Energy Program Manager (Hybrid Work Schedule Option)

Employer
Arapahoe County
Location
Denver, Colorado
Posted
Oct 01, 2024
Closes
Oct 04, 2024
Ref
2830643989
Hours
Full Time
Organization Type
Corporate, Other Corporate
DESCRIPTION
Arapahoe County's Public Works and Development Department is an American Public Works Association Accredited Agency, the first County in Colorado to obtain this status. Within the Department of Public Works and Development (PWD), we are seeking an Energy Program Manager to join our leadership team in the Planning Division. We are seeking a highly motivated individual with a commitment to excellence and a desire to serve the Arapahoe County community as part of our dedicated and dynamic team.

We offer a competitive salary and benefits package, meaningful work, and a flexible and supportive work environment. Some of the benefits of working for PWD include:
  • 15 days (120 hours) of paid vacation per year
  • 13 paid holidays (104 hours) and 1 additional floating holiday (8 hours) per year
  • 12 days (96 hours) of paid sick leave per year
  • Flexible and remote work schedules available
  • Training and development opportunities to help you grow in your professional career
  • Comprehensive health insurance and retirement plans - see benefits tab for more detail

This position is responsible for managing and coordinating the Arapahoe County energy program, including oil and gas, solar, geothermal, energy distribution, carbon sequestration, energy storage, and other energy production. This position applies technical knowledge across broad areas of assignment to help ensure that Arapahoe County is a leader in the management of energy-related land uses. This position supervises energy program staff and functions.

NOTE TO APPLICANTS: All candidates interested in this position are asked to submit a cover letter and résumé as part of your application.
DUTIES
The following duty statements are illustrative of the essential functions of the job and do not include other non-essential or marginal duties that may be required. The County reserves the right to modify or change the duties or essential functions of the job at any time.

Specific duties performed by the position include:
Leadership and Supervision
  • Manages the energy team through a collaborative, team-based approach. Meets regularly with team members to provide support and feedback. Encourages and inspires staff to develop, grow, and perform their best. Fosters a welcoming and inclusive work environment.
  • Performs the full range of supervisory duties, including recruiting, hiring, training and development, coaching and mentoring, conflict resolution, assigning and reviewing work, employee recognition, and performance management.
  • Develops, monitors, and determines staff workload responsibilities and resource allocation. Provides the team with opportunities to help them learn and grow in their profession.
  • Provides leadership and support in implementing innovation and change initiatives that are initiated at the Division, Department, or County level.
Management of Program
  • Leads the Arapahoe County energy program, including oil and gas, solar, geothermal, energy distribution, carbon sequestration, energy storage, and other energy production.
  • Performs a variety of complex professional duties associated with the review and administration of energy-related planning cases. Serves as project manager for these complicated land development applications from the pre-submittal meeting through final documentation.
  • Manages the oil and gas inspections program and may conduct inspections as needed.
  • Applies technical expertise to policy issues such as proposed legislation, County-recommended legislation, state regulations, and local land use regulations.
  • Advocates for County residents on energy matters; this includes interaction and liaison with the Colorado Energy and Carbon Management Commission (ECMC), the state legislature, and other local jurisdictions.
  • Collaborates with energy program managers in nearby jurisdictions and promotes regional coordination.
  • Monitors and anticipates energy technology trends, and updates land use regulations to adjust for those trends, such as utility-scale battery electric storage systems (BESS), small-scale BESS in urban neighborhoods, electric vehicle charging, utility substation screening, wind energy systems, off-grid innovations, utility-scale solar, carbon sequestration, and geothermal energy production.
  • Maintains the County's public-facing energy dashboard website including air quality monitoring and alerts, monthly production reports, new energy sites, inspection tracking, and water quality.
  • Prepares and presents recommendations to residents, energy stakeholders, the Planning Commission, and the Board of County Commissioners.
  • Acts as the Local Governmental Designee (LGD) for Arapahoe County as part of the ECMC process. Responds to ECMC plan and permit applications, advocating for mitigations and siting options that minimize surface disturbance, address land use conflicts, and reduce impacts of energy development.
  • Serves as a liaison between ECMC, natural resources agencies of the federal and state governments, County residents, and the Board of County Commissioners on matters related to energy development in the County.
  • Conducts audits and research, analyzes trends, and collaborates with other staff to recommend process improvements that will drive efficiencies within the Division or across the Department.

Skills & Abilities:
  • Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and County-adopted codes governing the planning, siting, and development of energy facilities.
  • Knowledge of environmental issues and best management practices associated with solar and oil and gas development.
  • Knowledge of effective management and supervisory principles and practices.
  • Ability to interpret and apply zoning regulations applicable to energy development.
  • Ability to formulate and provide technical advice to boards, developers, contractors, and landowners.
  • Ability to make complex decisions and determine a course of action from a variety of alternatives.
  • Ability to write, develop, and deliver effective presentations before large public gatherings, boards, and commissions.
  • Ability to represent the County at a variety of professional meetings and to represent both technical and policy-level positions with respect to land development and related planning goals and requirements.
  • Ability to operate standard office equipment and a variety of computer systems and applications.
  • Ability to direct and coordinate the work of professional, technical, and support staff.
  • Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.

Behavioral Competencies (required for all positions within Arapahoe County Government):
  • Accountability
  • Accessibility
  • Inclusivity
  • Integrity


REQUIREMENTS
Education and Experience:

  • Bachelor's degree in Planning, Geography, Environmental Science/Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, Geology, Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or other related field is required.
  • At least six (6) years of relevant work experience that includes solar and/or oil & gas planning, project management, project reviews, or land use entitlements is required.
  • An equivalent combination of education and work experience that satisfy the requirements of the job may be considered.
Preferred Education and Experience:
  • Master's degree in a closely related field is preferred and may be substituted for two years of required work experience.
  • Certification as a Certified Inspector through ECMC at the time of hire is preferred.
  • Experience as a team lead, supervisor, or project manager is preferred.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
Pre-Employment Additional Requirements:
  • Must successfully pass pre-employment testing which includes an acceptable motor vehicle record (MVR) and background check.
  • Possession of a valid Class "R" Colorado Driver's License or the ability to obtain one within two weeks of appointment.

Work Environment:
  • Work is generally confined to a standard office environment, although occasional exposure to hazardous road conditions and weather elements can be expected while in the field.

Physical Demands:
The following are some of the physical demands commonly associated with this position .
  • Spends 90% of the time sitting and 10% of the time either standing or walking.
  • Occasionally lifts, carries, pulls or pushes up to 20 lbs.
  • Occasionally uses cart, dolly, or other equipment to carry in excess of 20 lbs.
  • Occasionally climbs, stoops, kneels, balances, reaches, crawls and crouches while performing office or work duties.
  • Verbal and auditory capacity enabling constant interpersonal communication through automated devices, such as telephones, radios, and similar; and in public meetings and personal interactions.
  • Constant use of eye, hand and finger coordination enabling the use of automated office machinery or equipment.
  • Visual capacity enabling constant use of computer or other work-related equipment.
Definitions:
Occasionally: Activity exists less than 1/3 of the time.
Frequently : Activity exists between 1/3 and 2/3 of the time.
Constantly : Activity exists more than 2/3 of the time.