Academic Hourly-Energy Engineering Research Specialist
University of Illinois

Job Info

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Academic Hourly-Energy Engineering Research Specialist

Smart Energy Design Assistance Center

Department of Landscape Architecture

University of Illinois College of Fine and Applied Arts

The Smart Energy Design Assistance Center (SEDAC) is currently searching for an Energy Engineering Research Specialist to support the mission of SEDAC by performing energy and sustainability research and analyses, performing energy efficiency and net zero energy field work, creating educational materials, and applying research outcomes to educate current and potential clients about best practices in energy, sustainability, and applicable SEDAC programs. This position is based in Champaign, Illinois, with potential options for hybrid remote or remote work.

SEDAC is sponsored and funded by federal and state agencies including the Illinois State Energy Office at the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Opportunity, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources; the US Environmental Protection Agency; the US Department of Energy; local government agencies; and other funding sources.

SEDAC is an applied research center at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with a mission to decrease the energy footprint of the State of Illinois. SEDAC works to achieve its mission through a wide range of programs in energy efficiency, renewable energy development, greenhouse gas reduction, and clean energy workforce development.

Duties & Responsibilities

Research & Analysis
• Perform technical energy and sustainability analysis: baselining energy and other sustainability variables, identifying data patterns, exploring alternative efficiency measures, estimating potential greenhouse gas emissions reductions, renewable energy generation, and other net-zero variables.
• Conduct site visits at project locations to support technical energy and sustainability analyses.
• Produce research materials, including literature reviews, manuscripts, and reports.
• Research efficient technologies and sustainability practices and literature for purposes of producing educational materials and updating analysis calculations.

Outreach
• Promote awareness of SEDAC energy and sustainability programs through participation in workshops, webinars, professional conferences, and other related events on a regional scale.
• Develop SEDAC's client base through network interactions and direct client contact.
• Develop outreach materials for presentations, fliers, posters, and digital media.
• Develop slide decks and educational materials for presentations and workshops.
• Participate in planning and implementation of workshops, webinars and discussion groups.

Operations
• Track and report specific program activities.
• Follow-up with clients regarding project implementation.
• Assist students and new SEDAC staff with project analysis and research.
• Other relevant duties as assigned to further the mission of SEDAC.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Architecture, Architectural Engineering, Building Science, or related field.
• Experience conducting spreadsheet-based energy analysis, calculations, modeling, or related experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Engineering, Architecture, Architectural Engineering, Building Science, or closely related field.
• 1 - 3 years of professional experience in energy engineering research or a related field.
• Certified Energy Manager.
• Experience with Energy Conservation Codes.
• In-state (IL) travel is required for this position and the ability to travel in-person via reliable transportation to business sites must be maintained for the duration of employment.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of or experience with performing energy assessments.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Ability to research and analyze information and data to make appropriate conclusions and recommendations.
• Ability to use software such as Microsoft Office Suite and web-based information management tools.
• Ability and willingness to travel in-state for site visits; carry and use site assessment tools and work safely around facility mechanical systems.
• Excellent organizational skills, such as time management, task prioritization, follow-through, and ability to meet deadlines.
• Ability to work in teams.

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Academic Hourly position, appointed through June 30, 2025, with the possibility of reappointment based on performance and funding. This position offers paid leave (1 hour of paid leave earned per 40 hours of work, up to 40 hours of paid leave per year). This could become a permanent position at a later date, depending on department needs and funding. The expected start date is as soon as possible. The budgeted range of hourly rates for this position is $40 per hour - $55 per hour, based on qualifications and experience.

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Application materials should include a cover letter, a current resume, and at least three professional references with contact information. Work authorization sponsorship is not available for this position. To apply, send all required application materials to sedac-info@illinois.edu . No phone calls, please.

First preference will be given to applications received by 8:00 am (CST) on November 25, 2024. The position will remain open until the position has been filled.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify .

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal , or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu .

Requisition ID: 1027674
Job Category: Research
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu

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