Community Energy Specialist

About Musqueam

We are traditional hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ speaking people. Today, we are a strong, growing community of over 1,300 members. We live on a small portion of our traditional territory, known as the Musqueam Indian Reserve, located south of Marine Drive near the mouth of the Fraser River. The name Musqueam relates back to the River Plant, the name of the plant is məθkʷəy̓. There is a story that has been passed on from generation to generation that explains how we became known as the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) - People of the River Plant. We have always moved throughout our territory using the resources it provides for fishing, hunting, trapping and gathering. We remain distinct and our cultural practices are strong, despite the devastating impacts of residential schools, colonial laws banning our ceremonies, and other attempts to assimilate our people. Our lands and waters continue to support our cultural and economic practices while serving as a source of knowledge and memory, encoded with our teachings and laws. To learn more about Musqueam, please visit www.musqueam.bc.ca 

Position Summary:

Under the direction of the Public Works Manager and the Housing Manager, the Musqueam Community Energy Specialist will create the foundation for a profound reduction in energy consumption community-wide.

This position will focus on implementing relevant components of the Musqueam Comprehensive Community Plan, and the Musqueam Community Energy Plan (CEP) including building energy performance (existing buildings and new construction) and energy conservation and efficiency. Other key tasks include a reduction in the use of energy in the community, and through CEP implementation projects, the promotion of utility programs to support community businesses and residents in reducing energy use and costs. This role is community-facing and requires strong communication and relationship-building skills to be successful. 

Roles & Responsibilities

• Coordinates development and/or implementation of Community Energy Plan(s);
• Leads policy development and implementation to advance energy efficiency and low carbon initiatives, for example by supporting analysis and adoption of standards to ensure the design and construction of high-performance buildings (e.g., though adoption of BC Energy Step Code into Buildings Policy, where applicable);
• Develops and executes plans to build awareness and knowledge of the benefits of conservation and energy management and share information about utility incentive programs that support energy conservation, efficiency and low carbon solutions for residents and businesses (e.g., conservation and energy management incentive programs, natural gas for transportation, renewable natural gas, etc.);
• Assists residents and businesses in the community in understanding and managing energy use and costs (e.g., using online tools available from both utilities);
• Assists residents in improving energy efficiency in their homes through participation in utility conservation programs and incentives;
• Where applicable, ensures all necessary program incentive applications and invoices are submitted to the utilities;
• Identifies opportunities and develop business cases around energy efficiency and low carbon energy projects including all necessary analytical work and presenting findings and recommendations to internal management and/or advisory committees;
• Manages, negotiates and coordinates projects, programs and related grants and contracts with government, utility, and other community partners;
• Where applicable, oversees consultant selection processes and manage project contractors;
• Coordinates and collaborates with other Musqueam departments and employees;
• Participates in training relevant to the position provided by BC Hydro and FortisBC;
• Organizes quarterly meetings with key Musqueam staff and utility partners and submit written quarterly progress reports;

• Other related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Post-secondary education in Engineering, Resource Management, Planning, Environmental Science or related field, with a minimum of five years’ experience.
• Proven capabilities in project management, sustainability practices, policy development, community engagement and collaborative initiatives are critical to success in this position,
• Demonstrated excellence in facilitation, communication, analysis, and teamwork.
• Substantive knowledge in the field of community energy is required, including building energy performance.

• Experience in Nation and community engagement;

• Additional skills and experience that would be considered an asset to the position include:

• Graduate degree or professional designated in a related field (e.g., Registered Professional Planner, Registered Professional Engineer, Project Management Professional, Certified Energy Manager, etc.;
• Familiarity or interest in behavioural and social change concepts;
• Demonstrated experience in business case development;
• An understanding of building energy performance, building codes and construction practices.
• A keen interest in Nation and community building;
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills and a passion for working with people;
• Strong organizational and project management skills;
• An ability to convey complex concepts in an easy-to-understand manner in order to influence positive change;
• An ability to convey complex concepts in an easy-to-understand manner.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Criminal Records Check.

Working Conditions

• Work is performed in an office environment and outside in the community
• This is a temporary two year position

Why work for Musqueam?

Our success as a leader as a First Nations Government is built on the traditional teachings of our people, initiative and dedication of the Musqueam Indian Band.  Providing a highly engaged traditional government that is member focused.

• Competitive salary
• Training and career development
• Business casual environment
• Community fitness and gym access
• Comprehensive group benefits plan and pension plan

Centrally located with free parking; free onsite gym and class access; close to nature trails at UBC and along the Fraser River, shops, restaurants and services