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The Role of the Resource Conservation Manager

An RCM is designated by an agency to bring about reductions in the use – and associated costs – of energy, water, natural gas, fuel oil, solid waste disposal and all other utilities.

Typical Tasks of an RCM
RCM Skills and Qualifications
Training Resources
Job Opportunities

Typical Tasks of an RCM

  • Track and analyze consumption data 
  • Analyze resource use and trends (personal behavior and consumption)
    Interview building managers and staff, survey facilities, collect baseline data
  • Establish and/or maintain resource accounting software
    Identify errors, institute efficient operational procedures, set savings goals and forecast resource budgets
  • Identify efficiency opportunities
  • Carry out facility audit
    Document existing equipment, conditions and resource use patterns
  • Prepare energy audit report and develop action plan 
  • Cultivate management and staff support for plans
  • Provide information and training to facility operator and maintenance staff  
  • Develop recognition program that encourages actions
  • Develop and facilitate conservation teams to assist with RCM program implementation
  • Work with representatives of local utilities, management, staff and the public to implement all of the above
  • Periodically review and adjust plan as necessary

After two to three years in this role, an RCM’s responsibilities shift to monitoring, tracking and evaluating the plan’s effectiveness. As technology changes, new retrofit projects may arise.

RCM Skills and Qualifications

A qualified RCM is self-motivated, observant and thoughtful, and has excellent organizational and communication skills. Knowledge of the agency and broad credibility with staff at all levels of the organization increase the RCM’s effectiveness. Successful RCMs come from a range of professions such as engineers, teachers, administrators, maintenance staff, lead custodians or consultants.

These general skills and qualifications are needed to become an RCM, although specific jobs may require additional skills:

  • Bachelor degree in environmental science, resource conservation or related field or
  • Associate degree and two years of experience in conservation program or services
  • Understanding of utility rate structure, energy use costs and consumption patterns
  • Strong research and data analysis skills
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills, including report preparation
  • Ability to work with managers, building staff, utility company staff and the public
  • Ability to motivate facilities and maintenance personnel
  • Strong computer skills, including ability to work with data management software
  • Strong meeting facilitation skills
  • Programmatic experience with resource management
  • Experience in the public sector

Training Resources

Several community colleges in the Pacific Northwest offer certification and degrees in energy management and related fields. Other agencies and organizations offer course training and certification in various aspects of energy and building management. To add a program to this list, please send a program description to janowitzk@energy.wsu.edu.

Cascadia Community College, Bothell, WA
The focus of the Energy Management Specialist Certificate is to train people for careers such as energy auditor, energy analyst, building technician, resource conservation manager, efficiency manager, measurement and verification technician, and system technician.
Cascadia CC

Edmonds Community College, Edmonds, WA
Offers a two-year Associate of Technical Arts in Energy Management for people currently working in the industry, seeking entry-level work in the field or taking on new responsibilities in energy efficiency at their workplace.
Edmonds CC or call 425-640-1640

Everett Community College, Everett, WA
Offers a four-course Sustainable Business Operations Management Certificate and a five-date Residential Energy Auditor certification.
Everett CC

South Seattle Community College, Georgetown Campus, Seattle, WA
Offers courses and programs that prepare students for national certification programs and for energy and green building fields.
South Seattle CC

Building Operator Certification™ (BOC) is a nationally recognized training and certification program for building operators to improve job skills and develop more comfortable, energy-efficient facilities. Classes are held at various locations.
BOC

Northwest Energy Education Institute (NWEEI) at Lane Community College, Eugene, OR
Offers two-year degree programs in energy management, advanced certification for current professionals, and other standard and custom learning opportunities in the energy and building fields.
NWEEI - Lane CC

For more training opportunities and energy events, go to the WSU Energy Program Energy Experts website.

Job Opportunities

We occasionally include RCM job opportunities in RCM News, a monthly newsletter with current information, articles, links and training opportunities for the RCM field. To view past newsletters, go to RCM News archives.