The three down-Island towns have been awarded a joint grant to hire a full-time energy coordinator.

The $50,000 grant will be given to Edgartown, Oak Bluffs and Tisbury by the state department of energy resources, and will fund a one-year salary beginning in fiscal year 2015.

The grant was announced at the Oak Bluffs selectmen’s meeting Tuesday. “It shows some great cooperation among the three towns,” said town administrator Robert L. Whritenour.

The energy coordinator will give professional direction to the energy committee in Oak Bluffs, Mr. Whritenour said.

The state will fund a second year of the position if the program is found to be successful, he said.

Mr. Whritenour also made a plug for the town energy committee, which still needs volunteers.

“If there is anybody out there who wants to get involved in local government, I can’t think of a better area than the whole energy conservation movement,” he said. “It is a place where you can have a real impact on your local government and save the town some money.”