Address
Form of workThe Department of Conservation and Recreation manages one of the largest and most diverse state park systems in the nation and protects and enhances natural resources and outdoor recreational opportunities throughout Massachusetts. The DCR system includes over 450,000 acres of parks, forests, water supply protection lands, beaches, lakes, ponds, playgrounds, swimming pools, skating rinks, golf courses, trails, and parkways.
The Department of Conservation and Recreation seeks qualified applicants for the position of Environmental Analyst V - Quabbin Director of Environmental Quality. The EQ Director will report directly to the Deputy Regional Director and will supervise the Quabbin Environmental Quality group.
This person oversees the Watershed Protection Program for the Region including all Reservoir and stream sampling, watershed monitoring, Bird Control Program, and development reviews. This person is responsible for developing and overseeing the implementation of annual EQ section work plans and managing consultant contracts regarding water quality issues in watersheds. The Quabbin EQ Director will also provide coordination between the watershed protection programs of the two water supply regions, providing guidance directly to the Regional Directors and the Water Supply Protection Director.
Responsible for the development and successful implementation of water quality/quantity monitoring and watershed assessment programs for the Region and lead representative for DCR in all dealings with our regulators (MA DEP and US EPA) regarding the Quabbin Reservoir Waiver from Filtration. Supervise and assign roles and responsibilities to all Environmental Quality Section staff to achieve the specific objectives of the DCR Watershed Protection Program. Develop watershed protection policies and procedures for the Region. Perform professional environmental analysis of Quabbin Reservoir watershed and Ware River watershed to inform policies and program development and to help locate and control sources of Environmental pollutants per applicable laws, rules, regulations, standards, and sound environmental principles and practices. Develop, assign, and perform various activities associated with Environmental Quality assessments including field inspections, water quality sampling, plan review, stormwater monitoring and mitigation of stormwater pollution, data compilation and review, preparation of memos and reports, implementation of recommendations, and annual workplan development.
DUTIES:
Development of Environmental Quality group sections of the annual workplan using tasks and objectives from the current Watershed Protection Plan; assist in the completion of quarterly reports for submission to MWRA.
Develop goals for the EQ section based on priorities in the 2024 Watershed Protection Plan.
Active participant and author in the development of the Watershed Protection Plan for the watershed system.
Actively participate in the development of the Watershed Protection Management Plan and implementation of the Program for the watershed system.
Lead program to analyze reservoir and tributary water quality program, including development of concrete recommendations for remediation or program changes.
Provide overall direction, supervision, and guidance for all activities and responsibilities of Environmental Quality staff. For direct reports approve weekly SSTA documentation and conduct regular EPRS meetings throughout the year. Collect regular written and verbal updates on task progress for all staff. Assign workplan tasks to EQ staff
Regularly meet with the Deputy Regional Director to develop and prioritize EQ section tasks
Review water quality data with staff and respond as necessary.
Respond to complaints or information regarding potential environmental pollution in the watershed.
Coordinate with MA DEP as necessary on issues requiring DEP enforcement or other DEP action.
Develop and oversee written and verbal summaries of all environmental assessment activities and other agency functions for annual DEP inspection. Prepare additional reports or data summaries as needed.
Help coordinate cooperative efforts with watershed towns to achieve reasonable and effective stormwater management under the revised MS4 permits if needed.
Responsible for the development (e.g., structure, format, and content, helping summarize and analyze data), and leading the effort to develop and write the annual Quabbin water quality report.
Lead representative for DCR in all dealings with our regulators (MA DEP and US EPA) regarding the Quabbin Reservoir Waiver from Filtration (which must be reviewed and approved annually).
Manage contracts with UMass and with USGS to assist with data gathering and understanding tributary and reservoir conditions and processes.
Responsible for the development (with GIS) for the Quabbin region Environmental Quality Tracking database. Provide oversight of all files in the EQ database and ensure that staff regularly adds information promptly and resolves any inconsistencies.
Provide oversight of all files in the EQ database and ensure that staff adds information promptly and resolves any inconsistencies.
Responsible for the development and implementation of the Region's bird harassment program, associated duties, and additional control programs and efforts as needed.
Function as Quabbin/Ware Region coordinator for the Water Sampling and Analyses DCR/MWRA Committee. Participate in the Water Sampling and Analyses Committee established by the MOU by attending meetings, writing reports, sending communications; advocate for water quality sampling and analyses needs of the Quabbin/Ware Region; identify, prevent, or resolve inter-staff problems that affect the accomplishment of Quabbin/Ware Region water quality goals.
Provide implementation oversight of the Watershed Protection Act and Regulations
Review environmental plans and reports submitted to DCR.
Prepare written reports as required.
Coordinate watershed protection programs between the 2 water supply regions.
First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.
MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS: Applicants must have at least six 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 four years must have been in a professional capacity, and of which (C) at least two years 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 two years 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 competed.
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.
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.
