Energy Siting Specialist

Commonwealth of Massachusetts • Boston, MA

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

As Energy Siting Specialist, you will be a key member of the Siting Division’s project teams that review the siting of proposed (and sometimes controversial) major energy facilities. These facilities include clean energy infrastructure facilities (such as renewable electric generating, energy storage, and electric transmission lines and substations); and legacy energy facilities (such as intrastate natural gas pipelines; fossil-fuel electric generating facilities, and large LNG storage facilities). that meet the EFSB's jurisdictional thresholds. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to represent and advise the Siting Division and senior state officials on the latest developments relating to energy/environmental issues, policies, and technologies. With a wide-ranging portfolio of energy projects, you will be instrumental to the Siting Division as a technical expert on its reviews of major energy facilities.
Siting Division reviews include evaluation of need for the project, alternative project options (such as energy efficiency, advanced transmission technologies, and distributed energy resources), environmental impacts and mitigation measures, cost-effectiveness, and consistency with state energy/environmental policies, statutes, and regulations. EFSB siting authority includes construction permits, exemptions from local zoning, issuance of other state and local permits, rulemakings, advisory rulings and determinations, and compliance oversight. If you are ready to leverage your expertise and passion for public service to help the Commonwealth advance its clean energy future, the Energy Siting Specialist role is an ideal next step in your energy/environmental career!
The Energy Siting Specialist will lead in key siting and permitting decisions that advance clean and renewable energy projects, which are central to the Commonwealth’s climate goals. The Energy Siting Specialist role will challenge you in a fast-paced, dynamic and collegial environment. In addition to the review of major energy facilities, you will also get extensive opportunities to learn about and advise on cutting edge energy technologies.
A cover letter and resume must be submitted as part of the application process and attached.

Requirements

• Strong, demonstrated background in energy infrastructure projects and/or environmental review of large infrastructure
• Demonstrated knowledge of energy project technologies, energy project design, construction impacts, and operations of energy facilities
• Strong project management skills, including planning and supervising work products
• Strong editing and reviewing skills to develop clear and effective written work products
• Ability to provide substantive procedural direction on assigned cases
• Strong analytical skills, and an inquisitive approach
• Demonstrated excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to synthesize disparate information and communicate that information succinctly and clearly
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of interdisciplinary case teams
• Ability to manage time effectively, and work in a productive, organized, and methodical way
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid remote work setting with certain required in-office days
• Applicants must have at least six years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, technical or professional experience in the field of environmental science, biology, chemistry, earth science, environmental health, meteorology, natural science, toxicology or public health, of which (B) at least four years must have been in a professional capacity, and of which (C) at least two years must have been in a supervisory, managerial or administrative capacity, or (D) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the following substitutions.

Responsibilities

• Advising members of the Siting Division and senior government officials on engineering and technical matters relevant to energy facilities siting policy and decision-making
• Investigating and exploring emerging technologies (e.g., battery energy storage systems, distributed generation), and advising on how these technologies affect the siting process
• Drafting key sections of agency decisions and work products based on case evidence and sound analysis
• Reviewing technical aspects of energy facilities proposals; determining the completeness of applications; identifying areas for further technical inquiry
• Analyzing the need for technical regulations and the development of technical policy
• Conferring with local, state and federal government agencies to gather data and exchange information regarding the regulation of energy facilities
• Representing the agency before legislative bodies, boards, commissions, committees, or federal or state agencies
• Reporting to the Assistant Directors of the Siting Division and providing guidance to members of the Division
• Analyzing detailed energy project proposals of utilities and other energy project developers
• Identifying issues in need of exploration during the proceeding, and developing potential solutions and recommended findings
• Conducting site visits of proposed facility locations and demonstrating effective technical understanding of project designs, plans, construction methods, engineering, and potential impacts
• Developing subject matter expertise on cases, special projects, and ongoing Division initiatives
• Advising agency staff, and EFSB members on pending cases and other matters with solid understanding, creative solutions, and sound judgment
• Organizing and participating in public comment hearings, and exemplifying the importance of community engagement, environmental justice, and active public participation in Siting proceedings
• Developing a robust evidentiary record by written questions to applicants and consultants
• Questioning expert witnesses during hearings
• Receiving and providing feedback on work products and other deliverables with team members

Benefits

• Comprehensive Benefits
• When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.
• Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees