Senior Energy Officer - Project Development and Innovation

The starting salary for this role is £41,127 per annum for working 36 hours per week. This is a 24-month fixed term contract.

As a Senior Energy Officer - Project Development and Innovation, you will be responsible for a mixture of project work, engagement and specialist advice. The projects could be internal to ensure climate change is considered in everything we do as a Council, or act externally to support the changes that residents, business, communities and other public sector partners need to make to achieve a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in buildings across Surrey. This role will prioritise the development and testing of innovative technologies and approaches, which is the reason why the post holder will have the ability to think outside the box and take ideas forward proactively, working in partnership with multiple stakeholders.  

In this role, you will be a champion of the climate change agenda through clear, accurate and inspiring communications and engagement within and outside of the Council.

You will propose and develop projects considering all resident sectors and leveraging technologic and/or approach innovation, or create enabling circumstances for these projects to happen. As well as this, you will effectively use a wide range of evidence and undertake analysis in a range of contexts. You will also provide input or lead on business cases, funding applications, and contract management.

You will be responsible for supporting the development of a Local Area Energy Plan, working with Surrey’s Districts and Boroughs. In addition, you will identify opportunities to support the deployment of renewable energy technologies in Surrey and will work on a project to identify and develop district heating networks in Surrey.

You will also propose and develop a pathway for SCC to support the deployment of Green Hydrogen in Surrey (both for transport and energy storage/generation). You will continually stay abreast of technological and 'Smart City' innovations and propose pilot projects to trial them in Surrey. As well as this, you will assess opportunities for SCC to support development of biofuels/bioenergy in Surrey.

You will establish relationships with external stakeholders, such as universities, and identify opportunities for partnerships. You will also provide ad hoc support to other projects, such as solar farms development, if required.

As a Senior Energy Officer, you will take a key role in the Greener Futures programme management through the use of effective tools and techniques, the identification and mitigation of risks and issues, budget management, and the support of effective governance processes. 

To be shortlisted to interview for this position your application will clearly evidence:

• Undergraduate degree standard of education in relevant subject and at least 5 years of relevant work experience.
• Continuing professional development.
• Specialist knowledge of low carbon energy technologies with a special focus on innovation.  
• Understanding of the current energy and climate landscape in the UK. 
• Project development and management experience, including budgeting, reporting, effective management of contractors and financial management and control. 
• Contract implementation and management experience. 
• Ability to research and think innovatively, and to present proposals in a concise and clear manner. 
• Excellent relationship management and leadership skills. 
• Experience in stakeholder engagement.  
• Good IT skills including use of MS office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook). 

We operate a policy of agile working, which means you will have the option to spend part of your week working from home, though this may flex based on business need. Currently our team is working 1 to 2 days per week at our offices in Quadrant Court, Woking.  

The Strategic Energy Team is being created as part of a growing effort to deliver our ambitious climate change targets of a net-zero county by 2050 and a net-zero organisation by 2030. The Strategic Energy Team have responsibility for delivering carbon reduction targets within the Council's own estate, as well as supporting the development of renewable energy and working across a range of partners and within communities to decarbonise domestic and commercial properties. Team members will contribute towards shaping a key part of our climate change programme, using their skills and expertise to work with a wide range of internal and external partners.

At Surrey, our values and behaviours are just as important as our skills and abilities. They shape who we are as an organisation. Find out more about the values we follow.

The job advert closes at 23:59 on 25/11/2022. Interview dates TBC.

Contact Details

For an informal discussion please email climatechange@surreycc.gov.uk.

We look forward to receiving your application, please click on the apply online button below to submit. You are required to submit your CV (no more than two A4 pages) and a personal statement (no more than one A4 page) highlighting your motivation and how your experience and skills make you suitable for this role. Your personal statement is an essential requirement to enable us to shortlist effectively.

Benefits

From flexible working to job sharing (where possible) we are committed to providing a healthy work life balance. A laptop and mobile will be supplied if applicable to your role. You will benefit from 26 days annual leave, rising to 28 days after 2 years' service, a generous local government salary related pension, as well as the option to join our car lease scheme. For more information about the wide variety of benefits you can take advantage of please visit MyBenefits for Surrey County Council staff.

Our Commitment

Surrey County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We want to be an inclusive and diverse employer of first choice reflecting the community we serve and particularly welcome applications from all under represented groups.