Director, Planning and Sustainability

Massachusetts Water Resources Authority • Chelsea, MA

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

Directs the Authority's Planning and Sustainability Department and is responsible for the development of the Authority's long-term master planning function. Directs planning activities in the areas of public and environmental health, local infiltration/inflow (I/I) reduction program, mapping and modeling, hurricane preparedness, Orange and Yellow Notebook monthly and quarterly business metrics reporting and production. Collaborates with other departments to ensure compliance with drinking water regulations. Coordinates and directs interdivisional projects and sets policy and guidelines for agency-wide planning initiatives. Leads agency efforts in integrating sustainability into all MWRA activities through the use of environmentally responsible protocols in accordance with best industry practices.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in environmental science, public administration, planning science, engineering, or related field required.
• At least ten (10) years professional experience with state and federal environmental regulations development, compliance, and policy analysis of which at least five (5) years are in a managerial or supervisory capacity preferably in the public sector; or Any equivalent combination of education or experience.
• A valid Massachusetts Class D Motor Vehicle Operators License or driver's license from another state.
• Ability to work evenings or weekends for urgent business issues or respond to business calls on MWRA assigned phone after hours.
• This position has been designated as essential in instances where the MWRA Executive Director requires essential personnel to report to work such as inclement weather or other emergencies.
• Familiarity with water and sewer infrastructure issues preferred.
• Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills.
• Extensive knowledge of federal and state environmental regulations, particularly as they relate to drinking water.
• Understanding of the key principles of strategic planning and sustainability.
• Demonstrated ability to plan, organize, direct, train and assign duties to subordinates.
• Excellent analytical, negotiation, and strategic planning skills.
• Ability to successfully interact with high-level executives.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise diplomacy.

Nice To Haves

• An advanced degree in public administration, law, environmental science, or related field preferred

Responsibilities

• Manages the production of water and wastewater master plans and setting of capital program priorities.
• Leads water and wastewater policy development, and represents MWRA's interests in state and federal regulatory development.
• Provides assistance with environmental planning to projects throughout the Operations Division.
• Directs and coordinates the authority's environmental sustainability efforts.
• Provides leadership in the development and implementation of programs to promote MWRA system's adaptation to the impacts of climate change.
• Oversees MWRA's emergency response planning, including coordinating compliance with the requirements of America's Water Infrastructure Act (AWIA), production and maintenance of emergency response plans for MWRA facilities, and planning and implementation of response drills and exercises.
• Leads public health research and outreach efforts.
• Manages the production and distribution of MWRA's annual water quality report (the Consumer Confidence Report), and water quality related outreach.
• Oversees technical and financial assistance programs for communities, including over $1 billion in water pipe, I/I and Combined Sewer Overflows (CSO) grants and loans.
• Directs MWRA's Lead and Copper Rule compliance program, coordinating with MWRA water communities and state and federal regulators.
• Oversees MWRA's outreach and financial assistance to encourage community replacement of lead service lines.
• Provides technical analyses for the system expansion, emergency connections and water supply agreement processes.
• Coordinates with metering and monitoring data management activities, assisting in community coordination and outreach.
• Oversees the GIS mapping, data analysis, and demand forecasting functions for both water and sewer systems.
• Coordinates the Operation Division's efforts in benchmarking, performance measurement, emergency planning/risk reduction and energy management.
• Participates in and represents the MWRA at regional and national forums as appropriate.
• Represents the Authority at public meetings and, as appropriate, speaks publicly at workshops, conferences and events on Authority initiatives.
• Manages the Department in a manner that is consistent with MWRA's goals of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
• Participates in preparing for collective bargaining and hears Step One Grievances.
• Performs related duties as required.

Benefits

• The MWRA offers a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement savings plan, paid holidays, and paid time off.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager