ENERGY ADVOCATE (8-12 HRS)

Town-of-Arlington-; Arlington (MA); On-site; USD 15,000 - 22,000; Part time

Job summary

The Town of Arlington is seeking a part-time Energy Advocate to help residents and landlords access Mass Save energy programs, weatherization, and heat pump options. You will work with the Sustainability Manager and Electrify Arlington Coordinator to expand outreach to priority populations, including renters and low-to-moderate income households.

You’ll handle outreach events, field questions, document activities in Salesforce, and support data reporting while maintaining strong ties with

Qualifications

• Ability to explain Mass Save and other energy programs clearly.
• Strong presentation and communication skills.
• Experience staffing information tables and engaging with the public.
• Proficiency with data entry, spreadsheets, and expenses reporting.
• Comfort communicating with diverse backgrounds.
• Willingness to work offsite and in person, including some evenings/weekends.
• Familiarity with Salesforce or similar CRM software.

Responsibilities

• Implement a localized outreach plan to encourage Mass Save participation.
• Educate landlords and residents about Mass Save programs and assist with applications.
• Maintain accurate outreach records and track program participation.
• Represent the Town in CFP activities and coordinate with partners.

Skills

Presentation skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Customer service

Data entry

Spreadsheets

Diverse audiences

Teamwork

Evening/weekend flexibility

Outreach creativity

Program participation tracking

IT literacy (Word/Excel)

Education

High School diploma or GED

Tools

Salesforce

Microsoft Word

Excel

Job description

ENERGY ADVOCATE

This is an 8-12 hour a week position and is non-benefitted. Rate of pay is $35 per hour. Position funded through March 15, 2028.
This position is open until filled.

Definition
The part-time, grant funded Energy Advocate will help Arlington residents and landlords reduce their energy use, costs, and emissions by increasing participation in Mass Save® programs, including Home Energy Assessments, weatherization, and heat pump installations. The Energy Advocate will help implement outreach campaigns, with a focus on the Town’s “priority populations” of rental properties and low- and moderate-income households (renters and non-renters). The Energy Advocate will work closely with the Town’s Sustainability Manager and Electrify Arlington Coordinator and will receive training and support. This position is funded by a Mass Save Community First Partnership (CFP) grant, sponsored by Eversource and National Grid. The position may be responsible for other related work, as required.
Supervision
Works under the administrative direction of the Director of Planning and Community Development and Sustainability Manager.
Work Environment
Work will generally be performed under a combination of typical office conditions and in the field and community at public events, with exposure to various weather conditions. The employee will be required to attend relevant evening and weekend events in the community, with advance notice. The employee operates standard office equipment.
The employee has frequent contact with staff, residents, community-based organizations, and other private entities, including, but not limited to landlords, utility representatives, renters, low-and moderate-income residents, consultants, Town officials, Town departments, boards, and committees, and state officials and agencies. The employee will be responsible for representing the Department with external constituents and communicating by telephone, by email, in person, and in writing. Contacts may be outside of normal business hours. The employee has access to some department-related and program participant-related confidential or sensitive information. Errors could result in monetary loss and legal repercussions.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

Community Outreach
• Implement a localized outreach plan that encourages Arlington residents and landlords to schedule Mass Save Home Energy Assessments and implement energy-efficiency measures.
• Outreach methods will include but are not limited to: staffing an information table at a variety of locations and events, returning phone calls to a CFP phone line, providing information by email, engaging people in door-to-door conversations, delivering targeted literature, hosting events for landlords and residents, and developing additional outreach strategies.
Customer Support
• Educate Arlington landlords and residents about Mass Save programs and other energy-related programs and benefits for which they may be eligible. Assist individuals in applying for and navigating these programs.
• Work with Mass Save program vendors to address customer-specific needs and improve engagement outcomes.
• Respond to customer requests for support by connecting the customer with the appropriate party or helping the customer resolve the situation directly.
• Connect individuals who need support and information about heat pumps or electrification with the Electrify Arlington Coordinator.
Data Management
• Maintain accurate records in Salesforce database provided by Program Sponsors, to track outreach efforts, customer interactions, and program participation.
• Uphold data privacy requirements to protect customer information.
• Complete a CFP activity tracking form monthly.
• Meet regularly with CFP Lead Vendor and Mass Save Program Sponsors to communicate program findings and tactics and report on local progress.
Training & Learning
• Attend or watch recordings of CFP training sessions.
• Participate in cross-community learning.
• Contribute feedback to improve the CFP initiative.
Community Representation
• Serve as a representative of the Town of Arlington in a statewide CFP cohort and demonstrate an understanding of the local community's unique needs.
Education Requirements
High School diploma or GED.
Qualifications:
Essential
• Ability to learn and accurately explain the details of Mass Save and other energy related programs
• Strong presentation and communication skills
• Strong interpersonal and customer service skills, with the ability to follow up effectively
• Experience with staffing an information table and engaging with members of the public
• Proficiency with data entry, spreadsheets or similar tools, and reporting on expenses and outreach activities
• Comfort communicating with people from diverse backgrounds
• Ability to work with a team and on individual projects, as assigned
• Ability to work both offsite and in person
• Ability to work flexible hours to meet program needs, including some evening and weekend hours with advance notice
• Creativity in outreach, engagement and marketing approaches, including leveraging in-person and phone outreach, social media, local media, and partnerships to engage priority populations
• After appropriate training, the ability to track program participation barriers
• Ability to effectively use Town Information Technology (IT) equipment and software including computer skills in Microsoft Word and Excel.
Preferred
• Familiarity with energy efficiency or sustainability initiatives.
• Experience with Salesforce or similar CRM software.
• Experience being a renter or landlord.
• Enthusiasm about both assisting individuals and helping the Town of Arlington meet its goal of net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

Physical Requirements
Work performed in the office requires minimal physical effort. Work performed at community events may require some lifting and assembling of objects associated with event setup, such as pop-up tents, tables, and easels. Ability to travel to different locations in town and occasionally out of town.
This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee, and is subject to change by the employer, as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

Other Information
Hours and Compensation: This is an 8-12 hour a week position and is non-benefitted. Rate of pay is $35 per hour. Position funded through March 15, 2028.

Arlington is an equal opportunity employer. We consider applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation/identification, or any legally protected status. We are committed to building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where all employees feel valued and supported. We strongly encourage individuals from underrepresented backgrounds to apply.

The Energy Advocate is part of a small team of paid staff and volunteers in Arlington focused on equitable implementation of energy efficiency initiatives. The Energy Advocate is also part of a cohort of Energy Advocates statewide who are leading similar outreach efforts in their communities as a part of the Mass Save CFP. The CFP strives to increase participation in Mass Save energy efficiency programs, especially among renters, landlords, moderate income households, language-isolated households, and small businesses. The Energy Advocate will be trained and supported by the Town of Arlington team, the Mass Save Program Sponsors, and their selected CFP Lead Vendor. The Energy Advocate will also have opportunities for sharing and learning from the other communities participating in CFP. This is an exciting opportunity for an organized, people-oriented individual who is passionate about expanding access to beneficial energy-saving programs in Arlington and who wants to work as a part of a cross-sector team to have a measurable, positive impact.

Code : 1305-1

Location : PLANNING

Group : NON-UNION

Job Class : ELECTRIFYING ENERGY ADVOCATE