Geothermal Development Specialist

Geothermal Development Specialist

Salary

$54,870.00 - $65,148.00 Annually

Location

Boise City Hall, ID

Job Type

Full Time Regular

Job Number

23 -07623

Department

Public Works

Division

Climate Action

Opening Date

06/23/2026

Closing Date

7/7/2026 12:00 PM Mountain

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Summary Statement

This role supports the continued development and expansion of the Citys direct-use geothermal utility by advancing geothermal integration with new development and implementing strategies that strengthen long-term system growth. This position leads efforts to evaluate financial and operational feasibility, develop tools and guidance for developers and building owners, coordinate stakeholder engagement, support infrastructure and policy planning, and create communications, educational resources, and public-facing tools that help developers understand and integrate geothermal heating systems into building projects. This position promotes equitable, cost-effective, and sustainable geothermal adoption across Boise and works under limited supervision.

This position is supported by grant funding for a two-year term.

Required Knowledge, Experience, And Training

• Bachelors degree in engineering, energy systems, construction management, urban planning, public administration, business, or closely related field, and four years of experience in project coordination, infrastructure planning, utilities, energy systems, or related program management work, or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience.

Licensing And Other Requirements

• Valid state-issued drivers license.

Special Requirements

Applicants must be able to pass:

• City of Boise background check processes which includes a criminal history check and reference checks in accordance with the City of Boise Hiring Process Regulation
• Driving Record Check

Why the City of Boise?

The benefits are real and among the best in the Treasure Valley:

Zero-cost premium medical coverage for you and your family (an estimated $10,000 - 20,000 value)

PERSI retirement (11.96% Employer Contribution) plus employer-matched 401(k)/457b

10 hours vacation/month (grows with tenure), 12 paid holidays, and 8 hours sick leave/month

10 weeks paid parental leave

$500 annual wellbeing incentive

Tuition reimbursement and free local bus pass

Basic life and long-term disability insurance at no cost

Disclaimer: This job posting may close earlier than the listed closing date. If this occurs, a minimum of 24 hours' notice will be provided prior to closing.

Essential Functions

Handles complex issues and problems and refers only the most complex issues to higher-level staff. Is capable of handling moderately complex issues and problems, and provides leadership, coaching, and/or mentoring to a subordinate group, as needed.

Leads efforts to expand the geothermal utility, including developing and implementing strategies to attract new and existing customers and integrate geothermal into new development.

Engages stakeholders to identify barriers to geothermal adoption and leads development of policies, strategies, and solutions to improve accessibility and scalability. Develops and delivers materials, presentations, and engagement activities to educate stakeholders and the public. Translates technical concepts into accessible information and aligns messaging with community engagement efforts.

Recommends prioritization and sequencing for system expansion, evaluates opportunities for new and existing buildings, and refines the geothermal roadmap using technical, market, and community inputs.

Coordinates cross-functional inputs to support rate structures, billing approaches, cost assumptions, and long-term financial sustainability. Prepares materials outlining financial and operational tradeoffs.

Maintains program documentation, tracks progress and risks, conducts basic data analysis, and prepares briefings and reports on system performance, growth, and initiatives for leadership.

Performs other duties as assigned. Nothing in this job description restricts managements right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this position at any time.

Requirements

Additional Required Knowledge, Experience, And Training

Knowledge of:; geothermal or district energy systems, including an understanding of direct-use geothermal operations, building integration considerations, and scalability constraints; supporting complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives involving technical and non-technical partners; utility systems, district energy concepts, financial and operational considerations that influence long-term scalability; and local, state and federal regulations affecting energy.

Ability to:; work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders; translate technical and regulatory concepts into clear written documentation; analyze information, identify risks and dependencies, and communicate findings clearly; organize ambiguous information into structured plans, roadmaps, or implementation documentation; manage timelines, track milestones, and maintain organized program records; exercise sound judgment and prioritize competing tasks; develop metrics and strategies to ensure metrics are met; communicate effectively in the English language at a level necessary for efficient job performance; and perform all essential functions as assigned by an authorized employee, supervisor and/or manager with or without reasonable accommodation.

