to 8 weeks (320 hours) of Paid Parental Leave after 12 months of County employment.

Health Plan: Choice of five health plans (a PPO, EPO, HMO, and two deductible HMOs) with a County paid premium contribution.

Retirement: Fully integrated with Social Security. For more information regarding eligibility, retirement contributions, and reciprocity with prior public service, please visit

IRS 457 Plan: Pre-tax employee contribution up to the IRS annual maximum.

Retiree Medical: County contribution to a Health Reimbursement Arrangement to help fund post-retirement employee health insurance/benefits.

Plus excellent dental, vision, disability, life insurance, professional development, and more.

For answers to specific questions regarding the employment process and more details about benefits or retirement, please contact Human Resources at (707) 565-2331. Additional details about benefit and compensation packages can be found in the MOUs located at For specific information about health and welfare benefits including plan options, coverage, and premium amounts go to or, contact the Human Resources’ Risk Management-Benefits Office at or (707) 565-2900.

*IMPORTANT NOTES: Benefits described herein do not represent a contract and may be changed without notice.

01

How did you first learn about this opportunity?

• Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG)
• Careers in Government
• College or University
• Conservation Job Board
• Craigslist
• DiversityJobs
• Employee of Sonoma County
• Facebook
• Glassdoor
• GovernmentJobs.com
• Handshake
• Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Sonoma County
• Idealist.org
• Indeed
• Instagram
• Job Fair
• La Voz
• Latino Service Providers
• LinkedIn
• Los Cien
• Minority Organization or Group
• Press Democrat
• sonoma-county.org/www.yourpath2sonomacounty.org
• Sonoma County Human Resources Office
• Sonoma County Job Line
• Start Here!
• Twitter
• Veterans Services Office
• Women’s Organization or Group
• Workplace Diversity
• Other Internet Site
• Other Publication

02

Please indicate if you would also be interested in future part-time or extra-help (temporary, intermittent, or seasonal employment) positions should they become available. Check all that apply.

• I would also like to be considered for future part-time positions
• I would also like to be considered for future extra-help positions
• I am only interested in full-time positions

03

This eligible list may be used for future bilingual (English/Spanish) positions. Please indicate if you are interested in bilingual positions, and your level of proficiency.

• Yes, I have basic (conversational) English/Spanish bilingual skills
• Yes, I have fluent (reading, writing, and conversational) English/Spanish bilingual skills
• No, I do not have English/Spanish bilingual skills, and/or I do not wish to be considered for a bilingual position

04

Please share details about your relevant professional experience, education, and training that demonstrates how you meet the minimum qualifications for this position which normally includes:

• Four years of work experience in facility engineering and design with an emphasis on heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC), boilers, lighting, electrical power distribution, and automatic control systems AND/OR experience closely related to energy conservation program development work for a utility, governmental entity, or commercial enterprise
• Three years of budget, accounting, or other related experience with the preparation and presentation of financial reports
• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with amajor in mechanical or electrical engineering or a closely related field

05

Please detail your experience implementing energy conservation programs. Detail one program and include your role and responsibilities and any recommendations implemented that promoted carbon neutrality, energy conservation, and climate resiliency goals and objectives.

06

Please describe your supervisory/management experience. Include the number of employees and the types of positions you supervised, as well as your role and responsibilities as a supervisor/manager.

Required Question