Division of Ecological Restoration

DER seeks an experienced professional to join our team as an Ecological Restoration Planner within the Technical Services Branch.    The Technical Service Branch provides restoration planning, engineering assistance, knowledge management, and other services in support of DER’s restoration programs, operations, and communications. The Ecological Restoration Planner develops and employs restoration planning and GIS capabilities to support the work of DER’s programs and partners.    They will develop and oversee restoration planning, lead and support planning projects, and cultivate the Division's expertise, resources, and collaborations in these areas.    The position will support the planning needs for a diverse range of restoration activities, including wetland restoration, river and stream continuity, dam removal, retired cranberry bog restoration, and regional restoration partnerships.    The outcomes of this work will build DER and partner capacity to identify and pursue high-value restoration opportunities at the landscape level and increase the pace, scale, and impact of restoration throughout Massachusetts.   The Ecological Restoration Planner will be based in DER’s Boston office; the position will follow a hybrid schedule, consisting of in-office and telework.    In-state travel to meetings and site visits is required. DETAILED STATEMENT OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES These duties will be carried out in collaboration with DER’s Restoration and Operations sections, Department IT staff, and other Division staff. Lead and Support Ecological Restoration Planning (50%)     Identify and prioritize Restoration Planning (RP) and GIS needs.   Lead and support team-based RP and GIS projects that advance the priorities of DER programs and external   partners.     Develop a geospatial data management system for the Division and provide staff guidance and training for its use.     Develop GIS datasets and user interfaces that allow staff to easily access, query, and generate analyses, reports, and other outputs for DER’s restoration projects and other activities; ensure datasets are kept up-to-date and integrated with DER’s restoration project tracking system.     Provide and support GIS analysis tools and outputs to assist the evaluation and selection of proposals submitted in response to DER restoration project procurements.   Assist DER programs and external partners in the selection, development, and implementation of landscape-level RP, modeling, GIS analysis, and structured decision making (SDM) methods and tools to evaluate restoration needs; establish restoration goals; identify, assess, and prioritize restoration opportunities; develop implementation plans; and track and communicate restoration progress.     Develop methods, guidance, and training on watershed-scale restoration planning and SDM for use by DER staff, Restoration Partnerships and other watershed and regional organizations.   Collaborate with DER staff and partners to lead and support the development of ecological restoration plans based on  GIS   analyses, stakeholder and community input, data analysis, and DER's extensive experience in restoring aquatic ecosystems.     Provide project-specific planning and GIS support to DER programs and project managers.     Produce and facilitate access to DER GIS data for use by agencies, partners, and the public.   Develop and Oversee Ecological Restoration Planning (20%) Develop and refine DER’s RP and GIS goals and objectives. Evaluate and document existing RP- and GIS-related functions, tools, and assets. Assess and document RP and GIS functional needs and develop a comprehensive RP Strategy to meet those          needs. Research, evaluate, and develop RP, GIS, and SDM frameworks, methods, and tools. Plan, budget, and manage RP and GIS resources. Develop and document DER RP and GIS policies, procedures, and standards. Maintain and update RP and GIS functions to optimize performance and utility and continuously adapt to evolving needs.   Build and Maintain RP and GIS Expertise, Resources, and Collaborations (20%)   Maintain up to date knowledge and expertise in RP, GIS, and SDM methods, practices, and technologies and adopt beneficial innovations to continually advance DER’s RP goals and objectives.   Establish guidance, systems, practices, and training for generating, capturing, managing, and maintaining         geospatial data relevant to DER’s work and sharing it throughout the organization. Foster and monitor staff awareness and use of RP, GIS, and SDM tools, products, and services.   Promote a culture of staff engagement in restoration planning and GIS by demonstrating and highlighting their    value for advancing restoration goals and improving outcomes.   Monitor and measure the impact of RP and GIS products and services on the Division’s work to gauge their    effectiveness and continually optimize their utility.  C ollaborate and coordinate with interagency technical groups and initiatives, including drafting guidance documents, developing funding proposals, and generating restoration plans, products, and services.   Collaborate and coordinate with DFG IT staff and the planning and GIS staff from other agencies and partner organizations.     Perform duties in support of DER operations (10%) Contribute to DER’s strategic and annual work planning processes.   Collaborate with the TSB Manager and staff to build the capacity of the Branch and support TSB programmatic    development and budget planning.

