Energy Conservation Engineer

Job Summary

UBC Energy and Water Services oversees the management of energy and water at the UBC Vancouver Campus, working within a mandate of fiscal efficiency, operational excellence, environmental sustainability, and innovative demonstrations.

The role of the Energy Conservation Engineer is to create energy conservation measures for a profound reduction in energy consumption and equivalent greenhouse gas emissions from the UBC Vancouver campus. The Engineer is an active participant and develops projects that contribute to UBC being a leading research institution in sustainability.

- Designs, develops, implements, monitors, verifies, and reports on Demand Side Management projects. Project Managing each from concept design through to completion.

- Reading and writing sequences of operation and BMS code to troubleshoot and optimize building systems.

- Conducting peer reviews of energy system design, engineering drawings, specifications, and other technical work completed by external contractors

- Monitoring and evaluating leading-edge sustainable energy technologies

- Preparing and updating sustainable energy management plans and long-range energy infrastructure plans

- Data collection, analysis, modelling, and reporting related to building energy and GHG performance

- Researching best practices and developing policies, standards, and procedures for sustainable energy system design, maintenance, and operation

- Providing sustainable energy expertise in major project design/development process, climate plans, green building plans, sustainability reporting, and behavior change programs

Organizational Status

Reports to the Energy Conservation Manager in Energy and Water Services; has direct contact with Building Operations staff, the UBC Sustainability & Engineering, and consults with Campus and Community Planning staff, members of the academy, students, residents, and commercial tenants of UBC. Also has direct contact with consultants, Federal and Provincial Governments, and regulatory authorities.

Work Performed

1. Identifies, designs, develops, and implements energy and water conservation projects for buildings across campus, including controls optimization, mechanical and electrical retrofits, and sustainable capital projects.

2. Completes feasibility analysis for proposed projects, energy calculations, payback, and NPV calculations for business case evaluation. Prioritizes and manages these projects as required.

3. Reading and writing sequences of operation, controls programming language for BMS systems on campus, writing changes to code to improve and commission existing systems' operation.
4. Works closely with the Building Management Systems Manager and BMS Technologists to optimize building automation systems effectively, and design controls optimization measures to reduce building energy consumption.
5. Works closely with building operations staff and stakeholders to communicate and engage the systems owner on new energy conservation projects.

6. Writes RFPs for energy projects (Analysis, Design, and Implementation). Manages external consultants. Works with in-house trades to complete projects.

7. Uses Skyspark data analytics to identify problems, verify current building operation, and verify project performance.
8. Provides Measurement and Verification analysis on in-house energy projects to ensure projects are saving energy and working as intended.
9. Conducts building audits of mechanical and electrical equipment.
10. Develops funding proposals to seek and secure financing for projects through government grants and Utility provider partnerships (e.g., BC Hydro and FortisBC).
11. Performs other related duties or projects as may be required by the Energy Conservation Manager or the Director, Energy Planning and Innovation.

Consequence of Error/Judgement

The Energy Conservation Engineer designs and develops complex energy conservation projects with the intent to meet UBC's public commitment to being a leader in Sustainability and achieving its aggressive GHG reduction targets. The consequences of poor decisions or errors in judgment will negatively affect these aspirations and the prestige of the university. Decisions made in error can result in significant financial liability to the university and can affect the environmental conditions in any buildings on campus. Wrong decisions could result in reduced user comfort, poor equipment performance & efficiency, disruption of class schedules or normal working conditions. These decisions also affect the cost of purchased utilities for the university and negatively affect Building Operations, institutional, and departmental image.

Supervision Received

Major proposals are reviewed by the Energy Conservation Manager. Progress is measured through submission annual energy conservation reports to the Energy Conservation Manager, which may ultimately contribute to formal reports and periodic review of assignments/tasks. Works independently with plans and objectives; work is reviewed against work plan outcomes.

Supervision Given

May supervise several resource people and coordinate several issues at any one time. Will manage the work of consultants. Will undertake field inspections and provide oral and written advice and recommendations. Will also coordinate efforts of department staff as required.

Minimum Qualifications
Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline. Eligibility for membership in a professional Institute or Association. Minimum of seven years of related experience, including experience in related technical fields, project coordination, and cost control, or the equivalent combination of education and experience.

Highly motivated, demonstrated self-starter. Demonstrated project management skills. Experience or aptitude for programming.

- Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one’s own

- Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one’s own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering preferred. Professional Engineer (EGBC) preferred or EIT with required experience. Master of Engineering, MEL, or MSc is an asset. CEM and/or CMVP certification is an asset. Nine years of related experience preferred, including experience in related BMS, automation, electrical, or mechanical building design and operation, HVAC, project coordination, and cost control, or the equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience in controls programming, programming languages, energy management, electrical or mechanical systems design, building operation, maintenance, or a closely related field. Project management business case development experience preferred. Commercial or academic building operation (or design) experience. Experience writing or modifying building controls programs or sequences of operation for an asset. Knowledge of and interest in climate and energy management program development and implementation. Knowledge of building management and controls systems as related to energy optimization.

- Knowledge and understanding of building electrical systems, HVAC, and/or district energy systems.
- Ability to effectively manage project budgets, tasks, and personnel.
- A motivated self-starter is a must for success in this position.
- Strong organizational and interpersonal skills.
- Ability and interest in engaging with the academics to leverage the intellectual capital of the university.
- Excellent modeling skills (Microsoft Excel).
- Strong written and communication skills.
- Professional, ethical, and responsible behavior.

- Expectation to achieve registered professional in applicable institute or association (e.g., EGBC if an engineer or other) prior to midpoint salary progression.

- Knowledge, interest in, and understanding of current energy and climate policy.