DLCD is Hiring a Renewable Energy Specialist (Planner 4)

Join the Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD) as the new Renewable Energy Specialist (Planner 4) in our Community Services Division. The Renewable Energy Specialist will provide technical expertise to the agency, state agency partners, local governments, interested community partners, and others on the land use aspects of terrestrial renewable energy production in Oregon. The person in this position will help Oregon in its efforts to support the production and distribution of renewable energy in quantities necessary to accomplish renewable energy portfolio targets identified by the Oregon Legislature and Governor's office. They will also work to integrate the goal with other vital aspects of the statewide planning program, such as continued vitality of the state's farm and forest economies and protection of sensitive and important native plants, fish, and wildlife ecosystems. Express your interest and apply today!

Salary: $5,932 – $9,108 Monthly

Application Deadline: December 4, 2023

Apply here: http://oregon.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/SOR_External_Career_Site/job/Salem--DLCD/Renewable-Energy-Specialist_REQ-142091

As part of DLCD’s mission, in partnership with community members and local governments, we foster equitable, inclusive, sustainable, and vibrant communities, while protecting our natural resources legacy for current and future generations.

As the new Renewable Energy Specialist (Planner 4) you will:

• Lead rulemaking efforts to adopt rules governing placement of renewable solar energy facilities consistent with the provisions of other statewide planning goals.
• Plan and execute public involvement strategies to gain input of stakeholders on complex planning issues and policies and proposed agency administrative rules regarding renewable energy production and distribution.
• Draft reports to the Legislature on the issues related to renewable solar energy facilities and potential conflicts with other important state resources and economic sectors.
• Represent DLCD and provide technical expertise to the agency, state agency partners, local governments, interested community partners, and others on the land use aspects of terrestrial renewable energy production in Oregon.

This position will require some travel to Central and Eastern Oregon communities.

For a copy of the full position description, please email Kavin.Blanton@dlcd.oregon.gov.

What’s in it for you:

• Opportunity to collaborate with a team of talented professionals who are passionate about the agency’s mission and priorities.
• Flexible work location, with a mix of remote and in-office work.
• 11 paid holidays per year and additional personal business time off.
• Comprehensive benefit package options.

At DLCD, all employees are expected to recognize value in individual and cultural differences; lead activities in their division to promote and foster a diverse workforce; actively engage in implementing the DEI Work Plan and associated activities including achieving the agency’s affirmative action objectives and goals.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

One of DLCD’s foundational goals is to become a diverse, equitable, and inclusive agency that implements an equitable and inclusive planning program for Oregon. Efforts are supported by the State of Oregon Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Action Plan and an agency Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Committee and Work Plan.

We recognize that to successfully meet our mission and agency values, our commitment to racial equity, diversity, equity, and inclusion must be at the center of our work. DLCD values the lived and professional experiences of individuals from historically and currently underserved and under-resourced communities and honor our Government-to-Government relations responsibilities with Oregon’s federally recognized Native American Tribes. We are committed to building and sustaining an inclusive, belonging, and equitable working environment for all employees. Candidates with diverse racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds, language fluencies, lived experiences, and skillsets are encouraged to apply.

The Benefits

The State of Oregon offers a competitive and affordable health and benefits package, including excellent medical, vision and dental coverage, paid holidays off, and personal business leave, as well as paid and accrued vacation and sick leave. In addition to standard medical benefits and employee leave, the state also provides additional optional benefits, such as basic life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, and flexible spending accounts for health care and childcare expenses.

After a qualifying period, new employees are enrolled in the Oregon Public Service Retirement Plan (OPSRP). State employees also have access to benefits like deferred compensation plans through the Oregon Savings Growth Plan and the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.

Join thousands of state employees who came for a job and stayed for a career!

What We Are Looking For

A Bachelor's Degree in Urban or Regional Planning, Public Administration, Social Science, Civil Engineering, Architecture, Economics, Geography or a related field; AND Four (4) years of planning experience related to the job.

Note: A Master's Degree in Urban or Regional Planning, Public Administration, Social Science, Civil Engineering, Architecture, Economics, Geography or a related field may substitute for one (1) year of experience.

OR

Eight (8) years of planning experience related to the job.

We’re Also Looking for

• Experience in or knowledge of permitting renewable energy facilities.
• Experience in or knowledge of land use planning challenges facing rural, Eastern, and Central Oregon communities.
• Experience leading and facilitating projects that involve partners with conflicting policy and political perspectives.
• Lived or professional experience serving individuals from historically and currently underserved and under-resourced communities.
• Spanish language fluency. Individuals with fluency in other languages are also encouraged to apply.

If you have these qualities, let us know! It’s how we will choose whom to move forward!

Note: You do not need to have all these qualities to be eligible for this position.

Tips for Interested Candidates

A cover letter and resume are required. Your candidate profile, cover letter, and resume are the perfect place to display your interest in the position and highlight the skills and experience you will bring, making you the best candidate for the position. Failure to attach a cover letter and resume may result in a candidate’s disqualification. Submissions are screened for consistency of information and communication skills at the professional level (attention to detail, spelling, grammar, etc.).

Want to Know More? Let Me Help!

• The salary listed is the non-PERS qualifying salary range. If the successful candidate is a PERS participating member, they will have the base salary increased by 6.95% and pay the 6% employee contribution to PERS.  Successful candidates who are not yet a PERS participating member, will receive the 6.95% pay increase and begin the 6% employee contribution upon participating in PERS. DLCD employees are eligible for step increases on an annual basis, up to the top of the classification salary range.
• This announcement is for one, full-time, position and is represented by a union. Please review the Classification and Compensation page for more details on the classification, or you may visit our website for information on the job offer process following pay equity. Prior to making a job offer, an internal pay equity assessment will be completed. The successful candidate’s professional experience and education will be compared to the state employee workforce performing work of a comparable character to determine appropriate placement in the salary range. Candidates new to state service typically receive a salary within the first half of the salary range.
• If you have questions about the job announcement, or need an alternate format to apply, please contact Human Resources Generalist, Kavin Blanton, at Kavin.Blanton@dlcd.oregon.gov
• Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. Applicants who require visa sponsorship will not be considered at this time.
• For information on veterans' preference points, visit: Veterans Resources

This recruitment may be used to fill other agency positions within the same classification.