City of Knoxville – Energy Manager

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The City of Knoxville is the municipal government serving one of Tennessee’s largest and fastest-growing cities. It delivers public services across infrastructure, public safety, and community development while advancing sustainability and climate goals.

This is where policy meets pavement.

As Energy Manager, you are responsible for cutting emissions across more than 100 municipal facilities while lowering costs and modernizing infrastructure.

This is not advisory work. This is execution at city scale.

You will:

• Develop and execute energy strategies aligned with the city’s 2030 goal of reducing emissions by 50 percent below 2005 levels.
• Conduct energy audits and analyze utility data to identify inefficiencies.
• Lead retrofit and efficiency projects from planning through implementation.
• Manage contractors, procurement, budgets, and performance tracking.
• Optimize utility usage, rate structures, and billing.
• Act as liaison for Energy Saving Performance Contracts.
• Build financial models including ROI and lifecycle cost analysis.
• Evaluate renewable energy opportunities such as solar and geothermal.
• Secure funding through grants, rebates, and financing mechanisms.
• Support community energy efficiency and weatherization programs.
• Collaborate with internal departments and external stakeholders.
• Present insights and recommendations to leadership and public officials.

You are technical, analytical, and operational.

You likely have:

• Strong knowledge of HVAC, lighting, controls, and building systems.
• Experience with energy modeling and utility tracking tools.
• Financial analysis skills including cost-benefit and ROI modeling.
• Strong communication skills across technical and public audiences.
• Knowledge of greenhouse gas accounting and climate strategies.
• Understanding of energy codes and environmental regulations.

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as engineering, energy management, or environmental science.
• At least 5 years of experience in energy management or sustainability programs.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel locally.
• Certified Energy Manager (CEM) or ability to obtain within 12 months.

• Master’s degree in a related field.
• Experience in municipal or public sector energy programs.
• Certifications such as LEED, PMP, ASHRAE BEAP, or REP.
• Experience with renewable energy development.
• Familiarity with TVA programs and performance contracting.

• Public sector benefits package
• Retirement and pension options
• Health coverage
• Paid leave

Cities are where climate targets either succeed or collapse.

If you can reduce emissions across public infrastructure, you create a blueprint others can replicate.

This role is leverage disguised as operations.