Sustainability Engineer (Johns Hopkins Facilities & Real Estate)

Johns Hopkins University; Baltimore (MD); On-site; USD 85,500 - 149,800; Full time

Job summary

A leading university is seeking a Sustainability Engineer to drive energy conservation and sustainability initiatives on its Homewood campus. The role involves analyzing energy systems, recommending improvements, and collaborating with various teams to implement energy-saving measures. Candidates should possess a Bachelor's degree in engineering and at least 5 years of experience in mechanical and electrical systems, preferably in an academic setting.

Qualifications

• 5 years of experience with major building mechanical and electrical systems.
• Familiarity with HVAC and energy management systems.
• Experience in designing and optimizing building systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead decarbonization efforts for the Homewood campus.
• Perform energy audits and recommend conservation measures.
• Collaborate with internal teams to implement energy-saving projects.

Skills

Energy efficiency

Building automation systems

Mechanical systems knowledge

Analytical skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering

Tools

MS Office

AutoCAD

Job description

Overview

Reporting to the Director of Engineering and Engineering, we are seeking a Sustainability Engineer who will lead and execute an effort to prioritize and implement programs, strategies, and projects focused on reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gases in accordance with the University’s climate change initiative. The Sustainability Engineer supports the Homewood campus and collaborates with JHFRE departmental staff, including facility operations, facility engineers, project managers, sustainability staff, and other relevant departmental personnel. The Homewood campus includes facilities and utility infrastructure spanning over 5 million square feet. The Homewood Campus is home to University Administration, University Student Services, the Krieger School of Arts and Sciences, the Whiting School of Engineering, and the School of Education.

Based on the identification of energy conservation measures (ECMs), feasibility studies, and financial analyses, the Sustainability Engineer will recommend projects for advancement to implementation. Additionally, the Sustainability Engineer performs ongoing technical analyses of existing building envelope, mechanical, and electrical systems to ensure proper functionality and performance in accordance with the original design intent. This role promotes operating performance and energy characteristics that are consistent with the latest energy codes and operational best management practices.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities

• Supports Homewood campus decarbonization efforts at all levels.
• Works to reduce the negative impacts of aged infrastructure and current processes by seeking out and implementing cleaner, environmentally friendly technologies and equipment.
• Recommends retro-commissioning and auditing efforts of existing building envelopes, systems, and controls to ensure proper functionality and minimize energy consumption.
• Performs physical audits and analytical analyses of project energy models, existing building systems, metering, and energy consumption data to determine if the original design meets contemporary energy standards and recommends projects or adjustments to reduce consumption.
• Performs and reviews energy audits to identify and implement energy conservation measures (ECMs) designed to reduce the University’s consumption of electricity, fuel, chilled water, steam, and water. This includes forecasting energy savings on any recommended ECMs.
• Promotes high-performance lab initiatives, which modify existing labs to meet research and HSE guidelines while safely reducing their energy intensity.
• Works with consulting firms, internal design, project management, and operations staff, and end users to ensure building support systems are designed, constructed, or retrofitted in accordance with the University’s energy, operational, and serviceability standards.
• Participates in the design review process to ensure the latest energy code(s) (i.e., ASHRAE 90.1), University standards for energy efficiency and conservation, higher performing products, and upgraded operating strategies are employed in new construction, renovation projects, and by operations staff.
• Evaluates energy use at the building level to improve operating strategies, new equipment strategies, and systems improvements that also support energy reduction targets for the utility plants.
• Proficient with energy efficiency, conservation, and renewable energy opportunities and applications.
• Develops and analyzes statistical reports designed to compare energy usage and operational costs among buildings, which can be used to emphasize areas representing potential energy reduction opportunities. Can perform energy audits and evaluate energy models.
• Monitors and analyzes energy consumption and costs in buildings and utility plants to identify energy reduction opportunities.
• Ensures energy management initiatives meet or exceed energy code requirements while not compromising occupant comfort, productivity, or safety.
• Provides engineering expertise as it relates to mechanical, electrical, and building automation, supporting the development of renewable energy projects.
• Performs specification writing, contract review, financial analysis, proposal review, and code interpretation as needed.
• Oversees Annual project budgets ranging between $8M-$20M.
• Presents viable energy and sustainability projects for approval.
• Engages and manages consultants and design engineers, departmental staff, and end users to determine project feasibility.
• Exchanges routine and non-routine information to JHFRE staff, JHU service providers, vendors, and internal and external clients using tact and persuasion as appropriate.
• Communicates with Johns Hopkins constituents and various senior facilities representatives so they are informed of project planning and progress.
• Communicates and reinforces performance expectations and responsibilities to project teams.
• Advocates a position and negotiates or compromises as necessary.
• Uses verbal and written communication to establish a culture of collaboration, consensus-based problem solving, and positive diplomacy.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in a related engineering field.
• Five years of experience with major building mechanical and electrical systems, preferably with HVAC, building automation (BAS), and energy management systems (EMS).
• Strong background in both design and field experience with major building mechanical systems, including laboratory spaces.
• Additional education may substitute for required experience, and additional related experience may substitute for required education beyond a high school diploma/graduation equivalent, to the extent permitted by the JHU equivalency formula.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s Degree.
• Experience in an electrification transition of a building or campus.
• Experience in commissioning HVAC systems that utilize GSHP, ASHP, or WSHP and/or BAS systems initiatives.
• Certified Energy Manager (CEM) and LEED AP (USGBC).
• Professional Engineer License in the State of Maryland or a state with reciprocity.

Technical Qualifications & Specialized Certifications

• Must be able to remain stationary for extended periods of time.
• Ability to climb ladders, move around construction sites, and navigate tight spaces typically found in mechanical, electrical, and utility rooms.
• Ability to operate a computer and other equipment frequently.
• Must have broad knowledge of all phases of academic and commercial building design, construction, and maintenance, with a strong background in mechanical and electrical equipment and HVAC systems, including energy management and building automation systems.
• Solid understanding of federal, state, and local environmental rules, regulations, and building codes desired. Knowledge of decarbonization approaches/efforts on large-scale, urban campuses.
• Ability to coordinate and prioritize tasks, resolve problems, and negotiate solutions.
• Ability to build and sustain positive and collaborative working relationships with a wide range of constituents.
• Proficient in the use of MS Office, MS Project, and PDF mark-up software; familiarity with JCI Metasys, Clock Worx, AutoCAD, and BIM.

Classified Title: Sustainability Engineer

Role/Level/Range: ATP/04/PF

Starting Salary Range: $85,500 - $149,800 Annually (Commensurate w/exp.)

Employee group: Full Time

Schedule: Monday - Friday

FLSA Status: Exempt

Location: Hybrid/JH at Keswick

Department name: Engineering & Energy

Personnel area: University Administration