Posted 5d ago

Energy Policy Analyst

@ City of Brighton
Brighton, Colorado, United States
$79k-$103k/yrHybridFull Time
Responsibilities:Policy development, Code support, Program implementation
Requirements Summary:Bachelor’s in policy/planning/environmental studies and 3+ years in sustainability or energy policy; knowledge of building codes and decarbonization; strong communication and project management
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Job Description

About the Department

Starting hiring salary - $79,264.00 to $84,019.84 annually 

Description
Want to be part of an organization that is as invested in your success as you are in its mission? Do you care about building a strong community that meets the needs of today while preparing for future generations? At the City of Brighton, we are committed to operational excellence and a culture that is customer-centric, purposeful, accountable, transparent, and communicative, a mission that starts with you. Brighton is actively advancing its sustainability goals, with a growing focus on energy efficiency, decarbonization, and practical, community-driven solutions. Through regional partnerships, innovative programs, and policy leadership, the City is taking meaningful steps to reduce emissions, improve energy performance, and support long-term resilience.

The Energy Policy Analyst is a newly established role within the City of Brighton. This position develops and implements policies, programs, code updates, and related initiatives that advance energy efficiency, decarbonization, and the City’s broader sustainability goals, with a focus on reducing energy use and supporting long-term emissions reductions. Reporting to the Sustainability Coordinator, the Energy Policy Analyst works across City departments and with external partners to advance these efforts and provide recommendations to improve energy management strategies. Key responsibilities include supporting code and policy development and implementation, providing technical assistance and capacity building across departments, and helping deliver citywide programs and initiatives. This role integrates policy development, technical coordination, and cross-departmental and community collaboration to drive measurable progress toward the City’s energy and sustainability objectives.
This is a full-time, benefited, temporary position supported by grant funding through the Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG) Building Policy Collaborative sub-award program. The position is expected to continue for approximately four (4) years, with funding currently anticipated through October 2029. Ongoing employment is contingent upon the availability of grant funding and may be subject to early termination if funding is reduced or discontinued.

City Hall business hours are Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Flexible scheduling, including a hybrid of remote and in-office work, may be considered.

Key Responsibilities


Policy Development and Implementation
Lead the development, adoption, and implementation of building decarbonization policies, codes, and action plans.
Research and apply best practices to align City policy with state and federal building performance standards.
Integrate energy and decarbonization strategies into the Sustainability Plan, Comprehensive Plan, and other long-range planning documents.
Serve as City representative in the DRCOG Building Policy Collaborative and assist with Local Impact Accelerator Grant implementation.  Attend a minimum of 75% of meetings; participate in the collaborative to inform and shape regional policy goals, roadmaps, and policy package proposals; and ensure local policy is consistent in approach
Support initiatives such as LEED for Cities certification and potential local building benchmarking programs.

Code Support and Alignment

Coordinate with Community Development, Planning, and Building Divisions on energy and building code updates.
Provide technical assistance to staff and developers to ensure consistency with sustainability and energy performance goals.
Serve as liaison to consultants and staff supporting inspection, permitting, and plan review capacity related to energy codes.
Organize staff training to build expertise in energy code compliance, electrification, and sustainable construction.
Connect developers and contractors with decarbonization resources, incentives, and technical support.

Program Implementation and Capacity Building

Design and implement building decarbonization programs emphasizing electrification, energy efficiency, and renewable energy integration.
Develop outreach and incentive strategies to increase participation among residents, businesses, and developers.
Coordinate demonstration and pilot projects to showcase innovative building practices.
Support staff professional development, including certifications such as LEED, Certified Energy Manager, and Building Performance Institute.

Stakeholder Engagement and Education

Serve as a primary liaison between the City, utilities, contractors, developers, and community members.
Lead engagement and education efforts to increase awareness of energy codes and decarbonization opportunities.
Prepare communication materials, dashboards, and presentations for City Council, boards, and the public.
Collaborate with internal teams to maintain transparency and promote data-driven decision-making.

Data and Reporting
Track and report on building sector energy use, emissions, and program outcomes.
Manage grant reporting and compliance requirements for DRCOG and other funding partners.
Report municipal building energy data to the State of Colorado Building Performance Standards program.
Monitor emerging technologies, funding opportunities, and best practices to inform City initiatives.

Qualifications

Education and Experience
Bachelor’s degree in public policy, Urban Planning, Sustainability, Environmental Studies, Environmental Policy, Public Administration, or a related field.
3+ years of experience in sustainability, energy policy, building performance programs, or local government.
Familiarity with building codes, energy efficiency standards, and decarbonization strategies.

Knowledge and Skills
Strong understanding of policy development, program design, and implementation in a municipal context.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate technical information for diverse audiences.
Strong project management and analytical skills, with attention to detail and measurable outcomes.