DER seeks an experienced professional to join our team as an Ecological Restoration Engineer within the Technical Services Branch.    The Technical Service Branch provides restoration planning, engineering assistance, knowledge management, and other services in support of DER’s restoration programs, operations, and communications.   The Ecological Restoration Engineer (Restoration Engineer) works across restoration programs to build and support the Division’s restoration engineering and project management approaches.    The Restoration Engineer works closely with Restoration Section staff to support and enhance the quality, efficiency, and technical rigor of DER’s restoration work.    The position requires significant leadership, sound professional judgment, and a high level of professional expertise with ecological restoration, engineering in riverine and wetland settings, and the discipline of project management.    They will develop and launch DER’s Project Engineering and Management strategy, implement technical QA/QC processes, and provide engineering technical assistance to DER staff, partners, and projects.    The position will support project engineering and management capabilities for a diverse range of restoration activities, including wetland restoration, river and stream continuity, dam removal, retired cranberry bog restoration, and regional restoration partnerships.    The outcomes of this work will build DER and partner capacity to reduce project risks, improve project management practices, and increase the pace, scale, and impact of restoration throughout Massachusetts. A cover letter and resume must be submitted as part of the application process and attached “as relevant” to the requisition. The Ecological Restoration Engineer will be based in DER’s Boston office; the position will follow a hybrid schedule, consisting of in-office and telework.    In-state travel to meetings and site visits is required. DETAILED STATEMENT OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES These duties will be carried out in close collaboration with DER’s Habitat Restoration and Capacity Building branches and other Division staff. Develop and Implement DER’s Restoration Engineering Approach (40%) o    Assess DER’s current approach to restoration engineering, including dam removal, culvert upgrade, coastal wetland restoration, and other restoration project types. o    Develop and implement a comprehensive restoration engineering approach that includes ecological restoration engineering best practices, policies, procedures, and standards.   o    Ensure projects use best engineering practices, incorporate climate change appropriately into design work, and utilize DER’s internal knowledge base of proven methods and lessons learned. o    Develop and implement the Division’s approach for technical QA/QC review of restoration engineering and design products.    Determine appropriate QA/QC measures to mitigate risks and ensure successful outcomes from project selection through post-construction monitoring and adaptive management. o    Serve as a restoration engineering advisor on select restoration projects with complex engineering, hydrologic, and other needs. o    Regularly review and update DER’s restoration engineering strategy and services to respond to changing needs.   Develop restoration engineering and project management tools, trainings, and other resources (30%) o    Develop restoration engineering tools and resources including manuals, templates, punch lists, training materials, presentations, scopes of work, and standards and specifications. o    Fully document DER’s project management approach, principles, processes, and practices, and distill into comprehensive and standardized project management manuals, guidance, tools, and trainings. o    Develop and deliver training programs and workshops restoration engineering and project management best practices. o    Support the incorporation of project manager knowledge and other PEM resources into DER’s knowledge base. o    Help DER share restoration engineering and project management best practices with outside audiences.   Serve as the Division’s expert in the science and practice of project management (20%) o    Maintain knowledge and expertise in the science and practice of project management. o    Identify project management best practices that would be useful for DER’s restoration work. o    Help Division staff integrate project management best practices into their work. o    Lead development of a project management manual and a knowledge base of related resources, including standards, best practices, and lessons learned. o    Provide ongoing project management training, learning, and other structures, services, and resources.   Perform duties in support of DER operations (10%) o    Contribute to DER’s strategic and annual work planning processes. o    Collaborate with the Technical Services Branch Manager and staff to build the capacity of the Branch and support programmatic development and budget planning. o    Provide PEM information to support project, program, and division-wide reporting and communications needs, including budget planning, grant reporting, newsletters, website, and social media. o    Maintain accurate, organized data, files, and other information. o    Represent DER in public forums and present at professional conferences. o    Provide technical and organizational support to other DER staff and directors. o    Collaborate with other DER staff to enhance professional, project, program, branch, and Division development. o    Contribute to interagency coordination and policy activities. o    Represent the Division in public forums and present at professional conferences. o    Other duties as assigned.

