Duties Description The Renewable Energy Siting Specialist 4, M-4, will work in the Generation Section of the Office of Renewable Energy Siting and Electric Transmission (ORES) and will play a critical role in the siting, permitting, and compliance of large-scale renewable energy facilities and transmission lines in New York State. The selected candidate will oversee the Natural Resources unit which includes a team of lower-level Renewable Energy Siting Specialists focusing on impacts on natural resources including wetlands, threatened and endangered species, and critical terrestrial landscapes. Specific duties include but are not limited to, the following:
• Overseeing the expert review and substantive analysis of project siting application materials for electric generation facilities, electric transmission facilities, and other applications and cases that may come before ORES to ensure consistency with applicable laws, rules, and regulations to meet the state's renewable energy goals and to ensure the reliability of the electric transmission system, while also ensuring the protection of the environment and surrounding communities.
• Providing technical support, leadership, supervision, training, and guidance to all staff assigned to reviewing siting applications for impacts on natural resources.
• Setting priorities for the section and managing the most technically complex aspects of siting application review and compliance enforcement work; reviewing aspects of siting applications and compliance matters that are novel and unprecedented.
• 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.
• Coordinating workshops and development of outreach materials that provide technical and compliance assistance for natural resources requirements to the regulated community.
• Leading interagency meetings and meetings with outside stakeholders as appropriate to discuss concerns and gather feedback.
• Supervising lower-level Renewable Energy Siting Specialists by determining staff priorities, 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.

Minimum Qualifications General Public
Applicants must have a bachelor's degree and seven years of experience*, including at least two years 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 one of more of the following: working knowledge of state and federal regulations related to threatened and endangered species, water resources, coastal areas and wetlands, and stormwater management; expertise in some or all of the following areas: avian sciences, botany, hydrology (including both freshwater and coastal wetlands), terrestrial ecology, forestry, and/or wildlife biology/ecology; or familiarity with habitat assessment, wildlife and plant surveys, and wetland delineation.

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 4, M-4.

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. Learn more about DPS and how you can make a difference by checking out our video and more at: https://dps.ny.gov/employment-opportunities

Additional Comments:

This position will require at least 15% 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.

Name Human Resources Management - KP

Telephone

Fax (518) 473-9990

Email Address recruiting@dps.ny.gov

Address

Street 3 Empire State Plaza

City Albany

State NY

Zip Code 12223

Notes on Applying Please send a resume, cover letter, and proof of meeting the minimum qualifications to recruiting@dps.ny.gov or fax to Human Resources Management at (518)473-9990. Please reference "Renewable Energy Siting Specialist 4, NR - Albany posting 18021" when applying.