Senior Energy Specialist

State of South Carolina; Columbia (SC); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sick leave

Annual leave

Paid holidays

Parental leave

Health insurance

Dental

Vision

Life insurance

Long-term disability

Flexible spending accounts

Adoption assistance

Retirement plan

Supp. retirement savings

Job summary

State of South Carolina’s Office of Regulatory Staff seeks a Senior Energy Specialist to lead the Energy Office initiatives, manage grant programs, and provide technical support across energy efficiency, renewable energy, and clean transportation projects.

Responsibilities include SEP project management, ETAP energy analyses, and preparing statutory reports, with in-office work at Columbia, SC. Requires strong communication and relevant degree with 4+ years experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in environmental science, environmental policy, engineering, mathematics, building science, or a related physical science and at least four years of relevant experience.
• Knowledge of energy efficiency, renewable energy, and/or clean transportation.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to translate technical concepts for non-technical audiences.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, SharePoint).

Responsibilities

• Serve as project manager for the State Energy Program (SEP) and manage the Mini-Grant Program, including award administration and compliance monitoring.
• Provide technical assistance for the Energy Office, including energy audits and assessment reports, and represent the Office on committees.
• Develop and maintain a catalogue of statutory obligations and assist in statutory reporting and publications.
• Stay informed on energy developments and best practices to inform planning and stakeholder communications.

Skills

Written communication

Verbal communication

Translate tech concepts

Data visualization tools

Education

Bachelor's degree in environmental science or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

The South Carolina Office of Regulatory Staff (ORS) represents the public interest of South Carolina in utility regulation for the major utility industries - electric, natural gas, telecommunications, water/wastewater, and transportation - before the Public Service Commission (PSC), the court system, and state and federal regulatory bodies. Additionally, the ORS houses the state’s Energy Office, Broadband Office, Equipment Distribution Program (EDP), and has responsibility for oversight of railroad safety and natural gas pipeline safety in South Carolina.

The mission of the Energy Office is to promote energy efficiency, renewable energy, and clean transportation through a variety of initiatives and programs providing technical and financial assistance, education and outreach, and data and research. The Senior Energy Specialist serves as the Energy Office’s lead technical resource, providing subject matter expertise, program administration, and technical support across a portfolio of Energy Office initiatives, including grant and loan programs, technical assistance and stakeholder engagement, and statutory data analysis and reporting.

Job responsibilities include:

• Serve as project manager for the State Energy Program (SEP) to ensure implementation of requirements and budget. Manage the Mini-Grant Program, serving as the designated contact and project lead for application review, award administration, disbursement, and compliance monitoring. Assist in preparing and submitting technical reporting for state and federal grant deliverables. Support the administration of revolving loan funds, including providing assistance to loan applicants regarding eligibility, program requirements, and application processes.
• Provide technical assistance for the Energy Office, including managing the Energy Technical Assistance Program (ETAP), conducting energy audits and preparing assessment reports for review and approval. Serve as a subject matter expert in providing technical guidance on topics including energy efficiency, building science, green building, energy codes, and other emerging energy technologies. Represent the Energy Office on relevant technical committees and working groups, including NASEO (National Association of State Energy Officials) committees.
• Develop and maintain an up-to-date catalogue of the Energy Office’s statutory obligations, including, but not limited to, energy research, tax credits, and demand-side management services. Assist in the preparation of statutory reports and publications enabling accurate and timely preparation in accordance with applicable requirements under the SC Code of Laws. Research and stay current on energy developments, technology trends, federal program developments, and best practices to inform planning, program design, and stakeholder communications.

South Carolina is a great place to live and work! The State of South Carolina offers its employees generous benefits and a healthy work-life balance.

FOR YOU, YOUR FAMILY, AND YOUR FUTURE

• 15 days sick leave
• 15 days annual leave
• 13 paid holidays
• Paid parental leave
• Military leave
• Health coverage including prescriptions
• Dental
• Vision
• Life insurance
• Long-term disability
• Flexible spending accounts
• Adoption assistance
• Retirement plan
• Supplemental retirement savings plan

Bachelor's degree in environmental science, environmental policy, engineering, mathematics, building science, or a related physical science and at least four years of relevant experience; or other equivalent combination of education and experience. Knowledge of energy efficiency, renewable energy, and/or clean transportation. Ability to translate technical concepts for non-technical audiences. Strong written and verbal communication skills, with experience preparing research or technical documents for diverse audiences. Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite to include Word, Excel, Outlook, and SharePoint.

Professional certifications or coursework in building science, energy auditing, solar installation, or related technical disciplines or ability to obtain. Prior experience in state energy office, utility, or public-sector technical program. Experience with data analysis and/or visualization tools.

Position details

• Position, on occasion, requires work after normal hours, on weekends, and out-of-town.
• Must possess a valid driver's license.
• All ORS employees are required to attend ethics training annually for continued employment.
• All ORS employees are prohibited from owning equity in regulated utilities.
• Work hours are Monday - Friday, 8:30 am - 5:00 pm.
• Remote work is not available, and employees work in-office at 1901 Main Street, Columbia, SC 29201.