[Hiring] Senior Sustainability and Energy Analyst @City of Durham

Role Description

The Senior Sustainability and Energy Analyst position is, at its core, a role for an experienced data analyst with excellent research, writing, and strategic-thinking capabilities. This role will focus on collecting, organizing, and analyzing datasets and published research that are essential for the Sustainability and Resiliency Division (SRD) to understand and incorporate into its mission, goals, and programs.

• Perform quantitative data analysis to inform SRD priorities and expenditure recommendations.
• Support carbon neutrality and renewable energy programs.
• Provide senior-level program support for various sustainability projects.
• Design, structure, budget, and implement programs that further sustainability and resiliency objectives.
• Align SRD goals with the City-County Comprehensive Plan and other strategic plans.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Data & Analytics
  • Collect, clean, validate, and analyze datasets relevant to energy, greenhouse gas emissions, climate risks, and climate resilience.
  • Develop analyses that identify trends and inform City investments.
  • Translate complex findings into concise insights, data stories, and visualizations.
• Project Development & Management
  • Design, budget, and implement sustainability and energy projects aligned with City plans.
  • Assist in implementing renewable energy, microgrid, battery storage, and electrification projects.
• Process Improvement & Governance
  • Strengthen data systems and workflows across SRD to support continuous improvement.
  • Identify areas for process improvement and ensure data accuracy through established procedures.
• Research & Reporting
  • Conduct benchmarking and performance studies and policy research to guide strategy.
  • Prepare operational, financial, grant, procurement, and compliance reports.
  • Maintain websites, databases, and related communication materials.
• Community & Interdepartmental Coordination
  • Support interdepartmental and City-County coordination efforts and stakeholder engagement initiatives.
  • Serve as staff liaison to the City-County Environmental Affairs Board and contribute to its annual report.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in sustainability, engineering, or directly related field.
• Three years of full-time professional and/or analytical experience in area of assignment.

Requirements

• Strategic systems thinking.
• Strong writing ability.
• Ability to communicate technical data to non-technical audiences.
• Comfort working across multiple projects and deadlines.
• High attention to detail and data accuracy.

Benefits

• Master’s degree (sustainability, engineering, information systems, public administration, or related field).
• 7+ years of full-time work experience.
• Sustainability professional credential, such as LEED AP or WELL AP.
• Experience with nature-based solutions for stormwater management, carbon sequestration, and climate adaptation.
• Experience with government budgeting, procurement, and contract processes in North Carolina.
• Preferred technical skills: GIS, EV charging infrastructure strategy and deployment, carbon/GHG accounting.
• Experience with real estate operations and maintenance.
• Skills in community engagement, outreach, and public education.
• Spanish language proficiency.

ADA and Other Requirements

• Positions in this class typically require: reaching, standing, walking, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions.
• Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects, including the human body.
• Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time; walking and standing are required only occasionally.
• Work is performed in an indoor, office and/or outdoor environment.
• Incumbents may be expected to travel to external organizations and locations.