Job Description:
Temporary - Environmental Program Coordinator - Solar Inspector
Description
JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAMAt the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer-we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. Our guiding principles-Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity - anchor our approach in delivering services that significantly impact the lives of Austin residents. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee.
What Makes the City of Austin Special?
- Make a Difference: Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.
- Diverse and Inclusive Workplace: Work in an environment where every voice is valued, and Innovation thrives.
- Competitive Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.
- Retirement Security: Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.
- Sustainable Transportation Options: Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.
- Focus on Wellness: Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.
- Career Growth: Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.
- Modern Workspaces: Work in innovative and sustainable environments designed to foster collaboration and inspiration.
By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country.
Under minimal direction, coordinates interdepartmental and interagency environmental and/or conservation programs or projects, serves as a liaison for interdepartmental and interagency environmental/conservation issues, and coordinates and supports the environmental/conservation activities of a division/section for various projects and programs.
Job Description:Duties, Functions and Responsibilities:Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.
- Serves as coordinator or liaison for interdepartmental and interagency issues and projects Communicates project and program information to internal and external customers
- Assists in management or resolution of interdepartmental and interagency conflicts Facilitates closure of litigated cases
- Negotiates permit and/or plan revisions with project engineers and contractors
- Develops/establishes service agreements with other programs, departments and agencies
- Develops and manages contracts
- Manages and reviews environmental remediation plans
- Provides technical advice and assistance to City management, staff, contractors, and businesses
- Evaluates projects, programs and criteria
- Assists in the development and adoption of new City Code regulations, policies and procedures
- Assists in development of new/revised interdepartmental or interagency protocol or procedures
- Reviews, evaluates and recommends revisions to City Code, rules, policies and legislative bills
- Reviews, evaluates and recommends revisions to technical reports, studies and contract documents
- Reviews site plans, environmental site assessments and stormwater/effluent discharge proposals
- Evaluates existing conditions, collects samples, interprets sampling data, and develops corrective action plans
- Educates and conducts presentations to public
- Assists in the development of short and long range plans
- Prepares written reports, memoranda, letters, RFP/RFQ/IFBs and Standard Operation Procedures
- Assists in the development and monitoring of budgets
- Attends City Council, Board, Commission Meetings, etc. as a City/Department staff representative
- Responds to requests from the media
Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:May provide leadership, work assignments, evaluation, training, and guidance to others
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.
- Knowledge of applicable processes, techniques, and methods.
- Knowledge of city practice, policy, and procedures.
- Knowledge of supervisory and managerial techniques and principles.
- Skill in handling conflict and uncertain situations.
- Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
- Skill in using computers and related software applications.
- Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective communication and working relationships with city employees and the public.
- Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.
- Ability to train others.
Minimum Qualifications:- Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in a field related to Environmental Science, Life Science, Biology, Chemistry, Engineering, Landscape Architecture, Public Administration, Business Administration, Planning, plus six (6) years of experience in a related field.
- Master's degree may substitute for experience up to two (2) years.
- Related experience may substitute for education up to four (4) years
Preferred Qualifications:- Certified as a residential electrical inspector, or able to become a certified as a residential electrical inspector within 6 months.
- Experience designing, installing, and or inspecting solar systems (NABCEP certification preferred), and good knowledge of electrical code and solar PV design and installation best practices.
- Experience with solar permitting and inspection requirements in the City of Austin.
- Experience with correctly reading and interpreting plans, specifications, codes and City ordinances related to building construction, electrical, plumbing and mechanical installations.
- Experience using a keyboard and computer systems including smart devices to perform daily record keeping and in performing inspection tasks.
- Experience recognizing conditions and installations that do or do not comply with codes and City ordinances, recognize faulty and hazardous conditions, and respond with appropriate actions for corrections or solutions.
- Experience developing or administering solar incentive programs or energy technology research or pilot programs.
- Experience with solar policy, solar markets dynamics, and electric utility regulatory environment in Texas.
- Experience dealing effectively and professionally with the public, and provide excellent customer service through telephone, e-mail, mobile technology, and face-to-face interactions.
- Ability to travel to various work locations for regular work assignments.
Notes to Candidate:This position will provide inspection services to support the Solar Program and coordinate internally and with other City departments to develop, improve, communicate and enforce interconnection guidelines, standards, procedures, and best practices.
Primary duties include:
- Inspecting solar systems for electrical code, AE design and interconnection guideline compliance, and rebate program compliance.
- Processing permits, initiating new meter installation, and processing enrollments in the web based incentive application processing tool.
- Communicating solar program's requirements and processes with customers and contractors.
- Communicating with AE units and other City departments to implement processes and ensure smooth program operation and that safety standards are met.
- Liaise internally and externally to develop interconnection criteria and standardize process to streamline and enable the safe installation of renewable energy on the distribution grid.
- Communicating solar program details to the public by phone, email, web, and during events
- Supporting solar program design and continuous process improvement.
- Negotiate permit and or plan revisions with project engineers and contractors.
This position will provide technical expertise and leadership in building energy analysis to support Austin Energy Green Building rating programs, consulting services, energy code advancement, education and professional development.
Primary duties include:- Review client computer-based building energy models submitted for AEGB rating program compliance.
- Lead the analysis of energy savings impacts of energy code and rating advances for a variety of building types using computer simulation software.
- Develop and maintain engineering calculation tools for building performance analysis.
- Provide training and review work of peers for energy model reviews, engineering calculations, and simulation analysis.
This position has been designated as a
Critical Employee position. Critical Employees are considered necessary and vital and supports activities that impact City or department operations. This work can be done while at a designated work site or while working at an alternate work location. Critical employees who are able to work at an alternative work location are required to do so. Schedules may be modified, and employees may be reassigned to another area during extraordinary situations or emergency conditions to provide essential services.
Location: 4815 Mueller Blvd., Austin, TX 78723
Work Schedule/Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (hybrid)
Salary Range: (min) $33.00 to $41.27 (mid) *This pay range is effective 10/1/2025
Employment Application:- The City of Austin employment application is an official document; incomplete applications will not be considered.
- Please be sure to detail on the application all current and previous employment that you wish to be considered as part of your qualifications.
- The Employment Record should be complete with job titles, employment dates, job duties, functions, and responsibilities for each position held. Starting salary will be based on overall relevant experience from your application.
- Statements such as “see résumé” will not be accepted. You may use “N/A” for fields that are not applicable.
- Please note that Austin Energy may close the job posting at any time after 7 days from the date of the initial advertisement. Once the job posting has closed, applications cannot be changed.
If you are selected as a top candidate:- Verification of your education (which may include high school graduation or GED , undergraduate and/or graduate degrees) will be required. You must provide proof of education from an accredited organization/institution. You must also provide proof of your professional licenses or certifications.
- If you are identified as a top candidate and are in the military or a veteran, you will need to provide a copy of your DD-214 prior to confirming a start date.
TRAVEL :If you are selected for this position, and meet the Driver Safety Standards in the City of Austin
Driver Safety Program, you may drive when necessary to multiple locations as part of your regular job duties. Otherwise, you are responsible for getting to and from these locations.
EEO Statement for City of Austin:
The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.
City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.
Closing Date/Time: 2025-09-18