What are the responsibilities and job description for the Sr Counsel or Sr Counsel II, Clean Energy position at New York State Energy Research?

New York is leading the nation in the fight on global climate change and the transition to a clean energy-powered economy. The Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (Climate Act) has created the most aggressive climate change goals in the nation and requires an ambitious agenda that blends proven catalysts with innovative approaches while operating across a broader energy arena that is rapidly evolving. The New York State Energy Research & Development Authority (NYSERDA) is a driving force in realizing this agenda. NYSERDA works with stakeholders that span 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.

Job Overview

NYSERDA is seeking a motivated, dynamic, and resourceful attorney in its Office of the General Counsel to provide legal support for NYSERDA's administration of the Clean Energy Standard (CES) and / or NYSERDA's administration of the new Bulk Energy Storage (BES) Program.

With the passage of the Climate Act, New York State codified the most aggressive climate change program in the nation, including 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. These targets have been incorporated by the New York State Public Service Commission into the CES, which is administered by NYSERDA.

Under the CES, NYSERDA conducts competitive solicitations for proposals to develop, build, own and operate renewable energy systems as defined under Public Service Law 66-p (including onshore renewable energy and offshore wind) that supply renewable electricity to New York State. The CES also encompasses the Zero Emission Credit (ZEC) program which provides financial support to certain zero emission resources. As a separate but related portion of the CES, NYSERDA administers the Build-Ready Program, in which NYSERDA partners with local communities across New York State to identify and advance under-utilized land for renewable energy projects.

NYSERDA's solicitations culminate in the award of long-term contracts under which NYSERDA purchases the environmental attributes of supplied electricity, typically in the form of "renewable energy certificates" or "RECs." The portfolio of contracts already awarded and managed by NYSERDA to date is worth tens of billions of dollars and continues to grow rapidly each year. Pursuant to the CES, the RECs purchased by NYSERDA are sold to New York State's load-serving entities and passed down as generation supply charges to New York State ratepayers.

With the approval of the Energy Storage Roadmap authorizing NYSERDA to procure 3,000 megawatts of bulk energy storage in support of the Roadmap's target of 6,000 megawatts of storage deployed by 2030, NYSERDA's administration of the new BES Program will utilize innovative incentive mechanisms that are modeled after other CES programs but are a first-of-its-kind for energy storage.

In this role, the attorney will be exposed to a wide range of issues, state policy initiatives and regulatory processes in a high-stakes environment. For example, administration of the CES, and particularly the offshore wind program, is increasingly intertwined with economic development, including the award and administration of substantial grant funding to offshore wind supply chain projects.

The ideal candidate should have experience in energy project development, financing and / or regulatory matters and be committed to NYSERDA's mission and helping the organization continually improve and execute its work. The attorney should be a self-starter who acts independently, directs one's own work and can handle diverse tasks quickly and accurately within a high-pressure environment.

The attorney who fills this role will be expected to assist other attorneys in the Office of General Counsel who will be responsible for planning and guiding the attorney's substantive work.

Primary Responsibilities

Assist other Office of General Counsel attorneys and internal clients in developing, planning, and executing on CES and / or BES programs, including clean energy project development for the Build-Ready program

Draft, edit and coordinate contracts, regulatory filings, and other documents needed to implement the CES and advise and assist with respect to such matters

Analyze legal and regulatory issues arising with respect to the CES and / or BES

Drive projects forward by gathering and effectively organizing required information, communicating effectively and professionally with internal and external stakeholders, developing, and monitoring plans, and keeping track of responsibilities and commitments of the team members

Work closely with and manage outside counsel, including review of complex substantive legal issues as well as law firm engagement and administrative matters

Appropriately handle confidential and sensitive matters

Additional responsibilities, as assigned

Ability to demonstrate respect, equity and inclusive behavior and practices of a diverse workforce and community.

Minimum Qualifications

Doctor of Jurisprudence (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school and admission to the bar of New York State

Demonstrated interest in legal matters relating to energy / infrastructure and economic development

For Senior Counsel (Salary : $123,793 -$156,224)

At least 6 years of experience as legal counsel

For Senior Counsel II (Salary : $137,457 -$173,664)

At least 8 years of experience as legal counsel

Additional Qualifications

Experience and expertise in the following areas is preferred :

Energy and infrastructure project development and finance

Energy and infrastructure permitting and regulatory matters

Energy and infrastructure commercial contracts, such as power purchase agreements or REC agreements

Government contracting for energy and infrastructure projects

Ability to listen, understand and communicate articulately and persuasively, in both verbal and written form

Resourcefulness and pragmatism, focused on finding effective solutions to complex issues that take into account the big picture while paying attention to detail

Strong diplomatic and discretion skills to navigate sensitive projects and negotiations among NYSERDA, private counterparties and inter-agency teams with varied interests

Possession of a deep appreciation for the inter-relationship of the needs and perspectives of internal and external stakeholders in supporting NYSERDA's mission

Dedicated work ethic and resolute integrity

Ability to handle highly sensitive matters with absolute integrity and discretion

Ability to handle stressful situations with measured calmness and decisiveness

Please submit two files, one for your cover letter and another for a resume.

Please note that during the application process, you may be prompted to opt-in to Artificial Intelligence ("AI") scoring. This is an automatic request in the ADP system but is not a feature that isused by NYSERDA in its recruiting and hiring process. Your response will have no impact on your application to NYSERDA.

INDASF]

Salary : $123,793 - $156,224

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