Senior Advisor for Transmission, Large-Scale Renewables - Albany, NY or New York City, NY
Job Overview
New York is leading the nation in the fight on global climate change and the transition to a clean energy-powered economy. With the passage of the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (Climate Act) 
, New York has codified the most aggressive climate change program in the nation with goals to reach zero carbon emissions in the electricity sector by 2040; install 9 gigawatts of offshore wind by 2035, 10 gigawatts of solar by 2030, and 6 gigawatts of energy storage by 2030. With the recent approval of the Climate Action Council’s final Scoping Plan, we have a strong framework to achieve an 85% reduction in GHG emissions from 1990 levels by 2050, and eventually net zero emissions economy-wide.
The New York State Energy Research & Development Authority (NYSERDA) is a driving force in realizing this agenda. NYSERDA works with stakeholders spanning residents, business owners, developers, community leaders, local government officials, universities, utilities, investors, entrepreneurs, and more, to develop, invest, and foster conditions that:
- Attract the private sector capital investment needed to expand New York’s clean energy economy
- Overcome barriers to using clean energy at a large-scale in New York
- Enable New York’s communities and residents to benefit equitably from energy efficiency and renewable energy
Our ultimate mission is to advance clean energy innovation and investments to combat climate change, improving the health, resiliency, and prosperity of New Yorkers and delivering benefits equitably to all.
The Large-Scale Renewables team has established a Transmission Center of Excellence (COE) to support a range of transmission & distribution initiatives across NYSERDA, including the onshore and offshore large-scale renewable energy programs. The Senior Advisor selected for this role will be integral to operating the COE. To be successful in this role, a candidate must have strong technical knowledge of transmission & distribution systems while also possessing excellent project management, writing, and presentation skills. The ability to synthesize and communicate complex technical concepts to a non-technical audience and senior executives is critical. This role will be equal parts strategic planning, policy analysis and creation, influencing stakeholders, managing contractors, and communicating results. It should be noted that we do not envision this role to directly perform transmission studies and instead will work collaboratively with contractors to provide additional guidance, technical expertise, and work product. This role will engage with and manage numerous external contractors, provide direct technical guidance and advisement to internal NYSERDA teams, and develop analysis and content for review by multiple stakeholders. The Transmission COE is integral to NYSERDA’s engagement with the Public Service Commission (PSC), Department of Public Service (DPS), New York Independent System Operator (NYISO), renewable energy developers, Joint Utilities of New York, and other key policy makers and stakeholders advancing transmission in the State; great interpersonal skills are a must. This role will be integral to many key initiatives including NYSERDA’s work on transmission & distribution headroom analysis, energy deliverability, Phase 2 transmission projects, numerous system studies, and offshore wind transmission development.
Primary Responsibilities
- Contribute to the State’s strategic decision making and renewable policy development resulting from transmission planning studies and processes by providing input regarding the strategic impact, costs, stakeholder needs, policy alignment, and potential market impacts of such decisions.
- Impart a deep and broad base of knowledge regarding electric transmission systems and transmission system planning processes into statewide deliberations.
- Provide insights into State and regional planning methodologies, New York State Independent System Operator processes including interconnection and associated analysis, reliability standards, and applicable regulatory requirements in the context of increasing renewable generation.
- Support NYSERDA’s participation in transmission-related initiatives under the PSC Case 20-E-0197, Proceeding on Motion of the Commission to Implement Transmission Planning Pursuant to the Accelerated Renewable Energy Growth and Community Benefit Act.
- Establish productive working relationships with related staff and management at the New York State Department of Public Service, New York Independent System Operator, transmission owners, and transmission developers in order to expand the State’s influence within these processes.
- Manage numerous contractors engaged across a diverse range of transmission-related projects.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, or a related technical field.
- A minimum of five years of experience directly related to transmission system modeling, transmission system engineering, and/or transmission system planning.
- Demonstrated experience developing and evaluating transmission solutions.
- Expert knowledge and application of principles in the area of transmission planning. Knowledge of applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, the National Electric Codes, and North American Electric Reliability Corporation reliability standards.
- Experience working with Independent System Operators (NYISO, ISO-NE, PJM, etc.).
- Project management and leadership skills including the ability to work as a team member, maintain project timelines and budgets, and deliver on commitments.
- Highest level of communication and interpersonal skills involving the ability to work cross-functionally to understand requirements, present alternatives, and make recommendations.
Preferences
- Experience in renewable energy project development or renewable energy finance, utility operations, or independent system operator functions.
- Knowledge of wholesale energy markets and systems, renewable energy technology, and associated infrastructure.
- Knowledge of regulations, rules, and constraints pertaining to renewable development, particularly large generator interconnection processes.
- Strong stakeholder outreach and engagement capabilities including strong public-speaking and presentation skills.
Salary
The salary range is $116,686 – $147,256. Candidates will be considered based on qualifications and experience. An excellent benefits package is offered.
Please submit one file for the Sr. Advisor for Transmission, Large Scale Renewables position, job# 757, that includes both your cover letter and resume.
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