Energy Efficiency Technical Specialist

Energy Efficiency Technical Specialist

Location: Fergus Falls Salary Grade: 11

Otter Tail Power Company is seeking an experienced Energy Efficiency Engineer to provide technical leadership, engineering analysis, measurement and verification (M&V), and program management support of conservation, energy efficiency, demand-side management (DSM), electrification, and load management initiatives. The position plays a critical role in maximizing program performance, supporting regulatory compliance, validating energy savings, and advancing the Company’s Energy Conservation and Optimization (ECO) and Energy Efficiency Partnership (EEP) objectives.

Working with internal and external stakeholders, this role provides technical expertise that supports customer energy programs, utility infrastructure efficiency improvements, and regulatory proceedings. The successful candidate will serve as a subject matter expert on energy savings methodologies, M&V protocols, and emerging efficiency and electrification technologies.

Key Responsibilities

Lead Engineering Analysis and Program Evaluation

• Provide rigorous engineering analysis, research, development, M&V, and evaluation for energy efficiency, demand response, electrification, and conservation programs.

Support Customer Energy Programs

• Provide technical leadership and support for programs involving heat pumps, lighting, drive power, compressed air, refrigeration, commercial kitchen equipment, electric transportation, demand response technologies, and related customer solutions.

Represent Company Regulatory Interests

• Represent Otter Tail Power Company in Minnesota Department of Commerce Technical Reference Manual reviews, CARD grant evaluations, regulatory proceedings, and other governmental reviews.

Develop Measurement and Verification Methodologies

• Develop engineering assumptions, energy savings calculations, M&V plans, and supporting documentation required under state regulatory protocols.

Monitor Program Performance

• Evaluate participation levels, budget performance, and achieved energy savings; communicate program results and recommendations to leadership.

Support Energy Audit Evaluations

• Identify, assess, and quantify energy efficiency opportunities at customer facilities through technical analyses, site evaluations, and energy usage assessments.

Review Technical Analyses

• Review and approve engineering analyses developed by program managers and implementation staff to ensure technical accuracy and regulatory compliance.

Manage Custom Project Reviews

• Conduct detailed technical reviews of custom energy projects’ coordinate with professional engineers, customer teams, and contractors; and manage stakeholder communications.

Perform Analysis

• Conduct life-cycle financial modeling and technical feasibility assessments for DSM and ECO opportunities.

Provide Technical Customer Support

• Deliver engineering expertise and technical support to customers and internal teams to facilitate program implementation and project success.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Energy Management, Mathematics or a related technical field; or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Strong technical, analytical, financial, and computer skills.
• Ability to analyze complex technical issues and develop practical customer and utility solutions.
• Certified Energy Manager (CEM) certification or the ability to complete certification within one year of employment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of energy efficiency, demand-side management, electrification, utility operations, and M&V practices.
• Experience developing engineering calculations, technical reports, and regulatory documentation.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, project management and stakeholder engagement skills.

What We Offer

We believe employment is a partnership and we expect excellence from our talented employees. To support our employees and help drive their career experience and goals.

• Competitive wage & benefit package.
• The expected offer for base compensation for this role is $76,000- $105,000 annually. The actual compensation within the compensation range will vary based on factors relevant to the position.
• Incentive plans
• Employee Stock Ownership options
• Retirement Savings Fund with employer match
• Health, disability and life insurance plan options
• Our employees are provided training and development opportunities each year, including education reimbursement. This includes safety – one of our values and key to our success – technical, compliance and developmental training.
• Career development is critical to our long-term success. Otter Tail Power employees have opportunities to participate in various leadership development programs, gain access to an a la carte online leadership course catalog, receive mentorship from current leaders and more!
• Mental health support from the experts at SupportLinc as well as competitive vacation and sick leave to ensure employees are at their best when they’re working.

To apply, visit our careers page at www.otpco.com. Applications accepted through November 27, 2026.

This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship at this time.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.