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Weatherization Specialist/Energy Auditor

Dakota County CDA

Jul 11, 2024
JOB SUMMARY The Dakota County Community Development Agency (CDA) is recruiting for a grant-funded Weatherization Specialist. The CDA is a local and nationally recognized housing industry leader and locally administers a Weatherization Assistance Program in the counties of Carver, Dakota and Scott. This program provides grant resources to help make homes more energy efficient for income qualified households. Recruitment Type: This position is open until Monday, July 22, 2024 at 4:30 p.m. Hiring Range: $25.92 - $32.41 per hour Benefit package includes: Medical, dental, vision, short-term and long-term disability, life insurance, retirement, paid holidays, and paid time off. The Weatherization Specialist will carry out a variety of duties including, but not limited to, field energy audits, energy audit data entry and building modeling, work order and specification write-ups, client and contractor education, reporting, and related paperwork. On-site, off-site and certification training provided. The Dakota County CDA is a leader in affordable housing and community development programs. The agency owns and manages over 2,900 units of affordable housing located throughout the county and additionally administers the fourth largest Housing Choice Voucher (rent assistance) program in the state. There are six departments at the CDA: Administration, Community & Economic Development, Finance, Housing Assistance, Housing Development and Property Management. The CDA employs 146 staff who oversee local, state and federal programs serving Dakota County. For more information about the CDA, visit www.dakotacda.org EXAMPLES OF DUTIES Conduct on-site weatherization energy conservation audits and diagnostic analysis of single family and multifamily residences. Inspect, measure, photograph, test, document, and analyze the building envelope, structural, plumbing, electrical, and mechanical systems to diagnose and evaluate energy use characteristics of the structure and determine appropriate energy efficiency improvements and related repairs and health and safety improvements. Discuss program guidelines and improvements needed with resident and/or owner, and provide client energy conservation education Prepare visual and written documentation of existing structural and mechanical conditions and problems following program energy audit policies and guidelines, including Department of Energy (DOE) Standard Work Specifications and the Minnesota Department of Commerce Weatherization Policy Manual. Analyze the results of initial weatherization energy audit and prepare reports and work orders. Complete all required paperwork for each house including job book, client agreement, mechanical audit report, and all other required forms. Using commonly accepted, emerging, and state-of-the-art techniques and procedures, including use of Weatherization Assistant building modeling software, estimate costs and determine cost-effectiveness and priority of proposed energy improvements. Compare estimated costs to existing budgetary resources and constraints. Prepare specifications and/or work order for needed energy efficiency improvements, repairs, and health and safety measures. Ensure that all contract documents are executed by the appropriate parties and present in the file prior to authorizing the work to proceed. Perform energy-efficiency-related home visits prior to performing full weatherization program energy audits. Provide direct client energy education. Install low-cost energy-saving materials (such as LED light bulbs). Identify appliances to be replaced as appropriate with electric utility energy efficiency funds. Identify households that meet weatherization program high priority criteria for referral for full weatherization. Conduct on-site inspections of heating system repairs and replacements made with Energy Assistance Program Energy-Related Repair funds; recommend payment for satisfactorily completed work. Ensure improvements are made in accordance with work order, invoice, terms of the contract, and program regulations; document any changes from original plans. Discuss contractor workmanship with resident and reconcile any problems. Conduct client evaluation of contractor and improvements accomplished. Other duties as assigned. Provide consultation and technical expertise to other agency departments or outside entities when authorized by the Community and Economic Development Director Act as a positive representative of the CDA Promote a positive image of the CDA to clients. Develop and maintain a good working relationship with CDA employees, vendors and contractors working with the CDA. Answer calls and emails within 24 business hours. Handle calls or meetings with irate parties in a professional manner to diffuse the issue/conflict. Abide by all CDA Board approved policies, policies prohibiting discrimination and harassment, executive communications, administrative procedures, and safety procedures established by the CDA. TYPICAL QUALIFICATIONS QUALIFICATIONS – Specific training or job experience required before appointment. Minimum required: A combination of related education and experience to total 4 years. Preferred: Four year degree in Building Science, Environmental Studies, Environmental Economics or similar degree. Ability to obtain BPI (Building Performance Institute) Building Analyst certification within 3 months of hire. Ability to obtain DOE Quality Control Inspector certification within 12 months of hire. Knowledge of state and federal weatherization program regulations. Knowledge of residential (including manufactured housing) and multifamily building materials and construction and the application of energy conservation principles to construction. Knowledge of residential specification writing, cost estimating, and contract management. Knowledge of residential building terminology. Knowledge of local, state, and federal building codes, especially as they apply to energy conservation standards and heating and ventilation systems. Knowledge of state & federal laws and regulations concerned with contracting and procurement. Knowledge of potential environmental risks and procedures for protecting against such risks. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Ability to effectively relate to persons of diverse ethnic and economic backgrounds; ability to effectively advise such persons on needed repairs. Ability to analyze utility bills, conduct energy audits, and analyze energy needs and usage; ability to conduct heating system efficiency and safety tests using appropriate equipment; ability to analyze and determine deficiencies or problems with gas fired appliances; ability to use an infrared camera and conduct blower door tests to identify points of infiltration and determine overall building air leakage rate.. Ability to establish and maintain control systems. Ability to perform mathematical functions with accuracy. Ability to analyze and evaluate bids. Ability to lift and transport weights of up to 50 pounds; ability and dexterity to enter and move about in constrained spaces such as attics, basements, crawl spaces, and under mobile homes. Ability to utilize a personal computer for many tasks, including proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel. Ability to work independently while handling multiple tasks according to established priorities; ability to establish and meet deadlines. Essential Physical Requirements Must be physically able to perform the essential functions of the position, as indicated under Responsibilities and Duties. Ability to lift and transport up to 50 lbs. Tolerate adverse weather conditions: cold weather, wind, and snow. Bend/Stoop/Squat/Kneel Reach above shoulder. Ability and dexterity to enter and move about in constrained spaces Must possess a valid driver's license. Working Conditions Assigned tasks are generally performed outside of the office. During property inspections a certain amount of physical dexterity and inconvenience is required which includes climbing into attics, crawl spaces, and climbing ladders. Assigned tasks are occasionally performed while seated at a desk in an office environment.