Senior Sustainability and Energy Analyst

City of Durham; Durham (NC); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Durham is seeking a Senior Sustainability and Energy Analyst to lead data-driven analysis of municipal energy use, emissions, and sustainability performance across city facilities and operations.

This full-time, hybrid role in Durham, NC involves developing strategies, preparing reports, and collaborating with internal teams and external partners to support climate and resilience goals.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, engineering, sustainability, or related field.
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills with data collection and validation.
• Experience with energy-use analysis and modeling.
• Proficiency in spreadsheets and dashboards.
• Ability to interpret energy regulations and standards.
• Excellent written and verbal communication for non-technical audiences.
• Experience collaborating across departments in a public sector setting.
• Experience in local government, utilities, or consulting preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead data-driven analysis of municipal energy use and GHG emissions.
• Develop and evaluate energy efficiency and renewable energy strategies.
• Prepare reports and dashboards for leadership and committees.
• Collect and validate utility and operational data.
• Coordinate with internal departments and external partners.
• Support policy and program design and funding applications.
• Track regulatory and industry trends.
• Present findings to leadership and community stakeholders.

Skills

Analytical skills

Data analysis

Energy analytics

Communication

Cross-functional teamwork

Public sector experience

Regulatory familiarity

Education

Bachelor's degree

Advanced degree / certifications

Tools

Excel

Data viz tools

Energy benchmarking

Job description

Company Description

The City of Durham is “Where Careers Meet Community,” offering opportunities to make a direct impact on residents and neighborhoods in the Bull City. Team members help create an environment where the city can thrive, supported by competitive compensation, advancement opportunities, and meaningful work. The organization promotes a collaborative, inclusive, and supportive workplace that values every employee’s contributions. Located in one of the nation’s most desirable places to live, work, and play, the City of Durham offers a strong sense of purpose and community connection for public service professionals.

Role Description

The Senior Sustainability and Energy Analyst is a full-time, hybrid role based in Durham, NC, with flexibility for some work from home. This position leads data-driven analysis of municipal energy use, greenhouse gas emissions, and sustainability performance across city facilities and operations. The analyst develops and evaluates energy efficiency, renewable energy, and sustainability strategies, prepares reports and dashboards, and makes recommendations to support citywide climate and resilience goals. Day-to-day tasks include collecting and validating utility and operational data, modeling energy and cost savings, coordinating with internal departments and external partners, and supporting policy and program design. The role also assists with funding applications, tracks relevant regulatory and industry trends, and presents findings to leadership, committees, and community stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Strong analytical and quantitative skills, including experience with data collection, validation, and statistical or energy-use analysis.
• Knowledge of sustainability, climate, and energy management concepts, such as energy efficiency, renewable energy, greenhouse gas accounting, and resilience planning.
• Proficiency with spreadsheets and data tools (e.g., Excel, energy benchmarking platforms, data visualization software) and the ability to create clear dashboards and reports.
• Ability to interpret regulations, standards, and technical documents related to energy, buildings, and environmental compliance.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, including experience presenting complex information to non-technical audiences and preparing concise reports and recommendations.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams, manage multiple projects, and meet deadlines in a dynamic public sector environment.
• Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, engineering, sustainability, public administration, or a related field; an advanced degree or relevant certifications (e.g., CEM, LEED) are beneficial.
• Experience working in local government, utilities, consulting, or related sectors focused on sustainability, energy, or climate initiatives is preferred.