Senior Energy Specialist (5642) - SF Environment Department

Senior Energy Specialist

Company Description:

The San Francisco Environment Department (SF Environment) is dedicated to advancing climate protection and enhancing the quality of life for all San Franciscans. As a department within the City and County of San Francisco, SF Environment champions environmental policies and programs focused on zero waste, reducing toxic hazards, advancing environmental justice, promoting sustainable transportation, expanding clean energy, greening the built environment, and protecting urban forests. We are a passionate, mission-driven team valuing credibility, collaboration, impact, innovation, and equity. SF Environment offers an attractive benefits package and follows a hybrid work model, with staff working in the office four days a week and one day remotely.

The Energy team within SF Environment administers energy efficiency incentive programs for residents and businesses, advances policies, and supports local and state climate goals. The team seeks a Senior Energy Specialist to lead efforts in reducing energy use, lowering utility costs, and improving refrigerant management to reduce fugitive emissions.

Recruitment Details:

• Application Deadline: June 24, 2026
• Recruitment ID: PBT-5642-165521

To Apply:

1. Submit your application online by clicking "I'm Interested" and completing the application.
2. Include a resume.
3. Complete the Minimum Qualifications Supplemental Questionnaire (MQSQ) by Wednesday, June 24, 2026: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/g/3mE1pnx7gD

Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed City and County of San Francisco application.

SF Environment - Statement on Racial Equity:

SF Environment has a longstanding commitment to environmental justice, prioritizing communities disproportionately affected by environmental stressors and climate change. We work to mitigate environmental burdens, increase program accessibility, and improve health outcomes for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities, ensuring racial equity is central to all our programs, policies, and services.

Job Description:

As the Senior Energy Specialist, you will administer and implement state ratepayer-funded energy efficiency, refrigeration, and energy-related equity programs. You will oversee multiple projects to ensure successful program delivery and assist with long-range planning, policy development, and program research for decarbonizing buildings, refrigerant management, and distributed energy resources. You will have day-to-day decision-making responsibilities and the ability to negotiate within project scopes. Reporting to the Energy Program Manager, you will also supervise a team of direct reports.

What You’ll Do:

• Manage energy efficiency programs with local utilities and the Bay Area Regional Energy Network, including staff, contracts, and budgets; conduct regular reporting; and plan future programs.
• Supervise and coach staff to ensure professional growth.
• Manage third-party vendors, including budgets, invoices, and scopes of work.
• Obtain participation and manage communications among diverse stakeholders, including city departments, local governments, state and federal agencies, advocates, and trade associations.
• Oversee contract compliance and budgets.
• Manage database operations, including data entry, organization, and supporting updates; retrieve data, generate reports, and improve workflows.
• Research, analyze, and report on energy efficiency and refrigerant management topics and policy issues, providing strategic recommendations with a focus on equity.
• Support grant writing and funding applications, including drafting narratives, conducting technical analysis, and developing implementation schedules.
• Update or create program plans, interagency memos, SOPs, and other technical guidance documents.
• Perform other administrative and technical duties, such as approving timesheets, tracking purchase orders, and reviewing invoices.
• Provide coverage for team members and partners as needed.

Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• Experience: Six (6) years of professional experience in planning, coordinating, implementing, and evaluating environmental, energy efficiency, refrigerant management, clean transportation, or community engagement programs or policies.
• Special Condition: Four (4) years of professional experience specifically in energy programs (e.g., energy efficiency, refrigeration management).
• Substitutions: Additional qualifying experience may substitute for the degree on a year-for-year basis. A Master’s degree may substitute for one year of experience; a Ph.D. for two years.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Skilled in staff leadership, development, and project management.
• Experience supervising staff.
• Experience gaining adoption of and compliance with legislation.
• Experience writing reports and grants.
• Experience navigating and working with public organizations.
• Fluency in Cantonese, Spanish, or other languages commonly spoken in San Francisco.
• Understanding of equity, inclusion, and diversity concepts.

Selection Procedures:

Candidates will complete a Minimum Qualifications Supplemental Questionnaire (MQSQ) and a Supplemental Questionnaire Evaluation (exam) to assess knowledge of state/federal policies, energy efficiency programs, and skills in program management, writing, data organization, and collaboration.