Job Description

　　The Massachusetts Department of Fish & Game works to preserve the state's natural resources and people's right to conservation of those resources, as protected by Article 97 of the Massachusetts Constitution. To carry out this mission, the Department exercises responsibility over the Commonwealth's marine and freshwater fisheries, wildlife species, plants, and natural communities, as well as the habitats that support them.

　　The Division of Ecological Restoration is charged with restoring and protecting the health and integrity of the Commonwealth's rivers, wetlands, and watersheds for the benefit of people and the environment. This mission is critical to the success of the Department of Fish and Game that manages, protects, and restores the natural resources of the Commonwealth. The Division of Ecological Restoration works with community-based partners to restore aquatic ecosystems. The Division's ecological restoration work brings clean water, recreation opportunities, and other ecosystem services to the citizens of Massachusetts.

　　The Environmental Analyst III / Ecological Restoration Specialist serves as a restoration project manager for DER's Dam Removal Program and contributes to internal and external capacity building for DER's habitat restoration activities. The Ecological Restoration Specialist provides programmatic support to improve dam removal best practices, build partnerships, develop technical guidance documents, and improve monitoring and evaluation of environmental outcomes to increase the pace and quality of dam removal projects across the Commonwealth. This position works closely with the Dam Removal Program manager to support DER's Habitat Restoration Branch initiatives and activities. The Ecological Restoration Specialist also performs duties in support of DER operations.

　　A cover letter must be submitted as part of the application process and attached "as relevant" to the requisition.

　　The Ecological Restoration Specialist - Dam Removal will be based in DER's Boston office; the position will follow a hybrid schedule, consisting of in-office and telework. In-state travel to conduct fieldwork is also required.

　　Duties and Responsibilities

　　1. Serve as project manager for assigned ecological restoration projects including dam removal, salt marsh restoration, freshwater wetland restoration, retired cranberry bog restoration, culvert removal/replacement, or other project types. Work will be focused on dam removal and river restoration. (65%)

　　Coordinates and maintains communication between DER staff, and state, federal, and other project partners; ensures project goals are clear and objectives met.Identifies potential restoration projects and works with landowners and partners to develop project plans.Manages implementation of aquatic ecological restoration projects from inception to completion, including overseeing feasibility assessment, project design, permitting, and construction. Directs the work of consultants carrying out technical work.Develops and leads restoration project teams.Obtains project funding through grants and donations of in-kind services.Conducts fieldwork in support of dam removal restoration projects, including field evaluations, hydrological and biological monitoring, and other work.

　　2. Provide programmatic support to DER's Dam Removal Program and Habitat Restoration Branch (30%)

　　Assist with development of relevant and timely guidance on ecological restoration topics for DER staff, other agencies, ecological restoration practitioners, and the public.Investigate and maintain knowledge of existing best practices for dam removal; learn and share information relative to new and innovative dam removal research and techniques in collaboration with other DER Branches.Work with other DER Branches and Programs as assigned to advance an integrated approach for ecological restoration activities and practices.Perform field data collection, and manage data in a useable, accessible, and organized format.Assist with identifying and evaluating potential dam removal projects in coordination with program staff and other partners, including field assessments and desktop evaluations.Respond to requests for technical assistance and assist with training and support of restoration partners.Assist with the development of restoration planning documents.Provide general programmatic support, including grant writing, outreach, and technical and administrative tasks.Supervises Dam Removal Restoration Program staff and interns, as assigned, and provides technical guidance and support to other DER staff assisting the Program and Branch.

　　3. Perform duties in support of DER operations (5%)

　　Provide information as requested to support Division outreach such as project marketing tools, newsletters, brochures, website content, and program reports.Assist with preparation and execution of programmatic RFRs such as solicitations for Priority Projects and prequalified vendors.Provides monitoring, technical, and research support to DER projects and other activities.Provides support for DER's budget and program development.Conducts training and participate in other outreach and education activities related to ecological restoration.Contributes to interagency coordination and policy activities.Represents DER in public forums and present at professional conferences.Contributes to DER's strategic and annual work planning processes.

　　Preferred Qualifications:

　　A graduate degree in environmental science, ecology, natural resources, or a related field.Five or more years of professional experience in river, wetland, and/or other aquatic ecosystem restoration, river and wetland ecology, hydrology, and/or fluvial geomorphology.Strong inter-personal and verbal communication skills, including ability to listen, demonstrate empathy, motivate, lead, negotiate, and maintain a friendly, positive rapport with colleagues and the public.Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of ecosystems, wetland and stream ecology, restoration ecology, hydrology, geomorphology, botany, chemistry, and/or general environmental issues.Experience reviewing project plans, working as part of project teams, preparing, and managing budgets, developing grant proposals, developing public support, preparing scopes of work, and managing consultant contracts.Demonstrated knowledge of environmental permitting for ecological restoration at local, state, and federal levels.Experience with monitoring and data collection, analysis, and reporting for parameters in aquatic environments.Ability to interpret, review, and comment on scientific and technical documents.Excellent writing skills with a demonstrated ability to communicate efficiently and effectively.Ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment on multiple tasks with varying deadlines.Ability to work independently and with self-initiative, and to exercise sound judgment and discretion.Exceptional troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.Experience and full competency with MS Office, including Word and Excel. Excellent all-around computer skills including data management and use of GIS software.Ability to travel statewide and to participate in occasional evening and weekend site visits and meetings.

　　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 the field of environmental science, biology, chemistry, earth science, environmental health, meteorology, natural science, toxicology or public health, of which (B) 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. 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 two years of the required (A) experience.

　　III. A Graduate 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 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.

　　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.