Building Decarbonization Compliance Specialist at City of Seattle, WA

About the Department

THE OFFICE

Come be a part of a great team of folks dedicated to developing and implementing citywide environmental policies and programs that propel the City of Seattle toward a sustainable, equitable, and carbon-neutral future. Here at the Office of Sustainability & Environment (OSE), our mission is to ensure a clean and healthy environment for every resident of Seattle. We prioritize those currently and historically harmed by racial, economic, and environmental injustice and serve as cross-departmental and community partners, innovators, and drivers of cutting-edge city policy. If you are looking to support opportunities to increase racial, social, and environmental justice throughout Seattle's environmental work, look no further!

Diversity and Inclusion

We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We believe that all people and communities should benefit from Seattle’s environmental progress. We center communities most impacted by environmental injustice, such as BIPOC communities, people with low incomes, and English language learners, to ensure they have opportunities to be part of and leaders within the environmental movement. We hold values aligned with principles of racial, environmental, and economic justice, so that we are more inclusive, equitable, and transparent. All applicants are welcome, and we strongly encourage people with these identities or from other marginalized communities to apply.

Position Duties

THE JOB

Our Buildings & Energy team is growing!   We are recruiting two Building Decarbonization Compliance Specialists to play key roles in supporting policy roll-out and implementation of the new Building Emissions Performance Standards (BEPS) law and the existing Energy Benchmarking and Reporting (EBR) law. The new BEPS law requires approximately 4,000 large existing buildings to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and meet net-zero emissions by 2050, making it a leading City action to address the climate crisis.

As a Building Decarbonization Compliance Specialist, you will join a team of technical compliance specialists that serve as the key public-facing roles for supporting owners and energy professionals as they work to comply with BEPS and annual benchmarking and reporting requirements. You will also help and make referrals to OSE’s Building Emissions Navigator—an expanded support program that provides coaching workshops, financial support, and educational resources for building owners and tenants. 

There are three primary focus areas for this work: 

Technical Assistance and Public Engagement

Do you have experience providing technical support to people in situations where they need to make short and long-term changes to comply with a new law, or one they were unaware of? Have you interpreted new policies or codes in “real time” for those most impacted? Have you used an equity lens to meet people where they are, and have you communicated technical information clearly and respectfully to building owners, property managers, contractors, energy professionals, and building tenants? Have you done this work when customers were unhappy with the time, cost, and effort involved in complying?

Program Development & Evaluation

Have you worked to continually improve customer service while also increasing compliance? Have you paid attention to feedback and noticed patterns that indicated program changes were needed, and researched and recommended new processes?  Have you escalated issues to subject matter experts in a timely manner?   Have you worked across your organization and other agencies to streamline compliance activities and outreach efforts?

Data Analysis & Compliance Review

Have you mapped a customer’s compliance journey to find alternative compliance pathways or early adopter incentives? Have you assessed compliance rates to identify areas requiring additional technical support or targeted outreach? Have you reviewed submissions, exemptions, and extension applications from third parties to verify regulatory compliance, trends, or issues needing resolution?

To be successful, you are committed to:

• Racial, climate, and environmental justice, equity, and inclusion.
• A positive, “can-do” attitude and a proactive, helpful approach to problem solving.
• Communicating and engaging all people with cultural competence and respect.
• Anticipating needs and following through on assignments.

• Familiarity with building sciences/and or energy efficiency in buildings. 
• Knowledge of building energy benchmarking and reporting using the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager platform or similar energy management software.

If this work aligns with your values, experience, and skills, please consider applying!

Minimum Qualifications

In addition to the qualities mentioned above, you will need to possess the following required qualifications (or a combination of education and/or training and/or experience that provides an equivalent background required to perform the work of the class):

Four years of experience in planning and research related to one of the following: land use, urban economics, human services, environmental issues, conservation, or other work directly related to City planning and development work.

OR

Three years of experience in planning and research related to one of the following: land use, urban economics, human services, environmental issues, conservation, or other work directly related to City planning and development work, and an associate’s degree in planning, urban design, environmental studies, public administration, sustainability, or a related field.

OR

Two years of experience in planning and research related to one of the following: land use, urban economics, human services, environmental issues, conservation, or other work directly related to City planning and development work, and a bachelor’s degree in planning, urban design, environmental studies, public administration, sustainability, or a related field.

Other Qualifications

This job is classified as a Planning & Development Specialist 2, and the salary range is $47.54 - $55.32. Personnel Rules will determine the salary placement of current regular City employees. New employees start at Step 1 in this 5-step salary schedule. These positions are represented by a Collective Bargaining Agreement with PROTEC 17 – Professionals Unit.

In addition to completing the application at www.governmentjobs.com/careers/seattle fully, please attach:

• A PDF of your current resume
• A cover letter explaining how your experience, skills, and values align with this job

Why Work for the City of Seattle? At the City of Seattle, public service is more than a job; it’s a chance to shape the future and make a meaningful difference in the lives of everyone who works, lives, or plays in our city. With 12,000 employees across 40+ departments and 1,100 job titles, we are united by a common purpose: to create a Seattle that is vibrant and welcoming for all. Whatever your role, you’ll help power a forward-looking city that leads by example — inclusive, innovative, equitable, and community-focused — while joining a diverse team committed to solving challenges and making a lasting impact together. Join us in building a Seattle that thrives!

This position offers the flexibility of a hybrid work schedule. Individual schedules will be based on agreement between the employee and management.

The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package, including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents. More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at: https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits/employees-and-covered-family-members/most-employees-plans

This position is open to applicants who meet the minimum qualifications. The Office of Sustainability & Environment values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, medical condition, or pregnancy. The Office of Sustainability & Environment encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experiences. 

Accommodations:

Individuals with disabilities will be provided with reasonable accommodations to participate in the job application or interview process, perform essential job functions, and receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact [email protected] with questions or to request accommodations.