(Auraria) Campus Engineer / Energy Manager

(Auraria) Campus Engineer / Energy Manager

Salary

$92,000.00 - $115,000.00 Annually

Location

Denver, CO

Job Type

Full Time

Job Number

AHEC-4053-07.2026

Department

Auraria Higher Education Center

Division

Facillities Management Services Division

Opening Date

07/31/2026

Closing Date

8/21/2026 11:59 PM Mountain

FLSA

Determined by Position

Type of Announcement

This position is open only to Colorado state residents.

Primary Physical Work Address

Auraria Campus

FLSA Status

Exempt; position is not eligible for overtime compensation.

Department Contact Information

Nicole Yanez at nicole.yanez@ahec.edu

How To Apply

Please submit an online application for this position at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/colorado. Reach out to the Department Contact to apply using a paper application, including any supplemental questions. Failure to submit a complete and timely application may result in the rejection of your application. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that application materials are received by the appropriate Human Resources office before the closing date and time listed.

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Department Information

This is a Non-Classified position, performing the outlined duties with the Auraria Higher Education Center.

Who we are:

Welcome to the Auraria Campus located in the Platte River Valley in downtown Denver. The Auraria Campus is the service provider for 38,000 students and approximately 5000 faculty and staff working at and attending the Community College of Denver, Metropolitan State University of Denver, and the University of Colorado Denver. Learn more about us through this link: The Auraria Campus

Auraria employees enjoy an excellent benefits package which includes paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave, multiple medical, dental and vision options, discounted RTD Eco-Pass, BenefitHub and outstanding retirement plan. Learn more through this link: Non-Classified Benefits Package.

So, if youre interested in a great job working alongside great people, this may be the opportunity for which youve been waiting for.

Description of Job

Job Summary:

The Campus Engineer / Energy Manager identifies and coordinates energy management activities for the Auraria Higher Education Center (AHEC), working in and reporting to the Facilities Management Department and in partnership with the Auraria Sustainable Campus Program (ASCP). Working with the Facilities Trades Departments (HVAC, Electrical, and Plumbing), AHEC Projects, and contractors, the position develops best practices for all utility usage and conservation.

This position conducts ongoing audits of buildings and utility usage to identify areas for improvement and tracks and manages energy data using the EnergyCap and ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager systems. The Campus Engineer / Energy Manager also works with Construction Project Managers and the ASCP to identify projects with significant return on investment and positive environmental impact, collaborates with contracted project engineers to ensure best practices are applied to new projects and remodels, and supports the ASCP mission to reduce the AHEC campus greenhouse gas emissions.

The Campus Engineer also supports the Project Management Team by reviewing project specifications and submittals for MEP systems to ensure conformance with campus standards and best practices.

Essential Job Functions:

Development and Execution of Energy Plan and Strategies

• Monitor and improve the energy efficiency of all AHEC facilities and school-owned buildings, identifying conservation measures to pursue.
• Develop and implement utility management strategies related to building heating/cooling, electrical usage, efficient irrigation, and water conservation.
• Audit existing facilities to identify energy savings opportunities and develop long- and short-term energy management goals.
• Develop a comprehensive Energy Management Plan in collaboration with AHEC Facilities and the Auraria Sustainable Campus Program (ASCP) to reduce energy use, save money, and advance the campus Climate Action Plan goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 50% by 2030.
• Serve as the Facilities energy liaison to the ASCP, supporting its seven-pillar sustainability mission and identifying, scoping, and helping implement student-fee-funded energy and water efficiency projects across the three institutional partners (CCD, MSU Denver, and CU Denver).
• Prioritize no- and low-cost solutions first with an emphasis on short-term return on investment; research best practices at peer Colorado institutions and apply for grant programs.
• Build and lead a cross-functional campus energy team, engaging Facilities trades, the ASCP, institutional partners, and key stakeholders to foster a culture of energy conservation and sustainability.
• Initiate communication to campus on energy and cost-savings plans and strategies to create buy-in and participation, and provide training and outreach to increase staff awareness of energy management practices.

Energy Tracking, Metering, and Utility Management

• Track and maintain energy consumption records using the EnergyCap database and ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager for State of Colorado benchmarking.
• Perform monthly meter reading with the support of AHEC trades.
• Oversee and review monthly utility billings to AHEC departments, institutional partners, and other tenants; evaluate metering opportunities and propose enhancements.
• Support the development of and monitor campus utility budgets.
• Negotiate the purchase of utilities where possible, including electricity, natural gas, and water.

Project Evaluation for System Design and Product Selection

• Serve as the primary contact to Project Management on all energy and utility-related projects, including those funded through the ASCP.
• Propose capital Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing projects and work closely with the AHEC Facilities Services Project Management Team during design, construction, and commissioning to ensure sustainable building practices.
• Support the Project Management Team by reviewing project specifications and submittals for mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and energy-related systems to ensure conformance with campus standards, maintainability, and energy-efficiency goals.
• Contribute to the development and ongoing update of campus construction standards and specifications, keeping energy, utility, and building-system requirements current with industry advancements, applicable codes, and ASHRAE/LEED best practices.
• Lead commissioning of new construction and retro-commissioning of existing buildings and systems, using ASHRAE energy audit procedures (Levels 1-3) to identify and correct performance deficiencies and restore optimal system operation.
• Monitor the effectiveness of energy efficiency / renewable energy projects, perform measurement and verification (M&V) of projected savings, and report progress when requested.
• Research, present, and utilize utility, local, state, and federal rebate and incentive programs, and explore Energy Performance Contracting to implement energy efficiency initiatives.

