Director, Wetlands & Waterways Division

Commonwealth of Massachusetts•Boston, MA

About The Position

MassDEP’s Bureau of Water Resources is seeking an experienced manager and environmental professional to lead the Wetlands and Waterways Division. The Division has about 30 staff across its Wetlands and Waterways Programs and is responsible for statewide implementation of the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act, aspects of Section 401 of the federal Clean Water Act, and the Massachusetts Public Waterfront Act and their respective regulations. The Director manages implementation of the Wetlands and Waterways Programs, oversees program initiatives, and works to promote consistent statewide implementation of statutes and regulations. The role leads development and revision of program regulations, policies, and guidance; supervises 3–5 direct reports and indirectly manages approximately 30 Boston-based staff; and represents the Division to government agencies, municipalities, regulated entities, community groups, and the public. The Director also supports MassDEP leadership and performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

At least six 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, including at least two years in a supervisory or managerial capacity, or an equivalent combination of experience and substitutions.
General computer proficiency with word processing, spreadsheets, presentation software, and web-based platforms.
Demonstrated written and verbal communication skills.

Nice To Haves

Experience with organization, program, and project management, including leveraging influence and gaining organizational buy-in, prioritizing and delegating workloads, connecting long-range visions to daily work, and client relations.
Ability to effectively supervise individuals and manage teams, encourage cooperative problem solving, establish operating or reporting relationships that support productivity and development, and foster diversity, respect, and inclusion.
Experience with complex state or federal environmental policy and regulation as a permit applicant, regulator, advocate, or in another capacity.
Direct knowledge of MGL C. 131, sec. 40 and 310 CMR 10.00; the Federal and Massachusetts Clean Waters Acts and MGL C. 21, sec. 27; 401WQC and 314 CMR 9.00; MEPA and 301 CMR 11.00; and the Massachusetts Public Waterfront Act (Chapter 91).
Ability to negotiate tactfully and use strong problem-solving skills to resolve conflicts among constituents with competing interests.
Ability to analyze complex information, draw conclusions, and summarize effectively for public audiences.
Ability to adapt to changing situations and meet emergency or changing program requirements.
Ability to build and maintain friendly, reciprocal, professional relationships and networks of contacts.
A relevant or related certificate, bachelor’s degree, graduate degree, or doctorate may substitute for a portion of the required experience, as specified in the posting.

Responsibilities

Manage implementation of the Wetlands and Waterways Programs, including promoting statewide consistency in applying statutes and regulations, overseeing Boston-based permitting and licensing, and implementing other key program initiatives.
Meet with regulated entities, municipal officials, legislators, public interest groups, and other stakeholders on specific issues.
Develop proposals to seek capital and federal funding for Division projects.
Manage development and revision of program regulations, policies, and guidance in accordance with senior management direction.
Propose program objectives for approval; develop and propose general approaches and options; resolve conflicts; and brief the Assistant Commissioner.
Supervise 3–5 direct reports responsible for the Waterways Program, Wetlands Program and its units, and the Division’s programmatic, fiscal, and administrative functions.
Indirectly manage approximately 30 Boston Division staff and oversee personnel matters, including recruitment and hiring.
Represent the Division to federal and state agencies, municipalities and Conservation Commissions, the regulated community, the public, and interest groups.
Provide management support to and respond to requests from the Assistant Commissioner, Commissioner’s Office, and Wetlands and Waterways Regional staff.
Coordinate through the Assistant Commissioner with MassDEP senior staff to provide Division input on MassDEP policies, operations, and relevant program implementation.
Perform other duties as assigned.