The duties that the incumbent of the vacancy will be expected to perform. Duties Description The Renewable Energy Siting Specialist 2, Grade 23, 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.
• Reviewing site investigation and remediation and transmission vegetation management for rate cases and preparing associated investigation reports and testimony, as assigned.
• Performing desktop analysis and field reviews on environmental, land use, and construction feasibility issues for large-scale renewable energy and electric/gas transmission projects.
• Conducting on-site field inspections of active construction projects certified by the Commission, Siting Board, or ORES, to determine compliance with certificate or siting requirements.
• Assessing any unexpected construction or operation problems and developing corrections and/or solutions by using best professional judgment and drawing on professional experience.
• Preparing detailed investigation reports that contain analyses and interpretations of findings and recommends possible courses of action.
• Analyzing the applicable laws, rules, and regulations and developing standards and procedures.
• Processing change requests and recommending whether certificate or compliance filings should be modified.
• Participating in and attending internal and multi-party meetings, conferences, public outreach events, and hearings, in coordination with Department staff and at the discretion of project leads.
• Appearing for and on behalf of ORES in administrative and legal proceedings, providing expert testimony, and representing ORES decisions and analysis in adjudicatory proceedings and administrative appeals.
• Working on related special projects and additional relevant duties as assigned.
• May supervise lower-level staff by determining staff priorities, reviewing work for accuracy and completeness, training and orienting staff, providing necessary interpretation, advice and guidance, and providing technical assistance.
The minimum qualifications required for this vacancy. Minimum Qualifications General Public
Applicants must have a bachelor's degree and three years of 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.
**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 2, Grade 23.
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. Check out our video, Right Here With Us, here: https://youtu.be/EBFy1zuGffU
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.
