Energy Systems Specialist

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Job Title: Energy Systems Specialist

Location: Service Center, 4041 North 72nd Street, Omaha, NE 68134

Reports To: Maintenance Administrator

Work Schedule/FLSA Status: 12 month/exempt

Salary Schedule: 92D

Position Purpose: The Energy Systems Specialist monitors the School District’s energy and water usage. Develops practices and procedures designed to reduce energy consumption and/or improve efficiency of usage. Maintains and manages the District’s building energy management systems (EMS) including participating in the designs, programing, debugging the software and hardware of the system, review requests for changes in programing, reported HVAC problems and monitors the EMS system to ensure efficient operations.

Essential Performance Responsibilities

• Manages all aspects of the Districts Energy Management System (EMS) for the purposed of receiving notifications of and performing all schedule changes, receiving and validating EMS alarms and generating work orders for action by maintenance trades.
• Responds to calls 24/7, diagnoses and troubleshoots causes of problems and /or failures in HVAC for the purpose of resolving the problems by the EMS or coordinating and assisting with the appropriate staff in affecting repairs.
• Develops and modifies programs as needed, for the purpose of minimizing run time of energy consuming equipment, ensuring indoor air quality, and efficient operation of the HVAC equipment is met.
• Assist in the design of control systems and equipment for new and/or renovation work to maximize performance, comfort and energy savings.
• Responsible for onsite inspection of control systems, reviewing submittal, installation and as - built drawings of new systems.
• Monitors and analyzes utility bills for the purpose of developing baselines to quantify energy impacts and recommending methods of cost containment.
• Works with utility companies for energy related issues to gather information to compare and analyze district utility and water bills for accuracy, billing errors, trends and opportunities for cost reduction.
• Develop, coordinate and implement energy management goals and practices to reduce districts energy and water consumption.
• Perform onsite inspections and energy audits to evaluate and monitor energy and water usage at all facilities.
• Maintain and advise on federal, state and local legislation and regulations impacting the District and review publications for guidance on energy conservation.
• Provides training, technical and practical advice and support to building staff on the EMS system and energy efficiency practices.
• Assist in the development, review and updating of energy conscious design guidelines, as well as, maintenance and operations energy management procedures.
• Input monthly energy data into Energy Star database.
• Coordinate the Energy Star award process within the Buildings and Grounds Division.
• Review the Districts utility bills for accuracy and approve for payment.
• Develop annual utility budgets for Districts facilities, monitor expenditures and forecast year end results.
  
  

Additional Duties

Performs other related tasks as assigned by supervisor and other central office administrators as designated by the Superintendent.

Equipment: Must always comply with OPS’s guidelines for equipment use.

Travel: Local travel may be required.

Physical And Mental Demands, Work Hazards

• Must be able to respond rapidly in emergency situations.
• Must have organization, time management, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Work in an office environment, school buildings, warehouse settings and construction sites.
  
  

Interrelations

• Contact with personnel within the district and with customers and vendors.
• Will be working under the direct supervision of the department supervisor in order to complete day to day tasks.
• Will be working with a diverse population requiring the ability to handle all situations with tact and diplomacy.
• Must understand and respond appropriately to customer needs and maintain a positive attitude with all customers and colleagues.
• Expected to interact with all internal and external customers in a friendly, professional manner and provide quick, responsive customer service.
  
  

Employee Punctuality And Appearance

• In order for schools to operate effectively, employees are expected to perform all assigned duties and work all scheduled hours during each designated workday, unless the employee has received approved leave.
• Any deviation from assigned hours must have prior approval from the employee’s supervisor or building administrator.
• All employees are required to report to work dressed in a manner that reflects a positive image of Omaha Public Schools and is appropriate for their position.
  
  

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Minimum of an Associates Degree in Engineering, construction management, business management or related fields, required.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, construction management, business management or related fields, preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in the application, engineering, installation and operation of building automation control systems and energy reduction practices.
• Experience with various Trane systems, including Tracer 100, Summit, SC and Ensemble strongly desired.
• Experience with various building automation systems including Trane, Honeywell, Schneider Electric Controls, Distech, and Niagara-based systems. Additionally, experience with BacNet, Modbus, LonWorks, Zigbee, and Tridium/Niagara/Fox.
• Extensive knowledge of commercial HVAC systems, including the principles, thermodynamics and maintenance practices of equipment.
• Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference and fundamentals of geometry and algebra.
• Ability to define problems, collect data, analyze, interpret, draw conclusions and maintain consistency of technical data.
• Knowledge and experience with project planning, scheduling, cost estimating and analysis.
• Proficient with personal computers using the Windows operating system, including Microsoft office software, including Word and Excel.
• Demonstrate ability to organize and handle multiple projects with attention to detail and prioritization.
• Experience in computerized maintenance management systems and/or facility management systems with TMA work request system preferred.
• Must be able to establish and maintain positive working relationships with staff, contractors, vendors and community members in a multicultural urban setting.
• Ability to work in physically restricted areas.
• Possess a valid driver’s license.
• Ability to meet the District’s insurability requirements.
  
  

Terms Of Employment

This position is treated as a full-time exempt classified position. The terms of your employment will be governed by applicable state laws regulating employment in a Nebraska public school and Board of Education policies, as those laws and policies may change from time to time. If your position is represented by a collective bargaining representative, then your employment will also be governed by a negotiated agreement between OPS and that collective bargaining representative.

The Offer Of Employment Is Contingent Upon

• Obtaining and providing verification of all licenses, certificates, and other requirements for the position (e.g., Paraprofessionals obtaining “Highly Qualified status,” etc.), as identified and maintaining all licenses, certificates, and requirements for your position throughout employment.
• A background check which demonstrates to OPS that background is acceptable for the position.
• Verification of U.S. citizenship or legal authorization to work in the United States.
• Successful completion of a pre-employment drug test (if required for position offered).
• Successful completion of a tuberculosis skin test (if required for position offered).
• Successful completion of a pre-employment medical examination to determine ability to safely and effectively perform the essential functions of the position.
  
  

Omaha Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), marital status, sexual orientation, disability, age, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation or economic status in its programs, activities, employment, and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following individual has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Director for the Office of Equity and Diversity, 3215 Cuming Street, Omaha, NE 68131. (531-299-0307)

The Omaha Public School District is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process please contact the Human Resources Department at 531-299-0240.

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