Public Policy and Engagement Specialist

Commonwealth of Massachusetts•Boston, MA

About The Position

The Department of Public Utilities (DPU) is seeking an Public Policy and Engagement Specialist to join its Division of Public Participation. The Division of Public Participation (“Division”) is responsible for integrating environmental justice principles across DPU’s work and supporting public voices at the DPU. Legislation passed in November 2024, An Act Promoting a Clean Energy Grid, Advancing Equity, and Protecting Ratepayers, also tasks the Division with the following\: (1) assisting stakeholders before the DPU and the Energy Facilities Siting Board (EFSB) in navigating outreach and community engagement requirements, and facilitating dialogue among stakeholders; and (2) implementing and administering all aspects of the Intervenor Support Grant Program to provide financial assistance to eligible entities to enhance their ability to participate in DPU or EFSB cases. The Public Policy and Engagement Specialist will assist in developing and implementing policies, practices, and programs that advance environmental justice, inform and educate the public about the DPU’s and EFSB’s work, and make it easier for the public to participate in the decision-making process. This position will work closely with Division and other DPU staff to support the implementation of the Environmental Justice strategy, Intervenor Support Grant Program, siting and permitting regulations, and other Division initiatives. For DPU matters, the Public Policy and Engagement Specialist will assist stakeholders with identifying opportunities to provide comment, intervene, and participate further in a docket. With respect to siting and permitting matters under the jurisdiction of EFSB, the Public Policy and Engagement Specialist will assist project petitioners, individuals, local governments, community organizations and other entities with understanding pre-filing outreach requirements for projects seeking a consolidated permit and identifying opportunities to meaningfully engage in the EFSB process. The Public Policy and Engagement Specialist will participate in pre-filing discussions, review project information and submissions related to pre-filing consultation and engagement efforts, assess and report if requirements have been met. The Public Policy and Engagement Specialist will familiarize themselves with project filings, respond to stakeholder queries regarding participation in the Intervenor Support Grant Program, review intervenor grant application materials, and make recommendations to the Division Director. The Public Policy and Engagement Specialist will draft Intervenor Support Grant Program decisions, analyze Program data to create reports, and conduct Program outreach. This position reports to the Director of Environmental Justice and Public Participation. This position requires travel within Massachusetts and attendance at evening meetings is expected. The Public Policy and Engagement Specialist will work on a wide range of projects that advance clean energy, support meaningful participation in energy-related decision-making, and have the opportunity to develop new skills in a rewarding and meaningful energy/environmental career path.

Requirements

Excellent written and oral communication skills
Strong interest in environmental and energy matters
Experience with community outreach and working with diverse, multicultural stakeholders
Ability to work independently and collaboratively
Sound judgement
Demonstrated problem solving skills and experience
Applicants must have at least (A) four 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 two years must have been in a professional capacity, or (C) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below.

Responsibilities

Support the implementation of the Environmental Justice strategy, Intervenor Support Grant Program, siting and permitting regulations, and other Division initiatives.
Assist stakeholders with navigating pre-filing consultation and engagement requirements, clarifying filing requirements, identifying opportunities to intervene and participate in DPU and EFSB cases.
Analyze case information and materials provided by project petitioners and grant applicants to identify gaps and inconsistencies, provide appropriate guidance, and make recommendations to the Division Director.
Create accessible educational and communication materials, tools, templates, and resources to inform and educate stakeholders, and evaluate compliance with regulations.
Plan and execute stakeholder/ community engagement events that promote DPU services, initiatives, and policies.
Support DPU Environmental Justice team meetings, participate in EEA Environmental Justice interagency meetings, and assist with the implementation of the DPU Environmental Justice Strategy and related policies working in collaboration with DPU staff and interagency colleagues.
Track, analyze, and report on program and Environmental Justice-related metrics data.
Assist with establishing and maintaining a statewide network of relationships with community organizations, municipalities, residents, faith-based organizations, Tribal members, advocacy groups, and other state agencies.

Benefits

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