Careers Job Description
General Description
Position Description: NYS Solar Permitting & Planning Ombudsman
The NYSolar Smart plan is a strategic effort led by the City University of New York (CUNY) that supports both Federal and the State solar initiatives and works in partnership with: the New York Power Authority (NYPA); New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA); municipalities around the state; and more than 30 organizations representing utility companies, installers, government agencies and industry leaders. Since 2006 CUNY has led the implementation of multiple state and federal solar grants and was recently awarded funding through DOE’s SunShot Initiative Rooftop Solar Challenge II to implement solutions to lower the soft costs of installing solar across New York State. Additional projects to support group-purchasing programs and analyze solar potential along with grid capabilities to handle large solar installations (‘solar grid ready sites’) are underway.
For more information on the CUNY program and past and present partnered efforts, please see: http://www.cuny.edu/about/resources/sustainability.html
CUNY is seeking a NYS Solar Ombudsman to assist with the implementation of these projects.
Responsibilities
Under the direction of the University Director for Sustainability, the Ombudsman will be responsible for leading or supporting the following efforts. Additional special project assistance may be required as needed.
Research and Policy Implementation
A NYS Solar Permitting & Planning Ombudsman will support NYSolar Smart Working Groups whose members include jurisdictions from across the state as well as all NYS IOU Utility companies and other solar stakeholders. The Working Groups, under a Department of Energy initiative, aim to reduce balance of system costs for solar in NYS. This position would additionally help ensure coordination with changing NYS policies, as well as write reports, case studies and assist with ongoing grant writing efforts as needed. In particular, the NYS Solar Permitting & Planning Ombudsman will assist jurisdictions with adopting policy tools developed under NYSolar Smart, including model solar zoning language and permitting best practices.
Data Analysis
Ombudsmen assist in analyzing solar project data received from state and local agencies to track market progress and identify areas of focus. Work will include utilizing Excel and other database management programs to identify insights and create visualizations to illustrate these points to partners.
Other Duties
Event/Workshop Coordination
Ombudsmen assist in support planning and logistics for CUNY’s annual New York Solar Summit and Statewide policy support workshops for jurisdictions as well as other training workshops. Work will include writing outreach materials, coordination of speakers and panels, and logistics.
Qualifications
Experience and Qualifications
Applicants must have proven experience with or knowledge of several of the following:
• New York City and State energy policy and solar programs and incentives
• Management of complex, long-term projects
• Knowledge of planning, zoning and permitting issues at a local level
• Knowledge of PV installation processes
• Knowledge of PV project financials
• Knowledge of energy storage technologies
• Knowledge of energy storage financials
• Knowledge of the Reforming the Energy Vision proceeding and the electrical grid
Successful applicants will have excellent writing skills, public speaking ability in both large and small settings, and project management experience. These positions will require initiative and the ability to work independently as well as to collaborate with multiple stakeholders. Communication to both the general public and solar industry experts will be required.
Two to five years experience in a relevant field is required. Graduate degree preferred, particularly with a planning, engineering or other technical background. Applicants must be able and willing to travel across New York State.
RFCUNY Benefits
RFCUNY Employee Benefits and AccrualsAbout the Research Foundation
The Research Foundation of The City University of New York (RFCUNY) was established as a not-for-profit educational corporation chartered by the State of New York in 1963. RFCUNY supports CUNY faculty and staff in identifying and obtaining external support (pre-award) from government and private sponsors and is responsible for the administration of all such funded programs (post-award).
RFCUNY stands between CUNY’s principal investigators (PIs) and the sponsors who support them and strives to fulfill its essential responsibilities to both groups. Working closely with individual PIs and Grants Officers on the campuses, RFCUNY oversees employment, accounting, audit, reporting, purchasing, and special responsibilities that include management of a planned giving program; liaison with governmental agencies and foundations; negotiation of agreements; facility construction and renovation; protection and commercialization of intellectual property; and compliance with applicable standards in research involving human subjects, animal care, environmental and radiological safety, and conflicts of interest.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Key Features
Sustainable CUNY
Full Time
$55,000.00 - $65,000.00
Dec 21, 2015 (Or Until Filled)