Job Description
Do you have a passion for well-run operations, environmental issues, and the drive to make meaningful progress on wetlands resource protection, climate resilience, and public trust rights of access in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts? If you're looking for a job where you can make a difference and work alongside other dedicated professionals on these and related critical issues, then read on about this opportunity with the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP).
MassDEP's Wetlands and Waterways Division, within the Bureau of Water Resources, is seeking a program administration professional to join our team. The Division is comprised of the Wetlands Program, which administers the state wetlands protection regulations (310 CMR 10.00) and 401 Water Quality Certification (401WQC) regulations (314 CMR 9.00), and the Waterways Program, which administers the state public trust waterways regulations, commonly called "Chapter 91" (310 CMR 9.00). This role will support the Division's policy/regulation development and permitting/licensing functions, including those to address the effects of climate change within jurisdictional inland and coastal areas. As our new Program Coordinator (PCIII), you will have three main areas of responsibility:
• Coordination, technical support, and implementation of the Programs' permitting/licensing operational and procedural functions, including data management systems, regulation update and permit/license processing workflows, and process optimization initiatives.
• Administrative support for the Programs' fiscal and procurement operations, including grant application and implementation, procurement processes, and budget preparation and tracking.
• Coordination and implementation support of the Programs' internal and external communication/information functions, including monitoring and coordinating responses to inquiries.
This position is based in MassDEP's Boston Office; however, a hybrid schedule may be offered. In-person meetings, tasks at other local/state offices, and project site visits are expected.
Your essential job duties will include (these are not all-inclusive):
The Program Coordinator will receive supervision from the Division Director and work in close coordination with Wetlands and Waterways Program leadership.
1. Coordinate and support implementation of the Programs' permitting/licensing operational and procedural functions.
• Maintain up-to-date Program records and data management systems. Perform data entry, track/retrieve records, train staff on systems as needed, conduct periodic QA/QC, and implement updates. Systems include:
o Waterways license and 401WQC application and payment tracking system (PIMS and Accela),
o Wetlands data management systems (WIRe, eDEP, Accela), in coordination with Boston and Regions
o Compliance and Enforcement Tracking system (CET),
o Waterways databases for workflow / case management and current/historical issued license/plans
• Coordinate permit/license processing workflows within the EIPAS/Accela and eDEP platforms or alternate methods or platforms as needed. Provide technical assistance from application submittal to permit/license signature and issuance processes. Participate in development of Programs' process improvements.
• Assist Programs with review and assignment of MEPA filings, including preliminary review in consultation with Program staff, distribution of MEPA materials to reviewers, and preparation of program comments for submission to Secretary.
• Assist Programs with periodic (annual at a minimum) compilation, analysis, and reporting of permitting/licensing performance data, e.g., number of applications received/issued, review duration relative to established timeframes, etc.
• Participate in related Program initiatives, as needed, e.g., development of Waterways online license viewer platform and upgrade of Wetlands data management platform (WIRe)
• Assist with cloud file management to establish and maintain common shared folders (OneDrive, SharePoint).
2. Support administration of Programs' fiscal and procurement functions.
• Assist in preparation of grant applications for state and federal funding.
• Support procurement of consultant services through Massachusetts' COMMBUYS system, including the Request for Quotes (RFQ) process and contract execution/administration.
• Development and administration of Interagency Service Agreements.
• Support budget preparation and coordinate various fiscal tracking systems, e.g., capital and grant funded projects across fiscal years, and operating budgets for expenses such as field/safety gear and travel.
• Serve as programmatic point of contact for revenue-based coordination, e.g., support administration of Waterways Transportation Expendable Trust, regulation fee updates, and resolution of applicant/conservation commission fee issues.
3. Coordinate and support implementation of internal and external communication functions and responses to information needs. Internal coordination includes within the Program (Boston and regions), cross-Program/Bureau, Office of General Counsel, and the Commissioner's Office. External coordination includes with applicants, stakeholders, other agencies (local, state, and federal), and the public.
• Coordinate the Programs' public inquiry intake and response systems via mail, phone, email, and on-line, including programmatic research in response to information requests
• Support public records requests and retention efforts consistent with state public records laws.
• Assist Program staff with preparing for and conducting public meetings/hearings, as needed.
• Prepare, update, and coordinate publication of online resources and webpage information.
4. Other duties in support of programmatic, operational, and administrative priorities, as assigned. These may include collaborating with other MassDEP Programs as needed, developing, and delivering presentations at various venues.
The successful applicant will have:
1. Experience with information, data, and records management and ability to maintain accurate records.
2. Familiarity with state and/or federal grant processes and procurement and contracting processes.
3. Ability to interpret, apply, and explain regulations, policies, and procedures relating to Wetlands and Waterways Division operations and functions.
4. Ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written formats, including professional correspondence, report drafting and editing, presentation preparation and delivery, etc., to successfully convey issues to internal and external audiences.
5. Knowledge of the principles and practices of project management and workflow optimization.
6. Ability to work independently, prioritize effectively, meet deadlines, and adapt to varying work situations.
7. Ability to exercise tactful negotiation and problem-solving skills to resolve conflict among a broad range of constituents with competing interests.
8. Computer proficiency with Microsoft Office 365 suite, particularly spreadsheet and database applications, and on-line communication and collaboration platforms.
9. Based on assignment, a valid driver's license may be required.
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, professional, administrative or managerial experience in business administration, business management or public administration the major duties of which involved program management, program administration, program coordination, program planning and/or program analysis, and (B) of which at least one year must have been in a supervisory capacity, or (C) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below.
Substitutions:
I. A Bachelor's degree with a major in business administration, business management or public administration may be substituted for a maximum of two years of the required (A) experience.
II. A Graduate degree with a major in business administration, business management or public administration may be substituted for a maximum of three years of the required (A) experience.
III. A Bachelor's or higher degree with a major other than in business administration, business management or public administration may be substituted for a maximum of one year of the required (A) experience.
Education toward such a degree will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed.
NOTE: No substitutions will be permitted for the required (B) 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.
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.