Clean Energy Siting & Permitting Regional Coordinator – West

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 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 DOER

The 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 Description

DOER is seeking a Regional Coordinator for the Western Region within the Clean Energy Siting & Permitting Division to work with city and town officials and stakeholders within their respective regions 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 Law”) established the Clean Energy Siting & Permitting Division at the Department of Energy Resources.

The Division establishes standards and requirements for the siting and permitting of small clean energy infrastructure facilities, e.g. generation projects smaller than 25 MW, grid infrastructure less than 10 miles, or storage less than 100 MWh, through the promulgation of regulations and provides guidance and best practices to the 351 Massachusetts cities and towns tasked with managing those permitting processes. The Division also provides technical support and assistance to local governments, project proponents, and other stakeholders to support the siting and permitting of the small clean energy infrastructure critical to the Commonwealth’s efforts to combat climate change and meet mandated emissions reductions. The work of the division supports the Commonwealth’s energy strategies and will cement Massachusetts’ position as a national leader in tackling our energy and climate challenges.

Responsibilities:

• Serve as the primary regional liaison between the Division, municipal officials, project proponents, and other stakeholders to advance Division objectives.

• Work collaboratively with Division staff and other DOER teams, including the Green Communities Division and Regional Coordinators, to implement standards, programs, technical assistance, and municipal support initiatives.

• Support municipalities with limited capacity by identifying regional needs, providing guidance on Department rules and processes, and helping navigate clean energy siting and permitting requirements.

• Support the implementation of the Commonwealth’s local clean energy siting and permitting process, promoting consistency, transparency, and effective outcomes.

• Facilitate meaningful stakeholder engagement through presentations, workshops, and other outreach activities.

• Develop and support tools, resources, and guidance materials for municipal staff and external stakeholders.

• Gather feedback from municipalities and stakeholders to inform program improvements and recommend policy or process changes as appropriate.

• Promote alignment between regional activities and the Commonwealth’s greenhouse gas emission reduction targets and biodiversity initiatives.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills 

• Ability to make effective presentations 

• Demonstrated skills in communicating complex concepts in simple terms in both written and oral expression 

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of municipal operations and administration 

• Ability to work with a broad range of constituencies  

• Demonstrated problem-solving skills and experience 

• Strong familiarity with Western Massachusetts, including its governmental structures, norms, and careabouts.

• Knowledge of the state’s clean energy goals and DOER’s role in contributing to them 

• Familiarity with clean energy systems and energy policy and/or clean energy project development 

• Experience with mediation or conflict resolution or leading critical conversations is a plus 

• Experience in land use and planning 

• Ability to work across matrixed organizations, particularly multi-department public agencies  

• Resides within the region to be served, or willingness to move to region 

   

Please provide a Resume and a Cover Letter describing your interest in the position as attachments marked “as relevant” to your application.  

MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS:

Applicants must have at least (A) four (4) years of full-time or, equivalent part-time, professional, professional internship, administrative, supervisory, or managerial experience in business administration, business management, public administration, public management, clinical administration or clinical management or (B) any equivalent combination of the required experience and substitutions below.

Substitutions:

I. A certificate in a relevant or related field may be substituted for one (1) year of the required experience.

II. An Associate's degree in a related field may be substituted for one (1) year of the required experience.

III. A Bachelor's degree in a related field may be substituted for two (2) years of the required experience.

IV. A Graduate degree in a related field may be substituted for three (3) years of the required experience.

V. A Doctorate degree in a related field may be substituted for the required 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.