Division of Ecological Restoration (DER) seeks a passionate, problem-solving individual that is looking to make an impact on our planet. This candidate will serve as Grants Manager for DER’s Culvert Replacement Municipal Assistance (CRMA) Grant Program, which works with municipalities to implement improved road stream-crossings that benefit fish and wildlife passage and enhance climate and ecological resilience. This role will work closely with the Stream Continuity Program to increase scale, pace, and capacity of culvert replacement projects across the Commonwealth that meet the Massachusetts Stream Crossing Standards.  Learn more about the CRMA Grant Program here . Please note that requisitions will remain open for 90 days; however, first consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days of the posting, by 01/21/2024 .

The Environmental Analyst III / Ecological Restoration Specialist serves as a restoration project manager for DER’s Dam Removal Program and contributes to internal and external capacity building for DER’s habitat restoration activities. The Ecological Restoration Specialist provides programmatic support to improve dam removal best practices, build partnerships, develop technical guidance documents, and improve monitoring and evaluation of environmental outcomes to increase the pace and quality of dam removal projects across the Commonwealth. This position works closely with the Dam Removal Program manager to support DER’s Habitat Restoration Branch initiatives and activities. The Ecological Restoration Specialist also performs duties in support of DER operations.   The Ecological Restoration Specialist – Dam Removal will be based in DER’s Boston office; the position will follow a hybrid schedule, consisting of in-office and telework. In-state travel to conduct fieldwork is also required.   Duties and Responsibilities Serve as project manager for assigned ecological restoration projects  including dam removal, salt marsh restoration, freshwater wetland restoration, retired cranberry bog restoration, culvert removal/replacement, or other project types.  Work will be focused on dam removal and river restoration. (65%)   Coordinates and maintains communication between DER staff, and state, federal, and other project partners; ensures project goals are clear and objectives met.    Identifies potential restoration projects and works with landowners and partners to develop project plans.    Manages implementation of aquatic ecological restoration projects from inception to completion, including overseeing feasibility assessment, project design, permitting, and construction. Directs the work of consultants carrying out technical work.   Develops and leads restoration project teams.   Obtains project funding through grants and donations of in-kind services.   Conducts fieldwork in support of dam removal restoration projects, including field evaluations, hydrological and biological monitoring, and other work.   Provide programmatic support to DER’s Dam Removal Program and Habitat Restoration Branch(30%) Assist with development of relevant and timely guidance on ecological restoration topics for DER staff, other agencies, ecological restoration practitioners, and the public .   Investigate and maintain knowledge of existing best practices for dam removal; learn and share information relative to new and innovative dam removal research and techniques in collaboration with other DER Branches.   Work with other DER Branches and Programs as assigned to advance an integrated approach for ecological restoration activities and practices.   Perform field data collection, and manage data in a useable, accessible, and organized format.   Assist with identifying and evaluating potential dam removal projects in coordination with program staff and other partners, including field assessments and desktop evaluations.    Respond to requests for technical assistance and assist with training and support of restoration partners.    Assist with the development of restoration planning documents.   Provide general programmatic support, including grant writing, outreach, and technical and administrative tasks.   Supervises Dam Removal Restoration Program staff and interns, as assigned, and provides technical guidance and support to other DER staff assisting the Program and Branch.   Perform duties in support of DER operations(5%) Provide information as requested to support Division outreach such as project marketing tools, newsletters, brochures, website content, and program reports.    Assist with preparation and execution of programmatic RFRs such as solicitations for Priority Projects and prequalified vendors.   Provides monitoring, technical, and research support to DER projects and other activities.   Provides support for DER’s budget and program development.    Conducts training and participate in other outreach and education activities related to ecological restoration.   Contributes to interagency coordination and policy activities.    Represents DER in public forums and present at professional conferences.   Contributes to DER’s strategic and annual work planning processes.   

