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 produce 70% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030; reach zero carbon emissions in the electricity sector by 2040; and install 9 gigawatts of offshore wind by 2035, 6 gigawatts of solar by 2025, and 3 gigawatts of energy storage by 2030. Additionally, the law created the Climate Action Council, comprised of the leaders of various state agencies and authorities as well as legislative appointments, to develop a plan outlining how the state will achieve an 85% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from 1990 levels by 2050 and eventually net zero emissions in all sectors of the economy – all while delivering critical benefits to historically underserved and otherwise disadvantaged communities.

Job Overview

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) seeks a resourceful, self-motivated, and knowledgeable individual to join the Energy Resilience and Emergency Preparedness team within Operations. This unique role will support multiple priority areas for the team, including leading-by-example for climate, energy, and sustainability for state government operations (i.e., implementation of Executive Order 22 under the brand “GreenNY”), as well as undertake planning and response actions for energy emergencies.

This individual will assist New York State energy policy decision-makers and support informed energy and climate action planning by providing quantitative and qualitative analysis of energy issues and policies. Tasks will require a combination of skillsets, including project management, clear communication, and technical writing. The ideal candidate should be passionate about NYSERDA’s mission, demonstrate strong research and analytic skills, show high attention to detail, and have strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Primary Responsibilities

This role will have multiple responsibilities, primarily focused on the following lead-by-example activities:

• Assist in the development of analytic studies, memos, training, and reports; aid in researching and analyzing energy-related policies and projects; and contribute to market research and stakeholder engagement activities.
• Collect, analyze, and organize qualitative and quantitative information, including energy statistics, in order to help develop memos, reports, and other documents.
• Assist with the development of sustainability reports and climate performance dashboards showing how New York State entities have advanced lead-by-example climate and sustainability efforts to reduce operational energy and greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Engage with more than seventy state government entities to collect, compile, and synthesize data and content submitted as part of annual reporting cycles.
  • Collaboratively develop project recommendations and apply innovative ideas to implement and fund those projects.
  • Collaborate regularly with the GreenNY interagency team to track progress of EO 22 implementation and provide support to develop next steps.
  • Participate in GreenNY working groups around fleet decarbonization, renewable electricity, green procurement, refrigerant management, and more.
• Participate in development of supporting policies and programs.
• Perform other responsibilities as assigned.

In addition, this role also includes responsibilities supporting resilience and emergency preparedness activities at NYSERDA:

• Support NYSERDA Continuity of Operations Planning (COOP), State Energy Security Plan, New York State Energy Emergency Plan, Emergency Management Operations Protocol (EMOP), Winter Fuels Outlook and other emergency planning for NYSERDA.
• Coordinate with NYSERDA Officers, DHSES, DPS, DOT, DEC, OTDA, and other State Agencies and Authorities for applicable energy emergency response efforts.
• Maintain awareness of NYS petroleum supply system and coordinate NYSERDA’s emergency response efforts surrounding ESF-12 petroleum and coal emergencies and Fuel NY Strategic reserves. Coordinate with NYSERDA’s Energy Markets Team, other NYS Agencies and stakeholders within the Petroleum Industry, and respond according to applicable emergency plans, as needed.
• Assess energy market price trends, price, and use forecasts, supply-demand dynamics, and potential fuel supply infrastructure constraints that would require government response.
• Effectively collaborate and communicate within NYSERDA, specifically with Executive, Energy & Environmental Analysis, Human Resources, Facilities, and other teams. This can include development and delivery of issue-specific briefings, reports, and presentations.
• Conduct studies, analyses, and operational assessments of individual infrastructure components of the petroleum fuels supply and distribution systems related to infrastructure resiliency and market impact assessments, including identifying vulnerabilities and performing risk analyses to support NYSERDA’s energy assurance and emergency event responsibilities.
• Direct technical analysis on resiliency, energy markets, and other relevant market information to inform effective program delivery.
• Support the administration of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI). Plan and coordinate the annual Operating Plan process through development, stakeholder meeting and public comment, and ultimately NYSERDA Board approval.
• Develop and implement strategies to regularly measure and communicate program results and use that information to continually improve program and policy design.
• Influence policy, at a statewide and regional level, that can enable continual improvement of GreenNY or Emergency Response activities.
• Perform other responsibilities as assigned.

Preferred Skills

Applicants should be able to demonstrate having some or all the following skills, enhanced by a willingness to learn about new issues and analytical tools:

• Proven ability to collaborate across teams and agencies.
• An ability to drive to big picture goals and solve strategic problems, while valuing and maintaining a strong attention to detail.
• A basic understanding of emergency preparedness planning and response activities, preferably in relation to NYS energy systems and petroleum supply chains
• Keen interest in greenhouse gas accounting and projects that can reduce an organization’s overall footprint (i.e., energy efficiency, renewable energy, and fleet management).
• Project management skills (e.g., developing and managing workplans and budgets, overseeing consultant work products).

Minimum Qualifications

• 3 years of relevant experience and a bachelor’s degree in engineering, science, policy, or other relevant disciplines; master’s degree preferred.
• A genuine passion for issues related to energy, environment, and emergency management. • Strong technical analysis and research capabilities, with demonstrated ability to research, critically analyze, and synthesize primary and secondary sources.
• Top-notch presentation and interpersonal skills that resonate with audiences of different backgrounds; the ability to communicate persuasively, concisely, and unambiguously in speech and in writing.
• Skill in managing multiple diverse activities simultaneously, delivering on commitments and operating with speed, accuracy, and strong judgment.
• Able to guide, direct, or influence people. Is resilient, persuasive and earns credibility by delegating and being adaptable. Listens to and understands various points of view.
• Demonstrated problem-solving ability; ability to leverage necessary resources to develop and communicate robust processes.
• Strong team builder with an ability to build productive relationships across a diverse organization.
• Strong work ethic.

To Apply

The salary range is $71,685 - $120,156. Please submit one file that includes both your cover letter and resume.