Who We Are: The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) seeks to protect, preserve, and enhance Massachusetts' environmental resources and create a clean energy future for all residents. Through the stewardship of open spaces, the protection of environmental resources, and the advancement of clean energy, EEA works tirelessly to make Massachusetts a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family. Our commitment to environmental justice ensures that every resident, regardless of background or location, can live in a safe, clean environment and shares equally in the benefits of the clean energy transition. Who We Are as an Employer: At EEA, we create meaningful, inclusive opportunities that empower our employees to make a real difference in shaping Massachusetts's environmental future. We foster a workplace culture where diversity is valued, innovation is encouraged, and collaboration thrives. Our employees are vital in advancing sustainability, environmental justice, and clean energy solutions, ensuring a positive and lasting impact on Massachusetts and its residents. Description: The Department of Public Utilities (DPU) is the state agency overseeing investor-owned electric power, natural gas, and water companies in Massachusetts. It also regulates the safety of bus companies, moving companies, and transportation network companies and oversees the safety of natural gas pipelines and the MBTA. For further information, please visit: A cover letter and resume must be submitted as part of the application process and attached as relevant to the requisition. Job Opening: The Department of Public Utilities seeks applicants for an Energy Facilities Siting Specialist to perform the following duties: The Siting Division reviews include evaluation of the 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/DPU siting authority includes construction permits, exemptions from local zoning, issuance of other state and local permits, rulemaking, advisory rulings and determinations, and compliance oversight. You will leverage your expertise and passion for public service to help the Commonwealth advance its clean energy future. Tthe Energy Facilities Siting Specialist role is an ideal next step in your energy/environmental career! As the Energy Facilities 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 include electric generating and energy storage facilities, electric transmission lines and substations needed for reliability, electrification, and connecting offshore wind resources, intrastate natural gas pipelines, and large LNG storage facilities. Additionally, you will be able 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. The Energy Facilities 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 Facilities 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.
Your essential job duties will include (these are not all-inclusive): - 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 project 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 Director 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, DPU Commissioners, 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
Preferred Qualifications :
- 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
Qualifications: First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days. MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS: 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. Substitutions: I. An Associate's degree with a major in the field of environmental science, biology, chemistry, earth science, environmental health, meteorology, natural science, toxicology or public health may be substituted for a maximum of one year of the required (A) experience.* II. A Bachelor's degree with a major in the field of environmental science, biology, chemistry, earth science, environmental health, meteorology, natural science, toxicology or public health may be substituted for a maximum of two years of the required (A) experience.* III. A Graduate degree with a major in environmental science, biology, chemistry, earth science, environmental health, meteorology, natural science, toxicology or public health may be substituted for a maximum of three years of the required (A) experience and one year of the required (B) experience.* *Education toward such a degree will be prorated based on the proportion of the requirements that are completed. NOTE: Educational substitutions will only be permitted for one year of the required (B) experience. No substitutions will be permitted for the required (C) experience. 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! An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.