Job Tag: Law/Policy

The Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority seeks a Seasonal Natural Resources Technician to assist our agency in our Natural Resource protection and stewardship work.

Our mission is to conserve the natural environment, support agriculture, and connect people to nature by protecting open spaces, natural areas, and working farms and ranches for future generations. Since 1993 the Open Space Authority has protected thousands of acres of natural and working lands across the Santa Clara Valley. Our agency manages and conserves a network of open space lands and natural resources, while providing compatible opportunities for hiking, biking, and equestrian uses, with a focus on increasing equity of access to the outdoors for all our constituents.

We know our continued success depends on our employees and the work they do. We are committed to providing a collaborative and inclusive work environment that encourages growth and development; and acknowledges individual and team achievements.
The Ideal Candidate

As a member of the Natural Resources department, you will be an integral part of the Authority’s work to enhance our natural habitats within the Authority’s preserve network and partner agency’s landscapes that we help to protect.

You will support the implementation of the Authority’s integrated pest management work. Your activities will focus on vegetation management, from working with grazers to implementing invasive controls under guidance from the Authority’s Qualified Applicator Certificate (QAC) holders. You will also complete active monitoring of flora and fauna.

You will support the implementation and monitoring of restoration projects including routine maintenance of plants, irrigation, and weed abatement at restoration sites. The Seasonal Natural Resource Technician will also assist with Land Steward volunteer events where they will engage with members of the public in restoration projects.

You are a patient and observant planner, skilled at combining different tools to achieve desired results, and deeply mindful of how actions impact ecosystems. Persons in this position may be required to work alone, work early mornings and nights, in the dark and all weekends. This position requires the willingness and ability to work outdoors in rugged terrain, walk over rough, hilly, uneven or unpaved ground and with exposure to natural elements. We offer an excellent opportunity to make a difference and work with a mission driven workforce.
Shift Details:
This person is expected to work 32-40 hours per week. As a seasonal position there are a maximum of 1,000 hours available. This position is expected to begin in January 2027.
Qualifications:

The ideal candidate will possess any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth (12th) grade or some college-level coursework in park maintenance, resources management, or related field.
Proficiency in identifying local flora and fauna and experience performing habitat quality assessments.
Strong data entry skills and experience with wildlife and vegetation survey techniques.
Possession of a valid California Driver’s License and a clean driving record. Experience with off-road driving is a bonus.
Knowledge of tools such as CalFlora and ArcGIS programs for field data collection and mapping
Additional experience with the Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Suite.

Note: This position is required to take and pass a pre-employment background check.

If you are excited by the opportunities and challenges offered in this position, we encourage you to apply, even if your experience is non-typical or if you are not sure you meet every one of the qualifications described.

Compensation & Benefits:

The salary range for this full-time, non-exempt position is $40.46 hourly. Paid sick leave is also provided in accordance with California requirements. As seasonal positions, these positions are not eligible for other benefits.

The Aquarium of the Pacific’s mission is to instill a sense of wonder, respect, and stewardship for the Pacific Ocean, its inhabitants, and ecosystems.

The Conservation Policy Manager will serve as a lead for policy and advocacy engagement at local, state, federal, and international levels. This role will track policy, legislative, and regulatory developments, engage directly with elected officials, facilitate media engagement, and support call-to-action campaigns for the Aquarium’s audiences. Strong written and verbal communication skills are essential to effectively share information, build relationships, and foster collaboration among Aquarium staff and external partners. As the Aquarium’s conservation policy portfolio continues to expand, the responsibilities of this position will evolve to meet emerging priorities and opportunities.
Essential Functions:

Monitor and analyze proposed state, federal, and international policy, legislation and regulation for impact to Aquarium and propose position and/or response, including on appropriations and natural resource, environmental and biodiversity.
Communicate conservation policy positions with a variety audiences, both internal and external, and from one-to-one meetings to larger audience presentations, including media on occasion.
Lead the tracking of the Aquarium’s policy portfolio at multiple levels of government.
Write, design, and edit correspondence, reports, and various conservation documents, including but not limited to fact sheets, comment letters, and action alerts.
Collaborate with the Marketing department including social media and web teams for advocacy campaigns reaching Aquarium audiences, and the press relations team for earned media opportunities.
Build and sustain relationships with staff of elected officials and key agencies or decision-making bodies.
Participate in coalition groups such as Association of Zoos and Aquariums Government Affairs Committee, IUCN and Aquarium Conservation Partnership policy working group.
Support the Development department in outreach to donors interested in supporting our conservation portfolio, including writing grant applications and proposals for earmarks.
Once a month serve as a lead for a field-based engagement opportunity for paid staff, such as debris removal or habitat restoration.
Provide administrative and coordination support to other large scale, cross-departmental activities seasonally such as budgeting, master planning, and campus sustainability.
Performs other duties associated with the conservation team’s programming needs.
Limited travel to Sacramento and Washington DC is anticipated, and other travel opportunities as needed to advance Aquarium policy needs.

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in political science, public policy, conservation biology, environmental studies/science, marine affairs, or a related discipline
4+ years of experience in related positions
Must be willing and able to work nights, weekends, and other hours as required for events, fundraising opportunities, programs, and staff management reasons.

Knowledge and Skills:

Knowledge of legislative and regulatory processes including international non-governmental forums, Congressional legislative process, government budget process, and administrative rulemaking.
Strong preference for individual with familiarity with marine management systems and/or biodiversity.
Must be able to successfully interact with a very broad range of individuals of varying ages, ethnicities, interests, experiences, socio-economic backgrounds, etc.
Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Flexibility to absorb an evolving set of responsibilities.
Highly organized and detail oriented with strong administrative skills.
Professional manner and ability to maintain confidentiality.
Highly skilled in MS Word, Windows, PowerPoint and Excel.
Excellent internal and external customer service.
Experience in social media in a professional capacity is a plus.
Experience working to meet tight deadlines, completing unexpected projects, and effectively managing a demanding workload in a working environment with frequent interruptions.

Minimum starting pay for this role is $80,000 annually. Additional consideration will be given, depending on relevant qualifications and experience.

The National Audubon Society is seeking a Senior Policy Manager, Western Water to support policy efforts and government affairs functions to advance Audubon’s mission and bird conservation objectives under Audubon’s Strategic Plan. The Senior Policy Manager will play a key role in implementing Audubon’s vision for transformative water policy solutions by working in collaboration with other national, regional, and state staff and external partners. This position reports to the Policy Director, Water.

This position is classified as hybrid, in accordance with Audubon’s “Where We Work” Policy. Hybrid employees are expected to work in an Audubon office every Monday and Tuesday and an additional two days each month of the employee’s choosing. Candidates should be located within commuting distance of Audubon’s office in Washington, D.C.

Qualifications and Experience:

Bachelor’s degree in political science, natural resources, or related field.
7+ years of professional experience in legal, policy or advocacy work. Experience in water policy, water conservation, and/or wildlife related issues is preferred. An equivalent combination of education and work experience will also be considered.
Familiarity with analyzing environmental documents, guidance, regulations and legislation.
Outstanding interpersonal skills and experience working with or managing diverse coalitions.
Understanding of current policy trends in water in the West related to wildlife management, climate change, land and water conservation, Indigenous law, with experience applying this knowledge to policy advocacy and implementation strongly preferred.
Proven ability to work effectively in a team-based environment.
Excellent and persuasive communication skills, both written and verbal, including substantial public speaking experience, and the ability to effectively represent Audubon to members, state and federal elected officials, donors, and chapter leaders, as well as in traditional and social media.
Demonstrated experience overseeing complex or multiple projects through to success, including meeting project deadlines, financial goals, and coordinating the work of key staff and partners.
Willingness and ability to travel as needed, on average once per quarter, some weekends and evenings required.
Commitment to Audubon’s organizational values of care, collaboration, change, integrity, impact, and innovation.
Experience fostering inclusive and collaborative work environments is valued.

Compensation: $107,000 – $120,000 / year

In pursuit of New Mexico Wild’s mission, the Staff Attorney will use law and policy to protect and defend New Mexico’s wilderness, public lands, waters, and wildlife, working at the direction of the Executive Director and Senior Staff Attorney. The Staff Attorney will support the organization’s administrative advocacy, from tracking agency actions and building strong administrative records to drafting comments, protests, objections, and appeals. They will advise leadership on legal risks and opportunities across our campaigns, collaborate on litigation, conduct legal research, analyze federal and state legislation, represent New Mexico Wild in legal and policy coalitions, and help develop policy. As federal protections for public lands, waters, and wildlife are rolled back, the Staff Attorney will assist with developing and employing New Mexico Wild’s legal response.

New Mexico Wild functions as an integrated team. The Staff Attorney will work closely with conservation, organizing, communications, and development staff, and their legal judgment will help shape campaign strategy across the organization. About 80% of the role is legal and policy work; the rest supports outreach, fundraising, and the team.

Education and Experience:

J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school.
Active membership in good standing with the New Mexico bar, or another state bar and the ability and commitment to gain New Mexico admission within 12 months.
At least 3 years of legal experience. Exceptional candidates at all experience levels will be considered.

Required Qualifications:

Goal-driven, results-oriented individual with a passion for New Mexico Wild’s mission and a demonstrated commitment to protecting New Mexico’s wilderness, public lands, wildlife, and water.
Experience in public lands, natural resources, or environmental law.
Excellent research, writing, analytic, and oral advocacy skills.
Ability to explain legal and technical issues in plain language.
Working knowledge of NEPA, FLPMA, NFMA, ESA, APA, FOIA, and of how federal land management agencies make decisions.
Ability to manage multiple matters with shifting deadlines and to work both independently and as part of a collaborative team.
Sound judgment and discretion with confidential information.
Ability to professionally represent the organization in front of agency staff, elected officials, coalition partners, the press, and the public.
A commitment to working with a diverse array of partners and stakeholders engaged in the protection of wilderness, public lands, water, and wildlife, including coalition partners, Tribes and Pueblos, acequias, land grant communities, outdoor recreation groups, and small businesses throughout the state.
Able to travel within New Mexico on an occasional basis for hearings, meetings, community events, and field visits.
Strong work ethic and initiative, excellent organization skills, and attention to detail.

Preferred Qualifications:

Litigation experience in federal court, especially public lands, water, or wildlife cases.
Experience with the Wilderness Act, the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, mining law, water law, or New Mexico environmental and public records statutes.
Experience working in coalitions or at an advocacy organization or public interest environmental law firm.
Comfort as a public speaker and with media interviews.
Bilingual Spanish speaker.

Salary & Benefits:

The salary range for this position is $80,000 to $85,000, depending on experience. New Mexico Wild offers a competitive benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance; a 403(b) retirement plan; paid vacation, sick leave, holidays, and parental and family leave; bar dues, CLE, and professional development support; and Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility as a 501(c)(3) employer.

Location: Albuquerque, NM office (hybrid); remote within New Mexico considered.

The R Street Institute—a free-market think tank headquartered in Washington, D.C. and with staff located across the country—seeks a collaborative Senior Fellow for its Energy and Environment program. If you are the right fit, you will report to the Energy and Environment Program Director. If you want to join a mission-driven organization and work toward pragmatic policy solutions, this may be the opportunity for you!

Your typical day at R Street may include producing research and written work on market-driven approaches to disaster mitigation; educating state and federal legislators on potential efficient environmental regulations; presenting at events on water scarcity policies managed through clearer water rights and markets rather than mandates; engaging with the media; and coordinating with allies, both in the EcoRight space and the wider environmental community.

Other Aspects of Your Role

Develop and advance market-driven approaches to environmental challenges, grounded in the evidence on climate change and in R Street’s commitment to limited, effective government
Conceive, manage, and coordinate environmental policy projects, including those led by R Street’s other energy and environment subject matter experts
Monitor state and federal environmental policy developments and adapt engagement strategy in a fluid legislative and regulatory landscape
Work with the Government Affairs and Communications teams to engage target audiences, from the informed public to expert stakeholders and policy makers on practical solutions such as resilience and adaptation to natural disasters
Provide regulatory and legislative testimony and brief state and federal policymakers and regulators directly
Support director in program strategy and meetings with donors and other stakeholders
Remain vigilant against ninja infiltrations

Skills and Qualifications

Deep environmental policy expertise, including knowledge on resilience and adaptation methods to address the effects of natural disasters and knowledge of limited, efficient, and effective government regulation structures that address environmental issues without overreach
Top-notch writing and editing skills in both short- and long-form products that translate complex analysis for policymakers and the public
Exceptional communication and advanced writing skills, including experience speaking with legislators and regulators
Demonstrated ability to work productively with a wide variety of groups and individuals including state and/or federal policymakers, even those with whom you may disagree
Willingness to speak publicly and/or appear on camera, including in interviews
Ability to provide strategic, research-backed policy insights
Knowledge of permitting and siting policies related to energy and environmental issues is preferred, but not required
Knowledge of market-based carbon accounting policies/proposals is preferred, but not required
Knowledge of the relationship between insurance markets and natural disasters and climate change is preferred, but not required
No particular educational background required—a proven record of achieving results is far more meaningful than credentials
Support for R Street’s passion for free markets and limited, effective government
A sense of humor and a desire to grow within a multifaceted organization

Workplace

Some travel is required, including to Washington, D.C. and state capitals to meet with lawmakers and stakeholders as well as nationwide for relevant conferences and professional engagements.

We offer a flexible working arrangement. This is a full-time position that can either work the majority of the week in our D.C. office or be fully remote.

Salary Range: $160,000–$170,000, commensurate with experience

American Rivers is a national conservation organization working to make every river clean and healthy for people and wildlife. We combine evidence-based solutions with enduring partnerships to safeguard the 4.4 million miles of rivers and streams that are essential to our nation’s clean drinking water, extraordinary wildlife, and the strength of our communities.

JOB SUMMARY

The General Counsel leads the organization’s legal function and heads up the legal team to provide legal services to American Rivers across a broad range of matters, including transactional and procurement agreements, employment law, nonprofit corporate governance and tax compliance, federal and state government funding compliance, intellectual property, lobbying disclosure compliance, corporate sponsorship, and charitable solicitation regulation. Serving as a member of the Executive Leadership Team (ELT), the General Counsel directs and manages all aspects of legal services for a national nonprofit organization and affiliated organizations that include a 501 (c)(4) and connected PAC in a period of growth and evolving organizational needs.

The General Counsel also advises the People and Culture Department on employment-related policies, employee benefits, insurance, and personnel matters. In addition, the General Counsel serves as a legal advisor to and partner with the executive team, staffs the Board Litigation Committee, and serves as the Board Assistant Secretary. The position oversees a legal department of four and two to four summer law clerks and reports to the Senior Vice President for Business Strategy & Operations.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

J.D. and at least 15 years of successful legal practice experience.
Bar admission and good standing in at least one U.S. jurisdiction.
Prior experience as a senior attorney, preferably including General Counsel experience, with a broad legal portfolio and staff management responsibilities.
Collaborative approach with the ability to work effectively with multiple internal departments, external parties, and members of the Board.
Experience reviewing, drafting, and negotiating a variety of transactional agreements.
Knowledge of labor and employment law.
Knowledge of the OMB Guidance for Federal Financial Assistance.
Knowledge of intellectual property and charitable solicitation laws.
Experience overseeing key elements of organizational risk assessment and management.
Experience with cost-effective management of outside legal resources.
Working knowledge of federal tax and election laws as they apply to 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), and Section 527 organizations in general and public-interest law firms in particular.
Experience overseeing a corporate insurance program, or knowledge of insurance law.
Ability to travel to board meetings and other convenings as required.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of non-profit corporate law, specifically in the conservation sector.
Experience with large construction projects and related
Experience working on matters of corporate
Experience in analyzing and addressing legal ethics
Knowledge of federal, state, and local lobbying
Non-profit experience required, although it can be through pro bono
Familiarity with or willingness to learn our suite of tools, including Slack, Zoom, Box, Monday.com, Intacct, and the Microsoft Suite or similar tools.
Knowledge of or interest in environmental law and policy matters.

SALARY RANGE: $181,000-$250,000 annually, depending on experience and qualifications

The National Audubon Society is a leading nonprofit conservation organization with 120 years of science-based, community-driven impact, dedicated to protecting birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow.

Position Summary:

Reporting to the Vice President, U.S. Government Affairs, the Senior Manager is a key member of the U.S. Government Affairs and Global Policy team and will be responsible for developing and implementing effective and durable elements of Audubon’s Healthy Birds, Healthy Planet policy agenda to advance Audubon’s bipartisan conservation goals within the U.S., working primarily with Congress and federal agencies. This role will provide critical policy research, analysis, writing and strategic guidance while serving as a highly visible representative of Audubon with congressional offices and committees, federal agencies and partner organizations. The Senior Manager will work closely with the Senior Director U.S. Government Affairs and other federal policy leaders at Audubon to provide guidance and helpful tools to engage Audubon’s network, including background materials and other relevant content for internal communications.

Qualifications and Experience:

Bachelor’s degree in political science, economics, natural resources or related field and 7+ years’ experience on Capitol Hill, with a policy-oriented nonprofit organization, or with a relevant federal agency working on environmental and/or agricultural issues is required. A combination of education and experience will also be considered.
Outstanding policy analysis and research skills, with the demonstrated ability to work independently and effectively manage a complex workflow.
Demonstrated leadership skills, including the ability to collaborate with partners, and manage teams and projects effectively
Familiarity with and experience navigating Committee and agency process and procedures is required.
Experience with political or legislative campaigns highly desired.
Excellent communications skills with ability to write clearly and command of public speaking; must be comfortable representing Audubon with a variety of stakeholders, including congressional, government, and partner organizations.
Exceptional judgment, with the demonstrated ability to think creatively and make strategic recommendations to key leaders within an organization.
A self-starter, with experience working in decentralized organizations and collaborating with cross-departmental teams.
Strong interpersonal skills and desire to be part of and contribute to a team effort.
Demonstrated interest in conservation and commitment to the mission of the National Audubon Society and political insight of the nexus between Congress and environmental issues needed.
Support Audubon’s commitments to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Tech-savviness, including proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, advocacy tools, and other web-based applications required.
Willing and able to travel as required, approximately once a quarter
Commitment to Audubon’s organizational values of care, collaboration, change, integrity, impact, and innovation.
Experience fostering inclusive and collaborative work environments is valued.

This position is classified as on-site based in the Washington, D.C. office.

Compensation: $107,000 – $120,500 / year

The Department of Environment and Society (ENVS) at Utah State University (USU) invites applications for a tenure-track position of Assistant Professor with expertise in environmental and natural resources policy. We seek applicants who work at the science-policy interface, connecting scientific knowledge with policy development, design, implementation, or adoption, to support environmental and natural resource management, stewardship, and decision making. Possible areas of policy expertise could include air quality, climate, critical minerals, energy, land use, public lands, outdoor recreation, water, or wildlife, as examples. We welcome applications from those working across an array of environmental and natural resource contexts, with relevance to the state of Utah especially welcome. Teaching expectations will include a combination of online/virtual and in-person courses that contribute to the Department’s curriculum. This tenure-track, full-time academic year (nine-month) position is based at the USU main campus in Logan. The emphasis for the position is 50% research, 40% teaching/advising, and 10% service. The position will start August 2027.

Responsibilities

The successful candidate will lead a research program that investigates environmental and natural resources policy.
Teaching includes courses that contribute to the Department’s curriculum areas in environmental studies, environmental science and sustainability, geography, and recreation resource management. The successful candidate could expect to teach courses in the area of environmental and natural resources policy but might also be asked to contribute in other departmental curricular areas.
Courses may be taught at both undergraduate and graduate levels and may be delivered in person, via virtual or online learning, or in a blended format.
Student advising includes mentoring undergraduate researchers and advising graduate students in a supportive learning environment that promotes the success of all students.
Community engagement, broadly defined, is encouraged. Community engagement in research, teaching, and/or service activities is valued by the Department and is integrated into our mission, climate, and culture.
Service includes participation in faculty duties on campus as well as professional involvement off campus.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

An earned PhD (or JD with academic experience) at date-of-hire in a field related to environmental or natural resources policy or science.

Preferred Qualifications

Demonstrated application of research to environmental and natural resource policy.
Familiarity with policy-related research methods, accompanied by the instructional capacity and willingness to teach coursework in this area.
A publication record consistent with career stage.
Demonstrated potential to build and maintain a productive research program, including the ability to secure competitive external funding.
Evidence of successful collaboration with natural and social scientists as well as practitioners across disciplines.
Demonstrated interest in community-engaged research or outreach that complements USU’s Land Grant mission.
Prior teaching and mentoring experience.
Experience with or the desire to learn about virtual and online course delivery.
Demonstrated ability to contribute to a learning community of members from a range of backgrounds and experiences and to foster a sense of belonging for all students.

Suffolk University Law School’s top-10 ranked Clinical Programs welcomes applications for a Clinical Fellow to help teach and supervise students in its Environmental Law and Policy Clinic during the 2026-27 academic year. The Environmental Law & Policy Clinic (“ELPC”) was established in 2023 to meet growing student demand in the area of environmental law. It is one of 15 in-house clinics at Suffolk Law School. The Fellow will work with a Visiting Clinical Professor in the ELPC on all aspects the program, including managing the docket, supervising clinical students in their case and project work, and helping to teach the related clinical seminar. Clinical Fellows are staff-level junior clinical teachers and receive extensive mentoring and opportunities for professional development.

The ELPC is a full-year clinic offered for 10 credits (2 credits of seminar and 3 credits of casework per semester) serving students in their last 2 years of law school. Students enrolled in the ELPC work on a variety of local, state, and/or federal environmental, energy, and land use legal matters, including representing and advising nonprofits, citizen groups, legislators, and governmental agencies on regulatory and environmental policy issues. During the 2026-27 academic year, the ELPC will substantially focus its work on supporting underserved communities and advocates on matters concerning land conservation, sand mining, and resource protection in Southeastern Massachusetts. Students will also provide analysis and education on various legislative/regulatory initiatives.

Requirements/Qualifications:

Eligible candidates must possess a JD and be admitted to the Massachusetts Bar or qualified to be admitted within six months of the start date.
Successful Clinical Fellow candidates will have at least 2-5 years of relevant legal experience in environmental, energy, land use, municipal or administrative law and/or legislative and regulatory drafting and advocacy.
Experience with, or demonstrated interest in, legislative advocacy and/or environmental legal policy is strongly preferred.
Experience and/or interest in mentoring and working with junior attorneys or law students is required.
Past participation in a law school clinic is preferred but not required.
Experience or interest in working with diverse communities, clients, and other stakeholders.
Prior teaching experience is not required.

Hours and Duration: This position will begin as soon as possible, and will be a full-time, 1-year appointment with the possibility of future renewal.

The salary range for this role is $70,000 – $80,000

The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) seeks to protect, preserve, and enhance Massachusetts’ environmental resources and create a clean energy future for all residents. Through the stewardship of open spaces, the protection of environmental resources, and the advancement of clean energy, EEA works tirelessly to make Massachusetts a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family. Our commitment to environmental justice ensures that every resident, regardless of background or location, can live in a safe, clean environment and shares equally in the benefits of the clean energy transition.

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) is the state agency responsible for ensuring clean air, land, and water. Our work impacts every aspect of people’s lives and is critical to the health and wellbeing of our residents and visitors. MassDEP is the lead agency for safe management of toxic and hazardous materials, promotion of waste reduction and recycling, preservation of the state’s wetlands and coastal resources, air quality monitoring and pollution reduction, and so much more.

