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Offshore Project Review Specialist

Employer
State of Massachusetts
Location
Boston, Massachusetts, US
Salary
Competitive
Closing date
Nov 1, 2022

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Sector
Academic / Research, Government
Field
Informatics / GIS
Discipline
Energy
Salary Type
Salary
Employment Type
Full time
GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The offshore project review specialist will support the Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management's (CZM) federal consistency review responsibilities with a focus on offshore development including offshore wind, cables, pipelines, and aquaculture. Activities will include reviewing offshore projects through the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) process, supporting CZM's role as a cooperating agency to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management's (BOEM) National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process; engaging in the planning and leasing of wind energy areas in the Gulf of Maine, New York Bight and elsewhere; and coordinating with stakeholder groups and regional collaboratives. This position will participate in work groups, stakeholder outreach, and the review of documents related to impacts on the Massachusetts fishing industry and marine resources from offshore wind and other proposed offshore development projects. This position will also assist with review of permits and supporting documents, reports, and studies related to offshore wind and other offshore development projects. The individual in this position will prepare written comments, maintain records, and participate in site visits and meetings. This position will work with CZM, Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF), Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) and other agency staff on review and mitigation of offshore projects. This position will also assist with the creation of monitoring programs to look at the effects of ocean development, review data from these monitoring programs, and review the environmental impacts of other coastal construction projects as time allows.

DETAILED STATEMENT OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

* Review permit applications and other associated documents (Construction and Operations Plans, Environmental Impact Statements, Environmental Impact Reports, MassDEP permit applications, USACE permit applications, etc.) submitted to state and federal permitting agencies by offshore development proposed in state and federal waters.
* Identify potential impacts of water-dependent, offshore development projects to marine resources, uses, and habitats and support recommendations to avoid, minimize, and mitigate those impacts.
* Review monitoring and research plans and results of implemented monitoring and research activities conducted by offshore developers and others.
* Attend internal meetings, interagency meetings, and work groups relating to offshore wind projects and related offshore planning and development activities.
* Communicate project updates and findings with CZM staff.
* Support meetings of the Massachusetts Fisheries Working Group and Habitat Working Group.
* Maintain familiarity with the activities and conclusions of offshore wind working groups from other states or regions.
* Represent CZM at renewable energy related meetings including but not limited to the Responsible Offshore Science Alliance (ROSA), MA Ocean Management Plan working groups other regional meetings and initiatives.
* Support the review of economic impact assessment of offshore development on state fisheries.
* Perform literature reviews, prepare technical reports, and graphical presentations, as necessary.
* Assist with environmental review of additional Massachusetts coastal construction activities not related to offshore development.
* Demonstrate professionalism in words and actions.
* Perform other surveys, studies, or duties as directed and in support of CZM's mission.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED AT HIRE

* Ability to read and interpret technical documents, maps, and images, including environmental studies and published scientific literature.
* Strong writing skills to write both technical and non-technical correspondence and reports.
* Strong computer proficiency with Microsoft Office programs specifically Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
* Familiarity with statistics, databases, and experimental design.
* Experience with participating in workgroups.
* Strong organizational skills.
* Strong public speaking skills to speak effectively at public and technical meetings.
* Ability to develop harmonious working relationships with others and to integrate the input and efforts of personnel from within CZM and other agencies.
* Ability to work both independently and in a team environment.
* Ability to effectively manage time and adjust daily schedule to efficiently complete correspondence, travel, and attend meetings.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

* Experience supporting meetings or workgroups with participants from diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
* Experience/familiarity with Microsoft Access, Microsoft Teams, and Microsoft SharePoint.
* Proficiency with GIS applications and principles.
* Knowledge of municipal, State and Federal permitting processes and regulations.
* Knowledge of offshore wind, other renewable energy, and coastal/ocean development permitting, workgroups, and research needs pertaining to fish and fisheries.
* Familiarity with experimental design related to applied marine ecological field studies.
* Familiarity with economic analysis and reports.

QUALIFICATIONS ACQUIRED ON JOB (List knowledges, skills, abilities)

* Familiarity with datasets and database systems utilized by CZM (Massachusetts Ocean Resources Information System (MORIS), shared drives).
* Familiarity with marine environmental permitting and the state and federal regulatory framework in Massachusetts including: Massachusetts Ocean Sanctuaries Act and regulations (301 CMR 27), Massachusetts Oceans Act and regulations, (301 CMR 28), Massachusetts Chapter 91 regulations (310 CMR 9), Coastal Zone Management Act federal consistency regulations.

LICENSE AND/OR CERTIFICATION REQUIRMENTS:

1. Possession of a current and valid Massachusetts Class D Motor Vehicle Operator's License.

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!

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.

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.

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