Job Description

　　Do you have a passion for environmental issues and the drive to make meaningful progress on wetlands resource protection and climate resilience 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 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 Water Quality Certification (314 CMR 9.00) regulations. As our new Environmental Analyst III (EAIII), you will work within the Major Projects and Policy Unit (MPPU) with three main areas of responsibility:

　　• Coordinate development and implementation of technical stormwater management components of Wetlands Program policy, regulation, and guidance to address the effects of climate change and increasing precipitation to improve the resilience of stormwater management systems to minimize impacts to wetlands resource areas and public / private assets. Support subject matter exerts in the development of stormwater calculations, modeling, and other hydraulic and hydrologic review.

　　• Oversee a range of internal and external coordination efforts related to technical and regulatory stormwater management issues, including the cross-Program stormwater team and interagency consultation with local, state, and federal entities, and technical assistance to stakeholders.

　　• Support project review, permitting, and compliance under the Wetlands Protection Act and Water Quality Certification regulations for stormwater-related matters, including Wetlands and §401 Water Quality Certification (401WQC) Variances, climate resilience/ecological restoration projects, and multi-town/statewide utility/infrastructure projects.

　　This position is based in MassDEP's Boston Office; however, a hybrid schedule may be offered. Field work and in-person meetings are expected.

　　Your essential job duties will include (these are not all-inclusive):

　　The Environmental Analyst will receive supervision from the Wetlands Engineer (EAIV) and work in coordination with the MPPU Supervisor and Program Chief.

　　1. Serve as stormwater technical specialist for efforts to develop and implement updates to stormwater regulations, policy, and guidance.

　　• Assist with scoping and drafting, internal coordination, guidance/policy issuance, formal regulation promulgation, and post-issuance technical outreach/training. Example efforts include Wetlands and 401WQC resilience regulations updates and MassDEP Stormwater Handbook revisions.

　　• Coordinate with subject matter experts to lead the development of technical guidance and regulatory updates. For example, oversee the evaluation of future precipitation projections (e.g., Cornell Intensity/Duration/Frequency Curves) and develop needed guidance, regulations, or other tools for implementation.

　　• Provide technical assistance for associated stakeholder and public processes including conducting public hearings/information sessions, reviewing public comments, and preparing draft responses.

　　2. Oversee a range of internal and external coordination efforts or other initiatives related to technical and regulatory stormwater management issues.

　　• Coordinate with MassDEP Watershed Management Division regarding EPA stormwater rules, e.g., Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4); includes working with proponents and internal subject matter experts to develop best management practices including operation and maintenance plans

　　• Participate in interagency workgroups and other consultation efforts with local, state, and federal entities related to stormwater management, precipitation, and climate resilience matters. For example, participate in ResilientMass initiative to ensure consistency with wetlands regulations.

　　• Assist with policy/regulatory changes needed for consistency with changing FEMA requirements.

　　• Participate in the Program's climate vulnerability corridor mapping project.

　　• Respond to relevant inquiries from practitioners, as needed.

　　3. Support project review and permitting, with a focus on resilient stormwater management.

　　• Coordinate with / provide guidance to project applicants and their consultants, and local, state, and federal entities.

　　• Assist with draft and final permit documents including application-specific special conditions and other documentation.

　　• Support assessment of compliance with permit conditions and applicable laws and regulations through site inspections, and review of other information. Develop enforcement actions and/or corrective measures, as appropriate.

　　• Assist in administrative appeals and enforcement action, as necessary, including providing expert testimony.

　　• Review documents (e.g., ENF, EIR) submitted under the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) for consistency with applicable regulations, prepare written comments for review prior to submission.

　　4. Other duties, as assigned. This may include assisting with management of contractors/consultants, supporting other programmatic/operational/administrative priorities (e.g., technical/advisory groups, grant application/implementation, procurement processes), collaborating with other MassDEP Programs as needed, and developing and delivering presentations at various venues.

　　The successful applicant will have:

　　1. Knowledge of policy, regulations, and case implementation related to wetlands, river, and coastal processes. Direct experience with Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act (MGL C. 131, sec 40), WPA Regulations (310 CMR 10.00), Federal and Massachusetts Clean Waters Act (MGL C. 21, sec 27), and 401 Water Quality Certification Regulations (314 CMR 9.00) is preferred.

　　2. Demonstrated experience in technical review and analysis related to MA Wetlands Protection Act stormwater standards and handbook, NOAA Atlas 14 precipitation data, EPA MS4 General Permit, stream crossing design or other relevant areas. Experience or interest in applying models (hydraulic, hydrologic, water quality) and other analysis, such as: ACOE HEC-RAS (Hydrologic Engineering Center River Analysis System), FHWA HY-8 (Hydraulic Method 8), Manning's Equation (Hydraulic Method), TR-20, TR55, the EPA BATT Tool, EPA SWWM (Stormwater Management Model), USGS SELDM (Stochastic Empirical Loading and Dilution Model), and USGS MODFLOW.

　　3. Experience developing or reviewing regulatory, policy, and/or guidance documents is preferred.

　　4. Experience with construction projects during planning, design, and construction phases, such as developing and/or reviewing technical submittals and environmental permits, experience with erosion and sedimentation control and runoff and stabilization practices, and construction field experience implementing SWPPP practices.

　　5. Relevant engineering knowledge and/or education is a plus.

　　6. Experience using ArcMap, ArcGIS Online, ArcGIS Pro and other GIS-related tools. Experience using MassGIS data layers.

　　7. Experience managing field teams and/or contractors and being responsible for deliverables.

　　8. Ability to communicate effectively in written/oral forms with internal and external audiences, including professional correspondence, policy and technical report drafting and editing, and presentation preparation and delivery.

　　9. Ability to analyze complex data and information, draw conclusions, and summarize effectively for different audiences.

　　10. Ability to exercise tactful negotiation and problem-solving skills to resolve issues with internal and external parties.

　　11. Knowledge of the principles, practices, and tools of project management and ability to successfully multi-task.

　　12. Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite and on-line communication and collaboration platforms (e.g., Microsoft Teams, Zoom, etc.).

　　13. 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, 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.