Senior Sustainability Planner - Building Performance Program Coordinator

City of Lakewood•Lakewood, CO

42d

About The Position

The City of Lakewood is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Senior Sustainability Planner - Building Performance Program Coordinator to lead the development and implementation of Lakewood’s first Building Energy Benchmarking Program focused on the city’s mid-size commercial and multifamily buildings. This role directly supports the City's climate action goals, specifically reducing communitywide greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and improving building energy efficiency. The Senior Sustainability Planner - Building Performance Program Coordinator will design and manage program rules, tools, and outreach initiatives to guide building owners in tracking and reporting their energy use, complying with standards, and making performance improvements. The ideal candidate combines strong technical acumen, strategic project management, and clear communication skills to maximize program participation, deliver measurable results, and tell compelling data-driven stories about climate impact. In addition, the ideal candidate is experienced in talking directly with stakeholders, such as building owners and property managers. This is a grant-funded 4-year term position eligible for benefits, with current funding anticipated through September 2029. There may be potential to extend the full-time role if the program is successful and future funding becomes available.

Requirements

Knowledge of local, regional and/or national building energy policies and programs and understands how these are related.
Knowledge of sustainable building and site planning, land-use regulatory mechanisms, building codes and other development-related policies and processes.
Ability to research, analyze and synthesize complex information and data, develop and present recommendations and prepare concise written reports, correspondence and recommendations.
Ability to overcome barriers by developing well-thought-out solutions using creativity, innovation and integrated program design.
Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to maintain effective working relationships with business contacts, the public, advisory boards, consultants and with employees at all levels of the organization.
Demonstrates a commitment to incorporating the perspectives of diverse and under- represented communities in the considerations of the impacts and outcomes of decision-making processes.
Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage timelines and ensure the program stays on track to meet annual benchmarking and reporting deadlines.
Comprehensive knowledge of building sector energy efficiency principles and greenhouse gas emissions reduction strategies.
Expertise in data management, analysis, and visualization tools, including Microsoft Excel.
Knowledge of benchmarking compliance tools, such as Energy Star Portfolio Manager.
A combination of job-related education and experience demonstrating the equivalent knowledge, skills, and abilities required to effectively perform the functions of this position may be considered, as determined by management.
Education: Four-year college degree in Urban Planning, Environmental Science/Policy, Physical Science, Engineering, Energy, or related field from accredited college
Experience: Four years minimum of progressively responsible experience in policy and program development, implementation and evaluation in energy efficiency, renewable energy, natural resources, urban sustainability, climate mitigation and resilience, and/or a related field

Nice To Haves

American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP)
Certified Energy Manager
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Associate or Accredited Professional

Responsibilities

Design and launch Lakewood’s energy benchmarking program, including program rules, compliance frameworks, and digital reporting tools.
Create and manage a Building Performance Hub to connect building owners with technical assistance, financial resources, and educational materials.
Collaborate with internal and external partners to analyze and communicate benchmarking data and program outcomes.
Oversee all operational aspects of the program, including timelines, budgets, and deliverables.
Administer proposals, contracts, and relationships with third-party service providers (e.g., help desk support, technical consultants, software providers).
Ensure timely and accurate reporting to grant agency (DRCOG).
Partner with other local departments and regional organizations (e.g. Denver Regional Council of Governments, state Energy Office) to align local efforts with regional climate priorities.
Represent the city in DRCOG’s Building Policy Collaborative program.
Lead compliance strategy, including direct outreach to building owners, data verification, and collaboration with legal teams and other internal departments to enforce program requirements.
Leverage the City’s sustainability-related professional networks and other professional opportunities to maintain working knowledge of best practices in the industry.
Consult as appropriate with supervisor to discuss work progress or new problems which may require advice or further direction.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Medical
Dental
Vision
Life Insurance
Pension
Sick Leave
Vacation
Holidays: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Day, Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, Day after Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
Deferred Compensation
Voluntary Life Insurance
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Short Term Disability
Long Term Disability (LTD)
Injury Leave
Family and Medical Leave (FMLA)
Military Leave
Jury Duty
Tuition Assistance
Credit Union
Recreation Facilities
Wellness Programs
Value-Added Benefits