Clean Energy Siting & Permitting Regional Coordinator - Central Region

DescriptionWho 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 the environmental future of Massachusetts. We foster a workplace culture where diversity is valued, innovation is encouraged, and collaboration thrives. Our employees play a vital role in advancing sustainability, environmental justice, and clean energy solutions, ensuring a positive and lasting impact on Massachusetts and its residents.About DOERThe Department of Energy Resources’ (DOER) mission is to create a clean, affordable, resilient, and equitable energy future for all in the Commonwealth. As the State Energy Office, DOER is the primary energy policy agency for the Commonwealth. DOER supports the Commonwealth’s clean energy goals as part of a comprehensive Administration-wide response to the threat of climate change. DOER focuses on transitioning our energy supply to lower emissions, reducing and shaping energy demand, and improving our energy system infrastructure. To meet our objectives, DOER connects and collaborates with energy stakeholders to develop effective policy. DOER implements this policy through planning, regulation, and providing funding. DOER provides tools to individuals, organizations, and communities to support their clean energy goals. DOER is committed to transparency and education, supporting the accessible access to energy information and knowledge.Job DescriptionDOER is seeking a Regional Coordinator for the Central Region within the Clean Energy Siting & Permitting Division to work with city and town officials and stakeholders within their region to support the department’s work related to the siting and permitting of small clean energy infrastructure. The 2024 Act promoting a clean energy grid, advancing equity and protecting ratepayers (2024 Climate Act) established the Clean Energy Siting & Permitting Division at the Department of Energy Resources.The Division has established standards and requirements for the siting and permitting of small clean energy infrastructure facilities (e.g. generation projects smaller than 25 MW, new transmission and distribution infrastructure less than 10 miles long, or storage less than 100 MWh) through regulations (225 CMR 29.00) and guidance. The Division also provides technical support and assistance to the 351 cities and towns responsible for permitting those projects, as well as project proponents, and community groups. The work of the Division supports the Commonwealth’s efforts to increase energy supply and meet mandated emissions reductions and will cement Massachusetts’ position as a national leader in tackling our energy and climate challenges.The Regional Coordinator supports the implementation of the new local siting and permitting process, increases meaningful engagement among stakeholders, and ensures alignment with the Commonwealth’s energy and biodiversity initiatives. These positions work closely with the Division and other DOER staff – including the Green Communities Division and its Regional Coordinators – to develop rules and guidelines, provide technical assistance, and share knowledge and best practices. Many municipalities lack or have limited resources or support to meet their goals for clean energy siting and permitting. Regional Coordinators serve as the main liaison between municipalities and the Division, understanding areas of need, providing clarity around Department rules, and recommending policy changes as needed. Regional Coordinators are relied upon to facilitate a larger understanding of the Department’s rules through direct external outreach, presentations and workshops, and creating tools and resources for municipal staff and stakeholders.This position includes travel – a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation is required. Evening meetings are expected. Regional Coordinators are expected to attend regular team meetings in Boston at least once a month.The Regional Coordinator reports to the Division Director and consults with other DOER and EEA policy staff as needed, such as coordinating with DOER’s Green Communities Division on municipal relations and the Renewable and Alternative Energy Division on renewable energyResponsibilities:Serve as the primary liaison between municipalities and the Division on clean energy siting and permitting, identifying local needs and providing guidance and technical assistance.Support municipalities in implementing new local clean energy siting and permitting processes and understanding applicable Department rules, policies, and requirements.Build and maintain effective relationships with municipal officials, community partners, and other stakeholders through ongoing outreach and engagement.Plan and facilitate presentations, workshops, meetings, and other outreach activities to promote understanding of clean energy siting and permitting requirements.Develop guidance, tools, resources, and best practices to assist municipalities and stakeholders in navigating clean energy siting and permitting processes.Collaborate with Division staff and other DOER and EEA policy teams to develop rules, guidelines, policies, and implementation strategies.Coordinate with the Green Communities Division, Renewable and Alternative Energy Division, and other relevant programs on municipal relations and renewable energy initiatives.Identify recurring municipal challenges and recommend policy, regulatory, or process improvements to Division leadership.Support alignment of municipal clean energy siting and permitting efforts with the Commonwealth’s broader energy, climate, and biodiversity goals.Travel throughout the Commonwealth and participate in evening and other stakeholder meetings, as well as regular Division team meetings in Boston.Preferred Qualifications:Resides within Central Massachusetts or is willing to move to the region.Strong familiarity with Central Massachusetts, including its governmental structures, norms, and care-abouts.Knowledge of the principles and practices of municipal government.Ability to communicate complex concepts in simple terms, both verbally and through written materials.Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.Comfortability with public speaking and ability to make effective presentations.Ability to work with a broad range of constituencies with conflicting perspectives.Demonstrated problem-solving skills and experience.Knowledge of the state’s clean energy goals and DOER’s role in contributing to them.Experience in land use, planning, and municipal bylaws/ordinances.Familiarity with clean energy systems and energy policy and/or clean energy project development.Experience developing training materials for both broad and specific audiences is a plus.Ability to work across complex organizations, such as multi-department public agencies.Please provide a Resume and a Cover Letter describing your interest in the position as attachments marked “as relevant” to your application. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered. QualificationsFirst consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS: Applicants must have at least (A) four years of full-time, or equivalent part-time technical or professional experience in urban or regional planning, environmental planning, transportation planning or land use planning, and (B) of which at least two years must have been in a professional capacity or (C) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below. Substitutions: I. A Bachelor's degree with a major in urban or regional planning, environmental planning, urban studies, architecture, landscape architecture, civil, environmental, or transportation engineering or environmental sciences may be substituted for two years of the required (A) experience.* II. A Graduate degree with a major in urban or regional planning, environmental planning, urban studies, architecture, landscape architecture, civil, environmental, or transportation engineering or environmental studies may be substituted for three years of the required (A)experience and one year of the required (B) experience. *Education toward such a degree will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed. NOTE: Educational substitutions will only be permitted for a maximum of three years of the required experience. Substitutions will only be permitted for a maximum of one year of the required (B) experience. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Based on assignment, possession of a current and valid Massachusetts Class D Motor Vehicle Operator's License.Comprehensive BenefitsWhen 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.Job Field: PlanningOrganization: Department of Energy ResourcesSchedule: Full-timeShift: Day