Individuals must be capable of operating vehicles safely and have an acceptable driving record.

Preferred Knowledge, Experience, And Training

• Masters degree in engineering, energy systems, construction management, urban planning, public administration, business, or closely related field and five years progressively responsible experience.
• Familiarity with submetering concepts, utility billing practices, or rate structure coordination.
• Knowledge of Building HVAC systems and how developers and engineers evaluate and select heating and cooling solutions for new and existing buildings.
• Experience working with real estate developers or affordable housing projects.
• Experience preparing executive-level briefing materials or technical summaries.
• EIT License
• Project management certification
• Experience working with grant-funded programs, public sector partnerships, or community-based initiatives.

Working Conditions

The physical effort characteristics and working environment described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Efforts

While performing the duties of this job the employee is always lifting/carrying up to 10 pounds, occasionally lifting/carrying up to 20 pounds and rarely lifting/carrying up to 35 pounds. Also, the employee is always pushing/pulling up to 10 pounds, occasionally pushing/pulling up to 35 pounds and rarely pushing/pulling up to 75 pounds. The noise level is frequently moderate and occasionally very loud.

Working Environment

The work environment will include inside conditions, outdoor weather conditions, extreme temperatures, in wet and humid conditions, areas of dust, odors, mist and gases or other airborne matter. Employees are exposed to mechanical and electrical hazards and confined spaces. Employees will also drive a vehicle as part of this position.Occasional work site or gravel road

This position works: Occasional on call work required. Some weekend, after hours work as needed.

Top talent deserves top-notch benefits. The City is among the best in the Treasure Valley when it comes to the benefits and perks we offer our employees.

Most positions are eligible for the general benefits listed here; firefighters, police officers, senior managers, command staff, and directors may be offered other benefit plans.

Healthcare:

• ZERO premium medical coverage option for you and your family
• Low-cost dental and vision options
• Post-employment health savings account

Retirement and Investment Plans:

• Required participation in PERSI Base Plan retirement benefits with standard employee and City contribution rates
• 401(k) or 457b pre-tax investment options with employer match
• 457b Roth after-tax investment options with no match

WellBeing Program:

• Up to $500 cash per year for participants
• Alternative transportation incentives

Paid Leave - City employees receive generous paid leave:

• 10 hours of vacation per month, and this increases the longer you stay with the City
• 12 paid holidays every year
• 8 hours of sick leave per month
• 10 weeks Parental Leave

Life & Long Term Disability:

• Basic Life insurance at no cost to you
• Long Term Disability insurance at no cost to you

Other optional benefits:

• Pre-tax Flexible Spending Accounts
• Supplemental Life Insurance
• Supplemental Disability Insurance
• Tuition reimbursement
• Free local bus pass
• Corporate discount programs
• AFLAC
• Employee Assistance Program for short-term counseling on work, family, finances, and personal issues

Please visit our website for further details mybenefits.cityofboise.org

01

Do you possess a valid state-issued drivers license?

• Yes
• No

02

How many years of professional experience do you have in project coordination, infrastructure planning, utilities, energy systems, or related program management work?

• Less than 4 years
• 4 to 5 years
• 6 to 7 years
• 7 or more years

03

Please select the number of moving violations that you have received in the last 3 years.

• None
• One
• Two
• Three
• Four
• Five
• Six or more

04

Please select which answer best describes your highest level of education.

• N/A
• High School Diploma or GED
• Some College
• Associates Degree
• Bachelors Degree

05

Please specify the field of your degree

06

Are you at least 19 years of age or older?

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer City of Boise

Address 625 W Idaho St

Boise, Idaho, 83702

Website http://www.cityofboise.org