Weatherization Specialist Trainee

State of Illinois • Springfield, MO

8d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Weatherization Specialist Trainee works in the Office of Community Assistance and, under the immediate supervision of the Weatherization Monitoring Manager, participates in six to eighteen months of formal and on-the-job training. The position supports quality assurance monitoring of local agencies delivering Illinois Weatherization program services to low-income residents. Training covers field reviews of weatherized homes and LIHEAP Furnace projects, grant management, program requirements, agency performance, and technical assistance. Field reviews may involve entering crawl spaces and attics and accessing roof areas. The role requires travel, including occasional overnight stays, and completion of required certifications to be eligible for promotion to Weatherization Specialist I.

The position is based at the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity headquarters in Springfield, Illinois. The stated work hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Hybrid work may be available one to five days per week in the office, depending on operational needs. The position is a union position subject to the applicable collective bargaining agreement.

Requirements

• Knowledge, skill, and mental development equivalent to four years of experience in skilled building construction, construction management, or the building performance/energy conservation industry, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
• At least one year of direct experience in skilled building construction, construction management, or the building performance/energy conservation industry; this requirement cannot be substituted.
• Up to three years of qualifying education in energy management, environmental science, public administration, or construction management may substitute for experience on a year-for-year basis, up to three years.
• Complete a background check and disclose criminal history.
• Hold an appropriate, valid driver’s license.
• Be able to travel for work, including overnight stays as appropriate.
• Have the physical ability to work in confined spaces such as attics and crawlspaces, climb a ladder, and work at heights up to 40 feet.
• Obtain Building Performance Institute (BPI) Energy Auditor (EA), BPI Quality Control Inspector (QCI), and Illinois Home Weatherization Assistance Program (IHWAP) Training and Certification Program (TCP) certifications during the training period to be eligible for promotion to Weatherization Specialist I.

Nice To Haves

• BPI Quality Control Inspector and Energy Auditor certifications.
• At least one year of experience in the weatherization field.
• Intermediate-level experience using spreadsheet software and creating documents.

Responsibilities

• Participate in formal and on-the-job training related to weatherization assistance programs and field reviews.
• Learn to conduct on-site reviews of weatherized homes and LIHEAP Furnace projects to evaluate work quality, including accessing crawl spaces, roof areas, and attics.
• Assist in preparing reports on the status of sub-grantees’ weatherization programs.
• Learn to identify obstacles to effective delivery of weatherization services and draft recommendations for agency staff review.
• Travel to conduct field reviews and attend training, including some overnight travel.
• Observe and participate in reviews of grantee budgets to help ensure funds are spent equitably across grant allocations.
• Learn to review and approve sub-grantee Weatherization Implementation Plans.
• Review Scope of Work documents to ensure grant funds are allocated correctly and in compliance with grant regulations.
• Observe reviews and approvals of requests for additional funding for agency jobs.
• Learn to review agency production levels and determine whether the Production Policy should be enforced.
• Schedule and attend meetings to ensure agencies are meeting production goals.
• Receive training in developing training and technical assistance plans for local sub-grantee agencies.
• Attend training on blower door technology, infrared thermography, flue gas analysis equipment, energy audits, and final inspection procedures.
• Participate in surveys and contribute to analyses evaluating work completed by local agencies.
• Assist with developing and implementing policy memorandums, training manuals, schedules, and new program initiatives.
• Attend staff meetings and weatherization training classes to stay current on program changes.
• Obtain required certifications to monitor Illinois Home Weatherization Assistance Program projects.
• Perform other duties reasonably related to the position.

Benefits

• Pension program.
• Competitive group insurance benefits, including health, life, dental, and vision insurance.
• Three paid personal business days annually.
• Twelve paid sick days annually, with carryover from year to year.
• Ten to 25 days of paid vacation annually; 10 days in the first year of employment.
• Thirteen paid holidays annually, and 14 in even-numbered years.
• Flexible work schedules when available and dependent on the position.
• Twelve weeks of paid parental leave.
• Deferred Compensation Program supplemental retirement plan.
• Optional pre-tax Medical Care Assistance Plan and Dependent Care Assistance Plan.
• Eligibility for the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
• GI Bill training and apprenticeship benefits eligibility for qualifying veterans.
• Five percent salary differential for bilingual positions.
• Commuter Savings Program for Chicago employees.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed