Ecological Restoration Specialist- Dam Removal

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

1. 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. 

1. 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. 

1. 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.