Ecological Restoration Grants Manager

The Department of Fish and Game works to preserve the state's natural resources and people's right to conservation of those resources, as protected by Article 97 of the Massachusetts Constitution. To carry out this mission, the Department exercises responsibility over the Commonwealth's marine and freshwater habitats that support them. 

Are you passionate about natural ecosystems?  DER seeks a team player who takes initiative, enjoys problem-solving and finding solutions, and is passionate to learn new things. Join us as the Division's Ecological Restoration Grants Manager (Regional Planner III) in managing the Culvert Replacement Municipal Assistance (CRMA) grant program, contributing to ecological and community resiliency by working with partners to remove stream barriers, reconnect stream habitat, reduce storm hazards, and restore fish passage. 

Join a team of habitat restoration professionals at DER to increase the scale and pace of Ecological Restoration and culvert replacement projects across the Commonwealth of Massachusetts! The Department of Fish and Game, Division of Ecological Restoration is accepting resumes and applications for the position of Ecological Restoration Grants Manager. 

The Division of Ecological Restoration is charged with restoring and protecting the health and integrity of the Commonwealth's rivers, wetlands, and watersheds for the benefit of people and the environment. This mission is critical to the success of the Department of Fish and Game that manages, protects, and restores the natural resources of the Commonwealth. The Division of Ecological Restoration works with community-based partners to restore aquatic ecosystems. The Division's Ecological Restoration work brings clean water, recreation opportunities, and other ecosystem services to the citizens of Massachusetts. 

The Division's Stream Continuity Program assists in a state-wide effort to improve habitat continuity, climate resiliency, and public safety at road-stream crossings. Program staff help make stream crossing replacements fish-friendly and flood-resilient by offering technical assistance, tools, training, and grant funding to municipalities and other key stakeholders.

A cover letter and resume must be submitted as part of the application process and attached "as relevant" to the requisition.

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

Key responsibilities include:

A.     (75%) Manage the Division's statewide Culvert Replacement Municipal Assistance (CRMA) Grants Program. The Regional Planner III - Grants Manager will:

         Lead a statewide Ecological Restoration grant program working directly with municipalities to implement improved road stream crossing projects, which benefit fish and wildlife passage and enhance climate and ecological resiliency

         Review technical documents and proposals from consulting firms, conduct field site visits, coordinate internal technical and engineering review, and provide on-going technical assistance necessary to ensure successful grantee performance and ability for projects to meet the Massachusetts Stream Crossing Standards.

B.      (20%) Support the Stream Continuity Program objectives to increase the scale, pace and capacity to implement culvert replacement projects meeting the Massachusetts Stream Crossing Standards. The Regional Planner III - Grants Manager will:

         Support the continued development and advancement of a successful municipal  grant program (CRMA) including developing tools and resources for municipalities to implement road stream crossing projects and seeking additional funding or partnership opportunities;

         Evaluate the CRMA program to capitalize on efficiencies and identify barriers towards implementation of road-stream crossing replacement projects and the delivery of the grant program;

         Work with communities across the Commonwealth to prioritize and advance culvert replacement projects in ecologically high priority locations;

         Assist CRMA funded municipalities with planning and project development, including identifying and utilizing funding opportunities and navigating the design, permitting and construction phases of work;

         Pursue opportunities, partnerships, and/or grants that increase the Stream Continuity Program's impact and further its goals;

         Serve as a technical liaison to other state and federal grant programs which provide funding to culvert and bridge replacement projects.

C.      (5%) Perform duties in support of overall DER operations:

         Assist with application to federal and state grant opportunities to expand upon and support road-stream crossing replacements and program development;

         Provide information as requested to support Division outreach and strategic planning, budget and program development;

         Conduct and participate in trainings and other outreach and education activities related to the Stream Continuity Program and Division's other capacity building and technical services;

         Collaborate with other DER programs and staff to enhance professional, project and program development;

         Participate in general interagency coordination and policy activities; and

         Represent the program in public forums and present at professional conferences.

This position will be based in DER's Westfield or Boston office. Once established in the role, a hybrid schedule consisting of in-office work and telework will be provided. In-state travel to conduct fieldwork is also required. Salary commensurate with experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

         Graduate or Undergraduate degree in Natural Resource Management, Planning, Ecology, Biology or closely related field.

         Knowledge and understanding of wetland and stream ecology, restoration ecology, and/or general environmental issues.

         Program management experience, including building internal and external capacity to meet identified programmatic needs.

         Proven ability to write successful funding proposals and administer multiple funding sources.

         Experience in developing and evaluating grant applications and/or consultant proposals, plans and other reports and documents prepared by others for conformance to grant program guidelines and policies.

         Ability to review, interpret and comment on documents such as scopes of work, technical reports, permit applications, design plans, and/or construction specifications.

         Ability to exercise functional supervision over assigned staff and/or contractors working on behalf of the Division, including planning and assigning work according to the nature of the job to be accomplished.

         Knowledge of environmental permitting at local, state, and federal levels.

         Experience coordinating interagency activities and deliberations.

         Excellent written and verbal communication, demonstrated ability to communicate efficiently and effectively, including collaborations with diverse stakeholders.

         Strong inter- personal and verbal communication skills, including ability to listen, demonstrate empathy, motivate, lead, negotiate, and maintain a friendly, positive rapport with colleagues and the public.

         Ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment on multiple tasks with varying deadlines.

         Ability to work independently and with self-initiative, and to exercise sound judgment and discretion.

         Exceptional troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.

         Experience and full competency with MS Office, including Word and Excel. Excellent all-around computer skills including data management.

         Ability to travel statewide and to participate in occasional evening and weekend site visits and meeting

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 urban or regional planning, environmental planning, transportation planning or land use planning, and (B) of which 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. 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 of 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 studies 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 of 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. 

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.

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.