CPW Phys Science Researcher/Scientist V - Statewide Energy Lead (Denver, CO

at  State of Colorado Job Opportunities

DESCRIPTION OF JOB

This position will be responsible for statewide coordination of and representation for CPW on energy development activities in Colorado. This position directly influences policy and procedures of CPW and is the senior authority on energy development and impacts to wildlife as a result of energy development in the state. This position represents CPW during rulemaking processes and procedures by state and federal agencies related to energy development. The position creates, reviews, and provides testimony to commissions and legislature on regulatory and rulemaking matters involving energy development and wildlife.
This position will be responsible for statewide coordination to implement the requirements in SB 24-212 and will coordinate with Colorado Parks and Wildlife management, regional energy liaisons, and field staff for model code development, technical support, project reviews, best management practices, high-priority habitat mapping designations and updates, communication and coordination with the Department of Natural Resources Executive Director’s Office (DNR-EDO) and other divisions including but not limited to the Energy and Carbon Management Commission (ECMC), and the Colorado Energy Office (CEO).

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Ten (10) years of relevant experience in interpreting and applying state, county, and local codes, ordinances, and land use regulations, providing written and verbal testimony and/or presentations, policy understanding, and policy interpretation, private or public wildlife consultations, ecosystem or wildlife impact assessments, and technical writing and communications related to natural resources and/or energy development, or an occupation closely related to the work assigned to this position.
OR
A combination of related education (e.g., Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in public or environmental policy, political science, environmental law, natural resources management, wildlife biology, ecology, environmental sciences, natural resource management, engineering, public or non-profit administration , or a closely related field and/or relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned equal to ten (10) years.

SPECIFIC DUTIES OF THIS POSITION INCLUDE:

Renewable Energy Program Management
Coordinates CPW’s renewable energy program, using data-driven, evidence-based science to establish best management practices (BMPs) to avoid, minimize and mitigate impacts of renewable energy projects to parks, wildlife and outdoor recreation. This position will lead the implementation of SB 24-212 for the development of statewide BMPs and habitat mapping, serve as lead on efforts with ECMC including the development of renewable energy model codes, and will work with the CEO on the planned renewable energy siting report. It will coordinate with CPW executive management, regional energy liaisons, and field staff to provide technical support, project reviews, best management practices, high-priority habitat mapping designations and updates, communication, and coordination with DNR-EDO and other divisions, ECMC, and CEO. One of the primary roles of a statewide energy lead would be coordination with those aspects of energy development that ECMC regulates, with additional work on federal and state policy work.