Renewable Energy Siting Associate

The Iowa Environmental Council is seeking a Renewable Energy Siting Associate to lead outreach, research, and publication efforts for wind, solar, and battery storage siting in Iowa. Responsibilities include community engagement, policymaker tours, updating model ordinances, and developing educational materials. This full-time, grant-funded position offers a salary of $60,000-$65,000 and allows for hybrid or remote work within Iowa.
Reports to: Energy Program Director


Location: Iowa (IEC has offices in Des Moines but we are open to other locations within Iowa for hybrid or remote work)


Employment Type: Full-Time, Exempt (This position is grant-funded until July 31, 2027, with the potential for extension if funds become available)


Salary: $60,000-$65,000 per year (commensurate with experience)


About the Iowa Environmental Council (IEC)


The Iowa Environmental Council is a 501(c)3 nonprofit and the largest environmental coalition in the state. Through education, advocacy, and coalition-building, we raise awareness, generate action, and create large-scale change. We work on federal, state, and local public policy issues to ensure a just, healthy environment and sustainable future for all Iowans.


Position Overview: We are seeking a Renewable Energy Siting Associate to spearhead outreach, research, and publication efforts to advance knowledge and effectiveness of siting wind, solar, and battery storage in Iowa. This professional will be the primary liaison with statewide and regional collaborations working on these efforts, ensuring effective communication and coordination with stakeholders. The Siting Associate will manage the update of current model ordinance documents, collaborate with other IEC staff to develop new best practices publications, perform education and outreach to community members, develop communication tools and materials, and oversee renewable energy tours.


Key Responsibilities:



Community and Policymaker Outreach:
Serve as the main contact point for IEC’s participation in a statewide renewable energy permitting collaborative, maintaining effective communication with partners and stakeholders.
Attend and actively participate in collaborative meetings, community education events, and advisory council sessions.
Organize and execute policymaker tours to utility-scale solar and wind sites, ensuring productive and informative experiences.
Perform outreach to community leaders to provide education about renewable energy and transmission benefits and to cultivate good messengers.
Work with IEC’s communications staff to assist with the development and deployment of factual, compelling materials that tout the statewide and community benefits of renewables and to rebut common misinformation.
Research and Publication Development:
Conduct research to update IEC’s model ordinance documents, ensuring they reflect current best practices and regulatory requirements.
Develop and create new publications and best practices guides for utility-scale battery storage siting and environmental considerations related to permitting renewable energy.
Ensure that all publications are well-researched, peer-reviewed, and aligned with the latest standards and data.
Planning and Coordination:
With the collaborative, plan and execute outreach strategies to engage a variety of key communities, ensuring their perspectives are accounted for in community discussions related to renewable energy siting.
Coordinate with IEC staff and external partners to leverage existing expertise and resources, enhancing overall project capacity and impact.
Support and Collaboration:
Work closely with IEC’s existing staff to integrate their expertise into project planning and execution.
Documentation and Reporting:
Maintain thorough documentation of project activities, including meeting notes, research findings, and publication drafts.
Prepare reports and updates for internal and external stakeholders, ensuring transparency and accountability.
Submit reports summarizing activities over the grant required three (3) month period that coincides with financial reporting.

Qualifications:



Bachelor's degree in political science, urban planning, environmental science, communications, or another relevant field.
Minimum of 5 years of experience in planning, community outreach, or related areas, with a strong focus on renewable energy.
Demonstrated expertise in research, publication development, and stakeholder engagement.
Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Experience with community engagement and outreach, particularly at the local level
Proficiency in project management and coordination, with a proven track record of successful project implementation.

Benefits



Health and Dental Insurance
Life and Disability Insurance
Vision Insurance
Employer Matched Simple IRA
Paid Vacation, Sick, and Family Leave
Paid Holidays
Paid Parking, Required Travel Reimbursed
Hybrid Work Environment (remote work will be considered for the right candidate)

Equal Opportunity Employer: Iowa Environmental Council is an Equal Opportunity Employer dedicated to building a culturally diverse and pluralistic community engaged with working in a multicultural environment and strongly encourages applications from all qualified applicants.


Pay: $60,000.00 - $65,000.00 per year


Benefits:



401(k) 3% Match
AD&D insurance
Dental insurance
Health insurance
Life insurance
Paid time off
Parental leave
Vision insurance

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Des Moines, IA 50309