We are so excited for this year’s Earth Week! We will be offering in-person PCC-sponsored events as well as some virtual opportunities to engage. There will also be library displays at each campus.

Events

EcoChallenge

Participate virtually all month long with the EcoChallenge! This year’s Earth Month Ecochallenge theme is “Conserving Every Ecosystem, Caring for Every Creature” and runs from April 1st to April 30th. You’re invited to select actions that resonate with your values, committing to them for 30 days to foster and reinforce positive habits. Each action you complete earns points and generates real-world impact. Your efforts, combined with those of your team, contribute to a significant collective difference. and if you have any questions, email kdsmith@pcc.edu.

Oregon Pollinators

April 22-26, Upper Mall, CC

This collection of watercolor paintings was created by members of PCC’s Foundation Office during a half-day painting workshop led by PCC art instructor Mark Smith. In its quarterly retreats, the Foundations team familiarizes itself with the variety of academic disciplines represented at PCC, resulting here, in a full immersion into a studio project from a watercolor class.  In honor of Earth Week, the workshop participants created paintings based on Oregon pollinators, principally hummingbirds, of which there are at least eight varieties found in this state and region.  The watercolors are painted on specially prepared canvases that allow for both adding and removing paint to achieve a visually transparent quality.

PowerShift is an educational campaign targeted at faculty and staff to conserve energy in offices and buildings. Email sustainability@pcc.edu to request Power Shift materials for placement around PCC.

About Strategic Energy Management

These tips are brought to you from PCC’s Strategic Energy Management Program. PCC is enrolled in as part of our approach to sustainable and responsible energy management.

Strategic Energy Management (SEM) focuses on continuous energy improvement by optimizing the performance of existing building systems and equipment, influencing employee and occupant behavior and investing in economically beneficial capital improvements.

PCC receives financial incentives by participating in planning energy savings projects, engaging in operations calls with Energy Coaches, workshop participation, tracking projects and energy use and by demonstrating annual energy savings in our enrolled buildings. The program is supported though the Energy Trust of Oregon and financed through rate payers utility bills.

Position Description

Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ is looking for a qualified person to join in our efforts to reduce energy use and increase our employee engagement activities. The associate will support the college’s Strategic Energy Management (SEM) program and PowerShift energy team by monitoring and tracking energy use, identifying energy efficiency opportunities, and developing employee awareness and engagement campaigns.

This person should be prepared to work in a fast-paced team environment and will finish the associate position having gained broad experience in various aspects of energy efficiency and sustainability. Currently all our work is remote but we hope that we will be back on campus sometime in 2021. We are requesting at least a year commitment for the position.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Work with the college’s energy management system to monitor and track energy use district-wide to benchmark buildings enrolled in the SEM program and support energy management at PCC.
• Analyze data for SEM modeling.
• Analyze data using BuildingOS and Energy Star Portfolio Manager.
• Conduct night audits to identify energy efficiency opportunities when needed.
• Review building automation systems equipment trends for efficiency opportunities.
• Interview and document standard operating procedures with FMS staff for equipment and HVAC systems and develop written requirements based on energy efficiency best practices.
• Work with the maintenance department to track and maintain Energy Action List and ensure completion of identified projects.
• Oversee USDOE 50001 Ready certification process.
• Utilize US Department of Energy resources to optimize energy efficiency
• Continue work on strategic scheduling project
• Analyze heat maps and discuss the outcome with FMS staff.
• Create and deliver employee awareness campaigns, including the creation of signage, marketing materials, informational emails, games, and competitions.
• Assist with the preparation and delivery of training materials.
• Research and identify areas in the organization where energy awareness is low and develop plans for engagement.
• Develop reporting mechanisms for various stakeholders to understand SEM efforts.
• Prepare and deliver presentations to employees and staff regarding the SEM program.
• Attend energy team meetings on campus, including taking notes, tracking the completion of action items, and the development of agenda items.
• Review the organization’s current purchasing practices, procedures or policies and identify areas to insert energy efficiency requirements.
• Assist with event planning

Learning Opportunities

• Monthly SEM operations and organizational calls with the Energy Coaches and the Energy Team
• Attend half day SEM workshops covering continuous improvement best practices and engagement strategies
• Learn about energy monitoring tracking systems and variables affecting energy in the commercial sector
• Become familiar with statistical regression modeling
• Present accomplishments and findings at the end of the associate position to SEM Team and Energy Coaches
• Network with industry professionals and develop a support base for additional learning and career opportunities
• Work with Building OS and Energy Star Portfolio Manager
• Participate in the final stages of the college’s Climate Action Plan Update

Qualifications

• Interest in working in an energy-related field
• Data entry experience
• Ability to explore new software and tools.
• Familiar with Microsoft PowerPoint, Word, and Excel
• Experience with engaging individuals, communities, and teams
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail
• Pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in related field
• Ability to work well with others across disciplines and with different viewpoints.
• Comfortable taking initiative and working on projects in a self-directed manner
• Minimum one year commitment

Key Benefits

• Paid internship – starting wage $16/hour
• Flexible work schedule 20-30 hours/ week
• Opportunity to gain valuable experience working in the higher education system
• Great professional development opportunity with Energy Trust of Oregon SEM workshops and a close working relationship with professional energy coaches
• Work with a team of fun and dynamic people
• Multidisciplinary energy management approach allows career exploration across a broad spectrum of energy-related fields
• Opportunity to learn new energy-related software programs
• Training and workshops on a variety of topics
• Professional networking for your career

To apply please email your resume, cover letter and three professional references to elaine.cole16@pcc.edu. Position open until filled, for best consideration apply by Friday, December 4th, 2020.