Energy Program Specialist I

Reading Municipal Light Department

Job Position Description

Job Title: Energy Program Specialist I
Reports to: Director of Integrated Resources
Division: Integrated Resources (IRD)
Job Grade: 52
Revision Date: 1/27/2025
Work Location: 230 Ash St Office
Union: Y☒ N☐ IBEW Local 103
FLSA: Exempt ☒ Non-Exempt ☐
Hiring Range: $78,531 to $104,759

This Position Description presents illustrative work activities usually encountered by personnel filling this position; it is not meant to list all possible work activities in all possible work conditions. It is not meant to define specific limits on work activities that may be performed by any person holding this position. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of management to assign, direct and control the work of employees under supervision. Position descriptions may occasionally be changed to allow the RMLD to better meet the needs of the customers, reflect applicable laws and regulations, or otherwise implement Commission policies. All non-bargaining unit RMLD workers are “employees at will.”

Job Summary

The Energy Program Specialist I position participates as part of the IRD team in developing, implementing, coordinating, and administering a comprehensive portfolio of energy management resources and activities consistent with the goals and objectives of RMLD, including stewardship, efficacy, robustness, and cost-effectiveness, and to assist with key account program activities.

Illustrative Work Activities

1. Promote, administer, coordinate, and report on all aspects of programs including but not limited to: electric vehicle charging stations, heat pumps, residential and commercial energy audits, distributed demand response, time of use rates, appliance and smart device rebates, and other energy management program activities.
2. Support RMLD customer service group as a technical resource, developing and maintaining appropriate databases and reporting systems, coordinating database management and reporting functions.
3. Research and report on new technology and product developments, as well as other utility program offerings for potential opportunities.
4. Responsible for the residential and commercial energy audit program. Maintain/audit database, models, spreadsheets and conduct consumption analysis. Follow up with customers to evaluate measures taken and determine instantaneous and long-term benefits achieved.
5. Responsible for the appliances, heat pumps, EV chargers, and smart devices rebate programs, managing rebate program process, including verification and validation of qualification criteria and processing of applications. Process all necessary paperwork and coordinate with electrician, wire inspector, Engineering and Operations, customer service, as well as any other necessary personnel. Monitor existing customers to ensure compliance with aspects of programs. Troubleshoot any customer related issues.
6. Responsible for tracking program activities and metrics, such as measure penetrations, customer satisfaction, environmental impacts, and cost-effectiveness.
7. Coordinate time-of-use rates program activities, including education and outreach on the program, performing analysis of customer’s financial impact under rates related to time-of-use rates programs, processing the necessary paperwork, and coordinating with customer service personnel.
8. Assist with the development of public relations and communication materials to support program goals and increase community awareness. Work collaboratively with internal/external individuals to foster positive relationships and effective program objectives.
9. Develop and maintain standard operating procedures related to IRD specialist duties.
10. Assist in other related Integrated Resources Division duties or general support required throughout RMLD during normal operations and on occasion, after-hour public events, emergencies, etc.
11. Participate in training programs and share learning in writing with RMLD team members. Training programs could include online programs, seminars, and conferences (with appropriate approvals).
12. Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Basic Requirements:
Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Science, Energy Management, Business Administration, or related field as determined by the RMLD, plus experience in business and/or customer service. Excellent command of the English language with strong writing and speaking ability and excellent customer service skills. Ability to communicate effectively in writing, verbally and in person. Proficient spreadsheet capabilities. Strong analytical mindset.

Experience:
Prefer three years of energy industry-related experience in performing program administration duties and handling customer service situations. Prior experience in promoting and administering utility customer programs, including field experience or program management, is highly desired. Prefer two years of demonstrated project management skills, including timelines, scheduling and budgeting.

Judgment and Initiative:
Ability to use judgment to assess appropriate resources to meet customer’s needs. Ability to provide appropriate levels of initiative to identify the issues, troubleshoot the solution, communicate with the customer and follow up until resolution is achieved. Must be able to listen well and be tactful in dealing with people. Ability to work under deadline, sometimes under stressful circumstances. Maintaining confidentiality is required. Must show initiative and ability to manage work responsibilities with minimal direction.

Independent Action:
Must be able to operate in a multifaceted environment and be able to organize and set priorities. Ability to take procedural initiative and action required to meet and satisfy customer needs by working within the parameters established by the RMLD and/or external governing authorities. Must communicate effectively and professionally both verbally and in writing to internal and external stakeholders in handling requests and time-sensitive conditions. Demonstrated ability to complete assigned work in a timely manner under deadline pressures.

Manual Skills:
Strong typing skills. Ability to operate computers, scanners, printers and other electronic equipment as required.

Physical Requirements:
Ability to perform light to moderate physical activity (i.e. carrying supplies, lifting, bending etc.) Ability to travel inside RMLD service territory to customer locations in the field. Moderate physical effort may be required on an intermittent basis.

Supervisory: None

License: Class D license valid in MA.