Energy and Sustainability Policy
Program Office

AWEA Permitting Policy & Environmental Affairs Analyst Position

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Permitting Policy & Environmental Affairs Analyst

 

The American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) is seeking a Permitting Policy & Environmental Affairs Analyst, reporting to the Senior Director, Permitting Policy & Environmental Affairs. The individual will analyze and address siting and environmental compliance issues, including those related to wildlife, civilian and military aviation, property values, sound, setbacks and visual impacts of wind farms. The position requires close coordination with other departments within AWEA, including Public Affairs, Federal Legislative Affairs, and the Member Value and Experience teams, and to serve as the primary lead in working with the State Policy team as local/state-level issues arise. The individual may also work with policy makers at the state and federal levels, media, and the general public and other stakeholders to provide information about the benefits of wind energy and the policies required to move the industry forward.

Essential Functions/Major responsibilities:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty and responsibility satisfactorily.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individual with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  Other duties may be assigned to meet business needs. Travel 4-6 times a year may be required.

  • Analyze and disseminate summaries of emerging regulations and policy issues.
  • Research and summarize new studies, reports, and other publications related to wind-wildlife interactions, sound-health issues, and other siting related content.
  • Conduct research and provide comments on proposed rules and regulations. Aid in the writing of summaries for committee communications.
  • Partner with the State Policy team to track and evaluate emerging local/state-level siting policy related issues, including proposed setbacks, sound limits, and visual evaluations and other design limitations. 
  • Develop and maintain a database of state and county ordinances and work with the State Policy team and Regional Partners to evaluate new proposed ordinances as they arise.
  • Support the Senior Director, Permitting Policy and Environmental Affairs in collaborating with the Federal Legislative team to brief Hill offices on siting and environmental related issues.
  • Work closely with members of AWEA’s Siting and Environmental Compliance Committee, including leading the work of particular subcommittees to develop and execute consensus positions on siting policies, communications, and outreach.
  • Address other siting and environmental compliance related issues as necessary, including interactions with wildlife, civilian/military aviation, property values, sound and visual impacts, and related policy issues.
  • Coordinate preparation of media responses, as well as materials regarding siting policies, including researching and preparing publications, creating and delivering presentations, developing message documents, writing articles, press releases, and participation in AWEA workshops.
  • Contribute to developing the program for and promoting the annual Siting and Environmental Compliance Conference and for relevant sessions at WINDPOWER.
  • Support the Membership team with managing members’ participation interest in the Siting and Environmental Compliance Committee.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

AWEA is a fast-paced, high-energy organization with a very ambitious agenda and staff that is highly motivated. AWEA is a collaborative workplace. The individual must be willing and able to work constructively as a part of a team, while also demonstrating timely follow through on individual tasks. Demonstrated written and oral communications skills, with an emphasis on the ability to analyze technical/research data and concepts and communicate them to diverse audiences; ability to effectively interact with multiple stakeholders regarding sensitive issues around wind project siting; ability to create persuasive and clear displays of complex information to targeted audiences; ability to respond quickly and professionally to inquiries. The ideal candidate will demonstrate initiative and the ability to work independently to high professional standards.

Education and/or Experience

AWEA is seeking applicants whom reflect and understand our core values: We HEART Wind Energy, The Truth Prevails, Together We Succeed, and Ahead of the Curve. Qualified applicants may possess any combination of education and experience enabling them to successfully perform the responsibilities of the position. Preferred qualifications are: Bachelor’s degree in land use planning, public policy, natural sciences, pre-law, or political science. Advanced degree a plus. Incumbent must have two or more years of related experience in the land-use planning, wind energy industry, policy analysis, communications, or environmental consulting.  Experience in public relations and communications; familiarity with key federal wildlife statutes; energy/renewables permitting; and Microsoft Office Suite are desired.

To apply: Send cover letter and resume to sitingjobs@awea.org (please use “Permitting Policy & Environmental Affairs Analyst” in subject line) or mail to AWEA, 1501 M Street NW, Suite 9000, Washington, DC 20005;  Attention:  Human Resources.

AWEA is Metro accessible and provides a generous benefit package. To learn more visit www.awea.org.