Energy Specialist

Are you passionate about implementing renewable energy and energy conservation projects, and meeting ambitious climate goals? Are you a collaborative, experienced energy professional who thrives on being part of an innovative team and bringing meaningful change to your community? If so, this position may be for you! The department of Community Planning, Development and Innovation (CPDI) is seeking an experienced Energy Specialist (Program Specialist II). Experience and/or certifications in sustainable energy development preferred. Priority s creening of applications will begin on Wednesday, April 29, 2026 . It is in your best interest to apply before this date. Applicants applying on or after this date will only be considered if a competitive applicant pool is not received.

To Apply :

All applicants must submit a City of Missoula application AND a C over Letter explaining your interest in this position and detailing how your experience and education meet the qualifications. Failure to attach the cover letter will result in your application being incomplete, and therefore, not reviewed by the hiring manager. Resumes will not be reviewed. All details should be entered on the application.

Starting Pay:

New hires start within our entry-to-market range, depending on experience and qualifications. The starting range for the position is $31.05 - $34.51/hour and will increase each year for longevity and cost of living adjustments.

Full Pay Range:

Each position also has a full wage range that reflects potential growth over time, including annual increases for longevity and cost-of-living. The full range for the position is $31.05 - $36.58/hour. Oversee, develop, and coordinate projects, programs, and policies to support the City's climate and clean energy goals, including but not limited to the joint City/County goal of 100% Clean Electricity by 2030, a carbon-neutral Missoula community by 2050, and the City's internal carbon neutrality goals. Lead citywide efforts in identifying and implementing renewable energy initiatives, including utility-scale and on-site renewable energy, energy efficiency, etc. Lead the City's participation in the development of the Green Power Program design and implementation, in collaboration with Missoula County, the City of Bozeman, and NorthWestern Energy. Maintain accurate and up-to-date knowledge of renewable energy and energy storage regulations and best practices. Lead outreach on distributed solar for residential, multifamily, commercial, industrial, agricultural, and City municipal operations within Missoula's Land Use Plan Boundary. Support Electrify Missoula campaign as it relates to renewable energy and energy storage and support communication of how those technologies can facilitate further sustainability measures. Research, develop, and initiate new energy conservation programs. Recruit contractors through the request for proposals (RFP) process; manage contract work to further energy-related goals. Track, analyze, and report data and progress on key performance indicators related to the City's municipal and community climate goals, including utilizing energy performance software to track municipal emissions. Provide strategic direction and engage in statewide, regional, and community climate action, climate mitigation, climate resilience, and renewable energy initiatives. Support, inform, and provide recommendations to policies, plans, and programming to meet the needs of the adopted climate goals and objectives; advise department and City leadership on the needs and gaps of projects, programs, and initiatives. Evaluate the performance and progress of projects, programs, and/or initiatives to determine effectiveness, efficiency, and viability to the community, including the ability to meet the needs of the adopted plans and/or goals; educate and advise leadership and other stakeholders on the progress and impact of implemented goals and policies. Develop work plans with measurable goals. Provide educational and/or training opportunities to internal and external audiences. Research, apply for, and administer various federal, state, and local grants and other funding opportunities. Serve as subject matter expert to advise, provide information, and/or respond to inquiries, including press inquiries related to clean energy policies, programs, and initiatives. Provide technical assistance and training to various City work teams, City leaders, outside agencies, and other stakeholders. Serve as content expert in the program area to the City, CPDI, and various federal, state, and local agencies; grantees; the community; and various other entities. Represent the City and CPDI while facilitating and/or participating in various public and professional meetings, committees, hearings, forums, etc. Collaborate with departments, city officials, and various other community stakeholders to encourage and ensure robust resident and business participation. Build public and private partnerships to create new opportunities for innovation and impact to reach community, departmental, and City adopted goals. Develop outreach and education programs to provide information, promote community engagement, and advocate for adopted City goals and initiatives; create content and deliver program communications, reports, policy manuals, presentations, education, and outreach materials. Perform other duties as assigned, based on training and qualifications. Knowledge of project management principles, practices, and procedures, including staff coordination, timeline management, facilitation of project design, structure, workgroups, implementation, contract management, etc. Knowledge of the principles and practices of community development, including identifying and assessing community issues and needs, community service delivery systems, etc. Knowledge of community engagement, equity, and inclusion concepts, procedures, and practices. Knowledge of sustainable development and the balance among environment, economy, and equity. Knowledge of, or the ability to learn, local social service programs, non-profit organizations, and other community service programs and opportunities. Knowledge of, or the ability to learn, the principles and practices of public administration, including budgeting, fiscal accountability, strategic planning, program management/development, policy development, records management, etc. Skill in utilizing various computer software and databases, including Microsoft 365 and the ability to learn job-specific applications and equipment, including the City's energy management software. Skill in public speaking, with the ability to present data, reports, and other findings to a variety of diverse groups and individuals. Skill in analyzing and implementing policies and procedures to attain project goals and objectives. Skill in integrating and synthesizing viewpoints to build alignment of diverse perspectives to achieve positive outcomes. Skill in professionally and sensitively serving distressed and underrepresented citizens. Skill in coordinating multiple projects and/or programs with shifting priorities and timeline demands. Skill in organization, time management and prioritizing with the proven ability to have keen attention to detail and accuracy in performing work with adherence to strict deadlines. Skill in negotiating and communicating, in person and writing, with the proven ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with people of diverse identities, perspectives, and cultural backgrounds. Ability to remain neutral on issues and decisions facing various diverse groups. Ability to research, analyze, and prepare clear, accurate and concise reports for varied audiences. Ability to participate in a community-focused and team-oriented environment, contributing to a variety of projects, while collaborating in support of departmental and City objectives. Ability to create education, outreach, and public presentation content and materials. Ability to actively listen and assess needs for diverse individuals and groups within the community. Ability to maintain current knowledge, developments, and trends related to specific areas of focus and/or assigned projects. Ability to display original thinking and creativity, meet challenges with resourcefulness, generate process improvement suggestions, and develop innovative approaches. Ability to maintain and exhibit integrity and discretion in handling confidential and sensitive information. Ability to maintain and foster a culture of professionalism, adhere to departmental and City standards and specifications, and support a positive team environment. Ability to problem-solve and resolve conflicts with facilitating outcomes while maintaining a calm demeanor. Ability to learn various job-specific standards, guidelines, and procedures. Ability to learn, interpret, and apply departmental and City of Missoula practices and procedures, including federal, state, and local laws and regulations related to specified areas of focus.

Working Conditions:

Position may require schedule flexibility to accommodate meetings and/or events outside regular hours. Any combination of education and experience equivalent to six (6) years' experience in program management, community-based organizing, local government, or another relevant field. Experience and/or certifications in sustainable energy development preferred. The City of Missoula does not sponsor employment visas (e.g., F-1, H-1B, TM). Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis at the time of application.