The Division's Regional Restoration Partnership Program assists in this state-wide effort through the establishment of DER Partnerships with watershed groups and other regional organizations.    These partnerships increase regional and local capacity to advance locally identified ecological restoration and climate resiliency priorities which are shared by DER and its selected Regional Partners.    With funding and support from DER, Regional Partners provide technical and financial assistance to help municipalities, NGOs, and others develop and implement high-value restoration and protection actions that target DER's priority ecological stressors, including habitat degradation, streamflow stress, impaired water quality, and climate change impacts. Building our team Do you aspire to support efforts to restore and protect our natural landscapes and communities?    We're looking for someone passionate, solution-driven, and inspired to build lasting relationships through collaboration and inclusion.    Join us as DER's Regional Restoration Partnership Coordinator (Regional Planner II) to work with Regional Partners and our dedicated DER staff to restore our rivers and wetlands and help communities adapt to climate change.  Position Highlights The Partnership Coordinator will support the Regional Partnership Program through coordination, capacity building, and outreach.    This role relies on the ability to actively listen and facilitate meaningful actions to expand regional collaboration and planning efforts and advance partner-prioritized ecological restoration activities.   Program Coordination:   Support Regional Partners in the advancement of locally-driven ecological restoration and climate resiliency priorities through planning and implementation efforts.    Assist the Partnership Program with grant review, budget development, and program evaluation.   Capacity Building:   Engage with Regional Partners and other watershed-based organizations to evaluate the needs and obstacles for regional and local ecological restoration capacity building; contribute to the development of tools, approaches, trainings, and best practices that address capacity building needs; and work with Partnerships to share and help implement capacity building solutions.   Program Outreach:   Develop working relationships with regional NGOs, agencies, and other stakeholders to share ideas, collaborate on approaches, and identify synergies for building restoration capacity throughout the Commonwealth.   This position will be based in DER's Boston office.    Once established in the role, a hybrid schedule consisting of in-office work and telework will be provided.    In-state travel to conduct site visits and meetings is also required.    Salary commensurate with experience. Preferred Qualifications     Bachelor's degree in urban or regional planning, environmental planning, urban studies, architecture, landscape architecture, civil, environmental, or transportation engineering, environmental sciences, or a closely related field with at least three years of relevant professional work experience.       Knowledge of social, political, economic, legal, technical, and ecological factors, trends, and challenges associated with planning and implementing ecological restoration and nature-based climate adaptation activities.     Understanding of the unique climate impacts and resilience challenges facing aquatic ecosystems and surrounding communities, such as sea level rise, extreme weather events, and changing patterns of precipitation and temperature.    Familiarity with strategies for effective, collaborative projects with public agencies, non-profit organizations, and municipalities.    Familiarity with building trusting relationships between organizations, stakeholders with disparate interests, and marginalized or underrepresented communities.        Aptitude for inclusive facilitation to overcome barriers and find meaningful collaborative solutions.       Ability to work collaboratively with a wide variety of internal staff, demonstrating personal initiative as well as the ability to work well in a team, both virtually and in person.      Demonstrated proactive, action-oriented, and flexible approach to advancing program goals and tasks with available resources.        Familiarity with managing budgets, reporting, and tracking deliverables.        Ability to relay technical information accurately and engagingly.        Commitment to a growth mindset and continuous learning.        Excellent organizational and documentation skills.        Excellent writing, interpersonal, and overall communication skills including strong editing skills.        Excellent all-around computer skills, including MS Office Suite and ArcGIS Online (AGOL) or Arc GIS Pro. This is a hybrid position based out of our Boston office. First consideration will be given to those that apply by 12/18/2023.

