The duties that the incumbent of the vacancy will be expected to perform. Duties Description The Renewable Energy Siting Specialist 3, Grade 27, will work on the Field Compliance Team within the Transmission Section of the Office of Renewable Energy Siting and Electric Transmission (ORES) and will perform duties related to the more complex siting of renewable energy and energy transmission facilities. Specific duties include, but are not limited to, the following:
• Monitoring construction activities and compliance enforcement with certificate conditions, siting applications, and other relevant plans for major renewable energy and electric transmission facilities across New York State.
• Assisting or participating in larger, more complex technical service activities as a technical expert.
• Overseeing the siting application review work of lower-level professionals and developing and implementing strategies to address major siting issues to prevent or control specific siting issues.
• Representing the Agency’s decisions and analysis at administrative appeals.
• Utilizing advanced expertise to perform the most technically complex aspects of application review, or to review aspects of applications that are novel and unprecedented.
• Preparing original writing of complex scientific and technical information; gathering data, analyzing application materials, and preparing written reports to recommend further action.
• Participating in meetings and corresponding with other state and federal agencies, developers, utilities, local governments, and communities, regarding proposed projects to discuss concerns and gather feedback.
• Developing and presenting siting application conditions, administrative proceedings, briefs, and comments, and drafting findings.
• Conducting on-site and remote assessments as part of application reviews and compliance periods during construction and operations.
• Responding to public comments, participating in internal and multi-party meetings, conferences, public outreach events, and hearings.
• Developing and performing technical training and attending workshops and seminars to coordinate and disseminate information to industry and public officials, as well as the general public.
• Preparing for and attending adjudicatory hearings.
• Developing and maintaining environmental data information systems and performing analysis of data.
• Supervising lower-level staff by determining staff priorities, tracking project schedules and deadlines, coordinating staff assignments, reviewing work for accuracy and completeness, training and orienting staff, providing necessary interpretation, advice, and guidance, and providing technical assistance.
• Working on related special projects and additional relevant duties as assigned.
The minimum qualifications required for this vacancy. Minimum Qualifications General Public
Applicants must have a bachelor's degree and five years of experience*, including at least one year of supervisory experience**, in environmental impact review or study of electricity, gas, water, telecommunications, or renewable energy projects such as solar and wind; development or analysis of land use policies for electricity, gas, water, telecommunications, or renewable energy projects; or specialized experience*** related to energy transmission or production facilities.
*Substitution: A master’s degree may substitute for one year of non-supervisory experience. A Ph.D. may substitute for two years of non-supervisory experience.
**Supervisory experience includes the full responsibility for the supervision of subordinate professional employees in the performance of the qualifying work, including assignment of tasks, employee training and development, and evaluation of their performance, and time and attendance.
*** Specialized experience must be in fields such as agriculture, anthropology, archeology, architecture, avian sciences, botany, civil/construction engineering, climate change, electrical power systems engineering, energy planning, environmental compliance, environmental engineering, environmental justice, fire protection, geography, geology, geotechnical engineering, hydrology, landscape architecture, mining engineering, noise/acoustics engineering, planning, real estate, seismology, socio-economics, terrestrial ecology, transportation/highway engineering, urban affairs.
Preferred candidates would have field compliance experience related to renewable energy and/or transmission development, or a background in a regulatory role. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong organizational, writing, and communication skills.
Transfer:
Must be a current New York State Department of Public Service employee with one year or more of permanent, competitive service as a Renewable Energy Siting Specialist 3, Grade 27.
Additional comments regarding the vacancy. Additional Comments About the Department:
The New York State Department of Public Service (DPS or Department) works to: ensure safe, affordable, and reliable access to electric, gas, steam, water, and telecommunications services at just and reasonable rates for New York State customers, protect the natural environment, reduce greenhouse gas emissions via transmission and siting of renewable energy resources, and augment the resiliency of utility infrastructure.
Additional Comments:
This position will require at least 70% travel which requires possession of a valid driver’s license.
Equal Opportunity Employer:
The Department of Public Service is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know by contacting the Designee for Reasonable Accommodations (DRA) and Americans with Disabilities Act Coordinator which can be found under the Accessibility Link on the Department’s webpage at https://dps.ny.gov.
Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.
