The Natural Heritage Trust (NHT) is a New York State public benefit corporation established for the purpose of receiving and administering gifts, grants and other funds to advance a variety of parks, recreation, land and water conservation initiatives throughout New York State.
The Department of State (DOS) oversees compliance with the State Coastal Management Program (CMP) and approved Local Waterfront Revitalization Programs (LWRPs). The selected candidate for this position will be an employee of the NHT with work conducted under the supervision of DOS.
The Coastal Energy Facility Review Specialist is responsible for reviewing project proposals and recommending regulatory decisions regarding siting of facilities affecting land and water uses, natural resources, and State coastal policies in New York’s coastal area, particularly those projects involving energy generation or transmission. Proposed facilities, and activities associated with them, are reviewed for their consistency with the policies of the State Coastal Management Program (CMP) and approved Local Waterfront Revitalization Programs (LWRPs). The individual will receive training in the provisions of the federal Coastal Zone Management Act, the New York State Waterfront Act, and their implementing regulations, the CMP and the interpretation and application of CMP policies and objectives in coastal consistency review and decision-making.
The position requires demonstrated knowledge of and experience with energy generating facility siting and transmission facility routing as those activities relate to coastal uses and resources.
Working out of Albany, New York, the position will have the following responsibilities:
a. Coordinate project reviews and evaluate the effects and consistency of proposed facilities with State coastal policies, particularly energy facilities requiring federal agency authorizations or involving financial assistance from federal agencies. Propose project modifications and prepare recommendations for coastal consistency decisions;
b. Monitor and evaluate proposed state agency actions in the coastal area and advise those agencies of State coastal policy issues and consistency requirements, particularly projects related to energy generation or transmission;
c. Assess the completeness of applications to ensure they include all information necessary to assess the effects of proposed facilities on coastal resources and uses and State coastal policies;
d. Communicate with applicants and federal agencies through written correspondence and other communications;
e. Provide coastal policy and procedure advice to applicants and other government agencies to ensure activities are consistent with State coastal policies;
f. Prepare decision records, memoranda, summary and special reports and conclusions, and recommend decisions regarding whether the proposed facilities would be consistent with, would advance, or are inconsistent with the State coastal policies;
g. Review and analysis of energy law, regulation and policy as it pertains to coastal zone management; and,
h. Travel to coastal areas in New York to attend meetings and conduct site visits and evaluations of proposed facilities. The amount of travel could range from 10% to 20% of the individual’s time during any month.
Candidates must have demonstrated background experience in or knowledge of: 1) energy facility siting, routing, and regulation; 2) management of coastal resources and uses; and 3) a broad understanding of local State, and federal regulatory and other decision-making authorities and processes. Working knowledge of state and federal energy policy, the National Environmental Policy Act, and New York State Environmental Quality Review Act is also desirable.
Necessary qualifications include: a bachelor’s degree or higher in marine sciences, coastal resource management, urban or regional planning, environmental science, geology, geography, architecture, landscape architecture, natural resources, environmental or resource management law, environmental engineering, civil engineering or a related field and at least one year of full-time work experience in either: 1) energy facility planning, siting, and routing; or 2) the regulation of energy facility siting and routing.
The salary range for this position is $53,000 - $68,000, depending on education and experience.
The NHT is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Women, minorities, persons with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply.
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume by March 31, 2017 to:
Denise Caldwell
Administrative Assistant
NYS Department of State
Division of Coastal Resources
Consistency Review Unit
1 Commerce Plaza
99 Washington Avenue - Suite 1010
Albany, New York 12231-0001
Or by email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
