Energy Efficiency Specialist Jobs in Tucson, AZ
Energy efficiency specialists in Tucson help homes and businesses cut their power bills, mostly through Tucson Electric Power's rebate programs, the contractors that run them, and the University of Arizona's campus energy team. Posted pay runs from about $20 an hour to $98,000 a year. Current openings are below, followed by who hires.
Current Energy Efficiency Specialist Openings in Tucson, AZ
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Energy Efficiency Specialist Work in Tucson
In Tucson, most energy efficiency work runs through the electric utility. Tucson Electric Power's Customer Energy Optimization team manages its efficiency, load management and electrification programs, and in 2023 TEP chose Franklin Energy to deliver residential and commercial efficiency services across its territory. That puts field advisors, outreach specialists, direct installers and program coordinators in the field across the Tucson metro, from homes to small businesses, with on-site jobs rather than remote ones.
A second stream is building science. Resource Innovations hires BPI-certified residential energy auditors in Tucson for home energy rebate work, local home performance contractors such as Advantage Home Performance retrofit insulation in existing homes, and the University of Arizona's Energy Conservation and Management unit audits buildings on the main campus north of downtown and tracks the gas burned at its central boiler and turbine plants.
Top Tucson Employers for Energy Efficiency Specialists
These Tucson employers hire for energy efficiency programs, audits and installs:
- Tucson Electric Power - hires program coordinators for its Customer Energy Optimization team and technical specialists for energy efficiency, load management and distributed generation programs.
- Franklin Energy - delivers TEP's residential and commercial efficiency programs and hires field energy advisors, outreach specialists, project coordinators and direct installers in Tucson.
- Resource Innovations - hires residential energy auditors based in Tucson for on-site home audits and quality control on home energy rebate work.
- University of Arizona - University Facility Services' energy conservation unit runs building energy audits and energy infrastructure projects on the main campus.
- Advantage Home Performance - a Tucson home performance contractor that hires insulation installers and trains them toward HVAC work.
Energy Efficiency Specialist Salaries in Tucson
- Entry level (program coordinator, installer): roughly $20 to $27 an hour.
- Experienced (energy auditor, energy advisor): roughly $65,000 to $80,000 a year.
- Senior (energy project manager, program lead): roughly $75,000 to $100,000 a year.
These are estimates that vary by employer and experience. Recent Tucson postings ran $20 to $25 an hour for a Franklin Energy project coordinator, $22.50 to $27 an hour for an insulation installer, $65,000 to $80,000 plus bonus for a BPI-certified residential energy auditor, and $75,540 to $98,201 for the University of Arizona's energy conservation project manager. Certifications and utility experience move pay most.
How to Become an Energy Efficiency Specialist in Tucson
Arizona has no state license for energy efficiency specialists or energy auditors. Entry jobs ask for a high school diploma or an associate degree, a valid driver's license and customer service or office experience, and field roles want time in HVAC, lighting, electrical or utility work. For auditing, the BPI Building Analyst certification is the credential that matters, and Resource Innovations requires it; HERS and RESNET rater credentials are a plus. Pima Community College's one-year HVAC-R Technician certificate at the Downtown Campus covers the airflow, refrigerant and system efficiency basics this work builds on.
What the Job Involves
Energy efficiency specialists visit homes and businesses to explain rebate programs, run blower door and combustion safety tests, use infrared cameras to find air leaks, and install efficient lighting, showerheads and insulation. Office-side specialists review applications, track savings and program budgets, work with contractors and trade allies, and prepare the reports utilities file with regulators.
Skills Employers Look For
- Clear explanations of rebates and savings to homeowners and business owners
- Building science basics: insulation, air sealing, HVAC and ductwork
- Blower door, combustion analyzer and infrared camera use
- Excel, data entry and program tracking systems
- BPI Building Analyst or HERS rater certification for audit roles
- A valid driver's license and comfort in attics in a Tucson summer
Career Path and Advancement
Many people start as program coordinators or direct installers on TEP's programs, move up to field energy advisor or BPI-certified auditor, then to outreach manager or program manager at Franklin Energy or a similar firm. Others go in-house at Tucson Electric Power as technical specialists in energy programs, which runs from level I to senior, or into facilities energy management at the University of Arizona.
Related Careers in Tucson
These Tucson guides cover the closest alternatives for energy efficiency specialists:
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need a license to be an energy auditor in Arizona?
No. Arizona does not license energy auditors or energy efficiency specialists. Employers set the bar instead, and residential audit jobs in Tucson commonly require the BPI Building Analyst certification.
Who runs the energy efficiency programs in Tucson?
Tucson Electric Power owns its efficiency programs through its Customer Energy Optimization team. Franklin Energy was selected in 2023 to implement TEP's residential and commercial efficiency services, so many field jobs are with Franklin.
How much do energy efficiency specialists make in Tucson?
Recent Tucson postings ran $20 to $27 an hour for coordinators and installers and $65,000 to $80,000 a year for certified residential energy auditors. Energy project managers at the University of Arizona were posted at $75,540 to $98,201.
Can you get into energy efficiency work without a degree?
Yes. Coordinator, installer and many auditor jobs in Tucson ask for a high school diploma plus relevant experience. A degree helps for senior program and engineering roles.
What does an energy efficiency field advisor do in Tucson?
A field advisor works directly with homeowners and utility customers to promote efficiency programs, answer questions and oversee installations of energy-saving products. The job is on-site in Tucson, not remote.
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