Interaction with AHEC HVAC, Electrical, and Plumbing Trades

• Partner with AHEC Trades to maximize operational efficiency and cost savings:
• Plumbing: track and evaluate water usage to proactively address potential water leaks.
• HVAC: evaluate existing HVAC systems and Building Automation System (BAS) settings to improve occupant comfort and identify opportunities for repairs, operational improvements, and energy savings.
• HVAC Scheduling: work with the HVAC trades to establish and maintain building automation occupancy schedules that align heating, ventilation, and cooling with class schedules, campus events, and building use - reducing energy waste during unoccupied periods while ensuring comfort during scheduled activities.
• Electrical: evaluate opportunities for savings including LED fixtures, light harvesting, and lighting controls.

Building Automation & Other Engineering Management Duties

• Learn and utilize the campus Building Automation System (JCI Metasys) to support energy management tasks and goals, including trend analysis, setpoint and schedule optimization, and diagnosing control sequences that drive unnecessary energy use.
• Support Environmental Health and Safety team efforts to address and manage storm water issues, including navigating the various compliance requirements and organizations.
• Support the training and education of one or more engineering interns or engineering students.

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights

Application Requirements:

• Completed online application, resume and cover letter.
• Resume and Cover letter required. The cover letter must specifically describe how your education and professional experience meet the minimum qualifications and any preferred qualifications listed in this posting.
• Must possess a valid unencumbered Colorado drivers license at the time of application.
• Failure to submit a completed application, resume and cover letter may result in removal from further consideration.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education:

• Bachelors Degree in Engineering, Energy Management, or a closely related field.

Experience:

• A minimum of four (4) years demonstrated experience integrating energy efficiency and renewable energy strategies into organizations/institutions and their operations. This experience must clearly demonstrate the ability to identify and manage energy issues on a campus or comparable setting.
• At least one (1) of the required four (4) years of energy management experience must be at an institution of higher education (public or private), public school, or other public entity,. or as a contractor/consultant working closely with an educational institution.
• Experience with an energy usage and cost software system (campus currently uses EnergyCap and ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager).
• Experience working with Building Automation Systems (campus currently uses Johnson Controls Metasys) or building controls, and familiarity with optimization strategies.
• Demonstrated success managing energy efficiency or renewable energy projects, including utility monitoring and greenhouse gas inventory reporting.
• Proven expertise in organizing, analyzing, interpreting, and evaluating relevant data.

Other:

• Must possess a valid unencumbered Colorado drivers license at the time of application.
• Please provide full responses to all required supplemental questions. Your answers will be used as part of the application screening.

Conditions of Employment:

• Must be a state of Colorado resident.
• Must be able to successfully pass a criminal background check.
• Must maintain a valid unencumbered drivers license.
• Please note that if offered employment, candidates will be required to furnish a copy of their motor vehicle report (MVR) as part of the background check process.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Certified Energy Manager (CEM) designation - candidates are strongly encouraged to hold this credential or be willing to obtain it within the first six (6) months of employment.
• LEED Green Associate or LEED AP credentials.
• Certified Energy Auditor (CEA) and/or Certified Measurement and Verification Professional (CMVP) credentials.
• Familiarity with ASHRAE Standards and the LEED rating system and reporting requirements.
• Experience with Energy Performance Contracting or similar energy savings contracting processes.
• Experience working in higher education, government, or a campus environment.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Experience in program administration and knowledge of a university/college community sufficient to plan, manage, transform, and optimize energy usage on campus.
• Excellent analytical, verbal, and written communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to self-motivate, multi-task, and work in a fast-paced environment under deadlines.
• Ability to work closely with and persuade an energy conservation mindset in students, faculty, and administrators from the three campus institutional partners and AHEC staff and management.
• Strong judgment and critical thinking skills.
• Ability to use the Microsoft Office software suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.).

Supplemental Information

Colorado Partnership for Quality Jobs and Services Act information:

After careful review of this position and the duties that it performs, it has been designated in accordance with the Colorado Partnership for Quality Jobs and Services Act as a "Not Covered" position, it does not fall in the category of employees that are eligible for representation by COWINS, also known as the union. To learn more about this designation please visit this link: http://coloradowins.org/

Applicant Checklist & Minimum Qualifications:

E-mail Address:

All correspondence regarding your status in the selection/examination process will be conducted by email.

Applicant Checklist:

• Resume (REQUIRED) detailing a summary of work history
• Cover Letter (OPTIONAL) detailing how your experience & education meet minimum and preferred qualifications
• Supplemental Questions (REQUIRED) - responses must be completed within the online application before it can be submitted.

