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Ecological Restoration Specialist Dam Removal

AT The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Ecological Restoration Specialist Dam Removal

Boston, MA

Job Description

Who We Are:

The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) seeks to protect, preserve, and enhance Massachusetts' environmental resources and create a clean energy future for all residents. Through the stewardship of open spaces, the protection of environmental resources, and the advancement of clean energy, EEA works tirelessly to make Massachusetts a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family. Our commitment to environmental justice ensures that every resident, regardless of background or location, can live in a safe, clean environment and shares equally in the benefits of the clean energy transition.

Who We Are as an Employer:

At EEA, we create meaningful, inclusive opportunities that empower our employees to make a real difference in shaping Massachusetts's environmental future. We foster a workplace culture where diversity is valued, innovation is encouraged, and collaboration thrives. Our employees are vital in advancing sustainability, environmental justice, and clean energy solutions, ensuring a positive and lasting impact on Massachusetts and its residents.

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The Department of Fish and Game (DFG) is the state agency responsible for conserving the state's natural resources. DFG exercises responsibility over the Commonwealth's marine and freshwater fisheries, wildlife, plants, and natural communities and provides outdoor recreation opportunities to the public. The Division of Ecological Restoration restores and protects Massachusetts's rivers, wetlands, and watersheds for the benefit of people and the environment.

Job Opening:

The Division of Ecological Restoration (DER) seeks applicants for an Environmental Analyst II/Ecological Restoration Specialist - Dam Removal to serve as an ecological restoration project manager for DER's Dam Removal Program.

This position provides programmatic support in identifying, evaluating, and developing new potential dam removal projects; collecting field data, monitoring, and conducting assessments to inform project outcomes and the practice of river restoration; responding to technical assistance requests; and grant writing to increase the pace and quality of dam removal projects across the Commonwealth. This role relies on strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills, and candidates will also perform duties supporting general DER operations, including but not limited to training and outreach to landowners, partners, and other stakeholders.

The Ecological Restoration Specialist will be based in DER's Boston office. The position will follow a hybrid schedule consisting of in-office work and telework. In-state travel to conduct fieldwork and meetings is also required.

A cover letter must be submitted as part of the application process and attached "as relevant" to the requisition. Your resume is attached correctly.

Responsibilities include:

  • Serve as project manager for assigned ecological restoration projects, primarily focused on dam removal and river restoration, and potentially including retired cranberry bog restoration, freshwater and coastal wetland restoration, culvert removal/replacement, or other project types.
    • Perform project management tasks, including forming and maintaining teams; assisting with the development of restoration approaches; developing and maintaining project plans, budgets, and timelines; securing technical services; conducting field monitoring; supporting projects through planning, assessment, design, engineering, permitting, and construction phases; grant writing; complying with environmental regulatory requirements; and facilitating public outreach and education.
    • Develop and manage technical service and grant contracts and ensure successful contractor/grantee performance of scopes of work and production of quality timely deliverables.
    • Maintain organized and up-to-date digital files, including project budgets; support division-wide project tracking and other work management systems; and report on projects as needed.
    • Coordinate and maintain communication between DER staff, and state, federal, and other project partners; ensure project goals are clear and objectives met. Provide programmatic support to DER's Dam Removal Program and Habitat Restoration Branch (15%).
    • Manage project information in timely, accessible, and organized formats for use by the Dam Removal Program Manager.
    • Assist with identifying and evaluating potential dam removal projects in coordination with program staff and other partners including field assessments and desktop evaluations.
    • Assist with responding to requests for technical assistance to the Dam Removal Program.
    • Assist with monitoring and evaluation of project and program outputs and outcomes.
    • Provide general programmatic support, such as outreach and technical and administrative tasks.
    • Contribute to Dam Removal Program and Habitat Restoration Branch planning, as requested.
  • Perform duties in support of general DER operations.
    • Provide information as requested to support Division outreach such as project marketing tools, updates, newsletters, brochures, website content, and program reports.
    • Contribute to the Division's strategic and annual work planning, as requested.
    • Assist with preparation and execution of programmatic Requests for Responses (RFRs), such as solicitations for Priority Projects and prequalified vendors.
    • Provide information requested to support budget and program development.
    • Conduct training and participate in other outreach and education activities related to ecological restoration.
    • Participate in general interagency coordination and policy activities.
    • Represent the program in public forums and present at professional conferences.


Qualifications

First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.

MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS:

Applicants must have at least (A) three years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, technical or professional experience in the field of environmental science, biology, chemistry, earth science, environmental health, meteorology, natural science, toxicology or public health, of which (B) at least one year must have been in a professional capacity, or (C) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the following substitutions.

Substitutions:

I. An Associate's degree with a major in the field of environmental science, biology, chemistry, earth science, environmental health, meteorology, natural science, toxicology or public health may be substituted for a maximum of one year of the required (A) experience.

II. A Bachelor's degree with a major in the field of environmental science, biology, chemistry, earth science, environmental health, meteorology, natural science, toxicology or public health may be substituted for a maximum of two years of the required (A) experience.


III. A Graduate degree with a major in environmental science, biology, chemistry, earth science, environmental health, meteorology, natural science, toxicology or public health may be substituted for the required experience.

Education toward such a degree will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed.

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.

Client-provided location(s): Boston, MA, USA
Job ID: Commonwealth_of_Massachusetts-24000A3K
Employment Type: Full Time

Perks and Benefits

  • Health and Wellness

    • Health Insurance
    • Health Reimbursement Account
    • Dental Insurance
    • Vision Insurance
    • Life Insurance
    • Short-Term Disability
    • Long-Term Disability
    • FSA
    • HSA
    • Mental Health Benefits
  • Parental Benefits

    • Adoption Assistance Program
    • Family Support Resources
  • Work Flexibility

    • Flexible Work Hours
    • Hybrid Work Opportunities
  • Office Life and Perks

    • Commuter Benefits Program
  • Vacation and Time Off

    • Paid Vacation
    • Paid Holidays
    • Personal/Sick Days
    • Volunteer Time Off
  • Financial and Retirement

    • Pension
    • Financial Counseling
  • Professional Development

    • Promote From Within
    • Mentor Program
    • Access to Online Courses
    • Lunch and Learns
    • Internship Program
    • Leadership Training Program
    • Associate or Rotational Training Program
  • Diversity and Inclusion

    • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Program