Job Opening: Community Renewable Energy Planner for Central New York Regional Planning and Development Board

About CNY RPDB:

The Central New York Regional Planning and Development Board (CNY RPDB) is a public agency established in 1966 by Cayuga, Cortland, Madison, Onondaga, and Oswego Counties. The agency provides a comprehensive range of services associated with the growth and development of communities in Central New York with a focus on ten major program areas including community sustainability practices, economic development, energy and environmental management, community development, land use and transportation planning, information and research services, grants assistance, and intergovernmental coordination. The CNY RPDB is one of the largest and most active regional planning organizations operating in Upstate New York and currently has 20 full-time professional planners and administrative support staff.

As part of its energy program, the CNY RPDB currently serves as the NYSERDA Clean Energy Communities Western Territory Manager and Regional Coordinator for Central New York. The agency also manages the NYSERDA Regional Clean Energy Hubs program in CNY. Please see www.cnyrpdb.org for more information about the agency.

Community Renewable Energy Planner

The CNY RPDB seeks an experienced land use and community energy planner to assist in local efforts to help meet the ambitious clean energy goals which have been established in New York State.

The Community Planner will serve as a resource partner and technical support specialist formunicipalities that seek to manage and facilitate renewal energy development in their respective communities. In this role, the Community Planner will serve as a renewable energy subject matter expert (SME) for an extensive network of NYSERDA-supported clean energy communities regional coordinators across Central and Western New York. Working in conjunction with these professionals, the Community Planner will engage in public outreach and community education initiatives, facilitate use of local government renewable energy training programs, scenario planning, visualization, and project evaluation tools, and provide local governments with land use, regulatory review, and guidance services. This is an excellent opportunity to join a team of committed professionals engaged in a broad range of community planning issues at the local level.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Local government and stakeholder engagement: In coordination with and/or at the request of NYSERDA’s Siting Team/CEC Regional Coordinators, assist local governments (and various stakeholders, as appropriate and necessary) with questions pertaining to cleanenergy planning and development. Tasks will include written and verbal correspondence, virtual or in-person meetings and calls, giving presentations, and drafting memos and guidance documents.

• Supporting resource/training development: As requested, support the NYSERDA Siting Team/CEC Regional Coordinators in developing public-facing tools, resources, and training on relevant renewable energy topics.

• Supporting engagement planning/execution: As requested, support the NYSERDA Siting Team/CEC Regional Coordinators in developing and executing public-facing clean energy engagement opportunities.

• Provide objective technical support and assistance: Work to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes for clean energy project development, seeking to maximize community benefits, participation, and education around clean energy. Focus on providing community support by providing technical information and guidance on a range of information available regarding renewal energy planning and development at the local level.

• The successful candidate will be employed by the CNY RPDB and will be based at the agency’s main office in Syracuse, NY with the possibility for a remote/hybrid work model, if appropriate. The successful candidate must be willing and able to travel – a mix of day and overnight trips – throughout Central and Western New York.

Required Skills and Experience:

• Experience in a public-facing role related to planning and zoning, community sustainability practices, and clean energy development in a public or private sector position.

• Experience with and knowledge of renewable energy development and sitting processes including solar, energy storage, and wind at the local government level.

• Demonstrated knowledge and/or familiarity with the role of local governments in the development process (e.g. understanding of zoning/role of local laws, SEQR, etc.)

• Understanding of New York’s Climate Act (CLCPA) and its governmental landscape such as how NYSERDA, the Public Service Commission (PSC), and utilities coordinate policy around renewable energy in New York State.

• Strong verbal and written communication, education, outreach, and technical planning skills at the local government level, and experience in successfully dealing with contentious or controversial topics on a community scale.

• Strong organizational and self-motivation skills with the capacity to handle numerous project assignments and engagements concurrently across a wide geographic area with many community partners and citizen representatives.

Qualifications:

Candidate with a bachelor’s or advanced degree in planning, environment studies, civil engineering, public administration, municipal law, or a related discipline, and 4+ years of experience. The CNY RPDB recognizes that excellent candidates can come from diverse academic and professional backgrounds and strongly encourages all qualified interested parties to apply for this position.

Salary and Benefits:

The CNY RPDB is offering a competitive salary for this full-time position that will range from $60,000 to $75,000 depending on the applicant’s qualifications and experience. The agency will offer a comprehensive fringe benefits program for this position including paid leave, health insurance, and the opportunity to participate in the NYS public retirement program.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

The CNY RPDB is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes candidates from diverse backgrounds. It is the policy of the agency not to discriminate against any applicant for employment, or any employee because of age, color, sex, disability, national origin, race, religion, or veteran status.

How to Apply:

To be considered for this position, candidates must forward a cover letter, resume, and three professional references to David Bottar, Executive Director, CNY Regional Planning and Development Board, 126 N. Salina Street, Suite 200, Syracuse, New York 13202. This information must be submitted electronically to dbottar@cnyrpdb.org. The deadline for the submission of this information is October 4, 2024.