Assistant Commissioner - Bureau of Water Resources

Commonwealth of Massachusetts • Boston, MA

10d

About The Position

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) is seeking an Assistant Commissioner for the Bureau of Water Resources. The Assistant Commissioner is responsible for statewide implementation of the agency’s water-related programs, and will be responsible for key initiatives including those related to development of updated PFAS Drinking Water Standards; developing and updating wetlands regulations that promote permit streamlining, ecological restoration, and climate change resilience; piloting PFAS destruction and reduction technologies for wastewater and sludge; reduction of combined sewer overflow discharges; and the issuance of approximately $1 billion in water infrastructure loans annually. The Assistant Commissioner oversees the implementation of all of MassDEP water-related programs; directs the development and revision of program regulations, policies, guidance, and grant programs; supervises senior Bureau staff; represents MassDEP and the Bureau with outside stakeholders; and provides management and technical support to the Commissioner’s Office, Bureau staff, Regional Directors, Regional staff, and other MassDEP staff.

Requirements

• At least (A) seven (7) years of full-time or, equivalent part-time, professional, administrative, supervisory, or managerial experience in business administration, business management, public administration, public management, clinical administration or clinical management
• Of which (B) at least three (3) years must have been in a managerial capacity.

Nice To Haves

• Ability to balance competing priorities and manage high-pressure situations, tight deadlines, and high-profile initiatives.
• Ability to develop and implement strategic plans, including identifying budget and staffing needs.
• Knowledge of budget development practices and funding requirements and constraints.
• Ability to effectively manage staffing and resources in a changing or limited-resource environment.
• Ability to establish goals, drive continuous improvement, and promote excellence.
• Ability to identify and address current and future problems and opportunities through sound analysis and decision-making.
• Ability to work effectively with others, build collaborative relationships, and foster teamwork.
• Ability to motivate, persuade, influence, and gain buy-in from individuals and groups.
• Ability to make decisions and accomplish objectives when few precedents or guidelines are available.
• Ability to adapt to changing circumstances and respond effectively to emergency or evolving program needs.
• Knowledge of effective supervisory principles, practices, and techniques, including assigning and organizing work.
• Ability to analyze program data, draw conclusions, and make appropriate recommendations.
• Ability to identify and develop diverse talent and support employee growth and career development.
• Ability to foster a culture of diversity, respect, inclusion, and excellent customer service while maintaining professional relationships and protecting sensitive information.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the implementation of the Wastewater, Wetlands, Waterways, Water Quality Certification, Drinking Water, Watershed Planning, Water Management, and State Revolving Fund Programs.
• Identify and approve program initiatives; resolve regulatory and policy conflicts; develop budgets; approve expenditures from capital funds; and meet with regulated entities, municipal officials, legislators, public interest groups, and other stakeholders on site-specific issues.
• Direct the development and/or revision of program regulations, policies, guidance, and grant programs.
• Set program objectives, determine the general approach, decide among options developed, resolve conflicts, and brief and coordinate with the Commissioner’s Office.
• Supervise 8–9 direct reports who implement specific aspects of the Bureau’s programs.
• Indirectly manage more than 150 BWR-Boston staff.
• Represent MassDEP and the Bureau to outside stakeholders, including other federal and state agencies such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Conservation and Recreation, Department of Fish and Game, and Department of Public Health; municipalities; the regulated community; the public; and various interest groups.
• Actively participate in national and regional environmental organizations, including the Massachusetts Water Resources Commission and NEIWPCC.
• Provide management and technical support, as needed, to the Commissioner’s Office, BWR-Boston staff, Regional Directors, BWR-Regional staff, and other MassDEP staff.
• Coordinate with MassDEP senior staff to provide Bureau input to MassDEP policies, operations, and implementation of other MassDEP programs, and seek corresponding input on BWR activities from senior staff.
• Make decisions regarding regulation and policy proposals, including broad direction and specific language; grant programs designed to support MassDEP priorities; and new areas of scientific research.
• Develop recommendations for new program initiatives and permitting decisions.
• Coordinate with USEPA Water Programs staff on Clean Water Act, Safe Drinking Water Act, State Revolving Fund, and other related matters.
• Coordinate with agencies from other Secretariats on program and policy development and implementation.
• Maintain relationships with regional organizations and stakeholder groups representing water suppliers, watershed organizations, municipalities, regulated entities, and other interests.
• Meet with members of the general public regarding proposed regulations and at site-specific public meetings.
• Respond to or coordinate responses to inquiries from the press, elected officials, and individuals with case-specific questions, remaining involved as needed until issues are addressed.
• Other duties, as assigned.

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: Manager
• Education Level: No Education Listed