Minimum Qualifications

Your application as submitted is used to determine if you meet Minimum Qualifications. Please read the Minimum Qualifications and ensure that information in your application "draw correlations" to the Minimum Qualifications. Human Resources Analysts will not infer that you meet the Minimum Qualifications if information isnt detailed in your application.

• Years of experience will be expressed in terms of full-time equivalent service with full-time workload equal to one (1) Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) year. No more than 1.00 FTE year may be credited in any twelve (12) month period. Positions working 40 hours or less per week will be pro-rated (30 hrs/wk=0.75 FTE=9 mos credit; 20 hrs/wk=0.5 FTE=6 mos credit; 10 hrs/wk=0.25 FTE=3 mos credit.) *

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion: The State of Colorado believes that equity, diversity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law.

The Auraria Campus is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or to perform essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to Nicole Yanez at nicole.yanez@ahec.edu

Please note that each agencys contact information is different; therefore, we encourage all applicants to view the full, official job announcement which includes contact information and class title. Select the job you wish to view, then click on the "Print" icon.

01

How many years of professional experience do you have integrating energy efficiency and renewable energy strategies into an organization or institution?

• Less than 4 years
• 4-5 years
• 6-10 years
• More than 10 years
• No experience

02

At least one year of the required experience must have been with a higher education institution, public school, or other public entity. Please describe your experience, including the organization, your role, and your responsibilities.

03

Describe your experience developing or implementing an Energy Management Plan or similar energy conservation strategy. Include your role and the results achieved.

04

Describe your experience conducting building energy audits or utility assessments. Include the types of facilities evaluated and any recommendations you implemented.

05

Describe your experience tracking, analyzing, and reporting utility consumption such as electricity, natural gas, or water usage. What software or systems did you use?

06

Which energy management software systems have you used? (e.g., EnergyCAP, ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager, Building Automating System (BAS), Johnson Controls Metasys, Other energy management software) if other please specify.

07

Describe your experience working with Building Automation Systems (BAS), including monitoring, scheduling, trend analysis, or system optimization.

08

Describe an energy efficiency or renewable energy project you managed or significantly contributed to. Include your responsibilities and the projects outcomes.

09

Describe your experience tracking or reporting greenhouse gas emissions, sustainability metrics, or energy performance data.

10

Describe your experience working with architects, engineers, contractors, or construction project managers to improve building energy performance during design, renovation, or construction projects.

11

Describe your experience developing, monitoring, or managing utility budgets, utility billing, rebates, or energy incentive programs.

12

Describe your experience working with multiple stakeholders (such as facilities staff, leadership, contractors, faculty, or sustainability groups) to implement energy conservation initiatives.

13

Which of the following certifications do you currently possess? (Select all that apply.)

• Certified Energy Manager (CEM)
• LEED Green Associate
• LEED AP
• Certified Energy Auditor (CEA)
• Certified Measurement & Verification Professional (CMVP)
• None of the above

14

Describe your experience applying ASHRAE standards, LEED principles, commissioning, retro-commissioning, or measurement and verification (M&V) in your work.

15

Describe any experience you have with Energy Performance Contracting, utility rebate programs, grants, or energy incentive programs.

16

As stated in the job posting and required by the State of Colorado job requirements, applications for the position must reside in Colorado at the time of application. Please acknowledge one of the following:

• I acknowledge that, at the time of application, I am a resident of the State of Colorado.
• I acknowledge that, at the time of application, I am not a resident of the State of Colorado.

17

As stated in the job posting and required by the State of Colorado job requirements, applicants for this classified position must hold a valid, unencumbered Colorado drivers license at the time of application. Please acknowledge one of the following:

• I acknowledge that, at the time of application, I hold a valid, unencumbered Colorado drivers license.
• I acknowledge that, at the time of application, I do not hold a valid, unencumbered Colorado drivers license.

18

Part of the required documents of this posting, if you are selected as the final candidate, you agree to submit a motor vehicle report?

• Yes
• No

19

Rules of Conduct and Ethical Principles: By submitting this application, applicant acknowledges that the holding of State employment is a public trust and that State employees shall carry out their duties for the benefit of the people of the State of Colorado. § 24-18-103(1), C.R.S. Applicant warrants that they have read and understand the rules of conduct and the ethical principles for State employees as set forth in §§ 24-18-104, 24-18-105, 24-18-108, and 24-18-201, C.R.S. Here is the link for the Colorado Revised Statutes: https://leg.colorado.gov/agencies/office-legislative-legal-services/colorado-revised-statutes. Conflict of Interest: A conflict of interest occurs when an individual or organization has a conflict between competing interests. By submitting this application, applicant hereby discloses the following personal or professional interests, obligations, commitments, or relationships (either personal or professional) that could create the perception of conflicts of interest with their duties at Auraria Campus:

Required Question

Employer State of Colorado

Address See the full announcement by clicking

the "Printer" icon located above the job title

Location varies by announcement, Colorado, --

Website https://careers.colorado.gov/