Licensing Specialist II

Summary

NYPA’s VISION2030 strategy articulates NYPA’s role in leading renewable energy generation and electric transmission line development in New York. In the Accelerated Renewable Energy Growth & Community Benefits Act, New York State has outlined an expansive transmission development plan, with NYPA playing a key role.

Project Development and Licensing (“PD&L”) sits within the NYPA Development business unit, and is responsible for leading NYPA's evaluation, development and licensing of new or expansion of renewable generation and electric transmission projects.  The Licensing Specialist II will be an integral member of the PD&L team, directly supporting these initiatives and helping NYPA implement its strategic vision to deliver clean energy solutions to NYS.

PD&L participates in project identification and routing to provide guidance on environmental and natural resource issues for these projects. Our team is responsible for overseeing and conducting all necessary studies and the preparation of licensing and permitting applications to obtain regulatory approvals for project construction.  We ensure compliance with regulatory permit and licensing requirements during construction and restoration. Evaluating the need for these new facilities, as well as their technical and environmental compatibility is a collaborative process between internal and external stakeholders.

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Responsibilities

• Assist in coordinating the work for all aspects of project development, including outside consultant deliverables, (monitor task completion, applicability to regulatory requirements, assist in scheduling and drafting product reviews).
• Provide overall support to the department and project teams to ensure timely preparation of acceptable license and permit application material and completion of implementation and compliance activities.
• Prepare sections of various licensing and implementation documents under the supervision of leadership.
• Assist in preparation of responses to regulatory agencies and the public and prepare responses where appropriate.
• Provide technical support for managing data and documents pertinent to stakeholder communication, project schedules, licensing issues, studies and expenditures.
• Identify/suggest training courses for personal development; make comments on developmental plans and make comments on own performance review.
• Work independently with guidance in only the most complex situations.
• For Field Compliance:  Primarily a field-oriented position supporting regulatory compliance during construction and project close-out

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of the utility industry, project siting and regulatory compliance.
• Knowledge of regulatory and statutory requirements, including but not limited to NYS Public Service Law for transmission line and generation construction, stream, wetland, and stormwater regulations.  
• Writing and verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate with technical and non-technical audiences.
• Effective problem-solving skills with ability to obtain, research and analyze data; draw inferences; and make recommendations to provide guidance to the project teams; provide guidance to junior staff.
• Ability to establish daily work priorities, plan assignments, and organize work.
• Ability to draft comprehensive preliminary reports.
• Self-motivated and proactive in achieving goals without being asked and performing the job with moderate guidance. 
• Proficient in Microsoft applications, GIS and/or other mapping programs.

Education, Experience and Certifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• 5 or more years of related experience 
• Certifications preferred

Physical Requirements

• Up to 25% travel primarily within NY State and to various NYPA sites.
• Ability to travel to and spend overnight time at NYPA sites and project locations.