Energy Manager

University of North Carolina at Wilmington; Wilmington (NC); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

University of North Carolina Wilmington seeks an Energy Manager to lead campus-wide energy management efforts, drive efficiency, and oversee related engineering staff within the Office of Facilities. The role partners with university departments and external agencies to advance sustainability initiatives.

The incumbent will develop, implement and manage a comprehensive energy plan, guide capital projects for energy saving, and help meet mandated and target reductions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or environmental science with relevant energy experience.
• Experience in developing and managing campus energy programs.
• Ability to read and interpret architectural/engineering plans.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage a campus-wide energy management plan.
• Provide technical leadership across projects to improve energy efficiency.
• Coordinate with Facilities, departments, and external agencies on energy initiatives.
• Set short- and long-term strategies to meet energy reduction targets.

Skills

Energy management strategy development

HVAC systems knowledge

Reading plans & specs

Communication & presentations

Cross-department collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical/electrical engineering or environmental science

Job description

This position is designated as Exempt from the Human Resources Act ( EHRA ).

Benefits of Working at UNCW

At the University of North Carolina Wilmington, we are driven by a clear purpose: to empower student success, advance innovation, and strengthen the communities we serve. Guided by our strategic vision and commitment to excellence, UNCW offers a dynamic and collaborative environment where employees can make meaningful contributions while growing their careers.
Located in coastal North Carolina, UNCW combines the energy of a thriving academic community with the natural beauty of nearby beaches and outdoor spaces. Here, professional opportunity is balanced with an exceptional quality of life—creating a workplace where you can thrive both personally and professionally.
As a member of the Seahawk community, you’ll benefit from a culture that values well-being, lifelong learning, and connection. UNCW offers a competitive and flexible benefits package designed to support your health, financial well-being, and professional growth. From comprehensive health coverage and retirement options to generous paid leave, tuition opportunities within the UNC System, learning and development opportunities, and wellness programs, UNCW is committed to helping you thrive both at work and in your personal life.

Hiring Range

Hiring Range Determined based on qualifications and/or experience.

The Energy Manager position reports directly to the Director of Utilities & Engineering within the Office of Facilities. The Energy Manager operates in a highly collaborative, matrixed environment, working across Facilities units including Project Management, Architectural & Construction Services, Physical Plant, and Facilities Administration.
The role partners with university departments, senior Facilities leadership, and external stakeholders—including the UNC System Office, State Energy Office, State Construction Office, utility providers, and regulatory agencies to advance campus-wide energy and sustainability initiatives.
The position provides direct supervision to assigned engineering staff and student employees and offers technical leadership and guidance across project teams to ensure energy efficiency is incorporated into capital projects, renovations, and campus operations.
Responsible for developing, implementing and managing a comprehensive campus-wide (or multi-facility) energy management plan and provide advanced knowledge of best practices in energy management for existing and new facilities.
This includes directing engineering to effectively implement design decisions and facilitate energy saving campus-wide projects. These projects may include new buildings, infrastructure improvements, major and minor renovations and whole building modernizations.
Responsible for short and long term strategy for reductions to meet mandated and desired requirements. Requires working with university departments as well as State and Federal entities.
This position has been designated as mandatory personnel for the University and may be required to report to work during adverse weather conditions even though the University may be operating on an alternate schedule.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

A bachelor’s degree in engineering (mechanical/electrical), environmental science, or a related technical field, combined with 3-5 years of experience in energy management or HVAC systems.

Preferred Education, Knowledge, Skills & Experience

• Experience in design and operational strategies for reducing energy consumption; and experience in developing, implementing and managing a comprehensive, campus-wide (multi-facility) energy management plan.
• Working knowledge of the principles and practices of construction, including functional design, material, estimating, construction techniques and general trade practices, and governing codes and regulations.
• Ability to objectively review designs prepared by architects and engineers, including the ability to read and understand plans and specifications.
• Ability to communicate technical subjects effectively, both orally and in writing, and to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to make presentations to all levels of faculty, staff, students and outside groups.

Required Certifications or Licensures

Valid NC Driver’s License or the ability to obtain within 30 days of start date.

Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit

The Office of Facilities provides the complement of services necessary to maintain the facilities and systems of the university. We are charged to maintain the aesthetically pleasing Georgian appearance of the core campus and manage the support of all university property through our departments of Architecture and Construction Services, Project Management, Utilities and Engineering, Facilities Administration and the Physical Plant.
Utilities and Engineering is responsible for the safe, reliable and sustainable operation of all critical utility infrastructure at the university. They oversee the central plants that produce and provide specialized engineering support to construction, renovation and maintenance projects. These divisions track energy usage to meet university sustainability goals.

College/School Information

University Information

The University of North Carolina Wilmington, the state’s coastal university, is dedicated to the integration of teaching, mentoring, research and service. Widely acknowledged for its world-class faculty and staff and continuously recognized at a national level for scholarly excellence and affordability, UNCW offers a powerful academic experience that stimulates creative inquiry and critical thinking.
A public institution with nearly 18,000 students, UNCW offers a full range of baccalaureate- and graduate-level programs, as well as doctoral degrees in educational leadership, marine biology, nursing practice and psychology; and many distance learning options, including clinical research, an accelerated RN-to- BSN program, an Executive M.B.A. program structured for working professionals, and the nation’s only bachelor’s degree program focused on coastal engineering.
UNCW’s efforts to advance research and scholarly activities have earned UNCW the elevated designation of “Doctoral Universities: High Research Activity” institution (R2 University) by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education.
UNCW has been part of the University of North Carolina System since 1969.

EEO Statement

UNCW does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of his or her race, sex (such as gender, gender identity, marital status, childbirth, and pregnancy), age, color, national origin (including ethnicity), religion, disability, sexual orientation, political affiliation, veteran status, military service member status, genetic information, or relationship to other university constituents – except where sex, age, or ability represent bona fide educational or occupational qualifications or where marital status is a statutorily established eligibility criterion for State funded employee benefit programs.

Eligibility for Employment

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. UNC Wilmington participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.

Months Per Year

Months Per Year 12 Months

FTE

FTE 1.0 FTE (40 hours per week)

Type of Position

Type of Position Permanent

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * How did you learn of this opportunity with UNCW? (2026)
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  • UNCW Job Alert
  • Chronical of Higher Education
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  • Other
• * If you selected "Other" to the question above, please explain how you found out about this opportunity. Enter N/A if not applicable.

  (Open Ended Question)