Energy Sustainability Specialist

Portage County is hiring a part-time, 32 hours per week, limited-term Energy Sustainability Specialist.The term of this position is anticipated to be from mid-September of 2026 through Summer 2028.

This position is a grant-funded position to directly support efforts to advance clean energy and climate solutions in Portage County. The core focus of this position will include supporting Portage County in implementing and tracking specific energy efficiency goals, building from existing energy reports completed in 2011 and 2012. This position offers the unique opportunity to develop and grow resources that support sustainable energy efficiency initiatives through municipal, local, state and federal collaborations.

Pay range starts at $31.64 / hr


What are the primary job duties?

• Check in monthly with Focus on Energy representatives.
• Audit at least three county/municipal/school district buildings to find energy-saving opportunities.
• Track energy use in county and local municipal buildings regularly.
• Review capital improvement plans to include energy-saving ideas.
• Create and support a Portage County citizens’ task force addressing energy and sustainability issues.
• Work with residents, businesses, schools, and the county on shared sustainability initiatives.
• Assist with network communications by crafting email updates and presenting clear information or technical resources at countywide meetings.
• Research, prepare and submit grant applications for funding to further develop and improve sustainability initiatives across Portage County.
• Facilitate training and outreach to local government staff for the development, adoption and implementation of sustainable practices in their operations.
• Assist municipalities, schools, and Portage County departments in identifying and implementing best practices in sustainable operations.
• Strengthen existing partnerships with community organizations and expand network and partnerships through engagement and outreach activities.
• Identify potential energy savings and greenhouse gas reduction projects and strategies.
• Evaluate such projects and strategies for feasibility.
• Represent the County at committee and external meetings.
• Present project updates to the County Board.
• Consult on portions of the Portage County Capital Improvement Plan and budgets.
• Facilitate Work Groups: Support work group meetings on clean energy and sustainability by setting agendas, prompting discussion, identifying action items, and performing background research to address stakeholder priorities.
• Support Member Priorities: Meet individually with stakeholders to understand local barriers and needs. Develop technical resources such as program or policy briefs, project case studies, and fact sheets as necessary.
• Database Management: Log new tools and materials into an internal local government sustainability database. Establish a long-term process to ensure this repository remain up-to-date and highly relevant to stakeholders.
• Stakeholder Communications: Assist with network communications by crafting email updates and presenting clear information or technical resources at stakeholder meetings.
• Grant & Financial Administration: Assist as needed with grant tracking, compliance reporting, and processing municipal invoices.
• Audit & Goals Alignment: Provide specialized research and execution support tailored to municipal energy reduction goals, explicitly referencing benchmarks from existing and newly developed energy studies, audits and plans.

What are the minimum qualifications?

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent professional work experience) in a professional track related to energy efficiency.
• A minimum of two (2) years of direct work experience in sustainability, clean energy, local government, or a substantially similar professional field is preferred.
• Grant Management: Practical experience writing, applying for, or managing state and federal grants.
• Any combination of education and experience necessary to perform the essential functions of the position.
• This position requires travel for work-related purposes. Must possess a valid driver's license and maintain personal automobile insurance coverage when using personal vehicle for business purposes.

Portage County offers a GREAT benefit package, which includes the following;

• Vacation - available on day one!
• Health insurance- your choice of two health plans- (Health Savings Account associated with a High Deductible Health Plan with a County contribution or a PPO Co-pay plan)
• Wellness incentive plan offered with health insurance enrollment! Earn up to $600 per year!
• Flexible spending account
• Dental insurance
• State of Wisconsin Retirement Plan - County contribution of 7.2%!
• Paid holidays
• Paid sick leave
• Life insurance - premium paid by the County (must work a minimum of 30 hrs/wk)
• Long term disability insurance - premium paid by the County (must work a minimum of 30 hrs/wk)
• EAP (Employee Assistance Plan) - paid by the County
• 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan
• Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program

Portage County is an Equal Opportunity Employer