Description:

At EEA, we create meaningful, inclusive opportunities that empower our employees to make a real difference in shaping the environmental future of Massachusetts. We foster a workplace culture where diversity is valued, innovation is encouraged, and collaboration thrives. Our employees play a vital role in advancing sustainability, environmental justice, and clean energy solutions, ensuring a positive and lasting impact on Massachusetts and its residents.

MassDEP’s Bureau of Water Resources is seeking an experienced manager and environmental professional to serve as the Boston Wetlands Section Chief. The Wetlands Section Chief directs all aspects of the Boston-based Wetlands Program in implementing MassDEP’s regulatory authority under the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act Regulations (310 CMR 10.00) and 401 Water Quality Certification for Dredge and Fill (314 CMR 9.00), ensuring regulatory timelines and reporting requirements are met for permitting, variances, compliance, and enforcement activities.

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

Directs all aspects of the Boston-based Wetlands Program, implementing MassDEP’s regulatory authority under the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act (M.G.L. c. 131, § 40), Wetlands Protection Act Regulations (310 CMR 10.00), and 401 Water Quality Certification regulations (314 CMR 9.00), ensuring regulatory timelines and reporting requirements are met for permitting, variances, compliance, and enforcement.
Supervises 18 Wetlands Program and 401 Water Quality Certification staff across permitting, technical, and outreach functions, providing program leadership and coordinating with regional staff to ensure consistent statewide operations.
Oversees permitting timelines, tracks program performance, identifies and resolves potential issues, and reviews wetlands variance decisions, 401 Water Quality Certifications, and other superseding approvals for issuance.
Manages regulatory reform and process improvements, including grant-funded initiatives such as permit streamlining and statewide hydraulic modeling, and tracks proposed legislation and regulations affecting the program.
Leads the development and revision of wetlands-related policies, regulations, technical guidance, and procedures, coordinating internal reviews and approvals with MassDEP leadership, the Office of General Counsel, the Commissioner’s Office, and the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs.
Coordinates public hearings, stakeholder comments, final regulatory revisions, and outreach and training to communicate proposed and newly promulgated regulations.
Oversees compliance and enforcement activities, consults on post-construction matters, and coordinates Wetlands and 401 Water Quality Certification activities with Chapter 91 Waterways and other DEP programs.
Coordinates responses to emerging issues and new initiatives, supports restoration projects, provides pre-application guidance, and represents the program on restoration work groups in collaboration with MEPA, the Department of Fish and Game, and other agencies.
Coordinates with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on regulatory and policy matters, including water quality certifications, federal wetlands regulations, and guidance on wetlands delineation, functional assessment, and mitigation.
Develops applications for U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Wetland Program Development Grants, administers grants for wetland protection and restoration, and coordinates grant application reviews with other agencies.
Provides technical outreach, training, presentations, and program updates to internal and external stakeholders, including local governments, conservation professionals, development organizations, watershed groups, and nonprofit organizations.
Represents MassDEP and the Wetlands Program at interagency meetings, stakeholder forums, and professional events, including the Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions annual meeting, while coordinating communications with internal leadership and external partners.

Preferred Qualifications:

A minimum of 10 years of permitting, compliance and enforcement of the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act (MGL C. 131, sec 40), and the Federal and Massachusetts Clean Waters Act.

Advanced wetland identification using vegetation, hydrology and hydric soils within the various eco-regions of Massachusetts OR Advanced knowledge of hydrology and hydraulic modeling desirable.

Development of state wetland policy and regulation desirable.

Advanced understanding of coastal processes and identification of Coastal Resource areas that are jurisdictional under the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act and the Federal and Massachusetts Clean Waters Act.

Advanced understanding of inland wetland processes and identification of inland Resource Areas that are jurisdictional under the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act and the Federal and Massachusetts Clean Waters Act.

Knowledge of and experience with the Massachusetts GIS maps and layers related to wetlands and waters.

Excellent skills in public presentation development and addressing audiences.

Salary: $102,592.88 – $151,674.90 Yearly