Energy Advisor Volunteer Coordinator

Use your passion for climate work and energy efficiency to train a group of community volunteers who will inspire the electrification of Eastside homes.

About Energy Smart Eastside

Energy Smart Eastside is a residential electrification program for the Cities of Bellevue, Issaquah, Kirkland, Redmond, Mercer Island, and Sammamish. The program is administered by the City of Bellevue on behalf of the Eastside city partnership and seeks to catalyze a major change in how Eastside homes use energy. Our collective goal is carbon-neutral residential emissions by 2050. 

Position Overview & Description

The Energy Advisor Volunteer Coordinator will expand the outreach and education aspect of the Energy Smart Eastside mission by standing up a new volunteer-led energy advisor program. The energy advisor program builds on a successful pilot that offers 1:1 energy advisor services to the public. The primary focus is on helping residents navigate the purchase of a heat pump, but energy advisors may also provide information on other efficiency measures such as weatherization, heat pump water heaters, and induction stoves. 

Research shows that peer advice is often the most effective and trusted advice. This program provides trusted information to homeowners that helps them understand the confusing terms that contractors may use when discussing heat pump options, the pros and cons of different system designs, and helps them maximize rebates and incentives to get the most value. By engaging and training diverse volunteers in our community, the Fellow will help Energy Smart Eastside engage a broad audience.

The Fellow will borrow from other city and regional examples of volunteer programs to craft the initial program for Energy Smart Eastside. They will also directly engage the public as an energy advisor – both in 1:1 appointments, but also at tabling events and workshops. This is an outstanding opportunity for the fellows to refine their communication skills and also learn the fundamentals of program design and execution.

This role will report to the Energy Smart Eastside Program Manager and will support the workstreams of the Energy Smart Eastside Outreach Program Coordinator. This is a hybrid role with 2 days per week on-site and 3 days per week remote. Occasional weekend and evening work is required.

Responsibilities

• Recruit volunteers for the program, with an emphasis on diversity that reflects the Eastside community
• Create and deliver training materials for volunteers around heat pumps
• Create and manage the system for scheduling volunteers
• Engage community members directly as an Energy Advisor and at outreach events
• Build out reference materials related to weatherization, heat pump water heaters, and induction stoves
• Support volunteers on answering questions for which there is no previously established answer

Desired Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required. Coursework in engineering, energy systems, climate science, building science, or similar experience is preferred.
• Education or experience in energy efficiency is required
• Previous experience coordinating or leading volunteers is highly preferred
• Confidence in navigating ambiguity and developing an independent work plan to achieve a stated outcome is very helpful.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills are required, with special ability to understand the complex and break it down to the simple for a wide range of audiences.
• Reliable transportation to be available on-site(s) as needed.

We encourage anyone who is interested in this position and who meets some of the qualifications to apply, even if they do not meet all of them. We recognize that a unique perspective and background can enhance a role when many, if not all, of the listed qualifications are met.

**If you would need to relocate for this position, please note that you need to be in the state you are relocating to no less than 10 business days before the start of the fellowship.**

Benefits

• End-of-program financial award.
• Healthcare coverage with 100% of healthcare insurance premiums covered by the employer.
• Access to a national Member Assistance Program, which includes financial and legal assistance, medical advocacy, and counseling services. 
• Professional and Personal Development Training
• ​Career-readiness training in interview preparation, salary negotiation, and developing a professional resume and cover letter.
• Attending panels, workshops, and presentations by climate resilience industry professionals. 
• Professional networking opportunities. 

About Climate Corps

Climate Corps, a program of SEI, is an award-winning fellowship program that provides professional development opportunities for emerging leaders through the implementation of sustainability and resiliency projects with local governments, nonprofits, and for-profit businesses. To see a full list of climate, energy, and sustainability positions posted by Climate Corps, please visit here: https://jobs.climatecorps.org/listings. We are constantly adding positions, so make sure to frequently check this site to see if there are new opportunities available.

SEI is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer and is committed to promoting diversity, inclusion, and equity. We believe that a wide array of perspectives contributes to creative climate solutions where all communities thrive. We strive to reflect diverse communities, especially those most impacted by climate change and other kinds of environmental, social, and economic injustices. Persons of color, persons with disabilities, and members of the LGBTQ community are strongly encouraged to apply. A commitment to work and learn within an anti-oppression framework is required. https://www.seiinc.org/dei.html