Business Energy Services Fellow

Description

C3 is seeking an individual with a strong interest in the areas of commercial greenhouse gas emissions reduction, energy efficiency, renewable energy, and building electrification, with a passion for helping implement solutions within local communities. This position will focus on service of and collaboration with locally-headquartered businesses and non-profits, and supporting C3’s programs that enable their direct action and participation in climate solutions.

The ideal candidate should be data-driven, solutions-oriented, and understand the value of a concise, actionable, well-designed deliverable. This person should also be comfortable thinking creatively and collaboratively, and helping to develop new solutions and programs. The Commercial

Energy Services Fellow will assist in: processing, analyzing, and maintaining commercial greenhouse gas emissions data; providing and developing direct emissions reduction services to commercial organizations, with a focus on building energy assessments; and direct coaching and consultation for businesses and non-profits to enable follow-through of recommended actions.

About the Community Climate Collaborative (C3)
The Community Climate Collaborative (C3) is a nonprofit organization serving Albemarle County, Charlottesville, and Richmond, VA. Our mission is to make carbon-neutral communities a reality. We work hand-in-hand with local governments, businesses, and residents to mitigate climate change in ways that improve daily life. Through technical expertise, policy leadership, and strategic communications, we help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, transform local systems, and grow a strong, inclusive climate movement. Learn more at theclimatecollaborative.org.

Inclusivity Statement
At C3, we are committed to fairness, equity, and eliminating systemic barriers in our hiring process. We value skills gained through professional experience as much as formal education. If your experience aligns with the responsibilities of this role, we encourage you to apply—even if you do not meet every listed qualification.

C3 is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any characteristic protected by law. We strive to provide accommodations to ensure all individuals can perform essential job functions.

Job Duties

● Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions data processing and delivery:
● Process energy and fuel data and translate into greenhouse gas emissions inventories;
● Maintain C3’s database of commercial greenhouse gas emissions, and perform internal audits and assessments to ensure data integrity and quality.
● Deliver and develop direct commercial services, including:
● Commercial building energy audits, ASHRAE Level 1 (e.g., “walkthrough” audits);
● Consultation on building project execution, including energy efficiency and solar energy;
● Services may often occur in collaboration with other service providers, with C3 in support.
● Deliver polished, high-quality reports which summarize emissions and energy performance, and recommend specific actions with easy-to-follow guidance.
● Develop, refine, and advance internal technical processes for these services. This includes evaluating and implementing automated tool(s) for:
●Capturing energy data from utility bills and translating into a GHG inventory;
● Translating building survey observations automatically into audit reports;
● Reducing the time to complete audit reports.
● Assist in executing C3’s Energy Efficiency Grants program, which provides direct financial support to small businesses and non-profits for energy saving upgrades. This will include:
● Conduct energy walkthroughs of small businesses to identify opportunities;
● Collaborate with service providers to ensure quality and cost-effective services;
● Calculate and tabulate energy and emissions reductions resulting from these upgrades.
● Contribute to communications for corporate sustainability, particularly social media stories.
● Assist with other miscellaneous program tasks.

Skills Required

Key Skills
● Excellent research, analytical, and writing skills, with a focus on energy and emissions reduction.
● Excellent knowledge of Microsoft Office applications (and G-Suite), especially Excel.
● Good interpersonal skills, including the ability to communicate clearly, listen actively, and interact with a variety of audiences.
● Highly organized, detail-oriented, and a motivated self-starter.
● Experience with commercial building energy reduction is desired, including:
● Commercial building energy data and benchmarking;
● Commercial building energy audits;
● Knowledge of energy efficiency and renewable energy solutions;

Qualifications

Required:
● A degree (or equivalent work experience) in a technical field of study that will translate to building energy and GHG emissions measurement and solutions. This may include degrees or equivalent experience in the areas of engineering, environmental science, architecture, and/or sustainability.
● Analytical skills and the ability to work with quantitative and qualitative data.
● Experience developing polished, concise reports with graphical elements.
Preferred:
● Working experience in energy- or sustainability-related fields.
● Knowledge of energy-consuming systems in commercial buildings.
● Experience in project management and coordination.
● Interest in and proven ability to work in a diverse and interdisciplinary team.

Work Schedule

● Location: Charlottesville, Virginia, USA, or Richmond, Virginia, USA
● Frequent travel will be required between Charlottesville and Richmond. Candidates must have a personal vehicle for use and a valid driver’s license.
● Minimum of 20 hours per week, up to 25 hours per week depending on workload.
● Travel costs outside of home office service area will be compensated.

Additional Info

● Application Deadline: 2/27/2026
● Starting date: As soon as possible
● End date: 6 months from start. Extension may be available, dependent on funding.
● This position will require performing energy audits in commercial buildings, which requires a walking survey of the building and can include accessing hard-to-reach areas such as attics, roofs, and crawl spaces. This may require the use of ladders and stairs, or stooping/kneeling/crouching to access these spaces.
● C3 does not sponsor work visas at this time.
● C3 will allot time and financial reimbursement for obtaining necessary certifications for this work, including green building expertise, commercial energy audits, and greenhouse gas emissions management.
● This position does not include medical or other fringe benefits.

To apply, please send a cover letter, resume, and salary requirements to info@theclimatecollaborative.org with “Business Energy Services Fellow – Application” as the subject line.