Position Type:
City Manager`s Office/Energy Benchmarking Specialist

Date Posted:
10/2/2026

Location:
Civic Center

Date Available:
TBD

Closing Date:
10/16/2026
SALARY RANGE: $39.470- $55.260/HOUR

*Starting salary is dependent upon qualifications, but in most cases is no higher than the midpoint for range.

NATURE OF WORK:

The Energy Benchmarking Specialist, under the guidance of the Sustainability & Resilience Manager, will contribute to ongoing policy implementation, engage with key stakeholders, and develop additional data analysis, programming, communications, and outreach materials to ensure successful implementation of the City's benchmarking efforts. Work assignments include qualitative and quantitative tasks conducted within short-term and long-term goal horizons requiring both collaborative and independent work styles. This role is full time, time limited and is currently funded through 2028. Employment beyond that timeframe is not guaranteed.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (Specific assignment will include some or all of the following):

• Supports implementation and enforcement of the Energy and Water Benchmarking program
• Manages and tracks benchmarking data for 550+ buildings in Evanston
• Reports benchmarking information to the community
• Generates benchmarking compliance reports for City Manager, City Council and other public bodies
• Issues warnings and citations for benchmarking non-compliance
• Develops and conducts communication and outreach directed at increasing benchmarking program awareness and compliance rate
• Staffs the benchmarking helpdesk; serves as point of contact for all benchmarking-related inquiries
• Provides staff support to the Healthy Buildings Accountability Board and the Healthy Buildings Technical Committee (meetings are often after normal work hours and on weekends.)
• Develops trainings and information sessions for property owners and managers to comply with City ordinances related to building energy data and decarbonization
• Identifies obstacles and solutions to program implementation and periodically evaluates program success.
• Attends and presents information as needed at public meetings, including City Council, Environment Board, Utilities Commission, and relevant boards, committees and commissions (meetings are often after normal work hours and on weekends.)
• Represents the City at external conferences; participates in relevant local, state, regional, national, and international networks
• Acts on behalf of the Sustainability & Resilience Manager at their request or in their absence.
• Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS OF WORK:

Must possess a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Energy/Climate Policy, Environmental Policy, Urban Planning, Architecture, Engineering, Data Science, or a related field with at least 18 credit hours in quantitative analysis or environmental coursework, paired with a minimum of 1 year (12 months) of full-time professional or academic experience managing data sets of 500+ records using advanced Excel/Google Sheets and GIS mapping software.

OR

Must have an Associate's degree or higher in construction, a relevant trade, or a closely related field, plus at least 3 years (36 months) of full-time work experience in decarbonization, building science, project or facilities management, data science, data analytics, or statistics.

Experience with Energy Star Portfolio Manager preferred.

Experience with BEAM or Touchstone IQ benchmarking platforms preferred.

Must be willing and able to work in a position which is only funded in budget through 2028 and does not guarantee employment beyond that funding period.

Must be willing and able to attend evening and weekend meetings as needed.

Candidate should possess Knowledge, skills, and abilities in the following areas:

• Knowledge and experience managing similar programs serving the public.
• Passion for addressing climate change and advancing environmental justice, public health, and equity; derives joy from community impact and can relate how their work is tied to outcomes that make Evanston sustainable, equitable and healthy.
• Understanding of the Evanston community and its environmental assets and hazards.
• Ability to interact effectively with City staff, the public, and City boards and commissions.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing; including making presentations to a variety of audiences
• Ability to provide excellent customer service and comfort communicating by phone, email, and in person with diverse people and communication styles.
• Ability to identify, analyze, and problem solve, assisting internal and external partners in incorporating energy monitoring and reporting practices into the organization
• Ability to provide effective project management oversight
• Knowledge of municipal policy; the ability to assemble, analyze and organize critical data; ability to learn, understand, and incorporate city ordinances, rules, regulations and procedures into daily activities
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to motivate others and operate effectively in a team environment
• Ability to use Internet search engines, word processing software, email and Microsoft Windows
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets to handle data manipulation, advanced functions and automation
• Proficiency with GIS software, including ArcGIS. Ability to interpret and analyze spatial data; perform web mapping.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS OF WORK:

The ability to work in a sedentary position, occasionally using force to lift, carry or otherwise move objects normally found in an office setting. The employee is subject to inside and outside environmental conditions. Must be able to carry out property site visits; distribute and attach City materials and stickers.

SUPERVISION:

Works under the supervision of the Sustainability & Resilience Manager, who outlines work assignments and reviews work in progress and completed work.

Work is evaluated at least annually with respect to progress toward achieving goals, leadership, communication skills, customer service, ability to work productively and effectively with employees at all levels in the organization as well as elected and appointed officials, community groups and the general public.

PUBLIC CONTACT:

This position will support internal City of Evanston staff and communicate regularly with the general public. Collaborates closely with other departments to educate and assist in the implementation and enforcement of the benchmarking ordinance, as appropriate.

SELECTION METHOD

TYPE OF ELIGIBILITY LIST

LIFE OF ELIGIBILITY LIST

Structured Oral Interview

Chosen candidates will be required to provide proof of licenses, certifications, and education required for this position. Candidates will also be subject to qualifying pre-employment processes, including medical examination, drug/alcohol screen, employment verification, and criminal background check.