Energy Specialist (Program Specialist 5)

Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission Job Title:

Energy Specialist (PS5)

Location:

Parks HQ in Lacey , WA.

Closes:

May 28th, 2026, at 11:55 pm

PDT Travel:

This position will require extensive travel between parks including overnight, throughout the State Park system.

Position Status:

This is a project position expected to last until 06/30/2027, with the potential for further extension. Washington State Parks is seeking an experienced and motivated Statewide Energy Specialist (PS5) to serve as the agency's lead for advancing statewide building and facility energy conservation strategies and related greenhouse gas emission reduction measures. This position serves as the principal consultant to field and program staff in the documentation, planning and evaluation of building and facility energy systems. You will provide statewide technical direction, ensure regulatory compliance, and help safeguard public health while supporting Washington State Parks' mission to provide exceptional recreational and conservation experiences. This position offers hybrid telework flexibility, though frequent on-site attendance is required to meet business needs. The default assigned work location of all Parks positions

• both on-site and telework eligible positions
• is within the State of Washington.

Frequency of onsite work will vary based on business and operational needs. This role offers a unique opportunity to apply advanced technical expertise in support of environmental stewardship, and outdoor recreation statewide. You'll work across diverse landscapes and systems, collaborate with dedicated professionals, and play critical role in advancing sustainable operation of Washington's state parks and the visitors who enjoy them now and for generations to come. This position coordinates statewide building energy efficiency activities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and optimize operational costs over time. Some of the job duties include: Develop and implement agency-wide standards, and best practices related to building energy efficiency program. Oversight and implementation of building energy system replacement projects, including scoping, budgeting, competitive public works procurement, contract supervision and related project management functions. Organizing and conducting statewide inventory and condition assessment of building energy systems, including energy distribution networks (electrical systems), end-use equipment (HVAC units, furnaces, boilers, lighting systems and appliances) and related control and automation systems. Development and maintenance of a statewide Building Energy System database to document existing conditions that are compatible with agency GIS and Procore standards. Identifying inefficient and/or high consumption building energy systems to support planning and evaluation of clean energy solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Development of systems for documenting HVAC refrigerant types and conditions to support hydrofluorocarbon inventory and anticipated regulatory reporting. Participate in project scoping, prioritization, and planning for system upgrades and replacements. Provide technical analysis of existing and proposed building and facility energy systems. Support agency compliance with the Clean Building Performance Standard Act.

Schedule :

Monday through Friday with core work hours typically 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Incumbent may be expected to adjust the work scheduled to meet business needs. A hybrid/flexible work schedule will be considered at the incumbent's request, subject to supervisory approval.

Work Setting:

This position works both within indoor settings requiring stationary use of a workstation and outdoors conducting site visits within park environments requiring access to utility spaces and can be exposed to full sun, rain, wind and varied temperatures. Field work is performed in all types of terrain and may require sitting, standing, and walking for long periods of time.

Travel:

This position will require frequent (50+%) travel between parks, throughout the State Park system including overnight travel. Travel will be necessary in all types of weather conditions and climates.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Professional experience in energy systems management, resource conservation, sustainable design or project management. Demonstrated ability to analyze complex technical information and synthesize findings for decision making. Demonstrated knowledge of clean energy and climate mitigation strategies and best practices. AND A valid unrestricted (other than corrective lenses) driver's license.

Core Occupational Competencies:

Technical Energy Systems Expertise

• demonstrates advanced knowledge of energy system operation and design Project Management
• demonstrates knowledge of project management best practices and related project scope, budget and schedule accountability. Regulatory Compliance & Risk Management
• ensures full compliance with local, state, and federal regulations (CCA, EPA, and local energy jurisdictions). Proactively identifies compliance risks, prepares for inspections, manages corrective actions, and maintains accurate documentation of sustainability efforts and minimize regulatory and operational risk. Training, Communication & Workforce Development
• develops and delivers training on system operations, maintenance, and compliance. Communicates clearly with field staff, leadership, regulators, and contractors. Analytical Thinking and Problem Solving
• applies logical and innovative approaches to design challenges and construction issues; conducts field investigations and adjusts designs or approaches as needed. Take action to learn and grow
• considering and incorporating new information and different perspectives. Ability to take action to meet the needs of others
• collaborating with others to overcome challenges and find solutions.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's degree in resource conservation management, building science, sustainability, engineering, environmental science, project management or related field. Four (4) OR MORE years of experience related to resource conservation management, project management, energy systems management, sustainability, climate mitigation or related fields.

How to apply:

Only candidates who reflect the minimum qualifications on their NEOGOV profile will be considered. Failure to follow the application instructions below may lead to disqualification. To apply for this position, you will need to complete your profile which includes three professional references and attach: Letter of Interest specifically addressing the qualifications listed in this announcement. Current resume. To take advantage of veteran preference, please do the following: Attach a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 long-form copy), NGB 22, or USDVA signed verification of service letter. Please black out any PII (personally identifiable information) data such as social security numbers. Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov. For more information on Veteran's Preference and instructions on how to check your eligibility, click here .

About Parks:

Want to join a great organization? State parks connect all Washingtonians to their diverse natural and cultural heritage and provide memorable recreational and educational experiences that enhance their lives, this is a mission like no other state agency. The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission manages one of the largest, most diverse, and beautiful state parks systems in the country. The state park system is comprised of 124 state parks and properties covering over 138,000 acres throughout the state. The park system includes marine parks, heritage sites, historic parks, interpretive centers, retreat centers, ocean beaches and hundreds of miles of trails. The agency is also responsible for the state's winter recreation program, boating safety and vessel pump out program and numerous contracted concession operations. The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission cares for Washington's most treasured lands, waters, and historic places. For more information on Washington State Parks, click here . This position is covered by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE). Once the listed positions are filled, this recruitment announcement may also be used to fill additional positions for up to sixty (60) days.

For more information:

https://wfse.org/ Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment.

Diversity Policy Statement:

The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to build a workplace culture that is welcoming and inclusive in which all employees feel respected and empowered to bring their unique ideas to the agency. At State Parks, we believe that embracing diverse backgrounds and experiences is essential to growing a strong workforce. We encourage applicants underrepresented in natural resources and outdoor recreation fields to apply, including but not limited to women, Black, Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC), individuals with disabilities, neurodivergent individuals, disabled and Vietnam era veterans, persons over 40 years of age, and individuals who identify as a part of the 2SLGBTQ+ community. Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the human resources office at (360) 902-8565. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388. For information about this position, please contact Ryan Karlson at Ryan.

Karlson@parks.wa.gov or (360) 584-4859. For information about the recruitment process and qualifications, please contact Wendy Vandel at Wendy.

Vandel@parks.wa.gov or (360) 902-8688. All applicants with a legal right to work in the United States are encouraged to apply. Job Alerts to receive a list of new job postings at Parks.