Energy Auditor I and II

Community Action Partnership of Ramsey and Washington Counties•Saint Paul, MN

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

We are seeking a detail-oriented and technically proficient Energy Auditor to conduct on-site residential energy audits. This role is responsible for evaluating building performance through diagnostic testing, collecting data, and performing analysis using energy modeling software. They are also responsible for tracking and managing all assigned projects from the date of the audit to final inspection ensuring all process steps have been completed. The Energy Auditor serves as both a technical specialist and customer-facing consultant, helping clients understand their energy usage and the steps they can take to reduce consumption and improve efficiency. The successful candidate must possess strong analytical, communication, and project management skills, and must be well-versed in regulatory and organizational standards related to energy assessments and building science.

Requirements

Must be willing and able to obtain BPI Home Energy Professional-Energy Auditor (HEP-EA) certification within 6 months of hire.
Interest in and willingness to learn about energy auditing, HVAC systems, weatherization, and building diagnostics.
Technical aptitude, with interest in learning energy modeling software, diagnostic tools, and Microsoft Office Suite; previous exposure is a plus but not required.
Developing strong organizational and project management abilities.
Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate complex concepts clearly and professionally.
Must be able to relate to and communicate effectively with varied socio-economic multiethnic individuals and/or groups, as well as construction, HVAC, plumbing and heating, and other construction trade personnel.
Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel extensively within assigned territory.
To ensure compliance with program requirements, and safety of staff and clients, the ability to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing is required.
Must hold the BPI Home Energy Professional-Energy Auditor (HEP-EA) or similar certification required.
Ability to conduct energy audits independently.
Minimum of 1 year Experience in energy auditing, HVAC systems, weatherization, or building diagnostics.
Must have demonstrated capabilities in project management, attention to details, and delivering results.
Strong technical aptitude, with familiarity in energy modeling software, diagnostic tools, and Microsoft Office Suite.
Strong organizational and project management abilities.
Must be able to carry and lift equipment (up to 50 lbs.), climb ladders, and use hand tools.
Must be able to crawl, climb, and otherwise move about in confined spaces such as attics and crawl spaces, often in dusty and dirty work sites.
Position requires adherence to safety protocols, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and physical endurance for extended site work.
This position requires an awareness of deadlines, the ability to handle and prioritize multiple tasks, and the ability to function independently.
Good analytical, math, and communication skills required.
Ability to work in substandard housing conditions including temperature variations, strong odors, rodents, insects, and other pests, and unsanitary housing conditions.
Potential exposure to airborne fibers such as fiberglass, cellulose, and asbestos.
Potential exposure to: dangerous gasses such as carbon monoxide, mold/mildew and other environmental hazards.
Able to work outdoors in bad weather including extreme temperature conditions.

Nice To Haves

Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Energy Management, Environmental Science, Construction Management, or related field preferred.

Responsibilities

Prepare for on-site audits by reviewing client detail documents, analyzing photos of the building/structure, reviewing current energy consumption data, and identifying the utility/energy provider.
Ensure all of the necessary equipment and documents that will be needed in order to complete the audit are organized, prepared, and ready for transporting to the on-site audit.
Travel to residential locations located in Ramsey, Washington, and Anoka counties to perform comprehensive energy assessments which include: Conducting diagnostic testing using tools such as blower doors, infrared cameras, combustion analyzers, and pressure pans. Inspecting insulation levels, HVAC systems, lighting, appliances, windows, doors, and other energy-related components. Identifying as many energy savings opportunities as possible. Recording accurate and detailed data regarding the building envelope, energy systems, and occupancy behaviors. Identifying safety hazards including gas leaks, backdrafting appliances, inadequate ventilation, knob & tube wiring, and other environmental hazards such as vermiculite and mold.
Educate clients on audit findings and potential energy savings upgrades.
Explain the timeline for Weatherization and receive buy-in from the client.
Represent Community Action in a professional manner by arriving on time and being respectful and courteous to clients.
Upload audit data, pictures, and client documents to the department workflow tool and electronic storage systems.
Organize files and update filenames to include relevant information and consistent with Department file naming conventions.
Use specialized software and modeling tools (such as WAPLink) to analyze energy data and identify areas of the dwelling that need improvement.
Interpret energy modeling results to develop actionable items, quantify potential energy and cost savings, and create work order measures.
Utilize relevant policy documents which include but are not limited to the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) Policy Manual, Allowable Measures Chart (AMC), Conservation Improvement Program (CIP) funding contracts, and the MN Department of Commerce’s Weatherization website.
Make decisions regarding projects and scope of work.
Leverage other team members as necessary for their knowledge and skills.
Identify opportunities where specialized funding is needed or can be utilized to support a comprehensive weatherization package for client services.
Submit audits for peer and/or supervisor review in compliance with program requirements and in a timely manner.
Receive feedback regarding individual audits and apply the feedback to future projects.
Clearly explain audit findings, energy-saving opportunities, and health/safety concerns to homeowners.
Educate the client on recommended improvements, including behavior changes and system upgrades.
Describe and outline the project steps and timeline to ensure client understanding of the program guidelines and requirements.
Obtain client commitment to Weatherization Program requirements and have the client sign all required documents.
Address client questions or concerns with professionalism and clarity, translating technical information into accessible language.
Develop and maintain a professional and respectful working relationship with the client, representing the client with both external and internal teams, and keep them abreast on next steps throughout the entire weatherization project.
Prepare detailed work orders for contractors and in-house crew, specifying required energy conservation measures, material specifications, time/labor needed to complete measures, and installation standards.
Proactively identify and communicate any potentially challenging or ambiguous areas of work to reduce confusion from contractors, crews, and inspectors.
Interface with contractors and crews to answer questions related to work orders or building components/systems.
When non-standard work is needed, solicit bids to contractors following all applicable procurement policies.
Follow up with contractors to ensure bids are submitted on time, work is awarded, and projects keep moving forward.
Release work orders in a timely manner, assign due dates to contractors for completing work, and follow up when necessary with internal or external team members to ensure the project stays on track and within the designated timeline.
Track progress of retrofit projects from initial audit through to final inspection and verification.
Coordinate with contractors, crews, and internal teams to ensure proper execution of work.
Participate in a cross functional team to ensure projects/jobs move through the workflow system in an efficient and timely manner as required based on actual job/project progress and status changes.
Ensure statuses and notes are updated in relevant systems (such as the Nexus and WAPLink) as soon as possible after work is issued and/or completed, so that department reporting is accurate and downstream operations are notified to perform their work (target within 4 business hours).
Complete Change Order requests within 2 business days.
Proactively monitor all open Change Orders to ensure satisfactory completion.
Maintain digital records of all site visits, diagnostics, work orders, and client communications in workflow management systems.
Organize files and update filenames to include relevant information and consistent with Department file naming conventions.
Monitor timelines, budgets, and deliverables, escalating issues as needed to meet project goals.
Follow all internal policies and procedures related to fieldwork, data security, safety, and client interaction.
Ensure work aligns with applicable local, state, and federal regulations/codes, as well as utility program guidelines.
Stay current on industry standards and certifications (e.g., BPI, ASHRAE, ENERGY STAR) and apply them consistently during evaluations.
Participate in regular training and quality assurance reviews to ensure continual professional development and program integrity.