Environmental Analyst IV

ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYST IV - WETLANDS MAJOR PROJECTS AND POLICY UNIT- BOSTON

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) is the state agency responsible for ensuring clean air and water, the safe management of toxics, the recycling of solid and hazardous wastes, the timely cleanup of hazardous waste sites and spills, and the restoration and preservation of wetlands, surface waters and coastal resources.

MassDEP Wetlands Program, within the of the Bureau of Water Resources, is seeking applicants for the position of Wetlands Analyst (EAIV). With supervision from the Major Project and Policy Unit Supervisor, the person will have responsibilities in three main areas.

• Geospatial analysis and data acquisition/management related to wetland resource mapping.
• Support a variety of Program technical, regulatory, and other initiatives .
• Project review, permitting, and compliance under the Wetlands Protection Act (310 CMR 10.00) and Water Quality Certification (314 CMR 9.00) regulations for the major projects portfolio, many of which require regulatory Variances.

To ensure successful management of a large portfolio, the person will promote coordination and communication with project proponents; stakeholders; local, state, and federal agencies; and other MassDEP Programs and Regional Offices.

The Wetlands Analyst will be part of a 3-4-person team within the broader Boston Wetlands Program. This position is based in MassDEP's Boston Office with the opportunity for a hybrid work schedule. Field work and/or in-person meetings are expected weekly at a minimum.

STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

Oversee and manage the development of methodologies and procedures for the acquisition, development, accumulation, and dissemination of geospatial scientific data such as: wetland boundary delineation and classification; wetland change detection; wetland mitigation, including wetland creation, restoration, or enhancement activities or opportunities; submerged aquatic vegetation (eelgrass), and other regulatory, natural resource, and/or ecological features. This includes contractor management, aerial imagery assessments, map development, and vegetation identification. Conduct research studies and assess data sources. Identify and correct shortfalls in technical research and data development. Represent the Department and confer with federal, state, municipal agencies, non-profits, and the public to inform and coordinate activities, projects, or programs. Provide testimony in enforcement cases as required.

Support Program initiatives which may include updates to regulations, technical guidance, and policy documents related to wetland delineation, wetland mitigation, climate change, ecological restoration, and other matters pertaining to protected resource areas. Assist with implementation of grant-funded program activities and review of relevant MEPA filings.

Serve as project reviewer during planning, design, construction, and post-construction to ensure timely permitting that complies with environmental requirements. The major project portfolio includes transportation system improvements including railways, airports, and multi-use trails; utilities maintenance and improvements (e.g., electric, natural gas, water); and other statewide infrastructure projects, with the exception of MassDOT highways. Review project submittals related to stormwater, bordering land subject to flooding, and other resource areas to ensure technical adequacy. Monitor project activities during construction and operation for compliance.

Promote coordination and communication with project proponents; stakeholders; local, state, and federal agencies; and other MassDEP Programs and Regional Offices. Assist with stakeholder engagement processes.

Other duties, as assigned, e.g., develop and deliver presentations at various venues.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Experience using ArcMap, ArcGIS Online, ArcGIS Pro and other GIS-related tools, including experience using various MassGIS data layers.
• Experience using geospatial analysis and photoimagery assessment techniques to assess vegetation, delineate boundaries, and create maps. Specific knowledge of wetland and eelgrass delineation.
• Knowledge of various data capture technologies and softwares, field verification and quality control techniques, and editing of digital data layers.
• Experience with feature recognition software, including feature analyst.
• Experience managing field teams and/or contractors and being responsible for deliverables.
• Knowledge of policy, regulations, and case implementation related to wetlands, river, and coastal processes is required. Preferred qualifications include direct experience with Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act (MGL C. 131, sec 40) and associated 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) including dredge and fill.
• Demonstrated experience in technical review and analysis related to wetlands delineation, wetlands mitigation, stream crossing design, stormwater assessments, botany, or other relevant areas is preferred.
• Construction project experience during planning, design, and construction phases, such as developing and/or reviewing technical submittals and environmental permits, and experience with erosion and sedimentation control and runoff and stabilization practices.
• Ability to analyze complex information, draw conclusions, and summarize effectively for different audiences. Knowledge of probability and statistical methods used for data assessment and presentation, preferred.
• Knowledge of the principles, practices, and tools of project management.
• Ability to exercise tactful negotiation and excellent problem-solving skills to resolve conflict among a broad range of constituents with competing interests.
• Computer proficiency with Microsoft Office suite and on-line communication and collaboration platforms (e.g., Microsoft Teams, Zoom, etc.)
• Ability to communicate effectively in written/oral forms, including report drafting and editing, presentation preparation and delivery, etc. with internal and external audiences.

First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.

MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIRMENTS

Environmental Analyst IV - Applicants must have at least (A) five years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, technical or professional experience in the field of biology, natural resources, ecology, botany, soil science, environmental engineering, or a related discipline, 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, managerial or administrative capacity, or (D) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below.

Substitutions:

I. An Associate's degree with a major in biology, natural resources, ecology, botany, soil science, environmental engineering, or a related discipline may be substituted for a maximum of one year of the required (A) experience. *

II. A Bachelor's degree with a major in biology, natural resources, ecology, botany, soil science, environmental engineering, or a related discipline may be substituted for a maximum of two years of the required (A) experience *

III. A Graduate degree with a major in biology, natural resources, ecology, botany, soil science, environmental engineering, or a related discipline 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. No substitutions will be permitted for the required (C) experience.

Executive Order #595: As a condition of employment, successful applicants will be required to have received COVID-19 vaccination or an approved exemption as of their start date. Details relating to demonstrating compliance with this requirement will be provided to applicants selected for employment. Applicants who receive an offer of employment who can provide documentation that the vaccine is medically contraindicated or who object to vaccination due to a sincerely held religious belief may make a request for exemption.

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer.Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

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 the field of environmental science, biology, chemistry, earth science, environmental health, meteorology, natural science, toxicology or public health, of which (B) at least three years must have been in a professional capacity, and of which (C) at least one year must have been in a supervisory, managerial or administrative capacity, or (D) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the following substitutions.

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 one year of the required (A) experience.*

III. A Graduate degree with a major in 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. No substitutions will be permitted for the required (C) experience.

Executive Order #595: As a condition of employment, successful applicants will be required to have received COVID-19 vaccination or an approved exemption as of their start date. Details relating to demonstrating compliance with this requirement will be provided to applicants selected for employment. Applicants who receive an offer of employment who can provide documentation that the vaccine is medically contraindicated or who object to vaccination due to a sincerely held religious belief may make a request for exemption.

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.