Renewable Energy Siting Specialist 1 - NYC

General Public

Applicants must have six 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 related to energy transmission or production facilities

*Substitution: An associate degree may substitute for two years of experience; a bachelor’s degree may substitute for four years of experience; a master’s degree may substitute for five years of experience; and a doctorate may substitute for six years of experience.

Preferred candidates would have education, training, or experience in terrestrial ecology, wildlife biology, and/or natural resource impact analysis. Familiarity with the wildlife of New York; and experience in a regulatory role, project management, and working with applicants is desirable. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong GIS, data management, organizational, writing, and communication skills. 

Duties Description: 

The Renewable Energy Siting Specialist 1, Grade 18, will work on the Wildlife and Terrestrial Ecology Team in the Generation Section of the Office of Renewable Energy Siting and Electric Transmission (ORES). This role involves working with the Office’s subject matter experts, project managers, administrative staff, and legal counsel to review applications for siting permits for large-scale solar and onshore wind energy facilities and electrical transmission lines. The incumbent will be responsible for determining the impact of proposed renewable energy or transmission projects on the threatened and endangered species of New York, determining application completeness, setting permit conditions, and determining project compliance with permit conditions. Specific duties may include, but are not limited to, the following: 

• Reviewing siting applications, compliance filings, and supporting documentation to ensure consistency with applicable laws, rules, and regulations   
• Making recommendations concerning courses of action necessary to issue siting application permits consistent with applicable laws, rules, and regulations.     
• Providing technical assistance and information to consultants, public officials, and facility managers. 
• Preparing original writing of complex scientific and technical information.     
• Participating in meetings with consultants, project applicants, and other agency staff to address missing information or to clarify information submitted.
• Gathering data, analyzing application materials, and preparing written reports to recommend further action. 
• Developing and presenting siting conditions, administrative proceedings, briefs, comments, and draft findings.
• Conducting on-site field inspections and remote assessments as part of application review and compliance enforcement during the active construction, operations, and decommissioning phases of the project.  
• Responding to public comments and participating in internal and multi-party meetings, conferences, public outreach events, and hearings.   
• Preparing for and attending adjudicatory hearings. 
• Developing and maintaining environmental data information systems and performing analyses of data. 
• Special projects and additional relevant duties as assigned.