Senior Environmental Planner

MAPC•Boston, MA

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) seeks candidates for the position of Senior Environmental Planner, who will work on a wide variety of local and regional projects to ensure climate equity and resilience for cities and towns in the region. This includes supporting cities and towns with identifying and mitigating environmental hazards and advancing climate planning and implementation solutions. The Senior Environmental Planner will also help to evaluate and recommend improvements in state laws, regulations, policies, and programs consistent with the values described in MetroCommon2050 : Shaping the Region Together, the regional land use and policy plan. About MAPC: MAPC is the Regional Planning Agency (RPA) serving the people who live and work in metropolitan Boston. Our strategic priorities are sustainable development and preservation, advancing equity in the region, collaboration across municipal boundaries, and developing a climate-friendly and resilient region. We are guided by our regional plan, MetroCommon2050: Shaping the Region Together. MAPC’s staff includes approximately 120 full-time employees located in downtown Boston in a transit-accessible and bike-friendly office. MAPC has a hybrid schedule, combining time in the office with remote work. Employees must reside within a commutable distance from MAPC’s Boston office. MAPC strongly supports the professional development of each staff person, believing their growth to be consistent with the best interests of MAPC and the region. We encourage all our staff to develop new ideas to make MAPC’s planning and policy work more relevant and impactful, and to adapt to changing times. This is an opportunity to work in a dynamic, interdisciplinary, and innovative environment with professionals who are committed to building a more sustainable and equitable future for everyone who lives and works in Greater Boston. For more information about MAPC or MetroCommon2050, please visit www.mapc.org About the Department MAPC’s Environment Department works to promote the planning and implementation of environmental best practices and climate resilience solutions. Our strategic goals include promoting the protection and sustainable management of water resources; preparing for and enhancing communities’ resilience to the impacts of climate change and natural hazards; promoting nature-based solutions to resource management and climate challenges; and advancing equity and environmental justice. The Senior Environmental Planner reports to the Director of Environmental Planning; the position provides an opportunity to shape the strategic direction for environmental and climate policies within local communities and across Greater Boston.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in regional planning, natural resources management, climate change and resiliency planning, or a closely related field, and a minimum of 6 years of relevant professional experience; or a Master's degree with a major in one of these fields and a minimum of 4 years of relevant professional experience.
Understanding of current best planning practices for sustainable resource management in areas such as water resources, coastal resources, climate resiliency, green infrastructure, and Low Impact Development;
Experience working with state and municipal government;
Experience with developing municipal bylaws/ordinances and regulations to promote sustainable management of land and water resources, green infrastructure, and climate resilience;
Knowledge of state and federal environmental regulations and programs, such as the Clean Water Act, the MS4 Stormwater Permit, the Wetlands Protection Act, the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act, the MA Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness program, and FEMA's Hazard Mitigation Program;
Familiarity with Environmental Justice efforts at the state and local levels, and a commitment to incorporating equity into planning projects and meaningfully engaging community stakeholders;
Excellent communication skills (verbal and written);
Project management and budgeting skills;
Strong organizational skills and ability to work effectively with MAPC team members, community groups, and government officials;
Strong facilitation and collaboration skills; experience handling public involvement and agency coordination with diverse stakeholders and other professionals; and
Ability to work with people in a range of settings, including diverse urban neighborhoods, developing suburban centers, and/or small or rural communities.
Candidates must have legal authorization to work in the USA and a valid driver's license and/or the ability to arrange transportation to meetings in different parts of the region.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of best practices for design and implementation of Green Infrastructure and Low Impact Development;
ability to use graphic design tools and/or hydrologic analysis for assessment or conceptual design of Best Management Practices;
Strong research skills, including ability to interpret and synthesize data;
ability to use Geographic Information Systems (GIS) tools.

Responsibilities

Assist cities and towns to prepare for regional climate and environmental challenges, such as sustainable water management, coastal resilience planning, and protection of critical natural areas;
Prepare Hazard Mitigation and Climate Resilience Plans for cities and towns;
Support cities and towns with the Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) Planning 2.0 process;
Review municipal bylaws/ordinances and regulations regarding climate resilience and sustainable water management, including Green Infrastructure and Low Impact Development, and prepare recommendations for new or updated regulations;
Promote equity by addressing the environmental risks and challenges facing Environmental Justice communities and historically marginalized populations, such as BIPOC, low-income, elderly, immigrants, and differently abled people;
Research, evaluate and recommend options for reducing and mitigating the impacts of development and climate change, with an emphasis on nature-based solutions;
Serve as Project Manager for local and regional projects, and in a role of collaboration with other MAPC departments on multi-departmental projects;
Research new areas of practice; develop new project proposals and seek funding to support and expand the Environment Department’s mission;
Pursue professional development opportunities to remain informed about current environmental planning issues, programs, resources, and tools;
Collaborate on environmental issues with state and federal agencies, non-profit advocacy and research groups, and community-based organizations;
Collaborate with other MAPC departments on interdisciplinary projects; and
Support state environmental policy or legislation through analysis and advocacy.
Evening events, occasional weekend events, and local travel are a responsibility for this position.
MAPC does not require that you have a vehicle; however, you must have a valid driver’s license and/or the ability to arrange transportation to meetings in different parts of the region.
MAPC provides support for travel, including MBTA passes, a Zipcar account, and BlueBikes membership.