Assistant Energy Manager

This is a two year fixed term role within the Energy Agency, part of the Emergency Operations and Climate Action Directorate. The Assistant Energy Manager will support Cork City Council in meeting its statutory energy efficiency and decarbonisation targets and may also be assigned to broader Energy Agency workstreams aimed at achieving net zero public buildings by 2030.

Key Responsibilities

A. Strategic Leadership and Energy Governance

• Support the implementation, monitoring and reporting of Cork City Council’s Climate Action Plan.

• Contribute to the Climate Champions initiative, promoting energy awareness and engagement across the organisation.

• Monitor, interpret and communicate relevant environmental, energy and climate related policy and legislative changes.

B. Energy Management Systems and Compliance

• Support the operation, maintenance and continual improvement of the ISO 50001 Energy Management System.

• Assist in ensuring compliance with the Public Spending Code, Infrastructure Guidelines, SEAI funding conditions and all relevant regulatory frameworks.

• Oversee procurement, administration and certification of Cork City Council’s energy accounts (electricity, gas and oil).

C. Project Development and Delivery

• Identify, assess and prioritise energy efficiency and decarbonisation projects across the Council’s building portfolio.

• Carry out technical evaluations, feasibility analyses and energy assessments to support project development.

• Prepare or contribute to technical specifications, procurement documentation and project scopes.

• Support financial management, cost control, compliance and progress reporting for all energy projects.

• Assist with the installation, commissioning and management of new meter points in collaboration with utility companies and service providers.

D. Monitoring, Reporting and Data Management

• Maintain the SEAI Monitoring and Reporting (M&R) database, ensuring accurate, auditable and compliant datasets.

• Monitor and analyse energy performance across Council operations and report on emerging trends.

• Work collaboratively with the Fleet Manager, Facilities Manager, Public Lighting team and other internal stakeholders to ensure consistency and accuracy of energy data.

E. Engagement, Communication and Capacity Building

• Promote best practice energy behaviour, awareness and culture change among Cork City Council staff.

• Contribute to staff training, information sessions and engagement activities to build organisational capacity.

• Represent Cork City Council at national energy and climate related events, workshops and stakeholder forums.

F. General and Additional Duties

• Carry out energy audits and assist with preparing specifications for externally delivered audits.

• Support compliance with all statutory local authority obligations relating to energy efficiency, decarbonisation and emissions reduction.

• Assist in preparing technical documentation, funding applications and project proposals as required.

• Undertake additional duties consistent with the role and evolving organisational priorities, including supporting the Executive Energy Manager in project oriented workstreams.

The above specification is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties involved and, consequently, the post holder may be required to perform other duties as appropriate to the post which may be assigned to them from time to time and to contribute to the development of the post while in office.

QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE POST

Character

Each candidate must be of good character.

Health

Each candidate must be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service.

Education, Training, Experience, etc.

Each candidate must, on the latest date for receipt of completed applications:

a) hold at least an ordinary bachelor’s degree (level 7 or higher on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ)) in energy systems engineering, energy management, sustainable energy engineering, building services engineering or a related discipline relevant to the post;

OR

b) hold an ordinary bachelor’s degree (level 7 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ)) and a post graduate master’s degree (level 9 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ)) in energy systems engineering, energy management, sustainable energy engineering, building services engineering or a related discipline relevant to the post.

AND

c) have at least two years satisfactory experience relevant to the role after attaining the qualification referred to under 3 (a) or (b) above;

d) possess a high standard of technical training and experience appropriate to the nature of the role, including administrative experience;

e) have a satisfactory knowledge of public service organisation or the ability to acquire such knowledge.

Driving Licence

Holders of the office may be required to drive a car in the course of their duties and therefore are required to hold a full driving licence for class B vehicles free from disqualifications.

Desirable Skills

Energy Management

• Experience with energy data management, including SEAI Monitoring and Reporting (M&R).

• Practical experience implementing or maintaining ISO 50001 Energy Management Systems.

• Knowledge of energy auditing practices, including Building Energy Ratings (BERs), DEC requirements, and energy performance analysis.

• Understanding of Energy Performance Contracting (EPC), ESCO models, and measurement and verification methods (e.g., IPMVP).

• Professional certifications (CEM, CMVP or equivalent) are an advantage.

Energy Efficiency and Project Delivery

• Experience designing, assessing or delivering energy efficiency or decarbonisation projects in buildings or public infrastructure.

• Ability to interpret technical reports, feasibility studies, and building services data to identify viable interventions.

• Experience preparing procurement and contract documentation for energy projects.

• Understanding of capital project delivery, financial management, and post project verification of energy or carbon savings.

Renewable Energy

• Experience supporting or delivering small scale renewable energy projects (electrical or thermal, ≤ 3 MW).

• Knowledge of renewable technologies suitable for public sector buildings or fleet applications.

• Experience preparing funding applications, technical assessments or project proposals.

Climate Action and Public Sector Responsibilities

• Understanding of national public sector obligations on climate action, energy efficiency, and statutory reporting.

• Awareness of the Local Authority Climate Action Plan (LACAP) framework and sectoral climate mitigation requirements.

• Experience engaging with stakeholders such as SEAI, CARO, Government Departments or EU project partners.

• Experience contributing to climate related studies, strategies, or compliance reporting is desirable.

Technical, Analytical and ICT Skills

• Strong data analysis skills, including competence with statistical methods and analysis software.

• Ability to compile, manage and audit large datasets relating to energy use, metering and performance.

• Competence in engineering IT tools, databases, modelling, and energy performance software.

• Knowledge of relevant health and safety legislation and its application in technical project environments.

Salary

The salary scale for the post is:

€47,770 - €50,438 - €52,425 - €54,487 - €56,600 - €58,748 - €60,915 - €63,083 - €65,250 - €67,421 - €69,603 (Max) - €71,834 (LSI1) - €74,068 (LSI2)

In accordance with Departmental Circular Letter EL 02/2011, a person who is not a serving local authority employee on or after 1 January 2011 will enter the scale at the minimum point.

Hours of Duty

The standard working week will be 35 hours per week. The role may, on occasion, include evening and weekend work.

Holders of the post may be called for duty at any time in accordance with arrangements made by local authorities. The Council reserves the right to alter hours of work from time to time.