The Operations Support Coordinator plays a critical role in helping the Division transition to the Future of Work and strengthen its overall operations by assisting with high-priority technology and operational knowledge management projects. The position will encourage correct and widespread usage of DER’s knowledge base and digital solutions. Projects may include but are not limited to the maintenance, enhancement, and user support of digital tools (i.e. databases for tracking ecological restoration project data; tools that integrate budgeting and internal controls; and software for indexing workflows and policies); building internal knowledge library; and documenting standard operating procedures.    The position requires strong communication, organization, and collaboration skills. The position reports to the Operational Specialist, Management Analyst III and has no direct reports. DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES Support the development and enhancement of operational infrastructure needed to expand the Division’s impact on ecological restoration (30%). Work collaboratively across programs and teams to assist in the capture and documentation of   business needs and support development of process and IT based solutions to achieve operational, programmatic and divisional goals. Map current and future workflows   using solutions such as Lucid Chart. Collaborate with DER’s Operations Team to support and enhance data management strategies for ecological restoration project data, restoration metrics, fiscal and budget data, and other critical information. Support the development and maintenance of a division-wide standard operating procedures, including the documentation of best practices, external and internal processes, internal controls, and learning materials for new staff. Maintain upkeep of department and agency-level policies and protocols to centralize division-wide access to knowledge content. Lead coordination of IT software procurements to support division-wide business needs. Serve in a technology coordination role to provide resolution, guidance, and ongoing maintenance of   digital tools as well as problem-resolution and end user support   (60%). Lead the project coordination of digital solutions needed to support the growth of the division. Examples of responsibilities include: Serve in a project coordinator role to support rollout of digital solutions as needed and defined by Operations Specialist Coordinate use case testing scenarios to assist in risk identification and mitigation. Conducting end user trainings   and hosting   office hours Conducting coaching sessions and creating job aids to expand knowledge resources and platform adoption of all end users. Maintaining and managing digital filing system architecture. Assist in building and maintaining the division’s restoration project tracking database in Monday.com. Examples of responsibilities include:  Troubleshooting data storage issues and deploying resolutions  Developing additional datasets such as dashboards, tables, and reports Creating end user support guides Support the development, implementation and maintenance of a knowledge management system, process, and technical solution, including need and risk assessment, development and compilation of content, facilitation with stakeholders, and coordination with software solution developers.  Respond to general IT issues reported by DER staff and coordinate resolution. Support deployment of IT system enhancements and improvements associated with Future of Work, including Modern Workplace, SharePoint, Microsoft Teams, and work management systems such as Monday.com and Lucid Chart. Stay informed and knowledgeable about data standards and make recommendations for enhancements or changes in digital solutions to capture best practices, meet division needs, and increase end user adoption. Administer   general   office   support and coordination (10%). Coordinate common business processes such as onboarding and off-boarding of staff and maintaining trackable inventory of all IT asset bundles, products, equipment and licenses deployed to staff. Manage DER’s internal meeting and conference needs including audio/visual support, space reservations, and disseminating meeting minutes.  Oversee intake and logging of Public Records Requests; assign response delegations as appropriate.  Be the primary liaison to answer DER’s main phoneline, oversee sending and receiving mail, and manage in-office badge access for staff. Coordinate with Departmental and Facility staff on issues, logistical tasks, changes or challenges changes Division’s shared workspace. As needed, open Facility tickets and work with related staff to resolve the issue. This is a hybrid position based out of our Boston office. First consideration will be given to those that apply by 12/18/2023.