Regional Planner III

Description:

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) is the state agency responsible for ensuring clean air, land, and water. Our work impacts every aspect of people's lives and is critical to the health and wellbeing of our residents and visitors. MassDEP is the lead agency for safe management of toxics and hazardous materials, promotion of waste reduction and recycling, preservation of the state's wetlands and coastal resources, air quality monitoring and pollution reduction, and so much more.

MassDEP seeks applicants for the position of Regional Planner III (RP III). Under the supervision of the Branch Chief for Municipal Waste Reduction or their designee, the Regional Planner III will work on implementation of recycling and waste reduction grants, technical assistance and outreach to municipalities, regional entities, and other stakeholders. The RPIII will work closely with other staff on the implementation of the Sustainable Materials Recovery Program with duties that will include but are not limited to; coordinating and administering grant programs; responding to public inquiries about recycling and waste reduction; communicating grant program policies to municipal officials; tracking grant expenditures and coordinating with fiscal staff. The RPIII will also assist with recycling and waste reduction education programs, municipal recycling data management, and other initiatives that support the Commonwealth's Solid Waste Master Plan goals.

Specific duties of this position include, but are not limited to:

• Assisting in the implementation of the Sustainable Materials Recovery Program, including conducting outreach, evaluating grants, preparing grant documents, and tracking program expenditures and data.
• Conducting analysis of municipal recycling and solid waste data.
• Supporting other grant program implementation, including Waste Reduction and/or HHW facility grants.
• Creating resources, conducting outreach, and providing guidance on priority waste reduction initiatives which may include organics, school waste reduction, multifamily recycling, and household hazardous waste.
• Developing case studies, best practices and guidance to assist local government in developing effective waste reduction programs.
• Assisting with implementation of action items included in MassDEP's Reduce and Reuse Action Plan.
• Supporting other municipal waste reduction programs that support the objectives of MassDEP's Solid Waste Master Plan.

Preferred Work Experience:

• Working knowledge of waste reduction, recycling, and solid waste issues in Massachusetts
• Familiarity with publicly funded grant programs
• Demonstrated ability to manage projects and coordinate teams
• Experience in strategic planning, program development and program coordination
• Experience in working collaboratively with diverse stakeholders
• Ability to develop, monitor, and evaluate policies and programs
• Experience working with local or regional government entities
• Ability to write concisely, express thoughts clearly and to develop ideas in logical sequence
• Strong verbal skills, demonstrated ability in public speaking
• Ability to understand, explain and apply the rules, regulations and policies governing the Division and Department.
• Experience compiling data and conducting analysis
• Expertise in MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint; MS Access experience strongly desired.

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) four years of full-time, or equivalent part-time technical or professional experience in urban or regional planning, environmental planning, transportation planning or land use planning, and (B) of which at least two years must have been in a professional capacity or (C) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below.

Substitutions:

I. A Bachelor's degree with a major in urban or regional planning, environmental planning, urban studies, architecture, landscape architecture, civil, environmental, or transportation engineering or environmental sciences may be substituted for two years of the required (A) experience.

II. A Graduate degree with a major in urban or regional planning, environmental planning, urban studies, architecture, landscape architecture, civil, environmental, or transportation engineering or environmental studies may be substituted for 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 three years of the required experience. Substitutions will only be permitted for a maximum of one year of the required (B) experience.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Based on assignment, possession of a current and valid Massachusetts Class D Motor Vehicle Operator's License.

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.