Energy Apprentice

Full-Time, Salaried One-year funded position – Steamboat Springs, Colorado

About Western Resilience Center

Western Resilience Center is a nonprofit organization based in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, advancing practical climate action and resilience solutions across Northwest Colorado. Western Resilience Center serves as a leader, convener, educator, and catalyst for community-based action that reduces greenhouse gas emissions, strengthens resilience, and accelerates solutions across the sectors of energy, transportation, resilient land and water, waste and circularity, and community engagement.

Through public education, partnerships, technical assistance, data-backed policy development, and collaborative leadership, Western Resilience Center connects knowledge to action and helps communities navigate the opportunities and challenges of a changing climate. Our work focuses on empowering individuals, businesses, governments, and institutions to implement practical, science-based solutions that build a more resilient future.

Position Description

Western Resilience Center is seeking an enthusiastic, detail-oriented Energy Apprentice to support implementation of local building decarbonization and energy efficiency initiatives throughout the region. This one-year, grant-funded position is designed for an early-career professional interested in developing technical knowledge and practical experience in building electrification, energy efficiency, clean energy, and climate implementation.

Working closely with the Energy and Transportation team, the Energy Apprentice will serve a key outreach role supporting the implementation of the Routt County Climate Action Plan, adopted in 2021, and the recently completed Routt County Building Electrification and Decarbonization Plan. This position will also support Western Resilience Center's Energy Smart Colorado energy assessment services, and other energy and climate initiatives that support building decarbonization and electrification. As an Apprentice, this position will be supported through mentorship, professional development, and opportunities for technical training while gaining hands-on experience supporting community energy projects.

The Energy Apprentice will assist with program administration, community outreach and education, technical assistance, contractor engagement, energy assessments, workshops, data management, and reporting. The position reports to the Energy and Transportation Director and/or designated supervisor and works collaboratively with local governments, contractors, utilities, state partners, and community members.

Primary Responsibilities Program Implementation and Technical Assistance 

• Support implementation of the Routt County Building Electrification and Decarbonization Plan.
• Assist with Energy Smart Colorado programming that advances energy efficiency and building performance improvements, including homeowner energy advising, contractor referrals, rebate information, and energy concierge services.
• Support community members through follow-up communications after energy assessments, helping residents understand recommendations and available incentives.
• Assist with energy assessments, site visits, and other field-based energy activities.
• Support implementation of additional climate and energy initiatives as assigned.

Data Management & Program Administration

• Collect, organize, and maintain program data, metrics, and reporting dashboards.
• Track project budgets, deliverables, and grant reporting requirements.
• Maintain accurate participant records using Salesforce and other program databases.
• Support analysis and reporting of program outcomes and building electrification activities.
• Assist with contractor recruitment, workforce development activities, and partner coordination.

Community Engagement & Education

• Support planning and delivery of energy and building-related community workshops, contractor trainings, educational events, and public outreach activities.
• Coordinate workshop logistics including scheduling, invitations, venues, speakers, registration, and materials.
• Be a welcoming, friendly resource to the public and help the public navigate energy efficiency, electrification, rebates and available resources.

Research & Organizational Support

• Conduct research supporting new energy programs, funding opportunities, and emerging technologies.
• Develop contact lists and outreach materials for targeted audiences including homeowners, HOAs, contractors, and multifamily property owners.
• Participate in statewide Energy Smart Colorado partner meetings and other collaborative initiatives.
• Support additional organizational priorities and special projects as assigned.

Professional Development Opportunities

Western Resilience Center is committed to supporting the professional growth of our staff, and as an Apprentice, this position may have opportunities to:

• Obtain Building Performance Institute (BPI) certification or other industry-recognized training.
• Receive mentorship from experienced energy and climate professionals.
• Participate in statewide energy and climate conferences and trainings.
• Build technical expertise in building science, energy efficiency, beneficial electrification, and climate implementation.
• Develop project management, public engagement, and collaborative leadership skills.

 Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in environmental science, engineering, sustainability, geography, planning, public policy, construction management, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Strong interest in climate solutions, building decarbonization, energy efficiency, and environmental stewardship.
• Excellent organizational skills with strong attention to detail.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and complete assignments in a timely manner.
• Strong computer skills including Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, spreadsheets, and database systems.
• Ability to learn technical building energy concepts and communicate them effectively to community members.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams.
• Reliable transportation, valid driver's license, and acceptable driving record.
• Self-starter and can-do attitude with a readiness to learn and contribute to a dynamic team.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in customer service, nonprofit organizations, community outreach, or public engagement.
• Familiarity with residential energy efficiency, building systems, HVAC, construction, or electrification.
• Experience using Salesforce or other customer relationship management (CRM) platforms.
• Experience planning workshops, trainings, or community events.
• Interest in pursuing technical certifications related to building performance or energy efficiency.
• Experience with data collection, reporting, or grant-funded projects.

Work Environment

This position is based in Steamboat Springs, Colorado and requires regular in-person work. Responsibilities include both office-based administrative work and field visits. Occasional evening and weekend work is required to support community meetings, workshops, and public events.