Job Description
Who We Are:
The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) is the state agency responsible for ensuring clean air, land, and water, the safe management of toxics and hazards, the recycling of solid and hazardous wastes and the preservation of the state's wetlands and coastal resources.
Who We Serve:
Massachusetts was the first state in the nation to combine energy and environmental agencies under one Cabinet secretary. The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EOEEA) serves Commonwealth residents interested in outdoor recreational activities, clean energy solutions and those who work with animals and livestock. Equally, EOEEA works with energy consumers, power companies, clean energy providers and farmers to delicately balance the interaction with environmental protection laws and regulations while being a cornerstone for our economic prosperity.
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Job Opening:
MassDEP's Wetlands Program, within the Bureau of Water Resources, is seeking an environmental professional to join our team. The Wetlands Program administers the Wetlands Protection Act regulations (310 CMR 10.00) and §401 Water Quality Certification (401WQC) (314 CMR 9.00) regulations. As our new Environmental Analyst IV (EAIV), you will work within the Highway Unit whose portfolio consists of Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) Highway Division projects. To meet the challenges of ensuring a safe, reliable, and resilient public roadway system across the state, MassDOT looks to expedite highway and bridge infrastructure projects. MassDEP's Highway Unit conducts regulatory review of MassDOT projects impacting wetlands and Chapter 91 Waterways (310 CMR 9.00) jurisdiction to ensure permitting is timely and complies with requirements for wetland resource protection and public trust rights. This position has two main areas of responsibility:
- Conduct project review, permitting, and compliance under the 401WQC, wetlands, and waterways (chapter 91) regulations for the Unit's portfolio of highway and bridge projects. This includes coordination with MassDEP's Chapter 91 Program, that administers the Waterways regulations.
- Related tasks to support interagency coordination and expedite implementation of the MassDOT Highway Division construction program and compliance with other statutes and regulations for which MassDEP has responsibility, such as Requests for Superseding Orders, and Variances under the Wetlands Protection Act.
This position is based in MassDEP's Boston Office, located at 100 Cambridge Street, Boston, MA. A hybrid schedule may be offered. Field work and in-person meetings are expected.
The Wetlands Analyst, Hwy Unit will perform the following duties:
The Environmental Analyst will receive supervision from the Highway Unit supervisor.
- Responsible for review, permitting, and compliance of state-wide MassDOT Highway projects requiring a 401WQC throughout pre-application, application, preliminary and final design, construction, and post-construction phases. Review and permitting in accordance with expedited project schedules.
- In collaboration with Chapter 91 Program, responsible for pre-application coordination, review, license development, and compliance for highway projects requiring a Chapter 91 approval including jurisdiction determinations, and draft and final licenses and/or Minor Project Modifications.
- Conduct periodic site visits and perform on-site inspections in each MassDOT District to verify compliance with permit conditions. Coordinate with MassDOT's Environmental Construction and/or District Construction personnel.
- Participate in interagency coordination and stakeholder consultation to support expedited review / permitting of MassDOT Highway projects and relevant policy initiatives.
- Provide technical assistance related to implementation of 401WQC, WPA, Chapter 91, and other relevant regulations.
- Liaise between MassDOT, Conservation Commissions, and relevant state and federal agencies.
- Participate in interagency efforts on topics/initiatives such as on off-site mitigation, drainage maintenance, and MassDOT stormwater handbook.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- At least 5 years of direct experience with the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act (MGL C. 131, sec 40) and associated Regulations (310 CMR 10.00), the Federal and Massachusetts Clean Waters Acts (MGL C. 21, sec 27), 401WQC (314 CMR 9.00), the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MGL C. 30, sec 61) and associated regulations (301 CMR 11.00), and the Massachusetts Public Waterfront Act (Chapter 91), preferred.
- Demonstrated proficiency and experience with a broad range of issues related to implementation of the wetlands and 401WQC regulations such as soils, hydrology, and plant identification; wetland and wildlife habitat assessment; sediment sampling methodology and analysis; MA Stormwater Management Standards compliance, implementation and maintenance of erosion and sedimentation controls; wetland and stream mitigation; and Stream Crossings Standards compliance.
- Demonstrated wetland delineation experience in accordance with State and Federal methodologies preferred.
- Preferred five years of experience reviewing complex stormwater infrastructure design for compliance in accordance with the MA Stormwater Management Standards and the MA Stormwater Handbook, particularly for redevelopment projects, preferred.
- Ability to conduct site inspections in variable terrain and weather conditions, including active construction sites and heavily vegetated areas.
- Detailed knowledge of and experience with large construction projects. Multi-lane highway widening and other major linear infrastructure project experience preferred, including design and construction period issues such as erosion and sedimentation control and runoff and stabilization practices.
- Knowledge of Massachusetts Environment Policy Act and National Environment Policy Act (MEPA/NEPA) processes as they pertain to alternative analyses and project development.
- Ability to exercise tactful negotiation and excellent problem-solving skills to resolve conflict among a broad range of constituents with competing interests.
- Demonstrated experience of the principles, practices, and tools of project management, including scheduling, workload prioritization and delegation, and client relations.
- Ability to analyze complex information, draw conclusions, and summarize effectively for public audiences.
- General computer proficiency with word processing, spreadsheets, and presentation software, web-based platforms, ArcMap/MassGIS and data and information management systems.
- Solid written/oral communication skills including regulatory documents, technical reports, and presentations.
- Access to reliable transportation to and from DEP and non-DEP sites.
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) five 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 three years must have been in a professional capacity, and of which (C) at least one year must have been in a supervisory, managerial or administrative capacity, or (D) 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 one year 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 a maximum of three years of the required (A) experience and one year of the required (B) experience.
Education toward such a degree will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed.
NOTE: Educational substitutions will only be permitted for a maximum of one year of the required (B) experience. No substitutions will be permitted for the required (C) experience.
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.
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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.