Job Description

ENERGY ADVOCATE

One (1) Part-time Vacancy: 19 hours per week
Grade G: Hourly Rate Range: $28.89 - $37.91
Anticipated Hiring Hourly Rate Range: $28.89 - $32.69
This is a grant funded position through December 2027 with the possibility of being extended.

DEFINITION

The cities of Easthampton, Northampton, and Westhampton are seeking to promote participation in Mass Save programs throughout these three adjoining communities. Mass Save helps residents and businesses save energy and money through efficiency measures, rebates, and incentives.

The Energy Advocate will work to implement outreach campaigns in the three communities, specifically with property owners of large and small rental units, and moderate-income customers (renters and non-renters). The Energy Advocate will work closely with employees of the three municipalities, MassSave, and residents.

The Energy Advocate will be a member of the Northampton Department of Climate Action and Project Administration. The position will be directed by the Climate Action & Project Administration Director in collaboration with Easthampton and Westhampton. There will be no supervisory responsibilities and they will represent the three towns publicly.

Essential Functions

Community Outreach: Develop and implement a localized outreach plan targeting priority groups -- including renters, property owners, moderate-income households, non-English speaking households, and small businesses – that meet or exceed the Communities’ goals. Organize events, deliver presentations, and utilize media channels to promote the Mass Save programs.
Community Representation and Engagement: Serve as a representative of the Easthampton, Northampton, Westhampton team in the Statewide Community First Partnership (CFP) cohort and demonstrate an understanding of the local community's unique needs, with a focus on engaging majority-minority populations and those served by the CFP initiative.
Partnership Building: Build meaningful partnerships with local nonprofits, municipalities, and community organizations to actively collaborate to design and implement strategies to expand reach and program participation to align on shared goals.
Customer Support: Work with Mass Save program vendors to address customer-specific needs and improve engagement outcomes. Respond to customer requests for support, either by connecting the customer to the appropriate party or helping the customer resolve the situation directly.
Volunteer and Intern Engagement: Recruit, coordinate, and support interns and/or volunteers to enhance outreach efforts and strengthen community connections.
Data Management: Maintain accurate records in Salesforce to track outreach efforts, customer interactions, and program participation. Uphold data privacy requirements of Mass Save Sponsors to protect customer information.
Training & Learning: Attend training sessions, participate in cross-community learning, and contribute feedback to improve the CFP initiative.
May be required to work outside of normal business hours.
Performs similar or related work as required

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Under general direction, employee plans and prioritizes the majority of work independently, in accordance with standard practices. Employee is expected to solve most problems of detail or unusual situations by adapting methods or interpreting instructions accordingly. Instructions for new assignments or special projects usually consist of statements of desired objectives, deadlines and priorities. Technical and policy problems or changes in procedures are discussed with supervisor.

JUDGMENT

The work involves numerous standardized practices, procedures, or general instructions that govern the work and in some cases may require additional interpretation. Judgment is needed to locate, select and apply the most pertinent practice, procedure, regulation or guideline.

COMPLEXITY

The work consists of the practical application of a variety of concepts, practices and specialized techniques relating to a professional or technical field. Assignments typically involve evaluation and interpretation of factors, conditions or unusual circumstances; inspecting, testing or evaluating compliance with established standards or criteria; gathering, analyzing and evaluating facts or data using specialized fact finding techniques; or determining the methods to accomplish the work.

NATURE AND PURPOSE OF CONTACTS

Relationships are primarily with co-workers, vendors and the public, involving frequent explanation, discussion or interpretation of practices, procedures, regulations or guidelines in order to render service, plan or coordinate work efforts, or resolve operating problems. Other regular contacts are with service recipients and employees of outside organizations. More than ordinary courtesy, tact and diplomacy is required to resolve complaints or deal with hostile, uncooperative or uninformed persons.

CONFIDENTIALITY

The employee has access to sensitive and confidential information in the performance of their duties.

Education And Experience

One or more years of part- or full-time experience in customer service, community organizing, community outreach, and/or the energy field.
A Bachelor or Associate’s degree in a related field may be substituted for the required experience.
Experience with or knowledge of the Mass Save programs is preferred
Experience with weatherization, utility programs, solar sales and marketing, or HVAC is desired
Interest in working to achieve the three municipalities’ climate goals
Strong presentation and communication skills (both verbal and written)
Fluency in English; Proficiency/fluency in Spanish is a plus
Comfortable communicating with people from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds
Proficient computer skills; prior experience using Office suite applications, Adobe Acrobat, and ArcGIS are strongly preferred
Ability to work offsite, after hours, and occasional weekends as needed with advance notice
A current Massachusetts driver's license is preferred

Knowledge, Ability, And Skills

Knowledge: Knowledge of energy systems, energy’s impact on sustainability and society; energy regulations and policies.

Abilities: Ability to be persuasive, tactful and discreet when communicating with public; ability to demonstrate judgment, initiative, and leadership.

Skills: Skills with computer programs, e.g. Word and Excel; grant writing and administration skills; planning, budgeting, and general administration skills.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Working conditions involve occasional exposure to elements found in the field, such as work sites, walking property to inspect, construction sites, etc. The employee may be required to work beyond normal business hours.

Physical, Motor, And Visual Skills

Physical Skills: The work involves physical skills typical of an office environment, including sitting, standing, walking and stooping. May be required to lift objects such as files, boxes of papers, office supplies, and office equipment weighing up to 30 pounds.

Motor Skills: The work may require motor skills for activities such as moving objects, using office equipment, including but not limited to telephones, personal computers, handheld technology, and other office equipment.

Visual Skills: Essential position functions require the ability to climb a ladder, the ability to visually inspect building interiors and exteriors, and the ability to operate a motor vehicle.

Benefits

There are no benefits with this Part-time Non-Represented position.

~ Equal Opportunity Employer ~

This position is not eligible for benefits.

City of Northampton

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