Building Decarbonization Project Engineer

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Building Decarbonization Project Engineer

Do you believe that education is crucial to protecting our environment, and that we must invest in the sustainability of the built environment?

Do you believe we must invest in our youth for the leadership necessary to shape a sustainable future? Are you motivated to implement innovative energy and sustainability projects in public schools, and helping school communities become a major agent of climate action?

Climate Action Pathways for Schools (CAPS) is an innovative and growing California-based nonprofit organization. We provide a workforce development program that prepares students for college and career opportunities in environmental sustainability.

CAPS students work with their school district to develop and implement climate action projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and save money.

CAPS primarily serves public schools in communities impacted by environmental injustices and facing systemic barriers to employment in the green economy.

Position Description : We seek a project engineer who is passionate about improving the resource efficiency and sustainability of the built environment.

The engineer will support CAPS in advancing public education, environmental sustainability, and developing the sustainability workforce of the future.

The project engineer will lead the implementation and continued development of building energy and sustainability projects to improve the operation of K-12 public school facilities, including energy efficiency, renewable energy, battery storage projects, and clean transportation projects.

The project engineer will work collaboratively with CAPS’ education team to shape school district operations while advancing CAPS' programs.

Primary responsibilities :

Lead Building Decarbonization Projects

• Conduct comprehensive energy audits (e.g. ASHRAE Level 1 and Level 3) for public schools.
• Analyze data to support procurement processes (e.g. mechanical, electrical, testing & balancing), help districts secure financial rebates and financial incentives, and support decision making.
• Support school districts during design and construction phases of energy efficiency projects.
• Measure and verify project performance after completion.

Implement Building Automation and Renewable Energy Systems

• Assist school districts indesign, implementation, and operation of Building Automation Systems (BAS) in schools.
• Support school districts to develop and design the construction of battery storage and renewable energy projects.
• Measure and verify performance of these renewable energy projects.

Secure Funding, Train Others, and Support School District Operations

• Lead technical aspects of grant proposals for building energy and sustainability projects.
• Contribute to training for CAPS staff, student interns, and school district operations teams on climate action projects and careers in sustainability.
• Provide technical support to school district operations teams to ensure successful implementation and maintenance of decarbonization projects.

Qualifications :

• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, justice, and anti-racist values and practices
• Skilled engineer with academic or work experience in building energy systems, including HVAC, lighting, BAS, and renewable energy systems.
• Experience with building energy modeling software is a plus (e.g., EnergyPlus, eQUEST)
• Familiarity with building codes and regulations (e.g., Title 24, LEED)
• Knowledge of energy efficiency strategies and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction techniques for buildings and transportation
• Proven project management skills, including experience planning, tracking, and reporting on multiple projects
• Excellent data analysis skills with the ability to distill disparate and complex data sets into tangible recommendations
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, including : a) written, b) oral, and c) active listening
• Proven ability to facilitate, manage, collaborate, and communicate effectively with a variety of stakeholders including students, district administrators, and facilities staff
• Strong proficiency in standard office software (e.g., Google Workspace, Microsoft Office)
• Ability to be effective independently in a remote environment, while also being a resourceful team player

Experience and Education : Candidates must have a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, civil engineering, environmental science, or an equivalent.

Work experience, including through paid internships, in building energy, clean transportation or sustainability professions a plus, but not a requirement

Location : This will be a hybrid-remote position, ideally located in the Central Valley. The candidate must have the ability to travel to school districts in CA, with frequent work in Tulare County initially.

Salary & Benefit : The salary range for this position is $60,000 $75,000. CAPS provides a comprehensive benefits package, including medical benefits, a 403(b) retirement savings plan, and paid time off.

To Apply : Please send your resume and cover letter with the position title in the subject header to [email protected].

CAPS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applicants will not be discriminated against because of race, color, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, citizenship status, disability, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, medical condition or any protected category prohibited by local, state or federal laws.

CAPS will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories as may be required by applicable law.