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 the environmental future of Massachusetts. We foster a workplace culture where diversity is valued, innovation is encouraged, and collaboration thrives. Our employees play a vital role in advancing sustainability, environmental justice, and clean energy solutions, ensuring a positive and lasting impact on Massachusetts and its residents.

1. The Environmental Analyst will receive supervision from the 401WQC Unit supervisor and work in coordination with Program Chief.
   • Conduct 401WQC project review during planning, design, permitting, construction, and post-construction to ensure compliance with applicable provisions of the 401WQC regulations.
   • Conduct pre-application consultation with 401WQC applicants.
   • Review 401WQC applications, coordinate with appropriate entities as needed, including DEP, CZM, DMF, EPA, NMFS and ACOE.
   • Coordinate associated stakeholder and public processes including conducting public hearings/information sessions, reviewing public comments, and preparing draft responses.
   • Draft recommended decision with appropriate conditions to deny or approve based on appropriate regulatory performance standards. Consider and grant as appropriate intrusions into Time of Year Restricted period.
   • Ensure effective application tracking and processing (using online Accela/ePlace platforms and PIMS/other internal tools) consistent with Department review and permitting time frames.
   • Support assessment of compliance with 401WQC conditions through site inspections and review of other information, develop enforcement actions and/or corrective measures, as needed.
   • Assist in administrative appeals and litigation as necessary, including collaborating with other DEP staff responsible for appeal coordination and oversight.
2. Support development and implementation of guidance and regulation revisions for 401WQC program to address technical and regulatory issues.
   • Support identification and implementation of opportunities to streamline / expedite regulatory review of resilience and restoration projects.
   • Internal and external coordination, stakeholder / public engagement, guidance issuance process, formal regulation promulgation process, and post-issuance outreach.
3. Other duties, as assigned. This may include assisting with management of contractors/consultants, supporting other programmatic/operational/administrative priorities (e.g., technical/advisory groups, grant application/implementation, procurement processes), collaborating with other MassDEP Programs as needed, and developing and delivering presentations at various venues.

• Working knowledge of a range of dredge projects, dredging permits, and dredged material management, re-use and disposal in the Commonwealth.
• Knowledge of policy, regulations, and case implementation related to the state Water Quality Certification (314 CMR 9.00) regulations and federal Clean Water Act Regulations Sections 404 and 401. General understanding of the Chapter 91 (310 CMR 9.00) and Wetlands regulations (310 CMR 10.00) is preferred.
• Knowledge of climate resilience and ecological restoration strategies, such as saltmarsh restoration methods, sediment reuse policy to address sea level rise, and coastal processes relevant for offshore renewables projects is preferred.
• Knowledge and/or experience with MA Solid Waste Beneficial Reuse Determinations (BUD) for dredged material, sediment quality evaluation using criteria in the Massachusetts Contingency Plan (MCP), and WQC and Chapter 91 dredge permits.
• Relevant field experience e.g., soils classification/analysis, water quality monitoring, wetlands delineation, etc. Knowledge of sediment chemistry and physics, as well as soil and sediment management is preferred.
• Experience developing or reviewing regulatory, policy, and/or guidance documents is preferred.
• Experience with construction projects during planning, design, and construction phases, such as developing and/or reviewing technical submittals and environmental permits.
• Experience using ArcMap, ArcGIS Online, ArcGIS Pro and other GIS-related tools. Knowledge of MassGIS data layers.
• Ability to communicate effectively in written/oral forms with internal and external audiences, including professional correspondence, policy and technical report drafting and editing, and presentation preparation and delivery.
• Ability to analyze complex data and information, draw conclusions, and summarize effectively for different audiences.
• Ability to exercise tactful negotiation and problem-solving skills to resolve issues with internal and external parties.
• Knowledge of the principles, practices, and tools of project management and ability to successfully multi-task.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite and on-line communication and collaboration platforms (e.g., Microsoft Teams, Zoom, etc.).
• Based on assignment, a valid driver's license may be required.