Job Description
MassDEP's mission is to protect and enhance the Commonwealth's natural resources - air, water, and land - to provide for the health, safety, and welfare of all people, and to ensure a clean and safe environment for future generations. In carrying out this mission MassDEP commits to address and advance environmental justice and equity for all people of the Commonwealth, provide meaningful, inclusive opportunities for people to participate in agency decisions that affect their lives; and ensure a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.
MassDEP seeks applicants for the position of Regional Planner IV within the Bureau of Water Resources (BWR), Division of Watershed Management. The Division is composed of multiple programs responsible for administering procurements (contracts) and grants, including the Surface Water Discharge Program, the Ground Water Discharge Permit Program, the Water Management Act Program, and the Watershed Planning Program. These programs are charged with implementation of MassDEP Wastewater Regulations, Water Management regulations, and multiple objectives under the Clean Water Act, including water quality assessment and nonpoint source pollution control statewide. This position will be based in MassDEP's Boston Office.
Under the direction of the Division of Watershed Management Director or his/her designee, the RP IV performs duties to support MassDEP's Surface Water Discharge Program (National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System), Groundwater Discharge Permit Program, Watershed Planning Program, Water Management Act Program, as well as stormwater, sewage notification, and residuals programs for a suite of duties and responsibilities related to the administration and management of procurements (contracts) and grants for complex projects statewide related to the aforementioned programs. Responsibilities to administer procurements and grants include developing Request for Responses (RFR), Request for Quotes (RFQ), posting on COMMBUYS, bid and grant proposal review, bid openings, contract and grant recipient selection, review of awardee reports, coordination with MassDEP's fiscal office and contract and grant closeout. The successful candidate may also perform other duties as assigned. Coordination with internal and external stakeholders and regulated communities will be a key responsibility.
Duties for this position include, but are not limited to, the following:
• Support the administration of grant programs managed by the BWR Wastewater program, including the Stormwater MS4 Municipal Assistance Grant Program, Sewage Notification Assistance Grant Program, Long Island Sound, Nitrogen Sensitive Areas (NSA), along with others as assigned.
• Support administration of grant programs managed by the BWR Water Management Program, including M36 Audits, Water Management Grants, and Ipswich River Watershed Grants.
• Support the administration of grant programs managed by the BWR Watershed Planning Program, including the Water Quality Monitoring Grant and nonpoint source 604(b) and 319 grants pursuant to the federal Clean Water Act.
• Develop grant programs and write grant documentation for each State Fiscal Year, including Notices of Grant Opportunity, Requests for Responses (RFR), and scoring criteria.
• Support administration of the grants program, including leading Bidder's Conferences, reviewing applications, leading grant review committees, managing invoicing, and communicating with applicants awarded grant funding to ensure all required documentation is received.
• Support administration of procurement projects to contract external consulting services, including writing Requests for Quotes (RFQ) through the PRF77 Statewide Contract process, developing scoring criteria, reviewing applications, and coordinating the contracted work.
• Coordinate internally with senior staff, BWR personnel, Office of General Counsel personnel, and fiscal office personnel to develop proposals for funding allocation through MassDEP, including through the State Revolving Fund Set-Aside program and Capital Budget.
• Meet with permittees and consulting engineer/designer to discuss grant deliverables and to explain Department regulations, policies, and design guidelines.
• Prepare and draft permit decisions and other relevant documents related to reviews for Section Chief, including administrative and technical deficiencies and final decisions.
• Provides technical assistance on regulatory and planning matters to the public, municipal officials, and various internal and external stakeholders which shall include conducting meetings, teleconferences and written correspondence. Participate in MassDEP trainings and conduct trainings as assigned.
• Maintain records in accordance with set protocols.
• Conducts assigned duties in a timely and accurate manner.
• Attends internal staff meetings and communicates with supervisor and staff on work related matters.
• Perform other duties as required.
QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED AT HIRE (List knowledges, skills, abilities)
Strong organizational skills and record management skills.Ability to express complex ideas clearly and concisely, and to explain concepts in a logical sequence verbally and in writing.
• Experienced in interacting with the public and public officials.
General knowledge of wastewater, water supply, water quality monitoring, and nonpoint source pollution control related regulations, policies, guidance, and procedures.General knowledge of state environmental programs.Ability to interpret environmental regulations.Basic knowledge of the principles of sanitary engineering, wastewater collection, conveyance, treatment and disposal.Strong knowledge and ability using computer programs (Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook).Ability to multitask and strong time management skills.Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, subordinates, and regulated community.Ability to exercise sound judgement and deal tactfully with others.Ability to follow instructions, guidelines, and procedures.Possession of a valid Massachusetts driver's license or equivalent is required.
QUALIFICATIONS ACQUIRED ON JOB (List knowledges, skills, abilities)
1. Knowledge of the laws, rules and regulations governing program activities.
2. Knowledge of the policies, procedures, specifications, standards, and guidelines governing program activities.
3. Knowledge of the types and uses of agency forms.
4. Knowledge of electronic data processing techniques used in solving environmental/sanitary engineering problems.
5. Knowledge of the field and laboratory techniques used in measuring pollutant levels of surface water, groundwater and soils.
6. Knowledge of the methods and techniques followed in the inspection of environmental/sanitary equipment or projects.
7. Knowledge of health and safety practices and procedures followed in environmental projects.
8. Ability to determine proper format and procedure for assembling items of information.
9. Proficiency in reviewing and drafting wastewater discharge permits.
10. Proficiency in the review and processing of permit applications.
11. Understanding of compliance and enforcement processes and issues.
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) five 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 three years must have been in a professional capacity, and (C) of which at least one year must have been in a supervisory capacity, or (D) 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 d 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 sciences 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 on 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. No substitution will be permitted for the required (C) 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.
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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.