Assessment Analyst

Commonwealth of Massachusetts • Worcester, MA

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

MassDEP seeks applicants for the position of Assessment Analyst (Environmental Analyst III) in the Watershed Planning Program (WPP), Division of Watershed Management, Bureau of Water Resources. WPP is a statewide program with five Sections that each have a different technical focus under the federal Clean Water Act (CWA), such as the Data Management & Water Quality Assessment Section, which develops and manages key data systems for reporting water quality information to EPA and the public. WPP collects chemical, physical, and biological data throughout the Commonwealth to determine the health status of surface waters pursuant to CWA s. 305(b) and s. 303(d). Under the supervision of WPP’s Assessment Coordinator, the Assessment Analyst will compile and analyze data to assess surface water quality conditions in Massachusetts as mandated by the CWA.
The preferred candidate will have a professional demeanor, be highly motivated, and possess excellent data analysis and communication skills. Excellent organizational skills are also required, as well as the ability to manage and work on multiple projects concurrently, meet deadlines, and work well both independently and as a member of a team. The position will be subject to a hybrid work environment (i.e., partly telework and partly on-site), with a minimum of one day per week at WPP’s office in Worcester.

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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Educational substitutions will only be permitted for a maximum of one year of the required (B) experience.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of environmental science, water quality management, aquatic biology, and public health.
• Knowledge of EPA CWA requirements including those associated with Sections 303(d) and 305(b).
• Knowledge of the Massachusetts Surface Water Quality Standards or water quality standards from other states.
• Knowledge of water chemistry and microbiology as they affect designated uses, such as aquatic life and recreation.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of scientific data collection and analysis, including QA/QC techniques and field sampling methodologies pertaining to aquatic ecosystems.
• Knowledge of the methods used for general and technical report writing, including presentation-quality charts, graphs, and tables.
• Ability to use R for data wrangling, streamlining workflow processes, and performing water quality assessments.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as risk assessments, chemical analysis, biological analysis, and monitoring reports.
• Ability to work independently, as well as coordinate with other environmental professionals, including other technical staff, in a professional manner.
• Ability to communicate with others to determine needs, limitations, and opportunities.
• Ability to supervise staff (e.g., plan, assign, and coordinate the activities of others).
• Ability to write clear, detailed documentation, correspondence, and reports.
• Ability to provide hands-on, procedural training to individuals or small groups.
• Ability to comprehend, document, and implement new and revised processes and procedures.
• Strong organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Determine water quality conditions, status and use impairments for statewide water resources for inclusion in watershed assessment decision documents, EPA’s ATTAINS Database, and the biennial Integrated Report to meet EPA reporting requirements.
• Review data and information generated by WPP, as well as from external data sources, and compile data for surface water quality use attainment decisions. Review survey data as necessary for accuracy and acceptability as part of assessment-related processes and procedures.
• Assist with periodic revisions to the Massachusetts Consolidated Assessment and Listing Methodology (CALM) Guidance Manual used for CWA reporting.
• Develop methods and analytical tools for using quality-assured monitoring data and other appropriate information to make water quality use attainment decisions in support of MassDEP’s program plan and to meet EPA's CWA reporting requirements.
• Coordinate as needed with EPA CWA staff, including review of periodic EPA CWA reporting requirements and guidance to ensure compliance and applicability.
• Participate in periodic assessment team meetings to update assessment guidance, evaluate workflow efficiencies, ensure timeliness of key program needs and data flows, and provide suggestions for improvement and streamlining to optimize outputs.
• Review and interpret the Massachusetts Surface Water Quality Standards (314 CMR 4.00) to develop appropriate procedures for assessing the Commonwealth’s surface water resources.
• Participate in planning efforts by WPP’s Water Quality Monitoring Section to ensure availability and timeliness of critical water quality monitoring data for assessments.
• Assist in the development of enhanced water quality assessment reporting and visualization tools.
• Provide direct supervision of volunteer interns and functional supervision of seasonal staff to complete individual project tasks.
• Prepare scientifically defensible technical reports and memoranda.
• Coordinate with subject matter experts in WPP for assessment-related needs and cross training purposes as needed.

Benefits

• Comprehensive Benefits
• outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package
• work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed