Building Performance Standards (BPS) Fellow

About the Opportunity 

Start Date: June 1st, 2026

Length of Fellowship: 15 months

Location Type: Hybrid

Are you ready to help ensure Seattle’s transition to a clean energy future is equitable and accessible while working directly with building owners to reduce emissions? As a Building Performance Standards (BPS) Fellow in the Climate Corps Fellowship program, you’ll have the opportunity to contribute to an impactful climate program with the City of Seattle. This is a hybrid position with the expectation of onsite work 3 days per week.

In this role, you’ll receive mentorship and training to conduct outreach, provide energy and emissions reduction services, and connect building owners with resources to help them comply with the Seattle Building Emissions Performance Standard (BEPS), as well as the Washington State Clean Buildings Performance Standard (CBPS). In addition to hands-on experience, Fellows will receive training through the Building Operator Certification (BOC) program, gaining specialized skills in building systems maintenance and energy efficiency.

Seattle’s BEPS aims to improve energy efficiency, reduce costs, and lower climate pollution from fossil fuel use in existing buildings. Beginning in 2027 and through 2030, owners of larger commercial and multifamily buildings in Seattle must verify energy benchmarking data and report on their plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. These efforts will prepare owners to meet greenhouse gas intensity targets, beginning in 2031. This position will primarily provide support and guidance to building owners representing underserved communities, such as low-income housing and nonprofits, to meet the benchmarking and planning requirements. Fellows will be at the forefront of this effort, helping drive impactful change in the built environment.

About Our Partner: City of Seattle Office of Sustainability & Environment

The Office of Sustainability & Environment is dedicated to developing and implementing citywide environmental policies and programs that propel the City of Seattle toward a sustainable, equitable, and carbon-neutral future. Their mission is to ensure a clean and healthy environment for every resident of Seattle. They prioritize those currently and historically harmed by racial, economic, and environmental injustice and serve as cross-departmental and community partners, innovators, and drivers of cutting-edge city policy.

Training Provided:

• Participation in the Building Operator Certification series.
• Green Building Practicum training, including weekly online classroom sessions and office hours to support Fellows in their work with building owners.
• Learn to use the ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager software to track, calculate, and verify building energy use, as well as additional energy software (ex, PSE Energy Cap).
• Develop knowledge of Energy Efficiency Measures (EEMs) and decarbonization strategies.

What You’ll Do

• Building out educational resources for building owners regarding BEPS compliance, timelines, and incentives.
• Contacting eligible building owners, operators, and managers, especially those representing affordable housing and nonprofits, to offer Fellow support.
• Supporting individual building owners and managers with understanding BEPS and CBPS requirements, alternative compliance pathways, and incentive opportunities.
• Acting as a liaison between building owners or managers and the City of Seattle.
• Providing assistance with benchmarking verification, including gathering building data (utility bills, square footage, occupancy, etc.) to identify the building’s energy use intensity (EUI) and greenhouse gas intensity (GHGI).
• Making periodic on-site visits as needed to verify individual building characteristics and energy use details.
• Determining the estimated future BEPS GHGI targets.
• Providing assistance with the BEPS Greenhouse Gas Report, including identifying major mechanical equipment, fossil fuel appliances, and recommended actions to meet GHGI targets.
• Gathering or creating the required documentation for the BEPS compliance.
• Assisting building owners with BEPS compliance reporting through an online compliance portal.
• Providing owners with details about how/when their building is covered by the WA CBPS, including if meeting the EUIt is required. Providing information about where and how to obtain CBPS support and templates for the Operations and Maintenance (O&M) plans and Energy Management plans (EMP).
• Local travel will be required with reimbursement.

What We’re Looking For

• Coursework, training, or experience in fields related to energy efficiency, renewable energy, environmental science, data analysis, building efficiency, urban planning, engineering, public policy, sustainability, or facilities management.
• Be comfortable with the basic functions of one or more of the following: Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
• Strong ability to manage your own schedule and take initiative on new projects.
• Strong communication skills (writing, corresponding, speaking).
• Desire to meet and provide clear, accessible guidance to help building owners and facility managers navigate new and complex requirements.
• Ability to work independently and carry out assignments.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and meet project deadlines, and effectively manage multiple projects concurrently.
• Valid driver’s license.
• The ability to work onsite on a full-time or hybrid basis [3 days per week in the office]. This position requires the employee to be physically located within commuting distance of the site location at the time of hire. Only candidates currently residing within commuting distance of the site address will be considered.
• Commitment to a fair workplace that honors the experiences, voices, viewpoints, and values of all individuals.
• Authorization to work in the United States for the duration of the fellowship (SEI is unable to sponsor visas).
• May require occasional moving about to accomplish tasks, moving from one worksite to another, or adjusting or moving objects under 25-50 pounds in all directions.
• Must be 18 years or older to apply.

We encourage everyone interested in this position to apply, even if you don’t meet every qualification. We value all perspectives and believe that a unique background can bring significant strengths to this role, even if some qualifications are not fully met.

What We Provide

• A fixed, monthly stipend of $5030.
• $2000 end-of-program financial award.​
• Health care coverage with 100% of health care insurance premiums covered by SEI.
• Fellows receive 15 personal days for a standard 15-month fellowship (prorated for longer terms), which may be used for vacation or sick time. Additionally, Fellows follow their partner site's holiday schedule to observe the same holidays as their team.
• Comprehensive career-readiness training, including interview prep, salary negotiation, and resume building.
• Panels, workshops, and networking with climate resilience industry professionals.
• Professional networking and learning opportunities.

Climate Corps Fellowships are classified under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) as temporary, educational internships that emphasize training and career development, and thus no employment relationship exists, nor compensation is required. However, while not considered traditional employment, Fellows receive a living stipend and professional development support throughout the program.

Recruiting Timeline: Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. We encourage early submissions, as we may stop accepting new applications once a sufficient pool of qualified candidates is identified.