Regulatory Affairs Associate

About Us

ORPC improves people’s lives, and their environment, through sustainable energy solutions. Constantly pushing the boundaries of innovation, ORPC brings marine renewable energy technology and project development solutions to its community and industrial partners specializing in microgrid to utility-scale river and tidal energy applications. With a growth-oriented business model and an engaged workforce committed to collaboration with all stakeholders and customers, ORPC delivers practical, high performing, sustainable solutions that provide clean, affordable energy while ensuring positive economic results for all. For more information, visit www.orpc.co

About the Role

The Regulatory Affairs Associate will work directly with ORPC’s Regulatory Affairs Director and will assist with permitting, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) licensing, and compliance efforts as well as GIS mapping needs for ORPC development projects primarily located within the U.S. This position would reside within ORPC’s Development Team. The Development Team evaluates sites for potential project development and advances permitting and licensing through planning and operational phases. The successful candidate will have the ability to apply basic science concepts, and the ability to use communication skills to effectively communicate with ORPC engineering staff, scientific and non-scientific governmental and regulatory agencies, and the general public. Areas of technical training or experience considered useful for this position include: marine and environmental science or policy, oceanography, GIS mapping, and environmental field work. A full commitment to teamwork and a positive, flexible attitude is essential along with a proven record for close attention to detail.

Essential Skills and Responsibilities:

• Assist in developing permitting, FERC licensing, and regulatory compliance deliverables in accordance with defined scopes and schedules.
• Interact with government permitting agencies and pertinent stakeholders to assist with coordination of project permitting and/or study requirements.
• Assist in developing and implementing environmental management plans and environmental study plans (sea ice, marine mammals, site characterization, etc.) with internal ORPC staff, external consultants, or national labs.
• Provide technical reviews and inputs on environmental data or reports.
• Track and maintain ORPC regulatory compliance obligations.
• Develop GIS maps for permitting, FERC licensing, and regulatory compliance deliverables as well as for marketing and business development efforts.
• Represent ORPC at industry functions, such as association events and conferences, and provide feedback and information on market trends, networking results, etc.
• Ability to articulate complex science and engineering topics to diverse audiences.
• Ability to travel to remote locations for project site visits, stakeholder engagement efforts, and potential field work assistance as opportunities arise.

Additional Skills and Responsibilities:

• Track and maintain comprehensive project documentation (stakeholder consultation, agency consultation, FERC consultation records).
• Maintain and organize company GIS databases and processes.
• Organized, positive, self-starter personality willing to work in a partially remote team setting.

Education/Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in marine science or policy, environmental science or policy, geography, GIS, or related field.
• At least two semesters of GIS coursework preferred.
• Proficient at technical writing.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite preferred.
• 1-2 years’ related experience preferred.

Physical Requirements

• This position primarily consists of desk work with intermittent opportunities for travel to project meetings, conferences, or field work assistance at project sites. While performing desk work, the candidate must be able to spend prolonged periods of time sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be willing to travel to remote locations, both domestic and international.
• Must be comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Able to lift 15-20 lbs.
• This position is based out of Portland, Maine with the ability to work a hybrid schedule.

At ORPC, we are committed to building a diverse and equitable work force. We recognize that our success depends on building a team that represents all the communities we serve. We pride ourselves in being mutually supportive as we treat one another as equals, embrace diversity, and promote safety. As an equal opportunity employer, we aim to create an inclusive environment. You are encouraged to apply for any suitable position, even if you do not meet all the qualifications. If you need accommodation to apply for a particular position, please reach out to our Human Resources Department.