Energy Code Compliance Specialist

Lafayette Recruitment Team•Lafayette, CO

136d•$34 - $41

About The Position

The City of Lafayette, Colorado is hiring an Energy Code Compliance Specialist with residential and commercial building experience. This limited-term position is expected to last through December 2028. The specialist implements, administers, communicates, and enforces the City’s adopted energy codes through plan reviews, on-site inspections, and technical guidance. The role serves as the City’s subject-matter expert on energy and sustainability codes and works closely with the Chief Building Official to establish consistent processes, policies, and frameworks for effective code implementation and compliance. The position provides energy plan review services for a variety of projects, including single-family and multifamily housing, commercial buildings, and tenant finish projects. Approximately 50% of the role is focused on researching and developing stretch-code policy, including commercial building benchmarking and construction waste diversion; preparing code and ordinance language; presenting proposals; and implementing policies after adoption. The specialist also supports the City’s long-term climate and sustainability objectives by monitoring emerging national and state energy codes, coordinating with other jurisdictions, and exploring approaches such as embodied carbon reduction, enhanced construction waste diversion, and commercial building energy benchmarking for mid-sized buildings. The position represents the City in regional, state, and national collaborations to advance best practices and promote consistency across jurisdictions.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Three years of inspection, plan review, energy auditing, or other relevant experience in building construction, energy efficiency, or code compliance, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
Experience with energy code plan review and inspections for both residential and commercial buildings.
Colorado driver’s license with a safe driving record.
ICC or equivalent certification in at least two of the following: Residential Mechanical, Commercial Mechanical, Residential Energy Inspector/Plans Examiner, Commercial Energy Inspector, or Commercial Energy Plans Examiner.
Maintain required certifications and continuing education.
Working knowledge of adopted building and energy codes and applicable Colorado statutes and regulations.
Knowledge of outcome-based and performance-based energy codes; building science; energy efficiency technologies; HVAC systems; renewable energy; energy storage; and electric vehicle infrastructure.
Knowledge of built-environment sustainability practices, including embodied carbon, water efficiency, indoor air quality, and construction waste reduction.
Knowledge of electric and gas utility demand-side management programs and rebate structures.
Knowledge of modern office practices, records management, and permitting systems, and working knowledge of Microsoft Office 365 and electronic plan review and permitting software.
Skill in reviewing construction documents and technical materials for code compliance; project management, work plan development, and coordination of multi-jurisdictional or public processes; customer service; and written and verbal communication that makes technical information understandable.
Ability to interpret and apply energy codes, regulations, and technical standards consistently and accurately; conduct inspections and make compliance determinations; work independently with limited supervision; manage priorities and deadlines; maintain accurate records; work effectively with culturally diverse populations; build positive working relationships; present to groups and facilitate meetings or working groups; and adapt to changing regulations, technologies, and policy priorities.

Nice To Haves

Additional college-level coursework or a degree in construction, sustainability, environmental science, urban planning, public policy, or a related field.
Experience developing stretch-code energy policy, such as commercial building benchmarking and construction waste diversion, and experience with the code update process.
Experience working in local government.
Experience with governmental permitting and inspection software.
Experience or formal training in energy modeling, building science, or sustainability-focused construction.

Responsibilities

Review building permit applications, construction documents, and supporting materials for compliance with adopted energy codes and related regulations.
Conduct on-site inspections to verify compliance with approved plans and applicable energy code requirements.
Provide technical guidance to contractors, designers, homeowners, developers, and City staff, explaining energy code requirements, policies, ordinances, and compliance pathways through in-person, written, electronic, and telephone communications.
Coordinate energy code requirements, implementation strategies, and compliance processes within the Building Division in collaboration with the Chief Building Official.
Monitor and evaluate national, state, and regional energy and sustainability code developments and support recurring updates to City building and energy codes.
Coordinate and share best practices with other jurisdictions and participate in regional, state, and national working groups related to energy codes and building decarbonization.
Lead or support public engagement and education related to energy codes, including strategic discussions, training, and outreach.
Evaluate incentives and regulatory approaches that encourage energy efficiency, reuse, and retrofit of existing buildings.
Support exploration and implementation of energy and sustainability initiatives, including embodied carbon reduction, construction waste diversion, and commercial building benchmarking.
Research and develop stretch-code policy, prepare code and ordinance language, present proposals, and support implementation after adoption.
Assist with inspection scheduling, documentation, recordkeeping, and data entry related to energy code compliance.
Develop, update, and maintain forms, handouts, guidance documents, and internal procedures for energy code administration.
Respond to information and research requests, including assigned public records requests.
Perform filing, scanning, data entry, and other administrative tasks supporting permitting and inspection operations.
Support related plan review and inspection efforts within the Building Division.
Participate in internal committees and attend City-provided training as required.
Perform related duties as assigned.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
401A retirement plan with 10.2% City contribution and 8% employee contribution; immediately 100% vested upon hire.
Life insurance equal to one year’s salary, up to $150,000, with an equal amount of AD&D coverage.
Tuition assistance of up to $5,000 per year for approved expenses.
Employee Assistance Program, including counseling, travel assistance, and legal aid.
Short- and long-term disability.
Bilingual pay.
Deferred compensation and Roth options.
Voluntary life insurance and AD&D.
Identity theft program.
Recreation Center pass.
Wellness Punch Card with 100 annual punches for use at facilities such as the golf course and waterpark.
First-year employees accrue 80 hours of vacation.
Sick leave.
Floating holiday leave.
11.5 paid City holidays.
Other leave programs, including FMLA, parental, and bereavement leave.