Energy Analyst (Administrative Analyst I) - Ofc of Community Sustainability, County Administration

Posting number: 26-00590

Department: County Administration

Division: County Admin - Community Sustainability

Job classification: Administrative Analyst I-County Administration, Community Sustainability

Posting type: Open

Categories: Environmental Services, Professional, Utilities, Research, Statistics/Mathematics, Professional Education, Sciences

Summary
Howard County:
Conveniently located in the heart of central Maryland between Baltimore and Washington, Howard County offers the charm of a historic past mixed with the excitement of a cosmopolitan community.

Howard County Government:
Howard County Government is a leader in innovation, sustainability, and consistently ranked as one of the best places to live and work in the country. In 2025, Howard County Government received a record-breaking 83 Achievement Awards from the National Association of Counties (NACo) – the highest number of annual NACo awards achieved in the history of the State of Maryland, and the highest number of awards out of any county in the State of Maryland which received a collective 136 awards. NACo is the leading organization representing county-level government operations. These awards recognize innovative and transformative programs that provide new services for county residents, improve existing programs, upgrade working conditions, and enhance citizen participation and public policymaking.

What are we looking for?
We are looking for outstanding individuals to join our team and contribute to excellence in Howard County operations.

What you'll like most about working at Howard County Government:

• We are committed to workplace excellence in every area of County government.  
• We have a highly talented, diverse, and inclusive workplace. Your input will not only be heard, but it will be encouraged!  
• We offer competitive compensation and great benefits including medical, retirement, and wellness programs. 
• As a member of the Howard County Government team, you'll be helping drive our culture and directly impact what makes us an amazing place to work.

POSITION SUMMARY:
The Climate Action Analyst position supports the County's Climate Action Plan implementation efforts, processes and tracks utility and energy billing in support of energy use and cost reduction efforts, applies for and manages grant funding for a variety of climate action activities, manages Climate Action projects and provides outreach support on climate action to the community. This position serves under the direct supervision of the County's Energy Manager and will work closely with the County's Energy Manager, the Administrator of the Office of Community Sustainability, and the Climate Action Subcabinet to refine, implement, and track progress of the County’s Climate Action Plan. This position also will lead or support a variety of climate action activities and will assist with tracking greenhouse gas emissions and reporting related to the County’s Climate Action Plan. 

STARTING SALARY HIRING RANGE:
$30.31 - $34.20
$63,034 - $71,144

*This is the anticipated starting salary range for this position. Please note that the final salary will be determined by the Office of Human Resources, commensurate with experience and aligned to ensure internal equity with similarly situated roles.*

CLASS DESCRIPTION:
Performs professional level administrative work, which may include supervisory responsibility, under general supervision from an administrative or technical superior.  Work includes carrying out administrative and technical tasks related to administrative support, public information, and purchasing.

*This is a Classified position, meaning that it is a part of the Howard County Classified Service upon completion of a probationary period of at least six (6) months*

Examples of duties

Climate Action and Policy Development:

• Lead efforts to update and refine the Climate Action Plan as needed.
• Assist with development of new policy on climate action, greenhouse gas emissions reductions, carbon sequestration, and/or resiliency.
• Conduct research to support climate action implementation as needed.
• Prioritize equity, diversity, inclusion, and environmental justice in County programs, projects, activities, and policies.

Program Coordination and Implementation:

• Coordinate and provide administrative support to the Climate Action Subcabinet and its workgroups.
• Track progress of Climate Action and Resiliency Plan implementation steps and develop reports for the Subcabinet and the public.
• Coordinate or assist with coordination on a variety of climate action implementation projects such as renewable energy systems, EV charging stations, tree canopy expansion, and other mitigation/resiliency projects.
• Assist the Energy Manager and other County staff in obtaining and managing grant funds for climate action projects.

Community Engagement and Outreach:

• Coordinate and implement community workshops on energy savings, renewable energy, electric vehicles, climate preparedness, sustainable transportation, waste reduction, and nature-based climate solutions.
• Develop outreach materials such as videos, pamphlets, fact sheets, web content, and newsletter articles.
• Participate in sustainability outreach and education events as needed.

Utility and Energy Data Management:

• Manage the County’s utility bill payment process, including: uploading bills to EnergyCAP, reviewing for accuracy, reconciling bills, preparing exports to accounting systems, notifying departments, sending billing backup, and flagging bills for departmental review.
• Draft and maintain current process documentation for utility bill management.
• Work with County staff and utility providers to review billing details and resolve errors or discrepancies.
• Manage utility and energy data entry into EnergySTAR Portfolio Manager and other tools to support analysis, reporting, and benchmarking.
• Manage Building Energy Performance Standards reporting to the Maryland Department of the Environment.
• Develop and expand expertise in EnergyCAP, EnergySTAR Portfolio Manager, and County utility billing/energy management processes; train staff in EnergyCAP as needed.
• Performs other related duties as assigned. 

QualificationsBachelor's degree and one (1) year of related experience or the equivalent combination of education and experience.

PREFERRED EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Bachelor's degree in environmental sciences, environmental policy, environmental studies, climate science, or related field and two years of experience in climate-related project management and outreach.
• Knowledgeable about climate, energy, environmental, and sustainability principles, practices, and programs.
• Experience with developing and/or implementing a climate action plan. 
• Knowledgeable about utility and energy company billing processes, procedures, regulations, accounting and budgeting. Familiarity with general accounting principles.
• Experience with EnergyCAP utility database or other utility management software and SAP or other accounting software.  
• Experience with Energy Star Portfolio manager preferred.
• Demonstrated success with grant applications, management, and reporting. 
• Experience working in a large organization and with a diverse group of stakeholders.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to convey complex, technical concepts to non-technical persons.
• Detail-oriented, organized, self-motivated, able to work independently.
• Certified Energy Manager (CEM); Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED Green Associate or LEED AP); Climate-Change Professional (CC-P) or similar certifications preferred. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee is required to stand or walk, and sit. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, peripheral vision, color vision, and ability to adjust focus.  

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  

The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate.   

LANGUAGE SKILLS, MATHEMATICAL SKILLS AND REASONING ABILITY:
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, and governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedural manuals. Ability to effectively present information to management, customers, clients, and general public.  

Ability to work with simple mathematical concepts Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.  

Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form. Supplemental informationPossession of a valid driver's license.