Energy Facilities Siting Specialist

The Department of Public Utilities (DPU) is the state agency responsible for overseeing investor-owned electric power, natural gas, and water companies in Massachusetts, regulating the safety of bus companies, moving companies, and transportation network companies and overseeing the safety of natural gas pipelines. For further information, please visit: https://www.mass.gov/energy-facilities-siting-board

Division Overview

The Siting Division of the DPU is a diverse team of planners, engineers, economists, lawyers, and environmental specialists that reviews major energy facility proposals requiring EFSB/DPU regulatory approvals. Our mission is to ensure that approved projects are consistent with applicable statutes, regulations, and policies, and serve the public interest. The work of the Siting Division takes place in a rapidly evolving energy landscape, with significant technological, regulatory, and market changes, and a growing emphasis on both mitigating and adapting to climate change, while maintaining reliable, safe, and cost-effective energy supplies vital to the Massachusetts economy. The projects we review are at the forefront of important energy, environmental, and technological trends that are transforming energy infrastructure in Massachusetts.

For further information, please visit: https://www.mass.gov/energy-facilities-siting-board

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/DPU 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 Facilities Siting Specialist role is an ideal next step in your energy/environmental career!

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A cover letter and resume must be submitted as part of the application process and attached as relevant to the requisition.

As the Energy Facilities Siting Specialist, you will be a key member of the Siting Divisions 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 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.

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 Commonwealths 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

• Education toward such a degree will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually competed.

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!