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.

Description:

The Land and Water Conservation Fund Grant Program (LWCF) is administered by the Division of Conservation Services for Massachusetts on behalf of the National Park Service (NPS), an agency of the Department of the Interior. LWCF provides grants to municipalities, the Commonwealth's Departments of Conservation and Recreation and Fish Game, and federally recognized Indian tribes for the acquisition and development of public outdoor conservation and recreation areas. The program is intended to create and maintain a nationwide legacy of high-quality outdoor recreation areas and to stimulate non-federal investments in the protection and maintenance of recreation resources across the United States.

Since 1965, LWCF grants have been used to fund over 575 parks and conservation areas across the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The LWCF Stewardship Planner will work with other LWCF state staff to conduct the required five-year inspections of previously assisted sites, with a focus on monitoring, records management, and grantee outreach. On an annual basis, the state needs to conduct approximately 115 site inspections to keep the inspection program on track.

The Stewardship Planner will also maintain the program's grants/protected site database, which is used to track grants, inspections, and stewardship issues. Duties will include data entry and report production, reminder letters to current and past grantees, contacts, etc.

This position is a contractor role, limited to 1,800 contract hours for one year, and is not eligible for benefits, with the exception of earned sick leave. The hourly rate includes an additional $2.68 per hour as compensation in lieu of benefits.

Specific duties include:

• Updating, maintaining, and, in some cases, creating a detailed informational database and filing system.
• Conducting detailed field inspections of LWCF-funded sites, and meeting with LWCF grantees as needed.
• Documenting existing conditions on LWCF-funded sites using photography, GPS technology, and thorough notes, to NPS specifications.
• Preparing detailed monitoring reports based on field inspections.
• Working with grantees to ensure unauthorized uses are discontinued and sites are brought back into compliance, possibly through communication with NPS.
• Cultivating and maintaining positive working relationships with LWCF grantees.
• Working with LWCF state staff to distribute inspection reports, including any violations.
• Working cooperatively with LWCF state and federal staff on a variety of projects as needed.
• Performs related duties such as attending conferences, seminars, and meetings as assigned.
• Serves on committees and working groups as assigned.
• Other related duties as required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in Natural Resource Management, Ecology, Biology, Environmental Science, Forestry, Wildlife Biology, or Planning.
• Knowledge of and familiarity of the Land and Water Conservation Fund Grant Program.
• Experience in the field using GPS devices and tablets.
• Ability to read and understand topographic maps, assessor plans, and survey plans.
• Experience reviewing, writing, and producing reports that include maps, photographs, and narrative, describing conditions on a property.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to work outdoors, year-round throughout Massachusetts under varying climatic conditions, and traverse uneven, rugged terrain, spending 1-2 days a week in the field as weather permits.
• Ability to establish and maintain courteous, professional working relationships with other professionals.
• Ability to speak and write clearly and to communicate effectively with staff and the general public.
• Ability to use geographic information systems (i.e. ArcGIS, desktop, apps and online) to assess property conditions and create maps.
• Ability to read, understand, interpret, and apply legal documents, technical literature, and regulations to conditions on a property.

Qualifications

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

See Preferred Qualifications above.

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.