Clean Energy and Climate Specialist/Planner II

Company: 

Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC)

Location: 

Boston MA

The Metropolitan Area Planning Council seeks a Clean Energy and Climate Specialist/Planner II. This specialist will lead the coordination of the groundbreaking 15-municipality Metropolitan Mayors Climate Preparedness Taskforce, supporting the collective as it seeks to advance transboundary climate resiliency efforts and meet its pioneering regional net zero goals. Equally important, the specialist will support cities and towns throughout Metro Boston with comprehensive local energy and climate planning, technical assistance, and the procurement of regional energy and climate services. The specialist will design and evaluate programs, policies, strategies, toolkits, and reports on energy- and climate-related topics, developing and analyzing baselines and inventories, and facilitating the drafting and adoption of supportive bylaws, ordinances, permitting procedures, and design guidelines. The specialist will further manage programs, procurements, budgets, and stakeholder relationships; and evaluate and recommend improvements to programs and policies to encourage climate resiliency and mitigation, clean energy, smart growth, equity, and regional collaboration.



We seek an individual who is innovative, mission-driven, and committed to advancing climate progress and equity through just, inclusive, empowering, and informed public processes. This is an opportunity to work in a dynamic, interdisciplinary, and innovative environment with professionals who are committed to building a more sustainable future.



About MAPC



MAPC is the Regional Planning Agency serving the people who live and work in metropolitan Boston. Our mission is to promote smart growth and regional collaboration. We are guided by MetroFuture: Making a Greater Boston Region, our regional plan for a more sustainable and equitable future, which was adopted in 2008. We work toward sound municipal management, sustainable land use, protection of natural resources and public health, clean energy, efficient and affordable transportation, a diverse housing stock, public safety, economic development, an informed public, and equity and opportunity among people of all backgrounds.

 

MAPC employs approximately 80 full-time employees located in downtown Boston in a family-friendly, transit-accessible, and bike-friendly office. We take pride in the diversity of our workforce and encourage all qualified persons to apply. For more information about MAPC, the Clean Energy Department, and the MetroFuture plan, visit www.mapc.org

Examples of Duties

This specialist will have the following responsibilities:

 

  • Help cities and towns to develop plans, policies, and programs to promote climate resiliency, to advance energy efficiency and renewable energy, and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the residential, commercial, and municipal sectors.
  • Manage the 15-municipality Metro Mayors Climate Preparedness Taskforce, overseeing and coordinating the associated Preparedness and Mitigation Commitments, membership and meetings, knowledge sharing, networks and relationships, projects and programs, and community engagement, among other tasks.
  • Coordinate climate resiliency and the intersection of mitigation and adaptation program efforts for agency-specific projects and external partners.
  • Design and run regional energy and climate projects, e.g., procuring climate-smart equipment or services, or implementing energy storage initiatives among neighboring municipalities.
  • Research, analyze, and draft reports, briefs, and other materials on existing and potential federal, state, and local clean energy and climate mitigation and adaptation policies, programs, and technologies, and engage on related matters to support MAPC's mission and to help municipalities to achieve clean energy, climate, sustainability, and resiliency goals.
  • Prepare and present reports on municipal and community energy use, GHG emissions, and climate vulnerabilities, including strategies, data, and policies, to relevant stakeholders, including municipal boards and staff.
  • Expand and maintain relationships among MAPC, municipal partners, business and community groups, utilities, state and federal agencies, and other relevant stakeholders.
  • Collaborate with colleagues to develop platforms for communication of research and analysis.
  • Support the maintenance of MAPC's Clean Energy and Climate program materials.
  • Coordinate energy and climate-related forums, events, and workshops.
  • Other duties as necessary to advance the goals of the Clean Energy Department and MAPC.
Occasional evening, early morning, and weekend meetings, and local travel are a responsibility for this position.  

 

Typical Qualifications

Candidates must have either a:

  • Bachelor's degree plus a minimum of five years of professional experience working directly with energy or climate issues in a public or private sector setting, OR
  • Master's degree in planning, public policy, engineering, or public or business administration, with training in energy systems, climate, or related disciplines and a minimum of three years of professional experience working directly with energy or climate issues in a public or private sector setting.

 

The successful candidate will demonstrate most or all of the following:
  • Experience with the laws, rules, and regulations regarding the Green Communities Act, Global Warming Solutions Act, Paris Climate Agreement, Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), energy procurement practices, and other environmental, climate, resiliency, and clean energy international, federal, state, regional, and local regulations and policies.
  • Knowledge and experience in climate, energy efficiency, renewable energy, and resiliency program models and technologies.
  • Ability to analyze energy and climate data and identify trends.
  • Ability to convey energy, climate, and resiliency topics, issues, and data to a wide variety of audiences.
  • Expert research, writing, analysis, and public presentation skills.
  • Familiarity with key energy and climate related tools, such as MassEnergyInsight, Energy Star Portfolio Manager, and GHG inventory protocols.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of regional planning topics, and experience with the planning and policy context of a metropolitan region, Metro Boston preferred.
  • Competency and flexibility in public process, facilitation, and collaboration;
  • Ability to work with the public and to articulate planning and policy issues to a wide variety of audiences.
  • A commitment to advancing smart growth, regional collaboration, and equity.
  • Fluency discussing various types of diversity (racial, ethnic, linguistic, age, ability, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, immigration status, and more).
  • Excellent skills working in interdisciplinary teams, with colleagues from various topical backgrounds.
  • Strong organizational skills and ability to work effectively with community groups and government officials, especially local elected and appointed officials.
  • Ability to work well independently on projects and programs as well as within a team setting.

Compensation and Benefits

 

The starting salary ranges from $65,000 - $75,000, depending on qualifications and experience. This is a full time exempt position. MAPC offers excellent Massachusetts state employee benefits as well as a flexible, supportive, and family-friendly work environment and a commitment to continued professional development.

 

Apply To

 

Apply online at www.mapc.org. Please attach a cover letter and resume. A review of applications will begin immediately. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Candidates must have legal authorization to work in the USA and a valid driver's license and/or the ability to arrange transportation to meetings in different parts of the region.

 

MAPC is an EOE/AA employer. We take pride in the diversity of our workforce and encourage all qualified persons to apply