Senior Project Manager – Energy & Sustainability

12 months, full-time exempt position. VRS-eligible and benefits-eligible.

About the Role

The Senior Project Manager – Energy & Sustainability is responsible for planning, scheduling, coordinating, and implementing building, utility, and infrastructure projects. This role oversees the organization's energy use, develops strategies to cut consumption and costs, and promotes sustainability through data analysis, efficiency projects, budget management, contract negotiation, regulatory compliance, and stakeholder education to achieve energy reduction goals. The position reports to the Deputy Chief of Operations and collaborates with the Climate Action Program to deliver the County’s sustainability, climate action, and environmental objectives.

Responsibilities

• Project Management Leadership
  • Manage multiple interrelated energy and resiliency projects through all phases: initiation, planning, design, procurement, implementation, and closeout.
  • Develop and maintain integrated schedules and budgets; apply Critical Path Method (CPM) and risk management techniques.
  • Establish and maintain methodologies and systems to track project progress, KPIs, and deliverables using project management software.
  • Prepare monthly reports for leadership and the Board of Supervisors; ensure objectives are implemented on time and within budget.
  • Advise and assist departments in preparing project plans, stakeholder engagement strategies, and risk mitigation plans.
  • Serve as project spokesperson for energy and resiliency initiatives; prepare executive summaries and presentations for leadership and public meetings.
• Energy Management & Sustainability
  • Lead energy optimization projects (BAS tuning, HVAC retrofits, LED upgrades, water efficiency).
  • Analyze utility data, identify cost-saving opportunities, and implement demand-side management strategies.
  • Develop and maintain energy performance standards for County facilities; embed requirements into preventive maintenance programs.
  • Support development and execution of Energy Performance Contracts (EPC); oversee Measurement & Verification (M&V) plans and ensure compliance.
  • Manage grant applications and incentive programs for energy projects; track funding milestones and reporting requirements.
  • Collaborate with Climate Action Program Manager to align operational projects with County greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction targets and resilience goals.
  • Maintain dashboards and reporting tools via energy tracking software to track energy savings, cost avoidance, and emissions reductions.
  • Provide technical guidance on energy audits, commissioning, and retro-commissioning for County facilities.
  • Train staff in energy conservation practices and operational best practices.
  • Ensure compliance with County sustainability policies and applicable regulations.
• Resiliency Planning & Implementation
  • Implement facility resiliency strategies to address climate-related risks (e.g., flooding, extreme heat, severe storms).
  • Coordinate backup power solutions, emergency HVAC strategies, and critical infrastructure hardening for essential County facilities.
  • Integrate resilience measures into operational projects, including stormwater management improvements, thermal safety planning, and redundancy for critical systems.
  • Conduct vulnerability assessments and incorporate findings into maintenance planning and asset management systems.
  • Collaborate with emergency management teams to ensure compliance with County resilience goals and emergency preparedness standards.
  • Prepare resiliency-focused scopes of work for contractors and ensure alignment with FEMA/APWA best practices.
• Perform other duties as required.
• May supervise hourly employees and interns, as required.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical/Electrical/Environmental Engineering, Energy Systems, Construction Management, Architecture, or related field—or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum five (5) years of professional experience in energy management, capital project management, or facility management, with a focus on building operations and maintenance.
• Possession of a valid Virginia Driver’s License is required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in engineering, architecture, construction management, project management, business process reengineering, or related field.
• Certifications: CEM (Certified Energy Manager), LEED AP, BCxP/CCP (Commissioning), PMP (Project Management Professional).
• Experience with BAS optimization, Energy Performance Contracts (EPCs), resiliency planning, and public-sector energy programs.

Skills

• Advanced project management skills: scheduling, budgeting, risk management, stakeholder engagement.
• Expertise in energy management principles, building systems (HVAC, BAS, lighting), and operational optimization.
• Strong understanding of resiliency planning, emergency preparedness, and infrastructure hardening.
• Analytical skills for utility benchmarking, rate analysis, lifecycle cost modeling, and risk assessment.
• Proficiency in project management tools (MS Project, Power BI) and methodologies (CPM).
• Ability to communicate technical concepts clearly to diverse audiences and lead cross-functional teams.
• Familiarity with energy codes, Virginia building performance standards, and climate action best practices.

Physical and Mental Requirements

• Works typically sitting in an office with occasional walking, light lifting, and other limited physical activities.
• Regular contact with department leadership staff, including the County Executive's Office.
• Occasional travel within the County and regionally.
• Occasional work activity after normal duty hours and on weekends.

Remote Work

This position is eligible for a hybrid remote work schedule in compliance with the County’s Remote Work Policy and meets the operational and service needs for the position. All County staff must maintain residence within the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Pay

The hiring range for this position is $86,615 - $95,732 per year. Starting offer is based on applicable education beyond minimum requirements and internal equity.

Benefits

• 12 paid holidays.
• Paid vacation and sick leave.
• Health insurance options with employer contribution.
• Employer-paid life insurance.
• VRS retirement.
• Continuing education and training opportunities.

This is a full-time, FLSA exempt position. Internal candidates will receive pay adjustments in accordance with Local Government Personnel Policy, P-60.