Central Plant Efficiency Specialist

Climate Corps•Carson, CA

7h•$3,000 - $3,000•Onsite

About The Position

Help optimize the systems that power a university campus while building hands-on experience in energy efficiency and central plant operations. As a Central Plant Efficiency Specialist in the Climate Corps Fellowship program, you’ll have the opportunity to contribute to impactful sustainability initiatives with CSU Dominguez Hills. This is an on-site position with the expectation of on-site work 5 days per week. Working under the Director of Central Plant and Strategic Energy Projects at the Central Plant, you will gain hands-on experience in data verification, analytics, and retro-commissioning. This role offers a unique opportunity to apply theoretical engineering concepts to real-world technologies and manage state-of-the-art monitoring systems. It is an ideal bridge for students seeking practical expertise before transitioning to professional engineering firms. In addition to technical tasks, you will engage with internal departments, utilities, and vendors to support campus energy goals. A primary focus includes participating in the Clean Energy Optimization Pilot (CEOP) to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Following the motto "If Better is Possible, then Good is not Enough," you will be a key team member in analyzing best practices and ensuring the university’s ongoing environmental performance. This position offers an incredible opportunity to develop your technical and analytical skills, grow your network, and play a direct role in advancing CSU Dominguez Hills’ campus-wide energy performance. Some of the projects you will work on include: Fluorescent to LED retrofits with advanced Enlighted controls. Pneumatic to DDC retrofit from start to finish, including commissioning. 1.45MW of solar carport rebuild and new solar walkway. Room scene assessments and adjustments for campus users to increase energy efficiency and occupant comfort for existing campus lighting systems. Perform water meter audits to confirm meter data matches the online portal and work to correct as needed.

Requirements

Proven ability to translate theoretical concepts into practical, effective solutions within a fast-paced operational environment.
Strong analytical skills with the ability to anticipate how specific actions or changes impact broader workflows and outcomes.
Strong mechanical engineering understanding: conceptual skills around mechanical interactions.
An engineering field with a general understanding of sustainability concepts.
Strong organizational and analytical skills with the ability to track projects, take meeting notes, and learn different forms of software.
Willingness to ask questions and engage with diverse audiences, deliver presentations, and communicate complex information in a clear and approachable manner.
The ability to work onsite on a full-time basis. This position requires the employee to be physically located within commuting distance of the site location at the time of hire. Only candidates currently residing within commuting distance of the site address will be considered.
Commitment to a fair workplace that honors the experiences, voices, viewpoints, and values of all individuals.
Authorization to work in the United States for the duration of the fellowship (SEI is unable to sponsor visas).
May require occasional moving about to accomplish tasks, moving from one worksite to another, or adjusting or moving objects under 25-50 pounds in all directions.
Must be 18 years or older to apply.

Responsibilities

Support continuous building efficiency improvement efforts while also learning how to use advanced building analytics (Skyspark).
Compiling data for presentations, projects, pilots, administration, and the CSU Chancellor's Office.
Retro commissioning and fine-tuning of information systems and data related to energy operations.
Create detailed maps with building meter locations based on GPS coordinates.
Assist with the direct project management of energy efficiency projects in campus buildings.
Engagement with campus users to support energy commissioning efforts of existing systems.
Develop marketing resources and best practice-sharing materials based on project successes.
Support presentations of data results for public speaking events, conferences, LinkedIn, etc.
Support campus tours and presentations (e.g., Disney, SoCal AQMD, ASHRAE, Japan SASHAE, Edison).

Benefits

Mentorship by a team that has reduced GHG by 75% since 2018.
Possibility of attending ASHRAE conferences and networking.
Skyspark analytic training.
A fixed, monthly stipend of $3000.
$1000 end-of-program financial award.
Health care coverage with 100% of health care insurance premiums covered by SEI.
Fellows receive 10 personal days for a standard 10-month fellowship (prorated for longer terms), which may be used for vacation or sick time. Additionally, Fellows follow their partner site's holiday schedule to observe the same holidays as their team.
Comprehensive career-readiness training, including interview prep, salary negotiation, and resume building.
Panels, workshops, and networking with climate resilience industry professionals.
Professional networking and learning opportunities.
The University of California Climate Stewards Certification equips you to lead community and ecosystem resilience initiatives.