Description:

MassDEP seeks applicants for the position of Data Management and Water Quality Assessment Section Chief (Environmental Analyst V) in the Watershed Planning Program (WPP), Division of Watershed Management, Bureau of Water Resources. The Section Chief oversees work activities conducted by assessment, data management, and quality assurance staff to ensure timely, accurate, and comprehensive reporting of surface water quality conditions in Massachusetts as mandated by the federal Clean Water Act (CWA).

The preferred candidate will have excellent organizational and communication skills, the ability to meet deadlines, and work well both independently and in a collaborative team environment. The position will be subject to a hybrid work environment (i.e., partly telework and partly on-site), with a minimum of 7.5 hours per week at the Watershed Planning Program's office in Worcester.

Duties include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Supervise technical staff responsible for statewide surface water quality assessments, Clean Water Act 303(d) listing decisions, and water quality data management to ensure efficient, collaborative, and high-quality program operations.
• Oversee quality assurance and quality control activities to ensure water quality data collection, management, analysis, and designated use assessments meet established performance standards and regulatory requirements.
• Lead staff meetings, coordinate priorities, and promote continuous improvement of data management systems, workflows, processes, and resources to support timely data validation and assessment activities.
• Manage and enhance water quality databases and data management tools, including EQuIS, MABenthos, and other internal and external data systems, to improve program efficiency and accessibility.
• Direct the development and implementation of assessment methodologies, protocols, and guidance for lakes, rivers, and estuaries, including the biennial Massachusetts Consolidated Assessment and Listing Methodologies (CALM) Guidance Manual.
• Oversee assessment workflows, review and approve water quality assessment and Integrated Listing decisions, and ensure scientifically defensible, transparent documentation, including preparation of the biennial Integrated Report (IR).
• Coordinate assessment and listing activities with internal MassDEP programs, including the Surface Water Quality Standards and TMDL Sections, to ensure consistent and integrated decision-making.
• Collaborate with federal, state, regional, and municipal agencies, including EPA, to coordinate water quality assessment, data management, and related environmental protection initiatives.
• Manage communication and public dissemination of assessment decisions, technical information, and related content through the MassDEP website and other outreach channels.
• Coordinate program planning with Watershed Planning Program leadership and Bureau management, developing strategic plans, procedures, and resources to support program goals.
• Manage capital projects related to water quality monitoring, data management, and assessment activities while providing technical support to MassDEP programs and EPA as needed.
• Represent the Watershed Planning Program and MassDEP in meetings with EPA, government agencies, stakeholders, and the public, and provide leadership on additional program initiatives as needed.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Extensive knowledge of the Clean Water Act, Massachusetts Surface Water Quality Standards, and EPA requirements related to Sections 303(d) and 305(b), including designated use attainment decisions.
• Strong knowledge of watershed science, environmental protection and restoration, ecology, aquatic biology, public health, and water quality assessment principles.
• Demonstrated expertise in scientific data collection, quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC), data compilation, analysis, and interpretation of complex biological, chemical, and physical datasets.
• Proficiency in data management systems, GIS, web-based applications, and Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint) to support program operations and public information.
• Ability to develop and implement innovative tools, technologies, and processes to improve data management, analysis, and program efficiency.
• Excellent written, verbal, editing, and presentation skills, with the ability to communicate technical information effectively to EPA, MassDEP, government partners, stakeholders, and the public.
• Demonstrated experience building partnerships and collaborating with federal, state, local, and other stakeholders to support water resource protection and stewardship.
• Strong supervisory, leadership, and team-building skills, with experience planning, assigning, coordinating, motivating, and evaluating the work of professional staff.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively as part of a management team while balancing diverse staff strengths, competing priorities, limited resources, and production deadlines.
• Strong program planning, project management, organizational, and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver high-quality results.
• Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, perform critical analysis, solve complex problems, and develop practical, data-driven solutions.
• Thorough understanding of program objectives, deliverables, and regulatory requirements necessary to achieve timely, accurate, and scientifically defensible outcomes.

A cover letter and resume must be submitted as part of the application process and attached as relevant to the requisition.

Qualifications:
First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.

MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS:

Applicants must have at least six years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, technical or professional experience in the field of environmental science, biology, chemistry, earth science, environmental health, meteorology, natural science, toxicology or public health, of which (B) at least four years must have been in a professional capacity, and of which (C) at least two years must have been in a supervisory, managerial or administrative capacity, or (D) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the following substitutions.

Substitutions:

I. An Associate's degree with a major in the field of environmental science, biology, chemistry, earth science, environmental health, meteorology, natural science, toxicology or public health may be substituted for a maximum of one year of the required (A) experience.*

II. A Bachelor's degree with a major in the field of environmental science, biology, chemistry, earth science, environmental health, meteorology, natural science, toxicology or public health may be substituted for a maximum of two years of the required (A) experience.*

III. A Graduate degree with a major in environmental science, biology, chemistry, earth science, environmental health, meteorology, natural science, toxicology or public health may be substituted for a maximum of three years of the required (A) experience and one year of the required (B) experience.*

*Education toward such a degree will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually competed.

NOTE: Educational substitutions will only be permitted for a maximum of one year of the required (B) experience. No substitutions will be permitted for the required (C) experience.

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

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