Energy Conservation Technician Job Description, Career as a Energy Conservation Technician, Salary, Employment

Education and Training: Bachelor’s Degree

Average Salary: $47,211 Annually

Job Outlook: Very Good

Job Description

Energy conservation technicians work in a variety of ways to ensure that the right resources are utilized in the appropriate amounts. Though the job is certainly more involved and broader than just that, at the core that is what this individual works to oversee. They are most commonly involved with HVAC system and maintenance as a part of their job.
As a part of their job, energy conservation technicians begin the process with a walk through. They are usually contracted by a third party or government agency to determine the current status of the building, land, or the project at hand. This is an important step as the energy conservation technician works to assess what is currently happening so that they can measure progress along the way.
They are responsible for interacting with the staff to ask pertinent questions. They want to get an idea of what the situation entails, and what measures may need to be taken. Though they will ultimately work to ensure that energy is conserved as a result of their efforts, they need to have a starting point and to build relationships so that they can talk to everyone involved in the effort.
They provide guidance in the energy efficiency measures that are recommended. As the whole point of their job is to conserve energy in the most pertinent way possible, it’s imperative that they can work through any improvements and recommendations to provide to their clients. They not only provide recommendations, but may very well be involved in their set up and integration. This is an important measure as it will involve their expertise and knowledge to ensure that the recommendations are followed, and that they are carried out appropriately. They are often involved in measuring the progress and monitoring how the energy efficiency measures are working. It’s important to be sure that all steps in the process lead to conservation of energy.

Education and Training Requirements

It is usually recommended and expected that an individual in this role has a minimum of a bachelor’s degree. Though they may very well expect to receive much of their training on the job or throughout their career in this role, it is important to have a background. Any sort of education or training within energy, conservation, green living, or energy efficient measures can be of great help.
As this type of job is constantly evolving, one can expect to receive quite a bit of training on the job as they move forward. It’s important to keep up with the latest energy efficiency measures and since this area is constantly changing and growing, training may very well be required. It’s also important that training be taken that allows the energy conservation technician to know how systems and measures work first hand.

Getting the Job

Any background within energy conservation can be of great help. Working as a technician in a related environment or background may help the individual to get the job. Initially education, particularly within energy and conservation, may be of great help in getting the job. Beyond that though, experience will play a very important role in getting the job. Showing an aptitude for working in this role and knowing how to work through the process and offer recommendations is ultimately what will help an individual to get a job in this capacity.

Job Prospects, Employment Outlook, and Career Development

Since “green living” is such an area of focus right now, this is a great area to be employed within. As more companies, organizations, and government agencies focus their attention on energy conservation, that opens up many new opportunities for individuals in this field. This is expected to continue to be an area of growth as energy efficiency is expected to continue on as a priority.
Those that work as energy conservation technicians can expect to enjoy some excellent career growth. They may expect to stay in this field and move up the ladder, or they may apply their experience to a wide range of other positions within this field. This is all good for their longevity and career opportunities within the field and the industry.

Working Conditions and Environment

Typically an energy conservation technician works at a client site or travels to client meetings. As they are usually involved throughout the whole process, they may expect to either set up an office at the client site or travel back and forth quite a bit. They are involved in everything from walk through to implementation and therefore can expect to have a lot of responsibilities and potential stress on their plate. Though the specific environment may vary, it is often based within a manufacturing environment or organization directly.
Energy conservation technicians must be good at building relationships as this will play a very important role in their job. They also must be detail oriented as they need to work through a thorough assessment and help to integrate their solutions. They must be able to handle stress and resistance well, as there may very well be some of both involved with the introduction of their role.

Salary and Benefits

The average salary of an energy conservation technician is around $47,211 per year. This salary may vary based on level of experience, type of employer, size of work environment, individual responsibilities, and of course geographic location. These factors may all contribute to making the salary range higher or lower accordingly. As this is usually a salaried position, it may be expected that the individual will receive a traditional benefits package. This may include paid vacation and sick days, health benefits, and potentially a retirement account.

Where to Go for More Information
Association of Energy Services Professionals
4809 East Thistle Landing Drive, Suite 100
Phoenix, AZ 85044
(480) 704-5900

National Association of State Energy Officials
1414 Prince Street, Suite 200
Alexandria, Virginia 22314
(703) 299-8800