Energy and Environmental Protection Office Director (Program)

The State of Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is charged with conserving, improving and protecting the natural resources and the environment of the state of Connecticut as well as making cheaper, cleaner and more reliable energy available for the people and businesses of the state. DEEP is committed to playing a positive role fostering a sustainable and prosperous economic future for the state.

DEEP is organized into three branches: 

• The Energy Branch which includes the Bureau of Energy and Technology Policy, which develops forward-looking energy efficiency, infrastructure and alternative power programs.
• The Environmental Quality Branch which works to protect the air, land and water resources of the state by regulating air emissions, wastewater discharges and solid and hazardous wastes.
• The Environmental Conservation Branch which is charged with managing the state’s natural resources and conserving and managing statewide recreation lands and resources through the acquisition of open space and the management of resources, including state parks, to meet the outdoor recreation needs of the public.

DEEP has a current opportunity for a Director of the Office of Climate Planning. This is an exceptional opportunity to work on an ambitious and proactive response to the most pressing environmental issue of our time. This position is responsible for leading an office within DEEP’s Office of Planning and Program Development dedicated to coordinating planning for DEEP policies and programs that address climate change mitigation, adaptation, and resilience. This includes formulating program objectives, setting priorities, and providing technical direction to ensure Connecticut meets its statutory greenhouse gas reduction targets and adequately prepares for the effects of a changing climate. This office will play a central role in monitoring the state’s progress towards meeting ambitious climate goals; coordinating complex planning efforts such as the Governor’s Council on Climate Change; developing and implementing outreach, communications, and legislative programs to advance awareness of and engagement in climate change solutions; working closely with DEEP programs, other state agencies, as well as regional and national organizations in which Connecticut participates to support the state’s ambitious climate goals and adopt effective climate change solutions.

This is a full-time, 40 hours per week position (Monday – Friday). 

The position will be located at DEEP Headquarters, 79 Elm Street, Hartford, CT, across from historic Bushnell Park.

Applicants must include a resume within the "Resume Tab" of their application.

Questions about this position should be directed to the hiring agency's human resources office:  DEEP.HumanResources@ct.gov, (860) 424-3006. 

This position is competitive. Open to the public.

Applicants invited to interview may be required to submit additional documentation, which supports their qualification(s) for this position. These documents may include:  performance reviews, supervisory references, college transcripts, etc., at the discretion of the agency.  

Please Note:  You will be unable to make revisions once you submit your application for this posting to the JobAps system.

Responsible for management of a major program office; interprets and administers pertinent laws; meets with outside agencies to advise on departmental policies and procedures; serves as liaison with other agencies, municipal, state and federal governments; evaluates operations and projects assigned to office; makes recommendations for improvements; provides technical direction to unit staff; provides information to community; represents department at meetings; responds to inquires relating to assigned programs; may advise senior level staff on status of permits, process management, projects, legislation and policy and regulations pertaining to assigned areas of responsibility; directs staff and operations of office; determines priorities and coordinates, plans and manages activities; formulates office goals and objectives and ensures implementation of same; reviews and evaluates effectiveness of established or proposed policies and/or programs assessing options and developing recommendations for improvement; conducts performance evaluations; prepares reports and correspondence; recommends policy; drafts policy statements and regulations; prepares or assists in development of office budget; performs related duties as required.

Specific responsibilities of the Office of Climate Research include the following:

Policy and Planning Support

• Participate and provide input on DEEP policy planning documents such as the Integrated Resources Plan, Comprehensive Energy Strategy, the Blue Plan, the Green Plan, Forest Action Plan, and Comprehensive Materials Management Strategy, etc. to ensure integration of climate objectives.
• Track policy and planning processes of other state agencies to identify opportunities to support integration of climate objectives.
• Liaise with and support DEEP staff who are engaged with integrating climate change research to ensure actionable scientific insights are incorporated into policy, planning, and communication; permitting and Siting Council decisions; CEPA/NEPA regulations; GreenerGov CT; etc.

Communications and Outreach

• Working in partnership with DEEP’s communications office, develop outreach, communications, and media strategy that informs and engages citizens, communities, and businesses in DEEP climate change programs.
• Lead climate change outreach efforts to gather input and support from a broad range of stakeholders with a particular emphasis on environmental justice and underserved communities, in coordination with DEEP’s communications and legislative staff.
• Work with local governments and communities to support their efforts to reduce GHG emissions and adapt to a changing climate, in coordination with DEEP staff managing intergovernmental affairs.

Coordination of the Governor’s Council on Climate Change

• Coordinate and manage the Governor’s Council on Climate Change (GC3) work streams to achieve the objectives outlined in Governor Lamont’s Executive Order No. 3.
• Facilitate the integration of DEEP management and subject matter experts into the work of the GC3, including staffing working groups, providing presentations, sharing information, etc.
• Provide ongoing administrative support to the GC3, including coordinating meeting logistics, meeting notes, website updates, etc.

Legislation

• Assist in development of new legislative and administrative policy proposals that advance climate change solutions.
• As necessary, provide legislative support through the preparation of materials and communication to legislative committees.

Regional and National Initiatives

• Coordinate with other DEEP offices to support Connecticut’s participation in regional and national initiatives to advance the state’s climate change priorities.

Considerable knowledge of relevant environmental, energy, and conservation programs, laws and regulations; considerable knowledge of environmental protection and energy principles, practices and issues; knowledge of and ability to apply management principles and techniques; considerable interpersonal skills; considerable oral and written communication skills; considerable ability to apply relevant agency policies and procedures; ability to initiate and direct programs; analytical, negotiating and organizational skills.

1. College training in a scientific or technical discipline related to energy or environmental fields including but not limited to engineering, biological, physical, earth or environmental sciences, natural resources management, renewable energy, energy conservation or related field may be substituted for the General Experience on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equaling one-half (1/2) year of experience to a maximum of four (4) years for a Bachelor's Degree.

2. A Master's Degree in a scientific or technical discipline related to energy or environmental fields including but not limited to engineering, biological, physical, earth or environmental sciences, natural resources management, renewable energy, energy conservation or related field may be substituted for one (1) additional year of the General Experience.

• Knowledge of climate change science, policies, and strategies, including decarbonizing energy, buildings, and transportation sectors; adaptation and resilience of natural and built environments; and GHG accounting.
• Experience with legal or statutory analysis as an attorney or other role responsible for interpreting statutes and providing policy analysis on a regular basis.
• Demonstrated effectiveness in building and leading work teams
• Demonstrated experience and effectiveness in managing complex projects, including projects involving extensive stakeholder participation and engagement
• Experience developing and maintaining strong professional relationships within and across organizational structures
• Demonstrated organizational skills and ability to prioritize among a variety of pressing tasks
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Demonstrated experience and skill in outreach, education, and communication, such as on climate change or related topics.

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.