About the position
The Director of Conservation Services serves as the Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs expert in regard to land conservation and stewardship. Working to influence land conservation and development patterns - especially where land is permanently protected - to advance EEA's climate, energy, and environmental goals is a key responsibility of the position. The Director is the EEA lead in regard to implementation of the Resilient Lands Initiative (the state plan for land conservation & stewardship) via the Resilient Lands Conservation Coalition. As the Secretary's Designee, the Director represents EEA on several boards and commissions, including the Agricultural Lands Preservation Committee and the Woodlands Partnership of Western Massachusetts Board. The Director also convenes and facilitates groups like the Resilient Lands Conservation Coalition and the Interagency Lands Committee. In an advisory capacity, the Director supports the Secretary on the State Commission for Conservation of Soil, Water, and Related Resources and provides strategic guidance for programs like Greening the Gateway Cities, Cooling Corridors, Riparian Tree Planting/Restoration, and the Working Forest Restriction Programs. These efforts advance land and forest conservation and stewardship across the state. The Director supervises staff responsible for the review and approval of Conservation Restrictions (CR). Massachusetts statute requires the Secretary's signature for CRs to become perpetual. The Director and their team ensure that each CR is properly drafted, serves a public purpose, and meets all legal requirements before recommending them for the Secretary's approval. Additionally, the Director oversees EEA's Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Program, including the statutorily created OHV Committee and Trust. This includes coordinating with state agencies and supervising the Program Manager, who administers the grant program, liaises with riding groups, and manages other OHV-related initiatives. Finally, under the Director's supervision, the Conservation Services team reviews proposed actions involving the disposition or change of use of land protected under Article 97 of the Amendments to the Constitution of the Commonwealth, ensuring compliance with the Open Space Act and EEA's Article 97 Policy.
Responsibilities
- Manage the nine Division staff who are responsible for twelve grant and tax credit programs, the review of 100-200 conservation restrictions per year, coordination with 13 Conservation Districts and the State Commission on Soil, Water and Related Resources, the Off Highway Vehicle Program, and other endeavors.
- Advise EEA leadership on funding, policy, and programmatic decisions to conserve and steward land and natural resources and mitigate and adapt to climate change.
- Implement the Resilient Lands Initiative (the state land conservation plan), the Forests as Climate Solutions Initiative, and the Healthy Soils Action Plan.
- Facilitate monthly Interagency Lands Committee Meetings, help organize the annual State Agency-Land Trust Retreat and the annual Massachusetts Land Conservation Conference.
- Attend Agricultural Lands Preservation Committee meetings, apply for NRCS, U.S. Forest Service, and other grants, issue an annual Land Report.
- Advance forest conservation & management initiatives, including development and implementation of carbon sequestration policies and programs.
- Coordinate with DCR Forestry including the Working Forest Initiative, and help them implement the Climate Stewardship Incentive Program.
- Support the Greening the Gateway Cities Program including municipal/NGO grants.
- Further new forestry initiatives including efforts to advance use of Mass Timber.
- Review bills affecting Article 97 protected conservation, park, water supply, and farmland under government care and control.
- Work with the Farm & Partnership Boards and sub-committees, regional planning agencies, towns, the US Forest Service, and capital, operational and grant funders.
- Assist in the implementation of Lampson Brook Farm legislation.
- Coordinate the procurement, contracting, and management of grants under EEA's Woodlands Partnership and other grant programs.
- Other Duties as assigned.
Requirements
- At least six (6) years of full-time or equivalent part-time professional, administrative, supervisory, or managerial experience.
- At least two (2) years must have been in a supervisory or managerial capacity.
- At least five years of management experience in a policy making/supervisory role.
- At least 5 years' experience working with land conservation and stewardship tools and techniques.
- Extensive experience working with public officials and making public presentations.
- Experience in urban or regional planning, environmental planning, public policy/administration, or a similar discipline.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
- Ability to exercise sound judgment & make good decisions in sometimes stressful situations.
- Disciplined use of time and resources.
- Strong supervisory and management skills.
- Technical knowledge of state government policies and programs, state statutes, municipal government, forestry and land management practices.
- Intimate knowledge of how public and private land conservation is accomplished in Massachusetts.
Nice-to-haves
- A certificate in a relevant or related field may be substituted for one (1) year of the required experience.
- A Bachelor's degree in a related field may be substituted for two (2) years of the required experience.
- A Graduate degree in a related field may be substituted for three (3) years of the required experience.
- A Doctorate degree in a related field may be substituted for four (4) years of the required experience.
Benefits
- Comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.
- Opportunities for professional development and training.
- Supportive work environment that values diversity and inclusion.
